Page 15 of Deal Takers

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“No, Rainey. I’m not kidding. C’mon, it’ll be fun. You already requested the time off, so you have no excuse. You can’t say you wouldn’t love a weekend at the beach.”

My parents live in Ocean Shores, Washington—in the same house I grew up in. Being the stereotypical Catholic family that we are with six kids, they needed something with lots of bedrooms and ample space. Since my dad is in construction, that’s exactly what they got because he built it. I love that house, and Devyn knows it. It’s designed for entertainment—private beach access, a huge deck with tons of seating, and a beautiful outdoor kitchen. As kids, my brothers and I couldn’t wait to get out of the sleepy town, but as adults, we’ve learned to appreciate the tranquility it offers.

“Devyn…I don’t know. It seems like too much trouble.”

“It’s really not, Rainey. I promise.”

I sigh, knowing she’s not going to relent. “How many people are we talking?”

“Your parents will still be in Maui for their anniversary trip so that leaves your brothers, whomever they bring with them, you, me, Nate, Drew, and…um, Brody.”

“I’m sorry…what? Why is Brody coming?”

Yep, that’s right. Brody Harris, a.k.a. the gigantic thorn in my side, moved back to Seattle. I swear every time I turn around, he’s there. You’d think that would’ve been difficult when he was on the other end of the country but somehow,he managed. He came home from grad school during every break over the past year, and when he wasn’t physically here, it seemed like he and Drew were always FaceTiming. He’d be easier to avoid if Devyn wasn’t so tight with her brother, but half the time when we go out, Drew is there. And where Drew goes, Brody goes. That damn man even tagged along when we took little Nathan to the zoo.

Now it’s her turn to sigh. “Rainey, I know he pushes your buttons, but he’s a good guy. He doesn’t mean any harm, and you know it. He overheard Drew and me talking about it, and I couldn’tnotinvite him. If you really don’t want him there, I’ll figure out how to let him down gently.”

“No, it’s fine,” I grumble. “But you’re responsible for him.”

“Done.”

“I guess I only have one more question.”

“What’s that?” she asks.

“When do we leave?”

CHAPTER 11

Brody

If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d be driving to the beach with my Suburban loaded with baby gear, I would’ve said you were certified batshit. The kid’s not mine, but his stuff is taking up half the cargo area, nonetheless. Drew appointed me chauffeur this weekend because I was the only one with a vehicle that could accommodate everything. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I’d pretty much give my left nut to spend more time with my favorite ginger, even if it’s just driving in the same car. Speaking of the birthday girl, I glance in the rearview and catch her staring at me.Again. She averts her eyes immediately and starts fussing over Drew’s nephew. We’ve been on the road for almost two hours, and we’ve done this dance at least a dozen times. I smirk as my eyes roam down to her bouncing tits, discreetly adjusting the semi they’re causing.

“Damn it, Brody!” Rainey shouts as wehit a pothole. “I swear to God you’re doing that on purpose! How many friggin’ potholes can you hit today?”

Okay, Imaybe aiming for every rut I can find. Lucky for me, the highway to the beach isn’t maintained very well. Also lucky for me? Rainey’s bra is not all that supportive.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because you exist to drive me crazy?” she suggests.

I laugh as I see her glaring at me in the mirror. “Aw, sweetheart, if you’d stop denying how much you want me, I wouldn’t have to resort to playground behavior.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re an ass.”

“What’s that? You like ass play? I’m game if you are, baby.”

Her cheeks redden. “That’s not what I said, you dick! Why are you such?—”

“Okay, you two,” Devyn interrupts. “Save the bickering for when there isn’t a child in the vicinity.”

Drew laughs. “He’s one-and-a-half. It’s not like he knows what anal is.”

“ANAL IS!” Nathan repeats excitedly.

“DREW!” Devyn yells.

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