Page 82 of Wicked Lord

I flipped him off as my hand flexed around Lorelei’s. “Just because you had to beg Everly to marry you doesn’t mean the rest of us are so lacking.”

Footsteps sounded right before a huge figure barreled toward me, and I released Lorelei just as Aaron, my second oldest brother, tackled me to the ground. The hit barely fazed me, but I allowed him to pin me to the plush carpet.

“Boys! Take that kind of roughhousing outside. You’d think you’d been raised by a pack of wolves.”

My mother easily stepped over us, used to this kind of thing after raising five sons with a husband just as rambunctious. It was a miracle she always looked so composed and flawless, even when we were kids. Her blond curls were shorter now, slightly above her shoulders, and plenty of laugh lines crinkled around her blue eyes.

“Hello, Lorelei. It’s lovely to see you again,” she said. “Last season’s football banquet was immaculate, by the way. And with you in charge, I’d expect nothing less.”

“Thank you.” The shy smile that crossed my fake girlfriend’s lips had me so distracted I didn’t block Aaron’s punch to my side.

The hit drove the air from my lungs as pain burst across my ribs. That would definitely leave a mark.

“It’s really nice to see you, Mrs. Vanderhart.” Lorelei tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, then clasped her hands in front of her like a well-mannered heiress. “Thank you so much for having me.”

“Oh, honey, call me Deb.” My mother, the epitome of class and sophistication, tossed a throw pillow at Aaron and me. “If you two break another table, I’ll make you wear those awful patriotic outfits from Great Aunt Clarissa all day tomorrow. The bedazzled baseball hats and all. Don’t think I didn’t keep them.”

Aaron groaned as he tried to force me onto my stomach. “How could you threaten such horror upon us? We’re your children.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lorelei. As always, you are a vision.” Jeremy, the brother closest in age to me, swooped in on Lorelei and grabbed her hand, kissing the back of it. “You are way too beautiful for my baby brother. Give me a chance, and I’ll make all your dreams come true.”

The fucker had the audacity to wink and lick his lips.

I effortlessly tossed Aaron aside and hopped to my feet, drawing Lorelei away from the sly one in the family. Jeremy could charm the panties off a nun, and I’d be damned if he’d try it with my blondie.

Shit. She wasn’tmyanything.

Not really.

Or was she…

“Knock it off, Jer.” I punched his bicep a little harder than necessary. “She’s too smart to fall for your crap.”

Jeremy laughed, his blue eyes brightening with mischief like my father’s as he strolled toward us. “Someone’s a little possessive.”

“Wouldn’t you be if this lovely young woman was on your arm?” My father gave Lorelei a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

An adorable blush coated her cheeks. “Thanks for inviting me. I’m really excited for tomorrow’s festivities.”

He pumped his fist in the air. “I think we got us a keeper here. I can already see that competitive streak in you.”

“Lore definitely doesn’t like to lose.” I draped my arm around her shoulders. “I’d hate to be on the opposing team.”

Lorelei gave a cheeky grin and shrugged. “I won’t take it easy on you if you are, babe.”

“Fantastic! You’ll fit right in, Lorelei.” My dad gently smacked my chest with the back of his hand and jerked his head toward the door. “I’ll help you with the bags while your lovely girlfriend relaxes and has a drink.”

“That’ll be great.” I reluctantly released her shoulders, glaring daggers at a smirking Jeremy. He’d better stay away from her. “Which room is Lore staying in?”

My dad scoffed. “In your room, of course.”

I froze mid-step and glanced at Lorelei who couldn’t hide the momentary flash of panic in her eyes. “But Gigi and Grandpa don’t normally like?—”

My dad’s chuckle had my pulse rising. “I think Gigi’s trying to make sure her youngest grandson is married with a brood of kids before she kicks the bucket.”

All the moisture fled from my mouth as the realization hit me like a sledgehammer. How the hell would I get through twonights stuck in the same room, the same bed as Lorelei without giving in to temptation?

CHAPTER 34