Of course, this guy drives a Harley. Looks like he might eat nails for breakfast, too.
“So, you live in New York City... and drove all the way out to Brookhaven just to return her wallet?” His brows raise. “Why didn’t you just leave it with the hotel security desk?”
Because Rhiannon, put a fucking curse on me with her pussy that I can’t seem to lift. It’s that, or her little joke about what she did with my lucky boxers on her bedroom wall wasn’t a lie.
“I happened to be traveling to Hartford for work tonight.” I’m lying, but I’m a good liar. He won’t be able to tell.
His eyes narrow again as he looks at me then turns his head to shout behind the door. “Rhiannon! You got a visitor!”
If this guy is her husband, I’m officially screwed because I may be a good liar, but there’s no way I’m going to be able to fake the way that I feel when she’s in my presence. I’m a fucking lawyer. I shouldn’t be this nervous. I should be able to keep my poker face intact and talk my way through this effortlessly, but instead, I feel like this guy is seeing right through me. Right through my hard exterior into my caramel covered center that’s mushy and gushy because of hiswife.
I straighten up, determined not to let Rhiannon Carpenter cost me another damn ‘case’ that I can’t afford to lose.
“Who is it?” I hear Rhiannon’s voice draw closer as she walks toward the door. When she peeks around the door her hazel eyes widen when they land on me. “Oh, shit.”
Oh, shit is right. Because when she steps into view, my brain short-circuits. My eyes drag over her like I haven’t seen her in weeks, not hours. I swear my heart starts doing some weird thumping thing that I’m too young for, and my balls ache.
And then it hits me. She’s wearing nothing but a white T-shirt andmyfucking boxers.
My lucky boxers are hanging low on her hips, the waistband rolled once, her curvy hips and bare legs catching the light like she’s taunting me on purpose.
The big guy grins, glancing between us like he’s watching his favorite show. Then he throws his head back and laughs, deep and booming.
“Yeah, I had a feeling that’d be your reaction when you saw this guy.”
Before I can even piece together what the hell that means, his hand shoots out fast, and instinct takes over. My body moves before my brain does, fists up, ready to block whatever’s coming. For a split second, I’m positive he’s about to deck me.
Then I realize, he’s just going in for a handshake.
By the time that clicks, it’s already too late. He’s doubled over, laughing so hard his big shoulders shake and mean eyes are now crinkled with humor.
Rhiannon just stands there, that teasing smile tugging at her lips, watching the whole thing unfold like I’m her entertainment for the night.
“Really?” she says, tilting her head. “Cain, did you seriously think my brother was going to hit you?”
Ah, so it’s not her scorned lover then.
I glance between the two of them, finally noticing the similarities in the shape of their eyes and facial structure, and now that they’re both laughing at my expense like they heard the funniest joke, I see even more similarities in their personalities.
“Hilarious,” I deadpan.
Rhiannon and her brother wipe at their tears, finally pulling it together.
“Sorry, man. I just wish you’d seen your face,” he extends his hand again. This time, I shake it firmly with a little extra grip for no reason other than to show him I’m tough too. “I’m Gabriel Carpenter. Rhiannon’s older brother.”
“Older by only ten months,” Rhiannon chimes in with a smile.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, though I’m not yet sure if it is.
Not even two seconds later I hear another voice come from behind me in the driveway.
“Please tell me he isn’t here to sell us those solar panels again.”
Gabriel chuckles as he turns to leave the doorway. “Good luck.” And then he heads inside the home.
I turn around to find a younger looking woman who has dark auburn hair, the reddish tint almost making it look like it’s on fire in the late, autumn light, and piercing green eyes. She looks like a blend of Gabriel and Rhiannon with less of a teasing gaze.
She glances at me critically before Rhiannon laughs again.
