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I shove my hands deep into my pockets so I don’t put my arm around her. It sucks having to keep myself in check, but I know that’s what she wants, especially with Van standing near the punch fountain glaring at anyone that comes near, and the parental units standing in the sunroom overlooking the patio.
“Why’s your brother looking like he has a rod up his ass?”
“He’s your family, too, and he’s afraid someone is going to spike the drink. I guess he heard something earlier.”
“Probably the football players.”
We both turn toward the grassy area just beyond the pool deck where the quarterback and the running back are engaged in a mock bull fight wearing blow-up horns. Sadie giggles a little. “At least they’re harmless.”
“True.” I do another scan and frown when my eyes fall on Rose. “What’s she doing here?” You’d think after the week we had where I broke her phone and then we all ignored her, she would have had the good sense to stay away. I decide to go tell her that when Sadie stops me.
“Let her stay. It’ll be ten times worse if you drive her away. She’ll be like the thirteenth fairy godmother that didn’t get invited and then curses me to sleep forever.”
I grimace. “I don’t want to, but I will because I don’t know how to ride a horse, and Prince Charmings all ride horses.”
“I’m sure you’d learn,” Sadie reassures me.
I flash her a big grin. “I sure as hell would.” For a moment, I forget where we are and bend down to kiss her. At the last minute, we both remember where we are. She ducks out from under me, and I bring my fist to my mouth and pretend to cough.
When I gather myself, I see Van watching us with narrowed eyes. I flip him off.
Sadie sighs. “Why can’t you two get along? You’re more alike than you know. You could be friends.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Friends have mutual interests. Van likes books and sports. I like working with my hands without someone blowing a whistle in my ear.”
“I bet you have more in common than you think. You should spend some time together.” Her face wears that sweet, pleading look that makes my knees—and resolve—watery.
“Fine,” I mutter.
She smiles brilliantly. “Thank you.”
“I know Van doesn’t fall for that look.”
“Because he’s my brother,” she replies drolly. “Or did you want me to treat you the same?”
“No, no.” I wave my hands. “I’m good.”
She snickers and then swishes her near empty glass. I pluck it from her hand. “Anything else you want from the grub table?”
“Maybe a mini cupcake or two?”
“On it.” As I approach the food table, I spy Rose near the punch fountain. Her hand dips inside her bag, but I don’t see what she pulls out because her body blocks me. A high-pitched yelp fills the air.
“Take your hands off me, asshole,” she screeches at Van, who has her wrist in a death grip. A large number of heads swivel in their direction. Great, just what Sadie does not want. I hurry over and get in between the two of them.
“Let go, Van.”
“She’s trying to spike the punch bowl,” he growls.
“This party is lame as hell. I was trying to give it some sparkle,” Rose says, trying to tug away.
“Let her go, Van. It’s no big deal. Sadie doesn’t want us making a scene.”
“Did Sadie say that or are you assuming?”
