Page 15 of Stepbrothers with Benefits
“She tends to be. What did we learn?”
“Make sure my ideas have a plan for the ending.”
“Probably not the lesson Mom or Moira would want you to take from that, but you know what? I call that learning.”
I snorted. “Speaking of, I should probably get out of here before Moira comes over. She hasn’t had the chance to chew me out before you two came in and distracted her. I’m pretty sure she was getting ready to football tackle me in the middle of the lobby.”
“She probably will if she sees you trying to leave.”
“You could also be an amazing big brother by distracting her.”
“What do I get out of it?”
“Knowing you, you’ll find a way to irritate her and Jace at the same time, which is more than enough for you.”
“It’s cute how you think switching from appealing to my better nature to tempting me to torment them is going to work.”
“Is it working?”
“Not particularly.”
“Damn.”
Which meant if I wanted him to cooperate, I was going to have to find something else. If I were anyone else, I’d try blackmail. Lord knew siblings accrued enough blackmail material over the years. The problem was that we were talking about Mason. What could he have done or said over the years to make him guilty or ashamed enough to be effective blackmail material while not crossing a serious line?
Not a lot, that’s what. Which meant paying in cash, which he didn’t need, but would give him a moment of delight, or owing him a favor, which was a tricky proposition with Mason. A favor owed could be cashed in for something as simple as filling in for the night at his club or involve something really embarrassing.
Looking at the way Moira was homing in on me, I had to bite the bullet because the last thing I wanted was to be delayed another hour while Moira read me the riot act.
I spotted a blond head in the crowd by the front doors, and my resignation was replaced by elation: Kayden, Jace’s former work partner and best friend in the world. The only man on the planet who could make Moira relax came strolling confidently through the door. It was almost an arrogant swagger, but there was a bright smile on his face, the kind that said he was friendly and would make you feel good about yourself. It made him approachable.
Well, that and the fact that he was damn handsome didn’t hurt.
“Kayden!” I called, waving him over.
The cop perked up, wandering over to us with a smile. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite people.”
“Your favorite people are standing behind the front desk, glaring at Milo. The other is over there, glaring at me,” Mason said with a smirk.
“Wow, you’ve pissed off Jace and Moira,” Kayden said, chuckling fondly. “So, just another day, right?”
“I know you’ve only been a member of this family for as long as Jace…” I began, looking at Kayden, who snorted.
“Buttering me up by reminding me I’m considered part of the family? This should be good.”
“Would you mind pretending you’re super-duper-happy to see the sour expression on Moira’s face?”
“That implies I’m never happy to see Moira’s face.”
“Look,” I said. I’m glad you’re so in love with my sister, and she’s so in love with you. How wonderful it would be if you reminded her of that.”
“Uh-huh,” Kayden said, with a knowing smile. “And this sudden interest in Moira’s happiness wouldn’t have anything to do with the new cast on your arm, would it?”
Perish the thought!” I said, wide-eyed, which I hoped looked innocent.
“If you’re smart, you’ll make him owe you,” Mason said with a shrug.
“Oh, I’m well aware. I’ll cash in that IOU when the time is right,” Kayden said with a wink, making his way to the desk. Moira had started to walk over, but stopped when she saw Kayden coming. Maybe it was because she really was that crazy about him, or just that he was still in uniform, which hugged his body very nicely. Either way, her scowl disappeared as he approached.
