“My sisters love art. They’ve dragged me to more than my fair share of museums and exhibits over the years.”
“You don’t like art?” asked Taylor.
“Of course I do, but I couldn’t very well let them know that. I count on all those good brother points to carry me through when I screw up.” He grinned at her cousin and when he turned his attention back to Amanda, he winked.
“How many sisters...how many do you have?” The wink froze her words and she forgot she already knew the answer. When she managed to knock the words loose again, she stuttered her question.
“Three. All older.”
“Dude,” said Matt, shaking his head in sympathy.
“Tell me about it,” said Michael. “Growing up, I was lucky to get into the bathroom long enough to shower.”
Taylor’s laughter turned into a yawn and her husband leaned in and whispered something in her ear.
“We’re going to take off for the night,” said Matt, getting to his feet and reaching for his wife.
“I’m okay. We can stay,” she said, but Matt was already ushering her out of her seat and truth be told, she looked tired.
“Don’t be silly. You’ve got a huge day tomorrow.” Becca reached over to squeeze their cousin’s hand.
“And you’re growing a whole person.” Gabe grinned at Taylor, but Amanda could already see her brother’s attention drifting toward a redhead sitting at the bar. He’d been casting glances in her direction since she sat down. And with the smoldering looks the other woman was sending back, Amanda would bet money her brother wouldn’t be going home alone.
She ought to bust him for being a dog, but he worked so hard. She didn’t want to think of the toll the private security firm he and Emerson ran took on her brothers. Amanda had a feeling if she really knew how much danger her brothers were in, she wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. And Gabe might not be the kind of guy to settle down—at least not yet—but he was a kind, decent man. He’d never take advantage of anyone. If the redhead went home with him, it would be because she wanted to, and she’d know what to expect.
Michael kissed Taylor’s cheek and shook Matt’s hand with what looked like real affection. Something welled up in Amanda’s chest and she pushed it away just as quickly. Ethan wasn’t Michael. There was no good reason to compare the two of them. It wasn’t fair.Ethan was still hurt; going out to a bar wasn’t exactly easy for him right now.Even as she had the thought, she remembered the way he’d gotten around at the lake when it had been important to him. She shoved the thought and the confusing emotions that accompanied it to the side and wrapped her cousin in a hug.
“Get some sleep. We’ll see you at the show tomorrow.”
Taylor nodded, stifling another yawn as Matt led her toward the door. Careful to move her chair away from Michael now that there was more room, Amanda sat back down. Becca had already pulled out her phone and was busy texting someone.
“I’m going to see the rest of you tomorrow,” said Gabe, heading toward the woman at the bar.
Becca waved a hand in his direction without bothering to look up, which left Amanda and Michael stuck staring at each other.
“Would you like another drink?” he asked, moving to stand.
“No, I should probably be going too.” In her current mood, drinking with Michael couldn’t be anything but a mistake.
“I’m headed out too,” said Becca with a smile that looked much too satisfied for someone who was spending the rest of the night at home with her sister. “You don’t mind taking Amanda home, do you?”
“I drove,” she said before Michael had a chance to respond.
“I know, but I’m meeting someone and I was hoping you’d let me borrow your car. I rode with Gabe.” She motioned to the bar, where their brother was getting ready to leave with the redhead on his arm.
Amanda opened her mouth to protest, but Michael beat her to it.
“I’d be happy to,” he said, ignoring her fish out of water routine. “It would be my pleasure.”
“Thanks,” said Becca, jumping up and pressing a kiss to Michael’s cheek.
She held her hand out for the car keys and Amanda had no choice but to hand them over or make a scene. Her sister’s expression made it clear she knew exactly what she was doing and Amanda was half tempted to insist on driving her instead of giving her the car. But there was another part of her—a part that wished she was as comfortable with her partner as the rest of her family—that wanted to get to know him better.For the Eco Challenge. So they’d be a better team.
Even as she had the thought, she knew she was lying to herself but it was too late to do anything about it. Becca was taking the keys from her outstretched hand and Amanda was stuck, alone with the one man she was pretty sure she shouldn’t be alone with.
––––––––
MICHAEL LIKED THE Southerlands. He liked them a lot, at least all of the members of the family he’d met so far. Matt was a little intense, but he had a pregnant wife to look out for. Michael had a feeling he’d be much worse if he was in the other man’s shoes. Thinking about it brought up images of Amanda, soft and pliant. Amanda in his arms, her lean, warm curves softening his hard edges. Amanda carrying his child.
