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She shivered, picturing Brendan sauntering across her doorstep. Loosening his tie. Rolling up his sleeves. Lunging forward, chasing her in the dark until he caught her and pinned her against the wall with his tall, muscular body…
“Sonia?” Adrienne asked. “Are you all right?”
Sonia sucked in a sharp breath. “I’m fine.” Pouring the penne briskly into two bowls, she ladled on tomato sauce and sprinkled grated parmesan cheese over the top. “Diana wants me and Brendan to walk down the aisle together at the wedding. It’s her and Ian’s idea of a joke. They know Brendan’s not my favorite person.”
“A joke,” her grandmother repeated, as Sonia brought the bowls to the table. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. Whatever, it's their wedding. They call the shots; I’ll play along.”
Adrienne made a mock-surprised face. “You don’t feel a stir of romance in your heart?”
“Never.” Sonia kissed her grandmother's cheek and retrieved a bowl of salad from the fridge. “You’ll be out late tonight, right?” she asked abruptly.
“Till midnight, probably.” Adrienne waved a hand. “So Ian’s brother, this Brendan. Is he bringing a date to the wedding?”
“Grandma, let it go.” A twinge shot through Sonia. Was it jealousy?She had no idea whether Brendan was bringing a date. If he was, it would obviously throw a wrench in her sex offer — unless he was even more of a slimeball than she’d thought.
But something told her he wasn’t bringing anyone. That underneath all that charm was a fucking ocean of loneliness.
“I can’t help but imagine the two of you at this wedding,” Adrienne said thoughtfully. “Spending an entire weekend together, alongside a beautiful, young, crazy-in-love couple. While you and Brendan are also beautiful, young, and quite possibly single. If he doesn’t have a date, he should ask you.”
Sonia set a bottle of sparkling water on the table. “Grandma, did you forget about the part where I loathe him?”
“Okay, then thispoliticianyou’re seeing for the week. Get him to take you.”
“I don’t need a date. And it's up to him,” Sonia said grudgingly.
“Him?” Adrienne paused, holding the salad tongs in mid-air. “Why are you putting the decision in his hands?”
Sonia dropped into her chair and picked up her fork. “Because that means one less decision I have to make.”
8
Monday
9:00 p.m.
Brendan slowed his pace as he approached the three-story townhouse.
The sun had set, but fiery orange streaks still lit the horizon. The air was slowly cooling off after the swampy heat of the day. Crickets chirped, and overhead, a row of street lamps turned on.
Sonia’s townhouse looked imposing, with trim black shutters and elegant white molding against a brick façade. Georgetown was a neighborhood of gracious, colorful row houses, tall trees, and the occasional cobblestone street. Straightening his collar, Brendan was glad he’d changed into the spare suit in his office after sweating all over the first one.
He had no idea how tonight would go down. In the past, he’d always approached sex with a game plan, but Sonia challenged every effort to plan. He’d gone over five different scenarios on the drive here, tapping his hands on the wheel and finally turning off the radio in frustration.
He stared at the black door in front of him. Shining under the street lamps, it gave away nothing. If he walked through that door, he might meet a side of himself that he’d never been willing to see.
He heard Sonia’s throaty whisper.What a bad boy you are.And he remembered that Ian had worn that title for far too long. From ages five to twenty, they’d played the good twin-bad twin game, with Brendan persuading Ian to stay the course whenever Ian’s confidence faltered.
He had a lot to make up for.
He reached out to ring the bell, but the door swung open so suddenly, it startled him. He hadn’t heard footsteps.
Sonia stared up at him with those big dark eyes, one hand on the knob.
She wore no makeup, and she’d removed all jewelry and piercings. Her short hair was casually mussed, and her black tank top and gray sweatpants looked like pajamas. On her shoulder, the strap of a black lace bra peeked out.
“Hello,” Brendan said pleasantly.
