****
Jonah had been working on the car for the last three hours. He’d taken a quick break and eaten two slices of pizza. The same couldn’t be said for Holden. His brother had insisted on helping,and all he’d done was occasionally hand him some tools, and try his hand at flirting with Roxanne.
For her part, she seemed entertained. At one point, he saw them sitting side by side on the workbench. Her feet swung, and she threw back her head, laughing at something Holden said. Seeing her in this light was making it impossible to concentrate. She was so natural with his brother as if they’d known each other for years. Even Jonah got in on a few jokes, making this scene all the more strange.
Roxanne’s earlier flirting was a true test for him. The only reason he was able to resist was the sudden interruption from Holden. Had his brother not walked in when he did, Jonah might’ve given in to her allure. Roxanne was the ultimate temptation.
“So, uh, what’s going on after this? You got plans for tonight?” Holden asked.
Jonah continued to work but was just as invested in her answer as his brother.
“I have some paperwork to catch up on for work.”
“Oh yeah? What do you do?”
“I own an event planning company with my sister-in-law, Cassie.”
“Wow, really? That’s interesting.” The excitement in Holden’s tone even caught Jonah’s attention. He was laying it on a little thick, but his brother was testing out his game with Roxanne. Little did he know he was way out of his league.
“Is it?” Her soft chuckle echoed through the garage. “You have an interest in party planning?”
“Well, I uh,” Holden stumbled over his words. “I mean, I like parties, so …”
Roxanne smiled, nudging her elbow into his arm. “Speaking of parties, it’s Saturday night. Do you have any plans?”
Holden shrugged. “Yeah, I think there’s one. Don’t know if I’m going yet. Haven’t decided.”
Jonah angled his head, scowling at his brother. This party was all he’d talked about the entire week. He’d begged Jonah to give him some leeway on his midnight curfew, which he’d agreed to. Holden glanced at Jonah, who cocked his brow in challenge.
“What?” Holden mouthed but was immediately distracted when she tapped his knee.
“You should go. Have fun.”
Holden smiled, jumping down from the bench. “It was cool hanging out. We should do it again.”
“We should,” Roxanne said.
Jonah wasn’t looking at her, but he felt her eyes on him. He lifted his chin at Holden.
“Remember what I told you.” Jonah wouldn’t list all his warnings. He’d said them so many times, both his brothers had them locked in their memories. And Holden was about to prove it.
“I know.” Holden rolled his eyes. “Not gonna do drugs, get arrested, get in the car with anyone who's been drinking and knock anyone up, okay?”
Jonah heard her muffled snicker but kept his focus on his brother.
“I’d appreciate it. Call if you need a ride.”
Holden nodded and then looked over at her. “Bye, Roxanne.”
“Bye.” She waved as Holden left the garage.
Then they were alone. He continued to work, distracted only when she passed him as she made her way to the fridge for another beer. When she bent over, his eyes zoned in on her perfectly curved ass molded by her form-fitting jeans.
Fuck!
He needed to focus on the task at hand. Not her ass. He worked in silence for the next ten minutes, finishing up therepairs. He’d have her on her way within twenty minutes. While he wouldn’t admit it, the thought didn’t sit well with him. After this, there’d be no reason for them to get together.
Jonah glanced around the floor looking for the tool he needed. He spotted it on the wall behind his workbench.
