A Better Man(44)

"Jesus, Dec." Jordan planted himself in the recliner. "Don't tell me you're one of those all work and no play kind of guys." 

"I've been building a business."

"Brother, it's built. You're a success. Time to have a little fun. When was the last time you went out and had a good time?"

"Mmmm . . ." In deep thought, his brother studied the ceiling. "Maybe a charity event to fund a new hospital wing or something."

"You don't know?"

"I know I banged a hot redhead that night when I went home."

"Well, at least you're getting laid."

"Yeah."

Thanks to his twin, Jordan felt a headache coming on. "Exactly how the hell long ago was this charity event?"

"October?"

"You asking or telling?"

"No." Dec snapped his fingers. "November."

"So what you're saying is you haven't gotten laid for at least six months, you're not having phone sex with your hot assistant, and you're watching a rom-­com. Alone."

"You make it sound so bad."

Jordan laughed because there was nothing else to do in the situation. "Brother? We've got to take care of this situation pronto."

"I can find my own women."

"Prove it." Jordan scooted to the edge of the recliner. "Pick up your phone right now and call Brooke back."

"Haven't you ever heard mixing business and pleasure is a bad idea?" Declan set the popcorn bowl on the coffee table.

"Then if you have to choose, take pleasure. Unless you like going to bed alone and your morning wood becomes a sad little man because he knows he's going to be lonely again."

"Watch how you use the word little, jackass." Declan glared. "And if you're such hot stuff, when was the last time you got laid?"

Jordan didn't hesitate. "Two weeks ago."

"Dry spell huh?" His brother leaned back on the sofa. "Guess everything going on kind of takes away the mood."

"I didn't say I wasn't in the mood." Hell, if Lucy gave him a green light he'd be all over that in a matter of seconds.

"Spare me the details."

Jordan laughed. God it was fun joking around and giving his brothers hell again.

Dec ran a hand through his short dark hair. "When are you heading back to North Carolina?"

"No plans to go back."

"Seriously? Your team is working their way toward the playoffs and you have no plans to go back? Are you fucking crazy?"

"No crazier than you for not noticing your hot assistant."

"Touché."

"I made a promise to the family." Jordan shrugged. "I intend to keep it."

"Everyone understands you have a career and responsibilities that go with it." Declan hit the MUTE button on the remote when a commercial for toilet bowl cleaner came on. "I'm dedicated to working things out here too. Hasn't your coach or your agent been wondering when you're coming back?"

"So far they've been polite and understanding. But Coach left a voice mail tonight and he doesn't sound so patient anymore. Guess the team lost again."



       
         
       
        

"You haven't been watching the games?"

"They're not all televised."

"They want you back so they must think you're the man to save the team."

"I'm no savior. I just have a hell of a right hook and a mean slap shot."

"And don't forget you're an expert at warming the bench in the penalty box." Dec's smile vanished. "I'm serious, Jordy. The family will understand."

"Our sister won't." He glanced over his shoulder at the darkened staircase. "Which reminds me, is the baby dragon home?"

Dec nodded. "Upstairs with her headphones on and texting so fast I'm sure her fingertips are raw."

"Gotcha." Jordan stood. "I'll be back."

"Okay, Arnold." Dec hit the MUTE button again, and the room filled with the fiesta party sounds of a cruise line commercial.

Rebuilding camaraderie with his twin felt good, Jordan noted as he climbed the stairs. They still had some awkward moments, but things were definitely better.

Upstairs, he knocked on Nicki's door even though he didn't expect her to respond. The music raging through her headphones could be heard all the way through the solid wood barrier. Damn. The girl was going to be deaf before she hit legal drinking age.

Caught off guard, he brought his head up as her door swung open. The instant narrowing of her eyes told him she'd expected Declan or anyone other than him.