Page 68 of Teach Me How

He shakes his head, grinning. “I never thought I’d see the day when Skyler the Conqueror finally found a woman he wanted to settle down with.”

“I’d just like to remind you that I am older and bigger and more skilled in the art of war.”

Mitch holds up his hands. “Okay. Don’t hurt me.”

“Even if, and that’s a bigif, I was interested in settling down with her, Reese isn’t interested in settling down withme. That’s sort of the whole point.”

He crows, laughing. “So, that sweet little thing is using you for your body?”

“More or less.”

He laughs, falling helplessly to the side. “And they say there’s no justice in this world.”

The door swings open, and Reese appears in the doorway. I already know how she dressed for her interview at city hall, but I’m struck speechless yet again. Because there’s a difference between seeing straighten her blouse in a hotel mirror and seeing her out in the wild. She fits in out here. Cosmopolitan, easy-going. She’s got on a flowy, black button up and black slacks that show off the curve of her sexy legs. She’s wearing peep-toe heels and has her hair in loose curls around her shoulders.

Mitch notices my shift in demeanor and follows my gaze. He waves casually at Reese, and she catches sight of us with a bright smile.

And, because there’s got to be at least one benefit to Cody having a big, fucking mouth; I stand as she approaches. Sliding my hand around her hip, I press a kiss just below her ear and pull her down onto the settee next to me.

45.

Reese

Mitch picked the bar. My first thought when I walk in is that the owner of this bar must have direct access to my pin board. It reminds me of the tiki bars we go to when we stay at my parent’s condo in Florida. I find myself craving the taste of pineapple and the sound of waves crashing against the beach. Then I spot the Thomas brothers and my second thought is that Mitch is like a slicker, mini version of Skyler. I vastly prefer the rugged super-sized version, but damn, they look a lot alike.

Except Mitch is smiling with a twinkle in his eye and Skyler is looking pissed. A sure sign Mitch has been fucking with his big brother again.

I cross the floor and Skyler surprises me by pulling me into his arms and pressing his lips against my jaw. I freeze up in his arms, wondering what he’s thinking, but by the time he pulls me down next to him, I’ve figured it out. Turning to Mitch, I study his expression. “Cody told you.”

Mitch gives me a sheepish look. “Yes.”

“How much did he say?” I hold up my hand. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.”

Skyler winds his arm behind my lower back, hooking his fingers around my hips. “What’d I say?”

I glance up at him. “You said Cody was a blabbermouth.”

Mitch’s shoulders are up by his ears. It’s obvious he wasn’t fully prepared to see us together. His gaze flicks from Skyler’s hand on my hip, to the way I fit into his side. He clears his throat. “He told me, but we’re not going to tell Josh or anything.”

I pretend to glare at him. “You better not, because I have enough dirt on you both to put you away until you're old and gray.”

Mitch grins at that. “He told me about that threat, too.” He hands me the menu. “Anything catch your eye?”

“A mai tai?”

He nods, climbing to his feet. “I’ll grab it.”

While Mitch has his back to us, Skyler tilts his head to kiss my neck.

I shiver against his warm touch. “How freaked out was he?”

Skyler shrugs. “He took it better than Cody.”

“Celebrate the small wins, I guess.”

“Did I mention I like this shirt?” His fingers breeze up the line of buttons. With a flick of the wrist, he loosens the top button. “That’s better.”

“Guys, I’m trying to be cool about this.” Mitch sets my drink in front of me. “But if you start getting freaky in the middle of this bar, I’m going to have to put my foot down.”