A smile appeared on his handsome features. "Well, I came here for a reading and I got a little more than I bargained for, so I guess I can tell you you don't charge nearly enough for your services."
"I normally don't pass out either," I said, though that wasn't a hundred percent true. I could control my power most of the time, but there was the occasion when sometimes the future wanted to get out and took me over to do it. I studied the tall man.
"You look just like Lucas Marsh," I finally said, putting two and two together.
He held his hands out like he was surrendering. "Guilty as charged," he admitted. "He's my younger brother. I’m Colin."
"Nice to meet you." Though I wasn't quite sure it was. "Did you really just come for a reading or are you here for something else?"
A sheepish look stole across his handsome face. "Guilty and not guilty," he declared. "I really did come here for a reading, but more importantly, I came to apologize in person for my brother."
I waved a hand at him and slowly sat up. "No apologies are necessary. If anyone should be apologizing, it should be him."
"I agree. But he's an idiot, so the likelihood of that happening is low."
I let out a surprised laugh and then a sigh because he was right. I wasn't getting an apology from him. Otherwise it would have happened when I sent him my text tirade.
"I hardly ever remember my predictions when I fall into a trance like that," I admitted. "Anything good happening to you?"
His brother smiled, a cute dimple appearing at the side of his mouth. "I'm going to fall into love kicking and screaming and darkness will fall at my door."
I winced. "Oh. Sorry."
He shrugged. "Maybe it means I fall in love with an evil queen or something. Darkness?" His laugh was self-deprecating. "No matter. Plus there's no one on the horizon right now so I'm assuming me being resistant to anything like that is in the distant future."
"Maybe," I murmured, not having the heart to tell him my predictions usually came true within a few months. He seemed like a smart guy. He'd figure it out. Or he wouldn't. Either way, my bank account would be padded.
"So how's Lucas?" I asked him.
"Same, I guess, although he got rid of that ridiculous beard."
"Thank goodness. He looked like a hipster Paul Bunyan."
"Among other things. He came home and told me all about all the names you called him."
I blushed. "He deserved it," I said in defense.
"You'll brook no argument from me. There are very few days that go by when I don't want to smack him myself."
"There was no need to come here," I told him. "Especially about Lucas. He and I were finished when he stuck me with the check." I frowned. "Tried to. Your other brother covered the dinner."
"About that, Ms. Banner, I'd like to convince you otherwise."
I let out a bark of laughter at his joke, but sobered a few seconds later when I realized he was serious. My hand fluttered up to my chest. "Excuse me?"
Colin dragged a hand up and tugged at his ear, possibly a nervous gesture. "Yes, well, I fully understand my brother is completely clueless when it comes to members of the opposite sex. Though he seems to think he oozes cool seduction, I believe he's just good at picking up floozies and doesn't realize the difference between someone with actual class or someone who possesses a vagina."
I choked.
"Of course, for science's sake, we have to agree there are a lot of humans with vaginas, but rather not a lot of people possessing both vaginas, a sharp intellect, and a certain amount of class who can recognize when it's time to bail. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Banner?"
"Ummm. About the vaginas?"
"About everything. You see, I'm not of the opinion that all women are good women. Nor am I of the opinion that all women should be viewed as objects. Lucas, I'm afraid, has never been trained in proper etiquette and frankly sees women as tools."
I blinked at him. "So...you appear to be very aware your brother is a total douche cannon and yet you still want me to give him another chance? Even though you basically just told me he will chase anything that has the proper anatomy?"
Colin's gaze narrowed and a small grin formed on his face. "See?! Bloody brilliant. Though I must confess I didn't quite mean for it to come out so bluntly, but yes, that is what I'm asking you."
