Page 27 of Denim & Diamonds

Trevor raised a brow. “You went to Rizullo’s?”

“Yeah.”

“They moved last year, didn’t they?”

“Yep.”

“They’re like forty miles down south now, in Noahsville. What were you doing down that way?”

I wasn’t about to tell my brother I’d driven there just to get the olives. I cleared my throat. “Gave an estimate.”

“To who?”

“A potential customer.”

“What was their name?”

“You writing a damn book orsomething?”

My brother tapped a finger to his lip and grinned.He knew.

I attempted to thwart whatever was about to come out of his mouth next. “Who’s dealing?”

“I am,” Elvin said. “You want in, February?”

“Umm… Like I said, I’m not very good.”

Maddox smiled. “Those are our favorite people to play with.”

From that point on, either February or I wonevery singlehand of cards. We cleaned out all of my brothers. I leaned back in my chair when we took a break. “I thought you didn’t know how to play?”

“I didn’t say that. I said I wasn’t very good. And I’m not, compared to my uncle who taught me. He’s a professional poker player in Vegas.”

I smiled. “So you suckered us.”

“Notus.Them. You I let win twice, but only because you got all the stuff to make those amazing martinis.”

Normally we took a stretch break and then played for another hour or two. But Elvin grabbed his jacket and crutches. “I have an early job tomorrow morning, so I’m going to call it a night.”

Maddox nodded. “Me too.”

Trevor sipped his beer. “I can stay.”

Elvin shook his head. “Let’s go, jackass.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s time for you to go find some other woman to prey on. Pretty sure this one’s taken.”

I rolled my eyes. But I couldn’t say I was upset my brothers were clearing out. The last thing I needed was alone time with February, yet that’s exactly what I wanted. The two of us walked the guys to the door. Of course, when Trevor took February’s hand to shake it,he lifted it to his mouth and kissed the top with a smirk. I’d make him pay for that.

“Walk me out, bro?” Trevor said.

My eyes narrowed, but I told February I’d be right back and followed the dumbass to his truck.

“What’s up?”

“February seems really great.”

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