"For you, or for Thomas?" I cupped my hand on top of hers. She knew I wouldn't deny her anything ever.
"Both of us?" She stood up. "I can't help that my brother is in love with you."
"Yes, you can. He needs to stop trying and focus on someone that's going to be right for him, Grace. I'm not that girl."
"I'd love for you to change your mind." She pulled her hand from mine and stepped back, clearing her throat. "We could be sisters."
"We're best friends." I stood up as my phone buzzed again. "Ugh. Fucking Darek." I pulled my phone back out and checked to make sure it was him. "I've gotta get this."
"Tell me that you'll go with me this weekend. Don't make me go by myself."
I sighed. "All right, but we're getting you a new outfit, and I get to choose it."
"What's wrong with this one?" She brushed her hand down the cream-colored button down that rested at the base of her throat.
"You look like you're trying to hide something in all those clothes." I tugged at the front of her shirt, knowing good and damn well that she had on a G-string and lace bra that showed most of her perfect breasts through the translucent fabric. She was built to bring men to their knees, and yet her conservativeness would never let that shine through.
"The right guy will get a chance to see everything when I find him."
"Let's hope you're still young and perky when that happens."
"He won't care about things like that." She shrugged. The smug look on her face was too cute.
"When you find prince charming, do me a favor." I picked up my bag and pulled the strap over my shoulder.
"Anything for you."
"Ask if he has a brother?" I snorted and walked toward the door. I'd gotten in a couple of hours of bliss without someone ruining it. It was almost a record. Unfortunately, having to call Darek back meant it was over.
"So you're coming with me this weekend?" She whispered loudly and got requests to hush.
"If you let me dress you." I turned and walked backward, smiling like the bad girl I wasn't.
"Jenna. Jeez." Grace's cheeks colored pink, and I couldn't help but enjoy myself as I turned and walked out of the library. She would find the right guy eventually, but I was going to have to play a part in the hunt. It's not like anyone in their right mind would be after her, no matter how pretty her face was. She resembled George Washington's wife with her clothing choices. That had to change.
I dialed my brother's number and found a stone bench to drop down onto. He picked up on the second ring, sounding particularly pissy.
"Jenna?"
"Nope. It's Mother Nature. When is the last time you watered your grass, asshat?" I squinted as the noonday sun sat high in the sky. It was beautiful that time of year in New York and yet it was hard to enjoy with my brother's voice in my ear. I couldn't remember a time from my childhood where we actually got along, where we liked each other.
"Why do I have to call you ten times to get you to pick up the damn phone? Are you so busy that-"
"Did you need something, Darek? I'm about to walk into work, so if you could make this quick, that would be awesome." I pressed my hand to my forehead and tried to breathe through my nose in long, deep breaths.
Silence. He was pissed. Nothing new.
"We're having dinner at Mom’s tonight to celebrate Denise's birthday. I expect you to be there. With a gift."
I shouldn't have chuckled, but I did. "You expect me to be there? With a bag of gifts? Who died and made you king?"
"Non-negotiable."
"I don't like your newest toy, Darek. Have Kayla dress up as me and play the part." I ran my fingers down my face as my mood sunk further down. My twin sister, Kayla, was lost to the desire for wealth, much like my brother. I was the only one with a head on my shoulders and any amount of class.
"I really don't care what you like or don't like, and this woman has been my wife for over a year, Jenna. She's not a toy. I'd rather you keep your vulgarities to yourself and have some respect."
"Nope. No can do, sir." I stood up and stretched my free hand toward the sky. "Anything else?"
