Of course, Nate’s not even there when I get out of the bathroom. Only Parker and Boo, who watch me from the couch as I wander into the kitchen and fix myself a cup of coffee. When I settle in on the chair across from them, two sets of eyes follow my every move.
“What?” I ask, taking a sip.
“How long have you and Nate been screwing?”
I splutter, sending coffee shooting up my nose. “What?”
He looks at me. “You really want me to ask again?”
“No.” I shake my head swiftly. “Definitely not.”
“So?”
“We aren’t… it’s not…” I take a deep breath. “You’re way off, Parker.”
“Really?” His eyes narrow. “That’s not what he told me.”
“Nate told you we werescrewing?” I wince at the sound of my own voice — I’m yelling so loud, I bet they can hear me in the control room.
“No. He didn’t say screwing. He just didn’t deny it when I asked if he was crossing a line with you.”
“He’s not,” I deny immediately. “We’renot.”
“Uh huh.”
“Where is he?” I ask.
“Downstairs grabbing a shower and checking in on things in the control room.” He grins. “Why? You missing him already?”
“No. I’m going to kill him.”
Parker laughs. “Don’t do that. Then I can’t punch him in the face.”
“Why would you punch him in the face?”
“For screwing my little sister.”
“Ugh!” I scream. “For the last time —I AM NOT SCREWING NATHANIEL KNOX!”
“Good to know,” a dry voice says from the doorway.
Crap on wonder bread.
I turn slowly from Parker, who’s grinning like an idiot, to Nate, who’s leaning casually in the door frame, looking serious and badass with still-damp hair and that wicked looking leather jacket I’ve been plotting to steal for years. I’d think he was pissed, if not for the way his eyes are crinkled up at the corners.
He’s so gorgeous it takes my breath away.
Dammit.
“You’re annoying,” I tell him, then turn to my brother. “And so are you.”
Parker’s grin widens. “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.”
“Doubtful,” I lie. My eyes drop to my dog, who’s perched on Parker’s lap. He’s licking my brother’s hand with such reverence, you’d think it’s made of rawhide. “Come on, Boo. Come see me.” I pat the cushion next to me. “Come on.”
His tiny head cocks to one side, considering my words, before he yawns, closes his eyes, and snuggles closer to my brother.
“Traitor,” I hiss, rising to my feet and stalking toward the kitchen. I need more coffee.