Page 103 of Sterling Heat

“I got the top.”

“I got the bottom.”

“Go slow.”

“Lift a little higher.”

There’s nothing sexual about the conversation between men straining as they lift something up the staircase and yet I can’t get my mind out of the gutter. Knox and Sebastian are a comedy act as they climb upward with an awkward box.

“I like the top.”

“I like the bottom.”

Someone grunts. “More control on the top.”

“Less work on the bottom.”

“You’re a lazy fucker,” Sebastian states with a laugh.

“I definitely heard how hard you worked last night.”

My mouth falls open as they crest the top of the staircase and set the box on its side.

Knox glances over at me and winks. “No ceilings in this place.”

I gaze toward the rooms walled off but with open space between the wall and the twelve-foot ceiling. My face heats. My cheeks must be fire-engine red.

“Don’t tease her, asshole,” Sebastian barks but the damage is done. I’m so embarrassed. I didn’t think we were that loud.

Knox gives a good-natured laugh. “At least someone’s getting something.”

“Oh. My. God,” I mutter, and Sebastian smacks his brother’s chest.

“So, what’s for breakfast?” Knox rubs his hands together, like an eager child ready to start his day.

“Coffee and a Danish on the house. Downstairs.” Sebastian pushes his brother who only laughs again.

“You’re kicking me out after I helped you?” Knox nods at the box.

“And I helped you last night. Remember you hid here.” Sebastian reminds him. “How’d that work out for you?”

Knox lowers his head, shaking it. “Fuck you.” His voice is softer. “I didn’t think you would be back last night.”

Sebastian and I exchange a look before Sebastian explains to Knox what happened.

“Fuck,” Knox hisses, running a hand through his hair. “And Stone is on it, right?”

“He is the sheriff,” Sebastian reminds him.

Knox narrows his eyes. “You know what I mean. Stone won’t let this rest because it’s family.”

The ferocity of his statement startles me. I’m not family.

“And fuck Andy,” he continues. “What a tool.”

Knox looks over at me. “Okay, I’m out of here.” He crosses the room and rubs a hand over Adara’s head. “Thanks for being my date last night. Uncle Knox thinks you’re the best.”

I glance at Sebastian, who opens his mouth as if to refute Knox’s claim. He isn’t her uncle. Not biologically. But if Adara had five burly uncles, I wouldn’t be upset.