Page 6 of One Spicy Summer

“What happened this time?” I yawn, pretending not to care while my chest tightens. She’s out on another date, with some douche from school.

I know I shouldn’t care. But I do. Every single time.

Rafe paces, hands clenching and unclenching. “She does this on purpose. I swear, Ry. Just to get a rise out of me. Mom and Dad are too busy to notice she’s acting out. She wears these tiny outfits,” he adds, scowling. “Has this mouth on her, too. I swear she wants me to lose it.”

“She doesn’t dress that bad,” I mutter, already picturing the way her skirt hugs her hips. It’s not helping.

Rafe glares. “Today? White crop top. Pink shorts that say 'Juicy' on the back. Fucking pink heels, man. Makeup done to the nines. Telling everyone she’s got a 'hot date.’”

Yeah, he lost me after the word 'Juicy.'

I’ve seen her in jeans. Shorts? I don’t need the visual. But I get it. I really do.

“She thinks she’s grown,” Rafe growls. “But she’s still a kid.”

No, she’s not. Not anymore.

“Say less,” I say, grabbing my keys and heading for the door.

“Where are you going?”

“To ruin her date, of course.”

His hand grips my arm. “You think I’m wrong?”

“Absolutely,” I smirk. “But you’re her brother. It’s what we do.”

Rafe opens his mouth to argue, then shuts it again. “Good thinking. She won’t suspect anything if I stay.”

He follows me out the door anyway, concern painted across his face. “Go easy on her?”

Oh, if only he knew.

“Sure,” I lie, sliding into the driver’s seat.

I pull up Life360 and track her location. The Multiplex downtown. Of course. Movie date.

I grip the wheel tighter.

“She’s just watching a movie,” I mutter, trying to reason with myself. “You’re not going in there to cause a scene. Just... observe.”

The theater looms ahead as I park. I slide my phone into my pocket, square my shoulders, and walk in.

I approach the box office. “What’s playing in Theater Seven?”

The clerk blinks at me, then checks. “Cheesy rom-com. It’s almost over.”

Figures.

“Nah, I’m good,” I say, already heading inside.

I wait across from Theater Seven, arms folded, leaning against the wall. Minutes crawl by.

Then, giggling.

My head snaps up. She steps out, glowing. Laughing. Leaning into him.

His hand is on her waist.

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