Daniel tucked her arm in the crook of his elbow and reached into her car to grab her bag with his other hand.
“Well,mi amor, you can tell us all about it over a martini.”
“Sounds perfect,” Reagan said with a laugh as the three of them walked inside.
An hour later, Reagan, Simon and Daniel were sitting on comfy lounge chairs in the backyard enjoying a warm Seattle evening. Reagan had one of Daniel’s martinis in hand and was finally feeling relaxed.
Simon brought out a charcuterie board for them to snack on and placed it on the table in front of Reagan. Then he sat down beside his husband and fixed his sister with a curious stare.
“Okay, sis, time to spill. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
Reagan took a sip of her martini as she thought of how to respond. She had always been close to Simon and told him more than most sisters would tell their older brother. Still, she wasn’t sure how much to share about Chase.
“So, there’s this guy…” she began.
“Isn’t there always?” Daniel interrupted dryly, before being shushed by Simon.
Reagan giggled, but continued, “Seriously, he makes me feel like I’m crazy. I feel so nervous around him, but it’s kind of a good nervous, you know? Like butterflies in the stomach, stumbling over my words, can’t look away but don’t want him to catch me staring kind of nervous. He is sexy as sin, but he’s also funny and charming. Anyways, I’ve had this stupid crush on him for almost a year. He found out, and… He asked me out. So now I’m panicking, of course.” Reagan slumped back in her chair and took a long drink of her martini.
Daniel started fanning himself with his hand. “Damn, girl, he soundsmuy caliente. And that is coming from a happily married man.”
Simon rolled his eyes before grabbing Daniel’s hand with his own. “What my beloved husband should be saying is, why the hell are you panicking, Reags? This sounds like every teenage girl’s dream come true. Your sexy crush asking you out? It’s a John Hughes film come to life.”
Reagan groaned and put her arm over her eyes. “You guys sound like Gammie.”
“You told Gammie about this guy?” Simon asked.
“Yeah, we had a visit earlier in the week. She basically told me to just go for it and have fun,” Reagan replied with a smile.
“That’s because Gammie is a genius.” This came from Daniel, who loved Gammie just as much as Simon and Reagan did.
“Listen up, sis, Gammie is right and so are we. You are fabulous and a total catch, and the only person who doesn’t seem to realize that fact is you. So, if this mystery man is saying he’s interested then go with it. Don’t doubt yourself.” Simon stood up and walked over to Reagan’s chair, then sat down beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I love you, Reagan, you’re a kick-ass sister, and a beautiful person inside and outside. And if this guy hurts you, I will come and punch him.”
“No you won’t, you hate violence, baby,” Daniel said with a smile.
Simon considered that, then turned back to Reagan with a wink. “He’s right. But for my favorite sister, it would be worth it.”
“I’m your only sister, dork,” Reagan replied with a giggle.
“Yeah, you’re still my favorite. And tonight, you’re going to tell us who this guy is.”
* * *
The next morning Reagan shuffled into the kitchen to find Simon at the stove flipping pancakes, while Daniel prepared three mugs of coffee.
“Oh, coffee. Please,” she groaned.
Daniel pushed a mug over with a smile. “Here you go. What’s the plan for today? Shopping for your hot date? I’m thinking a La Perla trip is in order.Mi hermosaneeds something sexy for her man.”
Reagan grimaced. “Slow down, Daniel, he’s not my man yet. Don’t make me regret telling you about Chase last night…”
Simon turned a loving gaze on his husband and shook his head. “Really, Danny, La Perla with my sister is not my idea of a good time.”
Daniel crossed his arms and arched his brow at Simon. “Fine. You can wait outside the store. A date with a sexy musician warrants sexy panties.”
Reagan giggled at the long-suffering sigh Simon let out as he rolled his eyes. She reached out and placed an arm around both men as she stood between them.
“Don’t worry, my dear brother. No lingerie shopping is required.” She put a hand up to stop Daniel’s protest that she could see he was about to make. “For two reasons. First, I’m not planning on taking my clothes off on the first date. And second…” She winked saucily at Daniel. “My lingerie drawer is full of sexy pieces. I’ve got the frequent shopper card from La Perla to prove it.”
