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Theo does that.
Masks how he’s feeling with humor.
But this time, he’s quiet, and he’s rarely quiet. “Some women are worth more than groupies, CC.” He reaches for me, but a flying furball runs between us.
Wanda, Trick’s military dog, quickly backs me up, so I’m a few steps away from Theo as Trick and a very shirtless, very sweaty Coop jog over to Theo and me. Black basketball shorts hang from lean hips, showcasing a perfect V that I want to drop to my knees and lick.
Wow. Did it just get hotter out here?
I trace every indent of his muscular chest with my eyes. Take in every black line of his tattoos. And watch with rapt attention as a bead of sweat glides over his washboard abs.
Damn. Hehasgotten bigger since last summer.
Coop bends down and scratches behind Wanda’s ears. “Good girl.”
Seriously? Am I jealous of a dog now?
“Hey, man. Isn’t that Carys?”Trick points toward two people standing close together, just beyond the reach of the lapping ocean, as he and I finish up our run. The warm rays of the sun shine down, blanketing Carys in a golden glow. Tiny pale-blue cut-off shorts showcase her shapely legs, with a loose blue-and-white-striped V-neck t-shirt tucked in only at the front. Oversized white sunglasses are shoved up on top of her head, holding back chocolate-brown hair that’s falling in waves over her shoulders.
She’s the most effortlessly beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
I’m not supposed to notice, and I hate that I do.
Almost as much as I hate knowing the dude she’s with notices it too. How could he not? The difference is, he’s allowed to notice her beauty and her playfulness. He’s allowed to look at her in a way I shouldn’t.
He’s the drummer from the other night, and he looks awfully comfortable with her, which inexplicably pisses me off more.
Trick and I come to a stop fifty feet away, and I run my hand down the dog’s dark fur. “Hey, Wanda,” I say, then point down the beach. “Go save Carys.”
Wanda takes off like the missile she is, and Trick groans. “Using a military weapon to interrupt her date? Doesn’t seem fair.”
“Fuck fair.” I watch Wanda step between Carys and the dude as I jog over to them.
I’ve never been this guy.
The one who wants what he can’t have.
If I want it, I earn it.
Then I claim what’s mine.
Carys’s wide green eyes meet mine, clearly surprised to see us.
“Hey, guys.” She watches me scratch behind Wanda’s ears before those fiery eyes trace every inch of my exposed skin.
Maybe I’m not the only one fighting this.
Whateverthisis.
“Hey, Carys.” I reach over without thought and kiss the top of her head, which is not how I’d typically greet her, then offer my hand to her friend. “I don’t think we were introduced the other night. I’m Cooper.”
Carys’s cheeks flush. “Sorry.” She turns to the guy, who’s currently being cock-blocked by a sixty-pound military weapon still dutifully sitting between my girl and him. “Theo, this is Cooper and Trick. I don’t think I got the chance to introduce you guys at the Rat last week.”
Theo takes my hand, less than thrilled. “You’re the stepbrother, right? Nice to meet ya.”
I eye little drummer boy and force myself to remember he’s right.
She’s my stepsister. “What are you guys doing here?”
