Page 14 of Jonesing for a Spy

“Yeah.” I nod as if I can relate. “Forty probably can’t keep up anyway. Erectile dysfunction issues and all.” I look past him to my eldest brother. “Ain’t that right, Skipper? But they make pills for it, so don’t lose hope, okay?”

The men across from me preen. The ones to my side whip their heads my way with incredulity. My brother looks appalled. Strider looks like I threw down the gauntlet, and he wants to show me how wrong I am.

Game fucking on.

It’s Davie who checks into the conversation to absolutely no one’s surprise. “Are your sisters this much trouble, Strider? Or is it just ours who is problematic?”

He shakes his head and turns his focus to Davie. His words, though… they’re for me. “No. It’s just you. My oldest doesn’t have the fire to bring anything like this one.” He hitches a thumb in my direction. “And the youngest doesn’t even swear. She’s engaged to a man who would fit right in with you lot, though.”

“So just ours then,” Davie confirms.

“I’m guessing you shouldn’t need to worry, though. A Ranger can handle herself.”

“This Ranger doesn’t need to be talked about like I’m not in the room,” I interject, a little harsher than I mean it. “In fact, I think I’ll head home.” I want to add Thanks for nothing, but I know better than to come off petulant. I slide off the stool and am almost to the door when Jamie calls for me.

“Scooter? Text us when you get there.” He waits for confirmation. He must see what he needs from me because he removes his hands from his hips and visibly relaxes.

I’m out the door and in my SUV before I can think better of it.

That was nothing. That was me riling my brothers up while flirting just enough to know Strider is interested. In the it’s-a-small-world realm, it’s practically impossible that Mom tossed me into the arms of one of Charlie’s friends in a hotel just outside of town during an op she wasn’t supposed to be a part of.

We don’t need Facebook or other social media to show us the six degrees of Kevin Bacon; it’s right under our noses.

I’d planned to stay with Davie, so I no longer need the overnight bag on my back seat. And while there’s no need to rush home, I have no excuse to take the slow route. The whole point was getting away from Strider.

Instead, I spent all of dinner feeling the heat of him permeate my clothes, watching the lines near his eyes crinkle as he laughed, and subtly flirting.

Cartoon me let her eyes bug out and her tongue unfurl with drool. Real me was trying to avoid squirming while dealing with wet panties.

I pull into the garage and head inside my apartment, noting when the motion-sensor light goes off. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and am settling into bed with my eReader when it pops on again.

It’s the same time my phone buzzes.

Strider

You awake?

I wasn’t lying. I’m old enough to know better… But I’m also a man.

What does that mean?

Bubbles bounce and dance as I wait.

After longer than I want, the reply comes.

It means I wasn’t going to push my luck with your brothers. And I would never put you in that position either, but I can’t deny I’m attracted to you. You’re gorgeous, funny, and sexy as hell. And if you’re awake, I’d like to talk where we don’t have an audience.

Or we could skip the talking. Your call.

Strider

I’m such an ass.

Yeah, that came off like a teenage booty call. And I can’t recall the message, so…

Mirren

So it wasn’t a booty call?