"Don't," Greg said, cutting me off. "I need to go do damage control." He inclined his head slightly, and I followed his gaze.
Meghan marched out of the city hall building and stalked over to Hunter.
"This is very mature," she said as we walked up. "Using your little brothers as props."
My older brother uncrossed his arms. "I'm teaching my little brothers about the public process and peaceful protest. My brother Remy did several tours in Afghanistan fighting for their rights. Maybe you could show a little respect."
I wish I knew what exactly had happened to cause so much bad blood between them.
"It's a health safety issue," Meghan said, trying to keep her face neutral. Hunter's jaw was set, his expression stubborn.
"We understand," Greg interjected. "I'll handle this."
Meg nodded. "I look forward to watching you lose the lawsuit, Hunter." Then she went to talk to one of the news crews.
"Hunter," Greg's voice was dangerously low, "you need to stop this now. I can't believe I had to come in from Manhattan to deal with this. You look like an idiot."
"Yeah, Hunter, the law is very clear," I said. "But look on the bright side. At least the kids got some fresh air."
Greg turned his icy gaze on me. "Get the kids back on the bus, and then get out of my sight."
I gave him a mock salute and walked over to Remy. "We have to shut 'er down."
"Great protest, everyone," Remy announced through the bullhorn. "Greg's mad?"
"Isn't he always?" I replied.
"He needs to get laid," Remy said sagely as the kids filed onto the bus.
"Don't we all?"
* * *
Hazel didn't answerwhen I knocked on the locked café door. Music blared from the open windows. She was clearly in, so I jimmied the lock and went upstairs.
She was engrossed in her painting. Seeing her barefoot and wearing this silky tank top that barely covered her panties, all I wanted to do was pull down the slip of fabric and press my mouth against her. It was hot in the apartment, and I loosened my shirt collar.
I didn't realize Hazel had no idea I was there until I pressed myself against her and murmured into her neck, "Is it distracting when I do this?"
Hazel screamed, the paintbrush jerking up and hitting me in the face. I grabbed her hand to keep her from taking my eye out.
She turned around in my arms. The outlines of her nipples were visible through the sheer fabric. I assumed it was something vintage. They sure did have good taste back then.
"I really want to suck on your tits," I told her, trying to regain some semblance of control, "but I think I probably owe you an apology first."
Hazel clapped a hand to her chest. She was breathing hard; her tits rose and fell.
"You're the one who is going to be sorry if your rendering is ruined the night before your big conference center presentation," she said.
I tipped my head down and kissed her. My hands slowly caressed her ass, sliding up her back to crush her to me.
"But apology accepted I guess," she said when I released her.
"How's the painting coming?" I asked, inspecting the canvas.
"I'm almost done," she said, turning back to the painting and dabbing little bits of color here and there. "You can't be here if you're going to distract me," she said as I kissed her neck to her shoulder blades, letting my hands slide up between her legs.
She turned to bop me on the nose with the paintbrush. "Go sit on the couch."
