Page 27 of The Anaconda Downstairs

“Earth to Everett,” Penelope’s voice broke through my reverie. She was looking at me with a mixture of amusement and concern. “It’s your turn. Unless you’re planning to forfeit?”

I shook my head, both to clear my thoughts and in response to her question. “Not a chance,” I said, picking up the dice. “Kingmans play to win, remember?”

I rolled, but I wasn’t just talking about the game. I was playing for something far more valuable. And more dangerous, I realized as I caught my little sister, Jules’s, questioning glance from across the table.

I gave her an older brother stay out of my business glare. I’d have to be more careful. The stakes in this game were higher than I’d ever imagined.

The night wound down and the kittens started dozing off in various laps, and I saw my chance for the next part of tonight’s plan. I leaned in close to Pen, my lips barely brushing her ear. “What do you say we sneak out of here and move onto the next part of your lesson? I believe I promised you private tutoring on body language.”

Pen’s eyes widened for a moment before a mischievous grin spread across her face. “I knew this was a flirting lesson. How did I do?”

“You tell me.” Because if I told her she was doing such a bang up job that I was more than turned on, our little dating lesson arrangement would be over. I was not ready for that.

“Well,” she tapped her lips, and I wondered if she was doing that on purpose just to get me to look at her lush mouth. “I didn’t spill anything on you, or spout random facts about hot peppers or giraffes, so I’m gonna call that a win.”

I let out a surprised guffaw and caught Jules’s attention again. So I raised my voice for my next question to throw my little sister off the scent. “Giraffes?”

Jules rolled her eyes and shook her head at me but went back to her real focus of the night—Willa and Hayes. Thank goodness she was set on getting herself a sister-in-law there and hadn’t set her sights on me yet.

“Oh, no.” Pen put her hands over her face and peeked at me through her fingers. “I may have done some independent study with Javi and failed miserably.”

I suddenly didn’t like Javier very much right now. “I believe you need to be under supervision until you graduate from the Love Guru Academy, young lady.”

“You’re not wrong about that. Lead the way to our next class,” she whispered back.

I made an excuse about being worn out after the game, and while I held the attention, Pen said something to Kelsey and made her way out the door of Cool Beans. The cool night air hit me hard, reminding me how effing hot I’d felt all night. I’d just take a couple of aspirin or something and drink a gallon of water when I got home.

Pen was waiting by my car and rubbing her arms with a little shiver too. Perfect opportunity.

I quickly opened the car door for her. She slipped into my ‘67 Chevy Camaro and I popped round to the other side. I’d searched high and low for this car, specifically for this one particular feature. A bench seat in the front. A rare find, and perfect for exactly this scenario.

“Cold?” I asked, already pulling her snug against my side and draping my arm over her shoulders.

“Such a gentleman,” Pen teased and snuggled in closer. “Is this part of the lesson?”

I grinned, deciding to amp up my game. “Absolutely. Body language is best when it’s observed up close and personal.”

It was only a couple minute drive to my house, and I relished every second of it. Pen seemed content, and I patted myself on the back for making her feel comfortable enough around me to hold her like this and her not be nervous at all. Her nerves were replaced with charged silence and stolen glances.

I kept reminding myself this was just a lesson, but damn if it didn’t feel like something more.

When I pulled into the driveway, I jumped out, slid across the hood of the car, and opened her door for her. She took myoffered hand to get out of the car and static electricity zapped us both.

“Oh. That’s the second time you’ve shocked me tonight.”

Hmm. Perhaps third time would be the charm. “A great way to use our body language lesson is to see what kind of guy you’re hanging out with.”

“I think that might be an advanced lesson. I thought we’d be doing eyelash batting and coy smiles or something.”

“You don’t need that, Pen. It’s all about the art of subtle touching.” To demonstrate, I placed my hand on the small of her back as we walked to my front porch.

Pen didn’t miss a beat. She leaned into my touch so that every step, my fingers grazed the top of her rounded ass. She glanced up at me through her lashes. “Like this?”

Fuck me. Exactly like that. “Yeah. Good job.”

When we reached my front porch, I decided to let her guide what happened next. “You’re better at this than you think. Show me what else you know about body language.”

Pen raised an eyebrow, a challenge in her eyes. She leaned against my door, one heel up against the frame, and tilted her head up to look at me like she was just waiting for me to make a move.

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