AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He doesn’t even look at me as he jogs up the steps and into the kitchen. His square jaw is set, and his shoulders are so broad. A whiff of sandalwood and cedar, soap and his scent drifts past, and it’s a flash of heat from my neck to my toes.
It’s over as fast as it happened, and I exhale a sigh, looking down at Edward, who’s frowning at Kimmie now rocking Smokey back and forth in her arms.
“She’s going to make him vomit.”
“Come inside with me and get some of Dylan’s salsa.”
Pushing off his knees, he rises, entering the kitchen at once.
That just leaves Kimmie.
“Don’t you want some salsa, KJ?” I call after her.
“Peppers burn my mouth.” She’s rocking the little gray cat in her arms, gazing at him rapturously. “I want to play with Smokey.”
My brow furrows, and I hear the stomp of boots on wood. “Oh! It’s ‘HOT TO GO!’ I love that song. Don’t you want to see the girls dance? We can dance, too.”
Her head tilts to the side, and she listens to the singing. “Okay!”
She puts Smokey on the grass, and he immediately dashes under the building.
I grab her hand, helping her up the steps. “Do you know the words?”
“It’s just spelling.”
“Do you know the dance?” Her eyes light, and she nods quickly.
“Let’s do it then!” We run into the restaurant, and when we get there, everybody’s on their feet waving their arms. Kimmie goes straight to Craig, and in a sweep, she’s on the bar.
5
Zane
My sister is behind a long table serving up chips and salsa as fast as she can with Allie right beside her. Craig is on top of the bar in a blond wig with a line of waitresses behind him, twisting their hips and curling their arms over their heads to spell out the letters to the loud blast of the music.
“It’s the perfect song for a hot pepper night.” I recognize that sassy voice strolling up behind me the minute I hear it.
“Sandra.” I turn around, reaching out to shake her and Gloria’s hands. “You made it. I’m glad—you’ll get to meet Eddie.”
The two ladies are dressed in their no-nonsense jorts as always. It’s exactly what I need to get the sight of Rachel’s perfect tits barely covered by a tiny bikini top out of my head.Christ.
I had to get away from her when I walked into the kitchen and saw her leaning forward on that table.
“This salsa is amazing!” Sandra crunches a chip and immediately shoves another one into her mouth. “Your sister made this?”
“Dylan loves hot peppers.”
“We should’ve made this trip sooner.” Gloria’s eyes are on the nubile waitresses in Daisy Dukes, dancing on the bar and waving their arms. “I had no idea all of this was going on.”
“It’s probably a health-code violation.” I exhale a low chuckle, thinking of my sister’s ongoing complaints about theCoyote Ugly-inspired dance party that breaks out every Thursday night along with the hot peppers.
“I’m not complaining if you’re not!” Sandra slaps my shoulder.
I shake my head, because it’s impossible to talk over the music. I’ve gotten to where I hardly notice until someone new arrives. Glancing to the front, I see Dylan has served up the last salsa basket. Now she’s sipping a beer as she leans back against Logan’s chest watching the party.
His arms are around her, and joy is all over her face. It makes me think of what Garrett said today about being alone and how long it’s been since I had my arms around someone. It makes me think of Rachel, and her bright green eyes and occasional smile.
I don’t give her much reason to smile at me. What would it be like if she did? My stomach burns, and I focus on my brothers meddling in my business.
