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“End of semester looks…exhausting.”
“Phew, you’re telling me.”
“That bad, huh?”
Brexley set her ceramic mug down with a soft little clink as she slunk off her chair. “I’m, uh, going to go add some pants to this ensemble.”
“Probably a good idea,” I stage-whispered, stifling my laugh as I sipped my own black coffee and watched her retreat out the opposite archway. Despite my confusion, I was a bit relieved for a brief reprieve.
Rhyett’s house was a mix of gray and cream, with gorgeous vaulted ceilings and towering windows that filled the space with decadent light. Subtle signs of wealth dripped from the thick black marble counters and stainless steel appliances. Not overtly cocky, but he certainly didn’t scrimp on the details. Thirty-five, three careers and two and half businesses in, I suppose that was par for the course. I couldn’t help but wonder if his brother next door shared his exquisite taste. Then promptly reprimanded myself for my ridiculous curiosity. He was a prick. Why did I care?
The hallway Brex had just absconded down led to both the formal dining and den, as well as Rhyett’s room. He’d offered me the master once they were gone, but I had no interest in sleeping in my best friend’s boyfriend’s bed, regardless of him being thousands of miles away. Well, at least nothisbed. Because the guest suite was still technically inhabited by Rhyett’s mattress and solid wood bed frame and matching dresser. But like, the one hedid things inwould be weird. Right?
My inapplicable panic spiral was interrupted by a beaming Rhyett returning beside a stunning black man with a warm umber complexion in a fitted onyx suit, his curls cropped tight. A thin, precise smattering of facial hair framed the kind of bright smile that would have made me go weak at the knees if only I could forget that men were pigs and I hated them. But Jesus, it was as blinding as Rhyett’s, if only a bit more reserved.
“Hey, uh—” Rhyett seemed to catch himself mid-introduction, evidently not having heard the name I’d given his brothers at the coffee shop, and opting instead for an affectionate, “Red, this is Broderick, one of our bonus brothers.”
Said bonus brother rolled his eyes as he supplied, “Because every freaking football team needs at least two subs.”
I tried to laugh, although Josie would have gotten the joke way better than I did. Broderick stepped forward, extending a hand embellished with a sophisticated brushed gold watch and ring. I accepted, returning his friendly smile, giving him a firm shake, and offering a quick, “I’m Elizabeth.”
Woah, that was weird and would take some getting used to. Evidently, Mr. Rhodes thought the same thing, as noticeable relief settled on his features. The energy shifted in the room, like the static before a storm, making it difficult to focus. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Welcome to Mistyvale, Elizabeth. Don’t let these two give you too much grief.” He hooked a thumb towards our still-grinning companion, and I slunk around the opposite side of the enormous island. Lest my lady parts forget we were on a boycott. Only to spot Jameson, where he was leaning in the doorframe, tugging his hand against the back of his neck. Broderick’s comment suddenly made much more sense, as Rhyett didn’t seem the kind of man to give anyone grief.
The walking storm cloud lifted his chin, gave me a subdued little wave and matching smile–andfuck me,he was cute. For the second time in as many minutes, I found myself filled with the butterfly wings of attraction.
Pigs, Noel. Men are pigs.
* * *
Gettingready for work when the girls were sending messages so incessantly my cell’s vibrations were tiptoeing the line of an erratic adult toy wasimpossible. It was a little surreal for them to be awake enough to chatter in rapid-fire when I was just now heading to open the coffee shop. If I was honest with myself, the four-hour time difference was not my favorite. I missed talking to them when we were all wide awake and not running between meetings. We’d all been friends for years, and the thing I would inevitably miss the most about Florida was our bi-monthly girl’s nights at our favorite pub. Vallie and Josie were popular brainiacs two years ahead of me and Brex when we got to college, and when we all collided at the third party in as many days, Val decided they were in need of two extra wing women. Naturally, they were demanding every single nitty-gritty detail of my new job, digs, and companions.
Noel
Okay, aside from Jameson, the siblings are all just as hot and sweet as Rhyett. Even the ‘adopted’ ones.
Brexley
She’s only saying that because he pissed her off. Jameson is hot too, but he’s kind of crusty.
Vallie
Picture?
Josie
Yes. Picture?
Brexley
Please hold.
I sworewhen the image came in; Jameson with his brothers, his flannel open and revealing the lick-able washboard of muscle beneath. Fair skin was sprinkled with dark curls, and the image gave us just a peek at the ink over his chest as the guys threw the ball around. The girls, unsurprisingly, lost their damn minds.
Vallie
I give it two weeks, max. You’ll jump that man’s bones.
