Something comes over Beth’s face, an acute kind of pain mixed with joy. Then she tucks that away, squeezes Kylie’s hands. “So nice to meet you, Kylie.”
I know my sister didn’t miss that expression either when she says gently, “It’s nice to meet you too, Beth. Did you guys watch Joey coach?”
Beth’s smile widens, but it’s John who answers. “Damn right we did.” He sticks his hand out. “John.”
Kylie shakes it. “She did great.”
John nods, mustache twitching when he grins and says, “Damn right she did.”
Ky’s eyes are dancing when she glances up at me, but before she can reply, I see a flash of red and look to the side as Joey turns the corner. She’s in a snug button down and slacks and my dick twitches at the sight of those lean curves.
Her eyes widen slightly at the sight of us all gathered nearthe elevators and she pauses for a heartbeat before continuing toward us.
“Hey guys,” she says, leaning in and squeezing Beth first then John. “Did you have fun?”
“We had the best time!” Beth exclaims. “You did so good, honey!”
“There were a lot of people,” John grumbles. “But you did good, Joey.”
“Thanks.” The moment stretches before she hitches a thumb over her should. “Well, I should”—her eyes flick between me and Kylie, Beth and John—“get back. I’ll see you guys in the morning before you head out on the road again?”
“Do you know Damon’s sister, Kylie?” Beth blurts.
“Oh,” Joey says gently, gaze drifting to mine, holding for a second, then sliding on as though she expected a different answer, as though she thought Kylie was another woman and she wasjealous.
Why do I like that so much?
Because I’m an asshole.
“It’s nice to meet you, Kylie.” She sticks her hand out for Ky to shake.
“You too,” Kylie replies with a smile.
“I know!” Beth claps her hands together, the glee on her face sending my stomach sinking. “Kylie, you and Damon should join us for brunch tomorrow.”
“I—” Joey and I both begin at the same time.
And then stop, glancing at each other, knowing that we’re both thinking the same exact thing.
No.
No fucking way.
But the pause gives Kylie enough time to join in with Beth’s maneuvering.
“I love brunch!”
She does.
Mostly, she loves mimosas.
And she knows that I won’t deny her something she loves.
“I—” Joey begins again.
But Beth and Kylie are off and running, planning the restaurant—one that I can’t deny is really good—and the time—late enough that we’ll all get enough sleep, but early enough they’ll be able to navigate the RV out of the mountains before the sun sets.
“I—”
