I throw my head back with a laugh and text him back.
Grant: Maybe if you spent as much time working out as you do making out with your fiancé, you wouldn’t have to try so hard.
Michael: I take it all back. Stay away from my sister forever.
Grant: Are you using reverse psychology on me?
Michael: Is it working?
Yes.
I smile and put my phone back into my pocket. I’m not ready to admit to anyone besides Lennox my feelings for her. But for the first time, it’s not Lennox’s family’s approval I’m worried about. I’m worried about hers.
I turn off the light and head back down the hall to my room. I know this house like it’s my own. Which is the only reason I scream when I turn the corner, only to hit something that’s not supposed to be there.
“Ahhh!”
I jump back and flip on the light. “Gosh, Lennox you scared me.”
She looks at me in disbelief. “I scared you? What are you doing in my house in the middle of the night? And why do you have such a girly scream?”
I ignore her last question. “Middle of the night? It’s only ten. How old are you?”
She lets out a sigh. “Not old enough for high school reunions.”
I quirk an eyebrow, but she doesn’t elaborate.
“Wait.” She looks up at me, and I fall captive into those big amber eyes. “Are you staying here? Did the great Grant finally accept someone’s help?” She asks in disbelief.
I scratch the back of my neck. “I’m sorry I turned you down at first. I just…didn’t want to be anyone’s pity project.”
She pulls a bobby pin out of her hair and a long blonde curl falls in front of her face. “Accepting help is different from being pitied.”
I know this. I do. But I’m still working on accepting it.
“Well, I’m here now, your wish came true.” I smile when her cheeks turn pink. “Do we start with a movie night? Or a manicure?”
She smiles, then yawns. One yawn turns into two, then three, and I’m afraid she’s going to fall right over in the hall. “I’m too tired. How about a slumber party?”
My heart ramps up and I can’t help the smirk from overtaking my lips.
“Oh, my gosh. I did not just say that.” Her face goes as red as her dress and she turns her back to me.
I could tease her endlessly for her slip, but her brothers do that already. And I don’t want to be like her brothers anymore.
“Let’s save the manicure for tomorrow,” I say, then change the subject. “How was your… date?” Ugh. That’s such an awful word.
She looks at me and lifts an eyebrow. “It was fine. Wait, how did you know I was on a date?”
I turn and walk back to the kitchen, my throat suddenly dry. “Your mom mentioned it.”
“Ah,” she says from behind me.
I take a sip of water then turn around just as she shrugs out of her jacket.
My mouth runs dry when I see what she’s wearing. It’s too red and too gorgeous and much too tempting.
I down the whole glass.
