“Are you listening to me, Liv?” My mom frowned as we walked into the living room.
“Of course, Mother.” I smiled at her and took a deep breath.
“I want you to meet our guest.”
She nodded toward the couch, and that was when time stood still. It literally stood still as I saw Mr. Miracle Tongue sitting on the couch with my dad, a cup of tea in his hand.
“Hello.” He stood up and smiled at me, as if he hadn’t just had a one-night stand with me the weekend before.
“Hello,” I said softly, my face red.
Oh my God, why was he here? Had he told my parents? Oh God, why me?
“Hello. Nice to meet you. My name is Xander.” He walked over and shook my hand.
“I’m Liv.” I shook his hand as if I didn’t know him, but I knew he must have felt the jolt of electricity that passed through us as we touched.
“Nice to meet you, Liv.” His eyes teased me.
I wanted to ask him why he was here, but my parents were there, watching us. I didn’t think they’d appreciate me asking him if he were some sort of stalker.
“You too,” I squeaked out.
“You have something on your ear.” He leaned forward, and I felt his fingers brushing the top of my ear. Then I felt his breath in my eardrum. “Now I have a name to put to the face when I think of our night together,” he said huskily, and I felt the tip of his tongue on my earlobe.
“What are you doing here?” I said softly, a smile plastered on my face for my parents’ benefit.
Had he tracked me down because he wanted our time together to be more than one night? My heart thudded as I wondered about his appearance. Had I made that big of an impression on him? Was he a stalker? Shit, had I been with a stalker? I knew I had bad taste in men in the past but that would be the icing on the cake. I could just imagine my conversation with the police. No way I would tell them I’d called him Mr. Miracle Tongue. The shame spreads through my bed and I have a feel my skin is cherry red.
“What would you like me to be doing here?” he asked softly, his eyes not leaving mine as he studied my face.
“I …” I stumbled as I stared at him, all of a sudden feeling faint and excited at the same time.
“Liv, I see you’ve met Xander.” My sister, Gabby, ran into the room, a huge smile on her face and her blonde hair bobbingaround her shoulders. Of course, she looked as perfect as she always looked, not a hair out of place.
“Yes.” I nodded. “I’ve met him.” I smiled awkwardly and looked to the door and watched as another man walked into the room.
“This is Xander’s brother, Henry.” Gabby nodded toward the other guy, who looked like a handsomer and sweeter version of Xander.
“Hi.” I smiled at him warmly. “It’s nice to meet you, Henry.” Then I looked back at Gabby, confusion setting in. “Not to sound rude, but why are they both here?”
“Mom and Dad didn’t tell you?” Gabby looked excited as she grinned at me and then at our proud parents.
“No, that’s why I’m asking.” I was impatient in my confusion.
“I’m engaged,” she squealed and showed me her engagement ring on her finger.
A huge diamond sparkled on her finger, and I stared at it, feeling very impressed, if not slightly jealous.
“Congratulations.” I gave her a quick hug and turned to Henry. “And to you too. I’m happy to welcome you to the family.”
I grinned as I gave him a hug as well. I could feel Xander’s eyes on me, and my stomach flipped. Oh my, had I just slept with my sister’s fiancé’s brother? Oops. I flushed as I stepped back from Henry.
“Oh, no, the congratulations shouldn’t be to me.” Henry laughed. “I’m not the one who’s engaged.”
“What?” My face turned white as I turned to look at Xander. Oh my God, no!
“Henry’s not my fiancé, silly.” Gabby laughed, and I watched as she put her arm through Xander’s and grinned at me. “Xander’s my future husband-to-be.”
