Page 27 of The Sexy Part
Looking at Hailey, I feel way underdressed. Mackenzie told me it was casual, so I’m wearing a long-sleeve V-neck cotton shirt with jeans. Mackenzie’s wearing a light sweater and jeans with boots. Come to think of it, she does look really put together.
“Oh, my favorite wine,” Hailey says to Mackenzie, taking it from her. “Thank you.”
She leads the way inside.
“Hey, Rowan,” Finn says, joining us.
“Hey, good to see you again.”
Mackenzie gives him a hug. “How’s college?”
“Busy. Getting ready for midterms.”
“Ohh, I don’t miss exams,” Mackenzie says.
“Have a seat,” Hailey says, indicating a sectional sofa in the living room. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Wine,” Mackenzie says.
“Same, please,” I say.
“Where’s Dad?” Mackenzie asks.
“Out back with Cooper,” Finn answers. “They’re cooking ribs, which is, like, a whole-day thing.”
Hailey flutters a hand in the air. “I told him he didn’t have to make such an elaborate recipe. He started marinating yesterday. He says everyone likes ribs, so it’s worth it. Is that okay with you, Rowan?”
“Of course.”
She nods once and hurries into the kitchen.
I join Mackenzie and Finn on the sofa, anxiously waiting for Cooper to walk in. I don’t know why I’m on the edge of my seat. Yesterday, after we moved my furniture into Harper’s she-shed with her help, he took me out for ice cream again. But that was just because I needed a pick-me-up. It wasn’t a date. I mean, really, given my circumstances, how can I be expected to resist the best ice cream in the state?
“I thought tonight was casual,” I say to Mackenzie under my breath. “I feel underdressed compared to your mom.”
“Oh, no, that’s just her wardrobe,” Mackenzie says. “The only time she wears casual clothes is when she’s cleaning or gardening. You should’ve seen how she dressed me when I was little.”
“At least you looked like a mini-Mom fashion plate,” Finn says. “She dressed me and Cooper in matching outfits like we were twins, even though we’re four years apart. We looked ridiculous.”
“You looked cute,” Mackenzie says. “Cooper looked ridiculous because he was older.”
Finn laughs. “Yeah.”
“I’d love to see pictures,” I say.
Mackenzie gestures toward the stairs. “Check out the photo gallery on the stairway. Some classic Finn-Cooper twin action going on there.”
I head over. Oh my God, they’re adorable. Cooper looks disgruntled in one, but is mostly smiling widely for the camera. Such a cutie. Finn’s cute as a button too. My favorite is when Cooper has his arm around Finn’s shoulders. They look so proud to be brothers. My eyes water, loving that bond. I always wished for a sibling I could bond with.
Cooper appears, smiling at me. My pulse spikes. It’s bizarre the reaction I have to him. First of all, I’m not ready for a relationship of any kind. Second, I’m not staying in town long. Third, he’samazing. No denying it. Gorgeous, sweet, sexy. If the circumstances were different…
“I see you found the wall of fame,” he says. “For the full picture, you’ll need to look in my room. Some highlights—the blue ribbon I got for swim team in fourth grade and three rec basketball trophies from middle school. Unfortunately, our high school team never made it to the championship.”
I laugh. “I’m sure it’s a shrine to the greatness of Cooper Campbell.”
“As it should be. Mom turned Mackenzie’s room into an exercise room since she left home first. My and Finn’s rooms remain just as we left them.”
“Didn’t your parents want a guest room?”
