Page 64 of Moonshine and Magnolias
“Hey.” Brandi pointed a finger. “If I can learn to maybe possibly be on time and show up for my shifts, maybe you can learn to share what you’re thinking. If not with me, then with him.”
“How do you do it?”
“Please tell me you’re not asking me what I think you’re asking me. And if so, what the hell have you been doing between the sheets all this time?”
Wendy let out a short laugh. “No, not that. How do you…” Fiddlesticks. She smoothed her hands down her skirt to buy some time. Brandi might think Wendy asking about her cavalier attitude toward sex was a judgement issue. “You always seem comfortable with men.”
“You know what the secret is?”
“Enlighten me, oh wise one.”
“Stop analyzing.” Brandi waved her hand. “I mean, think about the who and why and if your condom supply is fully stocked beforehand. But once that’s all been figured out? Do what feels good.”
“It felt good last night. And still.” She let herself be led by thinking. “You’re right. I was analyzing.”
“And you know this works for more than just sex.” Brandi grinned. “Say, for example, when your cousin is late for her shift.”
“Or leaves halfway through.” Wendy held up her hand. “One thing at a time.”
“Rob’s not your usual style. He’s…” Brandi trailed off.
“Not uptight?” Wendy raised her eyebrows.
“Here,” Brandi said, nudging her chin toward the house. “He’s here.”
Wendy fought the urge to turn around, even as her skin prickled and her breath stuck in the back of her throat. It was too soon. She wasn’t ready. Maybe she could slink through the orchard and back-track it to the house. “Is he looking for me?”
“That’s my guess. Do you want me to pass him a note in fourth period asking if he likes you?”
She shifted to see the shadowed figure walking through the setting sun while her chest tightened. “I can’t stay.”
“Hey. You’re doing it again.” Brandi put her hands on Wendy’s shoulders. “Don’t let this go. Besides, who’ll mind if the dishes get done now or in an hour?”
“The health department.”
“Fine. I’ll take care of the kitchen.” Brandi pushed her toward Rob. “You take care of you.”
***
Rob’s gut socked him with unexpected pleasure when Wendy turned and smiled at him. There was just enough daylight peeking through the trees for him to see it was more than her bland customer service face. A determined gleam that turned to hunger lit her green eyes. For a second, she lowered her gaze, hiding her desire, and bit at her lip.
Don’t quit, he silently urged her. Look up.
When she brought her eyes up to his again, he had to fight the primitive forcethat demanded he claim her as his own.
“I’m out.” Brandi sidled past him. “See you all in the morning.”
He might have said something or grunted. He wasn’t sure. His attention was on the brunette in front of him. The eye contact was good. The smile was good. Even the nervousness that radiated from her was good.
“Hi,” she said.
His cock stirred at her low and husky voice, begging him to wrap his arms around her and pull her to the bench. To the ground. All the way to bed. But tonight had to be all up to her. “I thought you might be out here.”
“You came looking for me?”
He shifted close enough to feel her body heat. “I wanted to see you.”
She pulled her ponytail over her shoulder and played with the ends of her hair. “Look. About last night. It was…” Her lips pressed together as she swallowed.
