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"You've got some awesome rides," Derek says as he wanders through the garage to examine each of the twelve vehicles housed inside the building. "But I don't see any American cars. They're much more reliable than these British and German ones."
"Well, you would say that. You are American, after all." I lean my thigh against the bonnet of the Mercedes Derek is currently inspecting. "You're prejudiced against everything British, including me."
"No, I love British football and your mom."
"If you try to date my mother, I will run you over with my Jaguar."
"Is that your car or your pet cat?" He turns toward me, shoving his hands into his trouser pockets. "I'm not excited about you dating my sister, so we're even."
"You think I'm a useless chancer."
"Maybe I'd agree with that statement if I knew what it meant."
"A chancer is a person who cares only about his own desires and needs."
Derek studies me for a moment, his gaze narrowed. Then he sighs and shrugs. "No, I don't think you're like that. Avery wouldn't be so into you if that were true."
She's "into" me? Well, I'm into her too, literally and figuratively, though the literal version happens only when we're alone.
"When are you taking my sister to Scotland?" he asks. "I'd like to spend more time with her."
I weigh my options, and Avery's happiness wins out. "The wedding is on Saturday. I'm sure I could get you an invite if you'd like."
"Yeah, I'd love that. Never been to Scotland—or England, actually, until now."
"Maybe you'll meet a bonnie lass there. I know several MacTaggart women who are available. That's the clan my mate Callum belongs to."
"I don't need any help getting dates, Lord Sticky. Do just fine on my own. But I'd love to see Scotland."
"How can I convince you to call me Hugh instead of Lord Sticky?"
"Can't." Derek claps a hand on my shoulder. "This is what happens when you date somebody's baby sister. Get used to the harassment."
As we leave the garage, the driveway comes into view with my car still parked there.
"Gotta admit," Derek says. "Your Jag is pretty cool."
"Care to take it for a test drive?"
"Seriously? Yeah, that would be amazing. Riding in the Jag isn't the same."
I drape an arm around his shoulders and offer him the Jaguar key. "A car is like a woman. She responds to a delicate touch much better than sheer power. Treat her right, and she will do anything for you."
"Hmm. Is that how you seduced my sister? Doesn't work on me." He snatches the key from my fingers. "But I'll take you up on that test drive."
"I think I should come along. Can't have you getting lost."
"All right. But I'm in charge. Don't wanna hear any sound come out of your mouth unless you're screaming that we're about to crash into a tree."
"So, crashing in the river would be acceptable."
He shrugs away from my arm. "You really are one snarky jackass."
"Yes. But Avery loves that about me." I bar my arms over my chest. "Better get used to it since your sister is my girlfriend."
"Why do you think I'm sticking around?" He holds two fingers to his face, indicating his eyes, then rotates those fingers toward me. "I'm watching you."
I follow Derek to the Jaguar and give him a brief lesson on how to handle a high-end sports car. He rolls his eyes but doesn't insult me or make any snide comments. Then he starts up the engine and revs it so loudly that the noise echoes off the house. Fortunately, he only does that for a few seconds.
