He immediately tensed when her hand rested over his knuckles then flipped his palm up. He watched as she wove her fingers through his. If anyone caught sight of their little interaction, it would resemble two lovers.
“Rox …” he said her name without thinking. He was caught in the moment. She squeezed his hand and smiled.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at twelve for ournon-date.I like IPAs and my pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms.” She winked and pulled away slowly, not releasing his hand until the last second. He watched her saunter back to the house from his rearview window.
Playing with fucking fire.
Chapter Eight
Roxanne glanced down at the clock as she came to the end of his cul-de-sac. She was about ten minutes early.Eager, much?Though she planned on feigning the epitome of calm, cool, and collected, she couldn’t deny the constant butterflies she’d been fighting all morning. It was worse than ten years ago when she went on her first date. That was a nightmare, courtesy of her brothers.
She let up on the gas, scanning the street. She could circle the block, killing time.Or I can put on my big-girl panties and arrive early?Decision made. She pulled into his driveway, passing the house and parking behind Jonah’s truck. There were two identical outbuildings. A sign would’ve been helpful, though she had no issue with mistakenly stumbling into his workshop. Her curiosity was getting the best of her. Roxanne got out, making her way to the back door of the house when she heard the faint sound of music coming from one of the garages. As she approached, she could hear muffled voices.
She slowly opened the door and crept inside. A large red tool box blocked her view, but the voices were loud and clear. Jonah and Holden.
“Dude, there’s no way you’re buying her beeryou hateand pizza with frickin’ fungus on it if you two aren’t banging.”
Roxanne stilled and clamped her lips, fighting her chuckle. Others may have been offended. Not Roxanne. She was amused. Taking it from the source, an eighteen-year-old with confidence issues? It was expected. And hopefully something he’d mature out of.
“If you say,bangingone more time, I’m taking your phone and exiling you to your room for the rest of the weekend.” There was a pause. “But not before I beat the shit outta you.”
It was always interesting to hear conversations not meant for her ears. This was guy talk, and Jonah could’ve easily taken part in the locker room chat. After all, he didn’t know she was there. But Jonah was having none of that. His tone was fierce and strong, making his threat believable. Though she didn’t think he’d actually beat up his little brother.And it seems Holden doubts it too.
“Jeez, bro, relax. I’m just sayin’, if you are bang—” She could hear the shuffle of feet and angled her head to see past the tool shed. Holden rushed to the other side of the workbench, putting space between them. It was a smart move considering the glare Jonah was shooting his brother.
“I mean, dating. If you'redatinga girl who looks like Roxanne, you tell people, man.” Holden snorted. “If I were dating her?” He whistled, and she caught him shaking his head. “I’d be taking pictures of her just to show my friends.”
Thanks, Holden, that’s sweet.
“And I’d be banging her.”
Roxanne rolled her eyes.Ahh … eighteen.
“I’m fixing her car.” Jonah’s words were slow and dragged out, emphasizing the sole reason for her being there.
“Yeah, but you bought her shit beer and now you’re getting her dinner?”
Shit beer?She resisted the urge to scoff.
“It’s fucking pizza, Hold. Pizza.” Jonah was losing his patience.
“Sounds like a date to me.”
Me too.
While she was thoroughly enjoying the banter and gaining some insight, this needed to end before Holdendidoffendher with something he’d say. She stepped out from behind the toolbox and slowly moved closer. Simultaneously, the brothers jerked their heads in her direction. It was strange that she hadn’t noticed before how much they looked alike. Especially with similar expressions, though Holden’s blush set them apart. He appeared embarrassed as opposed to Jonah, who seemed pissed off. His jaw squared, and she sensed he was clenching his teeth. This probably wasn’t the conversation he wanted her to overhear. Especially since she was the main topic.
“I’m a little early. I hope that’s okay.”
Jonah cleared his throat, forced a smile and sent a harsh scowl to Holden. It took his brother a little longer to recover. Holden shifted on his feet and tucked his hands in his pockets. It was an interesting transition. His face went from flaming cheeks to pale as a ghost. He darted his eyes to Jonah and then back to her.
“Uh, how much of that did you hear?” he asked.
Roxanne smirked and cocked a brow. “We’re not banging.”
“Oh, fuck me,” he muttered. It was low, but she heard it, and so did Jonah.
“Mouth,” Jonah snapped, which sent Holden skirting further away.
