Seth’s hands looked big, one splayed across her sun-kissed shoulder and the other planted in the small of her back.
When he set her down again, she embraced Alex, whose hugs were, like the man himself, much more reserved. His light brownhair had an enviable wave on top, and he wore a couple days of stubble, which practically amounted to a beard.
Ty greeted his brothers.
“Sit down, you guys,” Jenna said with the ease of someone who’d spent half her childhood playingSuper Marioon Wii with them. “We’ve already eaten, but go ahead and order some dinner. It’s on me.”
Seth grabbed a seat to one side of her while Alex grabbed the other.
“No way,” Seth said. “I never let the ladies pay.”
“Jenna’s not a lady,” Alex said. “She’s family.”
“Gee, I’m not sure if I should be insulted or flattered.”
“Dude, your game needs some work.” Seth turned a smile on Jenna. “Thanks for the offer, but unfortunately, we can’t stay long anyway.”
“We’re helping a buddy set up a new TV system,” Alex said. “Well, I’m helping him. Seth will mostly just stand there and look pretty.”
Seth smirked. “Iamthe good-looking one after all.”
Tyson couldn’t let that go. “You’re the charming one.I’mthe good-looking one.”
“Hey, what am I?” Alex said.
“The smart one,” the other three said in unison, then laughed when Alex scowled.
Jenna patted Alex’s arm. “You’re good-looking too. You’re all too handsome for your own good.”
Trinity came to take Alex’s and Seth’s drink orders. They chatted amiably for a moment, then she glanced shyly at Tyson. “Is Luke coming tonight?” Though her tone was casual, the hope in her eyes gave her away.
“I don’t think so. But I’ll let him know you asked about him.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be right back with your drinks.” She dashed off toward the bar.
Grinning, Tyson pulled out his phone and texted Luke.I’m at Chatties and Trinity just asked about you. You should come down.
His text came in seconds later.Really? What’d she say?
Just wanted to know if you were coming tonight. She was all flustered and blushing.
No, she wasn’t.
I’m telling you.
I wish I could come but I’m babysitting my nephew, and my sister won’t be home till late.
Can’t say I didn’t try.
“Are you seeing anyone these days, Alex?” Jenna’s question pulled Tyson back to the present.
“He’s head over heels with Suni Moore,” Seth said.
Alex shot his brother a disgruntled look. “We’ve only been dating a few months.”
“Oh, I remember her,” Jenna said. “I always liked her. She used to work at the bakery.”
“She still does.” Tyson thought they made a good couple. Suni was outgoing and expressive, a perfect foil for his more introverted brother. “We’re not sure how she puts up with him.”
