AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I wasn’t trying for one-upmanship.” Gavin handed Cash a beer. “That was a bonus.”
Since he’d moved out of his parents’ house, Gavin had lived in one apartment after the other. Until recently, when he’d decided to build a home. If asked years ago, he would’ve sworn he didn’t want the hassle of a house. Houses were a lot of work. A ton of responsibility. He liked the idea of renting—of someone else taking care of the inevitable problems that would come up. But lately, with neighbors above, below and on all sides of him—he’d felt boxed in.
He’d be the first to admit a house this size was too much for him. But hell, why not? He worked hard for the money he made, and he had a big extended family. At the rate his brothers were going, Will and Cash and Luke would be populating the Bay with kids in the coming years. Gavin liked the idea of hosting huge family Christmas dinners with his future nieces and nephews. He could be the fun uncle.
In the meantime, he’d settle for using every available surface area as a place to set Hallie before tearing her clothes off and blowing her mind.
“You okay?” Cash interrupted.
“Yeah, why?”
“You’re grinning like a moron. Are you reliving the kiss with Hallie Banks, or perhaps what happened after?”
Gavin should have expected that question. He and Hals hadn’t exactly made “front-page news,” but he’d seen photos of their lip-lock on at least two social media channels. She texted him this morning to assure him he didn’t have to worry. She’d evidently talked to Hannah, and neither Hannah nor Will cared what the gossip rags had to say.
“She’s the twin sister of a famous person, Gav. That comes with responsibilities.” Cash put on his big-brother voice. “There are going to be cameras around. Especially if people think she’s Hannah.”
“I don’t need a lecture.” Especially since he was nowhere near ready to share how far he and Hallie had gone last night. There were some details his family didn’t need to know.
Cash lifted his beer bottle. “I’m only trying to help.”
Even if that was true, it didn’t make his brother’s interference any less irritating. “So, what, then? I never kiss a woman in public because someone might be watching?”
“We’re not talking about any woman. We’re talking about Hallie Banks.”
“Fine. I’ll rephrase. So, I should never kiss Hallie in public because someone might be watching and assume she’s Hannah?”
“As long as it’s okay with Hallie, you can do whatever you want.”
And didn’t that hearken more memories of last night? She’d been amazingly receptive. Bold and inviting. He’d never forget her perched on his countertop, wearing nothing but his button-down shirt while he fed her ice cream.
“It’s more than okay with her, bro. She was the one who attacked me,” Gavin said proudly.
“Oh, is that how it happened?” Cash raised a skeptical eyebrow.
“Kind of.” Gavin had given her space to come to him, but he’d also encouraged her. He knew what he wanted—whom he wanted. When she agreed, he’d counted himself one lucky son of a bitch.
Gavin had been able to think of little else but driving into Hallie’s sweet body while she screamed his name. Then she’d mentioned a “next time.” He sure as hell hoped she’d been sincere, because he was in.
As if he’d summoned her with his mind, his cell phone pinged, her name appearing on his screen. The text read: When’s my next lesson?
He wanted to reply right now, but he had approximately three thousand things on his to-do list. Damn his overachiever tendencies. He settled for: How’s Friday?
Her one-word response came half a second later: Perfect.
Like her, he thought. Then he was jolted from his stupor when his brother smacked his arm harder than necessary to get his attention.
“Shit, brother. You’re smiling at your phone like a besotted teenager.”
“You’d know,” Gav grumbled, uncomfortable. He’d long avoided being “besotted” by anyone. Although, in Hallie’s case he’d make an exception. He’d be her sex slave any damn day of the week.
“Well, now you can fill your huge house with babies. After you get married, of course.” Cash’s grin was pure evil.
“Do not start.” Especially on the heels of a night filled with hot, sweaty sex in said huge house.
“Eh, I’m busting your balls. Each of us has our own path. You are no exception.” Cash rested a hand on Gavin’s shoulder. “No matter what you are or are not doing with Hallie Banks, make sure she knows your intentions. You don’t want her expecting something from you you’re not able to give.”
Insulted, Gavin swatted his brother’s hand away. “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”
