Not Just Friends (Hot in the City #3) - T. Gephart Page 0,17
there.”
Meant every single word of that too. Tibbs was the brother I never had—my two older sisters not really the same—and all he ever had to do was ask. Even if it hadn’t been for Presley, but knowing it was for her sure as hell upped the ante.
A look floated between us with the unspoken gratitude on his face. “Well, actually, there is something you can do.”
“Name it.” I didn’t hesitate, knowing whatever it was, was a done deal.
“I need you to talk to Presley.”
Ah.
Fuck.
He took a breath, deciding to continue. “Look, I know she can be a ball buster and the last thing you want to do on your time off is chase after my sister.” Really? I was positive somewhere up in heaven those guardian angels my mother always raved about were laughing their asses off. “But dude, she trusts you. And she’s about a minute away from filing a restraining order on me. You can get closer to her. Make sure she’s not taking any chances, and keep an eye on her. Meanwhile, I’ll work the backend and make sure we nail this cocksucker.”
My mouth opened but words failed to fall out. Because really, what could I fucking say? Sure, Tibbs, as much as I’d love to follow your sister around and keep her safe, I’m worried I might sleep with her again? Like that was even a possibility. And hell, even if she did press every button I had, stripped naked and begged, I could still say no. Not that it would be easy—or enjoyable—but I’m positive I could. But je-sus, if his favor didn’t come with a buttload of complications.
“Man, you know I would do anything for Presley. And keeping an eye on her is the absolute least I can do.” Ain’t that the truth. “But you think she is going to be down with a babysitter?”
That the babysitter was me, well, that was going to be another bone of contention.
Tibbs laughed, punching me in the arm like he couldn’t see the problem. “Use that charm of yours, brother. Hell, you talked Quinn into taking those photos for your mom when her and North were broken up. Seen you sweet-talk the chief when he was about to blow a fuse. And it was you who managed to convince Presley to let you drive her home the other night when she told me to fuck off. Flash those baby-blues, give her that charismatic grin, and say whatever you need to say. We’ve got to do what we have to do. I take full responsibility, and if she gets mad, I’ll take the heat. Only fair since it was my idea.”
There was so much in there, I didn’t even know where to start. And if Tibbs only knew the half of what we’d done, he wouldn’t be volunteering to take the heat.
The way I saw it, I had two choices. Sack up, tell him his sister and I had crossed a line and give him the option to change his assessment. Or shut my fucking mouth, be a man and do what I needed to do so she was safe, and her brother didn’t blow a gasket.
“I’ll talk to her later today. But Tibbs, if I’m going to be busy with Presley.” Such a baaaaaad choice of words. I swallowed, trying to recover. “I mean, keeping an eye on her, then you need to clue me in on the shithead. I want to be there when it goes down.”
Tibbs held out his hand, giving me a grunt of approval. “Easy. Done. Couldn’t think of anyone else I’d want there more. Besides, I’m going to need someone to run interference with the chief. Mack will be so far up my ass, I’m going to need some Preparation H.”
“You should thank your lucky stars he’s got Hayden to distract him.” The chief’s new woman not only gave the man something to smile about, but would take most of his attention.
“Right?” Tibbs laughed. “Quinn getting him that dating profile for his birthday was a strike of pure genius. If North hadn’t already married and knocked her up, I’d totally have made a play.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing he wouldn’t have gotten very far. “Sure you would’ve. And I’d be visiting you at Mount Sinai where you sucked your dinner through a straw.”
“I can take North. He’s a big bastard, but I’m quick.” He nodded, convincing himself—because he didn’t have a hope in swaying me—that he’d have won that fight.