the flesh.
Adam smirks. “I see you've heard of me, darlin’.”
I narrow my eyes, shooting daggers at him. Clamping my lips together, I don’t utter a single syllable. And I probably couldn’t even if I wanted to. I’m too shocked and frazzled to think straight. This is the first time I’ve met someone that we’ve investigated, and to say it’s thrown me is an understatement. Or maybe seeing his gorgeous face in person is what has me so off balance. Regardless of the cause, I don’t like this feeling at all.
Danika, sensing my distress, hooks her arm through one of mine and then one of Vi’s, escorting us back to the foyer.
We grab our bags and she shows us around the house, ending the tour with the bedrooms we’ll be staying in.
“I’m so happy you guys are here. We’re going to have so much fun.”
“The ride wasn’t too bad either,” Violet states, falling backward on her bed. “I thought it would take more time.”
I laugh. “How would you know? You slept as soon as we hit the highway and didn’t wake up until we were here.”
“Exactly. It went by really quickly.” She smiles.
“So.” Danika rubs her hands together. “Are we going to address the elephant in the room?”
“If by elephant you mean Rex’s brother, Adam, then yes. I couldn’t help my reaction when Rex introduced us.” I hold up a hand to keep her from jumping in. “Let me explain why I was so surprised and then you guys will understand.” I glance between my two friends, making sure I have their attention. “In the past few months, I’ve had numerous Manfax requests for Adam.” My friends giggle.
“You’re kidding,” Danika says.
“Nope. It’s absolutely true. He has a very colorful dating history. If you can call what he does dating,” I scoff. “And he’s a complete commitment phobe. I’m sorry I never made the connection that he’s Rex’s brother. Am I a bad friend for not knowing your boyfriend’s last name?”
“Not at all. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it. At least not since our first date, so why would you make the connection? And I don’t doubt his commitment issues. I’ve heard his brothers give him shit about it, and Rex has told me a few stories. I’ve even witnessed Adam in action myself on more than one occasion. Women are drawn to him like ants to sugar, and he knows it.”
“He is adorable, though,” Violet states.
“Okay, enough about work. I’m here for a break.” I’m not about to admit I agree with Vi. “Where’s this pool you were telling us about?”
4
Adam
“What was that all about?” Rex questions.
I shrug. “Honestly, I have no idea. But she seems to hate me for some reason. I know I never banged her. I’d never forget that face or rack.”
“Jesus, dude. Don’t be so crass,” Rex scolds.
“Okay, Mr. Lover. Remember when you used to not have a girlfriend and you made the same bad jokes as us?”
“Vaguely.”
“Well, let me remind you how you absolutely did.”
“All I know is neither of them hated me, so my weekend is shaping up nicely,” Larsen states, a smug grin on his lips.
I scowl. “Fuck that. She hates me now, but that doesn’t mean anything. I can change her mind like this.” I snap my fingers. “I work fast.”
Larsen sniggers. “That’s what she said.”
“Why don’t you guys change into your suits and we’ll hang out by the pool,” Rex suggests, shaking his head.
“Good idea.” Larsen punches Rex’s arm. “Then we can see the girls in their bikinis.”
“Finally something we can agree on.” I bump fists with Larsen.
Rex clears his throat and aims a stern look between Larsen and me. “By girls, you better not be including Danika.”
My little brother spreads his hands, preparing to poke the bear. “Hey, we can look.”
I clap him on the shoulder. “Don’t fire him up, Lars. We don’t need him getting arrested and ruining our weekend.” I’m joking—sort of. I know Rex has turned over a new, much calmer leaf since he’s been with Danika, but that doesn’t mean we should provoke him. At least not about Danika. She’s a hot button for his temper.
Rex flips us off before he heads upstairs.
“Marco,” I call out.
“Polo,” a variety of voices reply. With my eyes closed, my hearing is working overtime, and I know for certain none of my opponents are behind me. Edging forward slowly, I listen for the sound of anyone moving or shifting in the water. I’ve always been good at this game, so