Page 28 of Queen of Diamonds
“Never be sorry for staying safe, Kinsey.” It probably was a matter of her not closing and locking the door, but on the outside chance someone had been in her apartment, he didn’t want her staying by herself tonight. “You need a deadbolt and chain on this door.” Even an amateur thief could get in without half trying.
“I’ve always felt safe here before tonight. First thing tomorrow I’ll call the building manager and ask that he install those.”
“No, I’ll do it.” Not all building managers could be trusted. Only two months ago the cops had arrested one for snooping in the apartments of the single female residents.
“You’ve already done—”
“It’s not negotiable. Since I don’t want you here by yourself until I make your doors secure, I’ll sleep on the couch.” The relief crossing her face told him that she’d been nervous about being alone.
“You don’t have—”
“Also not negotiable.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Turns out you’re as bossy as my brothers.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You shouldn’t,” she muttered, making him grin. She glanced down, frowning at her feet. “I need a shower. My yucky feet are creeping me out.”
“I’ll be right here. Take your time.” As he watched her walk away, he decided he was a fan of pencil skirts. The woman had curves in all the right places. He shook his head to clear it of thinking of her that way. If he dared to go there, her brothers would dump him in the Everglades for the alligators to snack on.
His stomach rumbled, reminding him that the last food in his belly had been Helena’s cookies. While Kinsey was showering, he rummaged around in her kitchen. By the time she came out, he had a pot of coffee brewing and a plate of cheese, crackers, and grapes.
“Well look at you, all domesticated. A man who knows his way around a kitchen is a real turn-on for a girl, you know.”
He glanced over his shoulder, the smart comeback dying on his lips. Her feet were bare, her hair was down around her shoulders, and her black boxer shorts and red camisole were sexy as hell. He swallowed hard.She’s off-limits,his brain said. His dick disagreed.
“You want a cup of coffee?”
The light in her eyes faded when he didn’t flirt back. “No, I’d be up all night.” She came next to him, brushing against his arm as she reached for a glass filled with water sitting on the counter.
She was killing him. He picked up the plate and his coffee, then moved to her pub table. “So how did it go with your brothers tonight?”
“Really good.” She added a few ice cubes to her water, then came to the table. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet that they’re my brothers, though. I mean, for all my life, it was just me and Mom. And then all of a sudden I have three brothers, three sisters-in-law, and a horde of adorable nieces and nephews. It’s overwhelming.”
“They’re good people, Kinsey.” He put a slice of cheese on a cracker, then handed it to her.
“I’m seeing that. My sisters-in-laws are pretty awesome. I’m going to have to stand my ground with my brothers, I’m thinking. They’re already trying to boss me around.”
That wasn’t a surprise. “How so?”
“For one thing, thinking I should move into their compound.” She narrowed her eyes. “Stop laughing. It’s not funny.”
“It kind of is.” He wondered if his name had come up in conversation. “They’ll want to vet all your dates.”
She groaned. “Oh joy.” When he laughed again, she lifted mischief-filled eyes to his. He was sure whatever she was thinking spelled trouble. “Since I’m positive they’ve already vetted you, you can be my date for Saturday.”
“What’s happening on Saturday?”
“A”—she made air quotes—“family cookout. It’s in the afternoon, so you’ll be able to get to Aces and Eights when you need to.”
Yep. Trouble with a capital T. “That’s not a good idea, Kinsey. Your brothers aren’t going to want me anywhere near you.”
“Why? You’re a good man. If you don’t meet with their approval, then no one will.”
“It’s a bro code thing.” It sounded silly saying it out loud. There was more to it than that, though. Her brothers knew he had issues, and they’d want better for her. A man who would put a ring on her finger and give her a family.
“A bro code? Seriously, Rand? That’s high-school shit. It’s…” She threw up her hands. “It’s stupid.” She sat back and put her foot on the edge of his chair. “It’s just a date, not a marriage proposal. Besides, my brothers aren’t the boss of me, no matter what they might think.”
