Cage points toward me. “We will get even.”
Abbie tucks me into her embrace. “Dinner was lovely, hun. I really appreciated it. Maybe I can repay the favor and have you over for my famous pancakes?”
“Pancakes!” Cage gives a shout. “I should come home more often.”
“They’re not for you, silly boy.” Abbie shakes her head and makes a tutting sound.
“Maybe not, but I’ll still be there, chowing down. What time?”
“Grace needs to take a raincheck,” Brody speaks for me and takes my hand in his. The pad of his thumb rubs circles over the back of my hand. It’s a promise of sorts, although I’m not sure what kind.
“Why’s that?”
“We’re working tomorrow, going over Atwood Estates’ assets and operations. The pancakes are all yours, bro.”
“Yes!” Cage gives a pump of his arm and eats another cookie.
I estimate they won’t last another ten minutes.
“Abbie, I’d love to try out your pancakes, but maybe another time, and Cage?”
“Yeah?” He looks up.
“You’ve got icing on your face.” He rubs at his face and grins. “There’s also another dozen hidden in the pantry.” I felt bad ruining an entire batch of cookies for Evie’s little prank and baked extra.
“Ah, thanks. You’re off the hook.” Cage gets up and heads to the pantry. “I’m just going to take these to my room.” He gives a false yawn. “I’m going to leave you lovebirds to do your thing.”
“Well, yes.” Abbie nods. “It’s time for me to be heading home. Thanks again for a wonderful dinner. I hope this isn’t the last we see of you around here.” She reaches up to cup Brody’s cheek. “Don’t mess this up. I like Grace.”
Twenty-Eight
Brody
Don’t mess this up. I like Grace.
Mom certainly doesn’t mess around. At least, I agree. I like Grace too. I like her a lot. All I have to do now is figure out how to fix a decade’s old disaster of a mistake.
Actions, not words.
Asher’s words of wisdom sound in my head. Somehow, I have to show Grace I mean what I say. But how? And how do I not fuck things up when all I want is to slip inside of her hot body and drive her crazy with pleasure?
I could force the issue. If I push, she’ll cave, but Grace is leery of sex with me. Considering my reputation, never sleeping with the same girl twice, and after what I did to Grace, that would be epic mistake number two. I’m hard and aroused thinking back to my time with Grace. The way her body surrendered to my will isn’t something I’ll ever forget. I want more of that. I need to have that in my life.
Instead of giving in to my base desires, I take Grace home and leave her without a kiss goodnight. Kissing is too dangerous. She’s right. Kissing leads to the sliding in and out thing. I fantasize about that all night long while getting busy with the five-knuckle-hustle. Right now, my hand is the only relief my poor cock will see.
As agreed, Asher and I show up at her house just after nine the next morning. Grace begged off pancakes with Mom, and I understand why when I see the half-eaten plates in the sink.
I forget her mother battles a disease she’ll eventually lose. Too caught up in my own head, I forget about the struggles Grace faces. Which is the perfect lead-in as to how I can best show her I mean what I say. That starts by taking interest in her life rather than obsessing over her body.
Asher and I stand in her living room while she closes the door to what I assume is her mother’s sick room.
“Mark will be here soon.” Her warm smile tells me everything I need to know. Although a bit hesitant, she’s excited to see me. “Please make yourself comfortable while I clean up breakfast.”
I turn to Asher and we communicate without words. He pulls out his phone and gives it a little shake. While he settles on the couch, I join Grace in the kitchen. She hand washes the dishes. Before she can say anything, I grab a clean dishtowel and slide in beside her, pulling dishes off the drying rack.
“You don’t have to…”
“You’re right. I don’t have to. I want to.”
“Thanks.” Her gaze drops beneath the fluttering of her lashes. It’s cute seeing her like this, gracious and knocked a little off her feet. That’s okay, Grace; I intend on sweeping you off those feet. Better hold on tight.
We work