“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Oh nothing. I’m sure Mom will love the sweatpants.
Our mother might just have a heart attack if she sees me looking like this. But I kind of want to test it out. But that’s not part of the plan. It’s better to concede the little things and then defend yourself on the big points. I brought one conservative mother approved outfit in my suitcase, and I’ll snag some more items from the overstuffed closet in my former bedroom. I’m sure I’ve got something else in there she’ll deem appropriate for dinner tonight.
“Fine. I’ll change. See you in a bit.”
I’m still stalling, scrolling videos when I get another text from my brother.
Help me.
Be there in a few
Fine. I drag myself off the bed, slipping into some slate grey dress pants and a coral blouse. I throw on some basic neutral eye shadow and lipstick before heading for the house.
I’m surprised to see my brother behind the big door as it swings open rather than Eddings. He’s probably got a lot going on to get ready for the party tomorrow. No casual, cozy turkey dinner for the family. It’s the club tonight and then a fancy cocktail party full of people trying to kiss my father’s ass or gossiping with my mother.
The planning for the event is already well under way, with a couple of white vans parked to the side of the house unloading decorations and glassware.
“Hey, Sissy.” He pulls me in for a quick hug as if he needs the reassurance. Very unusual for Beau. Time with Dad must already be taking its toll on him.
He swipes at his hair, smooths his collar and cranes his neck behind him.
“Where’s Dev? He get scared off already?” I wouldn’t blame him if he did.
“I told him he could stay up in his assigned room for now. Catch a shower. Prepare himself. I knew Dad wanted to talk to me about some business deal, and he wanted to brief me on a couple major players that will be at the club tonight. It looks like my time is spoken for. You’ll have to keep Dev entertained so he doesn’t get accosted by scary debutantes or Dad’s cronies.”
Oh, I can think of many ways to keep him entertained in the club. Years of suffering through stuffy events have taught me all the secret places you can hide out in. Heat rises up the back of my neck.
“That okay?” I must have paused for too long.
“Yeah, totally. No problem. It will be nice to have someone normal to talk to.”
“Cool.”
“I’m going to grab some suitable clothes from my closet to drop back at the guest house. Which room is Dev in? I can check on him. See if he needs anything.”
“He’s in the cherry room. That would be great. Thanks. He should probably come down soon, anyway. His presence will be expected at lunch.”
“No problem.” He looks so grateful. I’m trying not to feel guilty about all the impure thoughts.
I take the back stairwell to avoid all the extra people buzzing around the main floor, setting up tasteful fall themed decor, and standing tables.
The cherry room is to the left, so I head that way first. I don’t want to show up with an armload of clothes. My knock is tentative and there’s no answer at first.
“It’s Cece. Can I come in?” My eyes are flicking up and down the empty hall. Paranoid that someone will see me. Which is ridiculous. I’m just stopping by for a friendly visit.
“Yeah, give me a sec.” His voice rumbles through me, and a moment later, the door swings open.
Lust punches through me, my insides liquefying. A white towel rides low on his lean hips, leaving an obscene amount of abs on display. His biceps flex when he swipes away the droplets clinging to his dark beard.
“You look nice.” I follow the trail of his eyes as they slide down my body.
I laugh. “Um no. I look like I’m on my way to drop the kids off at private school. You look nice.”
It’s way too tempting. I check my peripherals again. The way seems clear, so I give myself permission, reaching out to run my palm down his gloriously bare chest.
His eyelids drop to half mast, while another part of him twitches to life under the towel.
