Page 78 of Collide
“Charming,” I reply, flat and disinterested.
He huffs a quiet laugh but says nothing as he strides ahead, ringing the doorbell with an ease that tells me he’s done this before.
The door swings open immediately.
“Brody! Come in.” Philippa beams, stepping aside to let the ridiculously attractive annoyance into her home.
“Shoes off, please,” she chirps, already padding back inside.
I toe off my sneakers and slip on house slippers from the nearby basket. Broderick, meanwhile, takes his sweet time untying his shoes, fingers deft and meticulous.
I glare at him just for existing. He chuckles, eyes flicking down.
Pink unicorn socks.
Fuck.
Of all the mornings to throw on the first pair I grabbed without looking, it had to be this one. I resist the urge to curlmy toes under, but Broderick’s slow smirk tells me he’s already clocked them.Fantastic.
Philippa, blissfully unaware of the tension brewing, leads us inside. She’s wearing a yellow tweed dress.Called it. The sight of her in house slippers makes me snort.
“When did you get back from Germany?” she asks Broderick, I assume.
“Last night.”
Germany? Consider me intrigued. I’d never been anywhere except Australia, New York, and LA.
“You must be exhausted,” she coos, showing genuine concern for him. It’s maddening. Who is he to her?
“I’m fine. Nothing a cup of coffee can’t fix.” Then he grins.
Goddamn it. That smile and those dimples should be illegal.
I don’t know if I’m annoyed or horny.
Annoyed. Obviously…Right? I find myself staring again.
He notices. His lips curve in amusement.
Pretentious bastard.
I look away.
Annoyed, definitely annoyed.
“Ready to go, Pip? I could murder a cream cheese bagel and a mountain of bacon,” I say, redirecting my attention to my sister, who glances at her watch.
“How much did you and Riley end up drinking last night?” she asks, all sugar and smug.
“Ugh, too much.”
She chuckles.
“That might explain the attitude,” Broderick mutters.
I shoot him a look sharp enough to slice. He’s really pissing me off.
“We’re waiting for Andrew,” Philippa says sweetly.
