Page 14 of Honoring Freedom
“Of course.” She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. “I love working with Requiem and Midnight.”
“They’re great sires. Both have superb pedigrees that make them worth more money. Question, are we still keeping the lines drawn between business and pleasure?”
“Can’t business associates share expensive whiskey and killer brownies?” She gave a little laugh.
“We can do anything we want. I suppose.” He raised his glass to her and took a big gulp, watching her over the edge. “We can discuss more of your prized achievements.”
“You mean my ability to be a zirconium among diamonds?”
“Are you referring to your sisters?”
“Of course.” She took a drink and licked a drop of whiskey off her lip.
“Come on, you don’t really believe that do you?”
“Let’s see, Liberty and Honor have always been in the spotlight. They’re so busy outdoing each other that no one can keep up, not even Daddy. Justice, Hope and I never could seem to stack up against the twins’ accolades.” She reached for the bottle and poured herself a bit more. “I know that must sound chock-full of jealousy and envy. I love my sisters dearly, but it’s been a bit of an uphill battle all my life. Anyway, I don’t want to come across as the poor, sad sister who gets no attention. I like being on the outside looking in.”
“I never saw it that way.”
“If I remember correctly, you had a crush on…was it Honor? Was I second choice?” She lifted the bottle in a quiet query.
He held out his glass for more then he leaned against the counter near her. “I didn’t have a crush on her.”
Her laugh was more of a squeal. “Bullshit.”
Lifting his chin, he looked at her, locking her gaze with hers. “Ididn’thave a crush on her. I was hellbent cockeyed by this quietly determined girl who had the best set of—”
“Keller!!!”
“Get your head out of the gutter. You had the best set of books.” The whiskey warmed his body and the tension dissipated. “I get the whole sibling rivalry thing. I can’t count the number of times my brothers and I competed against each other just because we could. I guess it’s like that for all families with a lot of family members.”
“Says the golden boy.” She wagged her brows.
“What did you say? This is my bad ear?” He cupped his ear.
“Your hearing is fine but nice try.” She hopped off the counter. “Anyway, I’m not impressed by a golden boy.”
Although he had to stop himself quite often from turning her over his knee, he couldn’t help but think she looked adorable when she tilted her head and her mouth twisted in a very kissable way. “Well, I’m not impressed by high maintenance women.”
She looked up at him through the veil of her lashes. “Once upon a time you didn’t mind.”
He stepped toward her and she backed up until she pressed into the counter. He imprisoned her with hands on each side of her hips. The only proof that she was caught off guard was the slight widening of her eyes. “I was barely a man caught in the snares of a beautiful girl who loved to drive me crazy.”
“How did she do that?” Her voice was so soft, he could barely hear it.
“She would look at me much the same way as she’s looking at me right now.” He picked up one of her curls and played with the strand.
“You’re delusional.”
He caught the hitch in her voice and the flushing of her cheeks.
“I’ll agree because I should be immune to all your tactics at this point.” He dropped the strand and it bounced against her cheek. “I’m starving.”
She blinked. “Keller…we can’t do this. It could turn ugly.”
He chuckled. “Good to know for future reference but starving as in I want food. I’m sure there’s something around here that we can eat.” He took a step back, giving her space.
“The pantry and refrigerator are always stocked. Daddy and Trinity come here often.”