Page 2 of Deadly Conflicts

Ally bobbed her head.

“That means I know all about ‘female stuff,’” Jake said. “I know about it because my sisters used to torture me with descriptions I never wanted to hear. There’s nothing you can say to surprise me.”

“Fine.” Ally blew out a frustrated sigh. “If you must know, Mandy and James are having issues and she needs a sisterly perspective so she can handle my brother.”

Jake wasn’t convinced. “I talked to James an hour ago and told him to bring some beer when he came over here,” he said. “Mandy was giggling in the background during the call and it was pretty obvious she was naked because James kept getting distracted.”

“I didn’t say they were having bedroom issues,” Ally shot back. “They’re having emotional ones.”

Jake refused to back down. “They were cooing ‘I love you’ to one another between every sentence he said to me.”

“I … .” Ally was caught. They both knew it. “Fine! I don’t want to paint. I don’t like it. I think it smells bad. Instead I’m going shopping with Mandy to entertain myself. Are you happy?”

“Yes.” Jake pressed a firm kiss to the corner of Ally’s mouth, catching her by surprise.

“What the … ?”

“I was going to suggest you find something to do elsewhere anyway, angel,” Jake said. “I love you more than anything, but you’re going to be a distraction here. If you’re out of the house we can knock this basement out in two hours flat.”

“And then finish your beer upstairs while watching the baseball game,” Ally surmised.

“You’re wise and beautiful,” Jake teased, poking her ribs. He could tell she was feeling pouty because he wanted her out of the house. It didn’t matter that she had the same plan. “This works out best for everyone. I can get the work done with your brothers and you can have fun at the mall with Mandy.”

Ally tilted her head to the side, weighing her options. “I’m offended that you don’t want me here.”

Jake arched a challenging eyebrow. “Is this really the hill you want to die on?”

Ally held up a finger to silence him. “I’m offended that you don’t want me here, but thrilled that you have no problem with me going out with Mandy instead of helping you paint. I’m considering it a wash.”

“Awesome,” Jake said, his lips quirking as he struggled to keep from laughing. “Are you going to give me a kiss before you go? I’ll miss you terribly if you don’t.”

“Okay.” Ally happily moved her hands back to Jake’s rear end and squeezed again. “Don’t forget me while I’m gone.”

“I could never forget you,” Jake said, kissing the tip of her nose. “I love you too much for that.”

Ally beamed at the words.

“It would take at least three skipped chores for me to forget you,” Jake added, groaning as Ally punched his stomach. She may be lithe and beautiful, but she learned to punch from her brothers. “I was joking, angel!”

“And to think I was going to spoil you when I got back tonight,” Ally huffed. “I was going to buy a genie costume while I was out.”

Jake’s eyes lit up. “If you find one, get one in purple. I think you look best in purple.”

The admission surprised Ally. “I’m not sure I’m buying anything for you.”

“Oh, Ally, that would be a gift for both of us,” Jake said, opting to be the one to grab her butt this time. “I promise it’s a present we’ll both enjoy.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“You do that.” This time the kiss Jake offered Ally was soft and full of earnest longing. “I love you, angel.”

“I love you, too.”

“I can’t wait to boss you around.” This time Jake was ready for Ally’s punch and he hopped back to evade her as she scorched him with a murderous look. “Have fun shopping. I’ll be naked and ready when you get home. I’m sure you’ll be eager to do my bidding.”

“SO, WHYaren’t you helping again?”

James Hardy finished unloading a twelve-pack of beer in a cooler and glanced at it before grabbing another six-pack from the refrigerator. He shifted a sidelong look in his wife’s direction as she hovered on the other side of the counter island.