twenty-two
WOLFE GLANCED AROUND and double-checked the setup. A case of Sam Adams. Bacon cheeseburgers and fries from Mugs. A carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream. Stack of DVDs on the table, ready to fire up. Scrabble board.
Yes. He was covered. Everything screamed all of their favorite things to do together as friends. Best buds. He wouldn’t have any sexual thoughts, even if she wore something ridiculously skimpy. He already had the photo of pregnant nuns paused in his brain, ready to fire at the first sign of arousal.
He could do this. He had to convince her they could be friends again or he’d lose her completely.
Wasn’t an option.
She came through the door looking tired. Her hair was pinned back and loose waves escaped and framed her cheeks. The sun made her freckles stand out more, a cute smattering over her nose. Her lipstick had worn off, showing the natural pink of her lips. Her petite, lush frame was wrapped in a short denim dress that flirted above her knees and flattered her hourglass body. She kicked off her beaded flats, threw her purse down, and tore the clip from her hair.
“I’m tired and cranky and you’d better not ask what’s for dinner.”
She was magnificent.
He grinned and got to work grabbing the plates and serving an ice-cold beer. “Got takeout so we didn’t have to worry. Why don’t you put on some sweats and I’ll have this ready?”
She grunted her approval, taking a deep sniff of the burgers, and trudged into the bedroom.
He had everything ready when she popped back out in yoga pants and a purple tank top with the Kinnections logo on it. Her feet were bare and he caught the flash of bubble gum toenails. Remembered how her toes would curl under when he hit one of her sensitive areas, especially when his mouth was—
No. Focus. Nuns.
He breathed and motioned her to sit. “All ready. Shit day?”
She took a big bite of the burger and whimpered. “So good. Nah, just tired. I didn’t get much sleep.”
The words flew from her mouth like a cannon shot. Their gazes crashed together, remembering the reason they hadn’t slept, and Wolfe cleared his throat, breaking the connection. “Uh, yeah. Anything new and exciting going on with Kinnections?” That should be a safe subject.
Gen shrugged. “Not really. Another engagement. Kennedy was ecstatic about the growing statistics. Helped Kate a bit with her wedding plans. Saw Robert today. You?”
He searched for something interesting while he ate. “Booked another big convention with the IT geeks. I think golfing helped. Those Wednesday outings with Nate opened up a whole new clientele. He’s a smart son of a bitch.”
Gen smiled. “Rocket scientists usually are.”
“Aerospace engineer.”
“Right.” She munched on a few fries. “How are Sawyer and Julietta doing? And the baby? How old is she now?”
“Four months.” A pang hit him. He missed his family. Since opening Purity, he hadn’t been able to visit as much. He’d made it over for a long weekend for the birth of the baby, but Sawyer said she changed so much every day. He needed to schedule another visit. “They’re good. Seem happy. Gabby has her days and nights mixed up so it’s a bit tough, but Sawyer is crazed over her. God help the girl if she ever believes she can date.”
Gen laughed. “With your Italian family? It’ll be a miracle. You should see Nick with Lily and Maria. Lily came home spouting about having a boyfriend in second grade. The man sat down and explained that hanging out with boys would make her less smart. Alexa found her crying in the morning, saying she was afraid to talk to boys and lose brainpower. Of course, Nick was in the doghouse for a long time with Old Yeller and Simba.”
Wolfe shook his head and laughed with her. This was perfect. Sharing funny stories about their families was one of their favorite things to do. She reached for more ketchup and the tank gaped open, giving him a glimpse of purple lace. She had a matching bra? What about the panties? Could it be a thong? No, she’d always said they were uncomfortable, but now his gaze would be glued to her ass to see if he caught any lines and—
“Wolfe?”
“Huh?”
“I asked if there was any Diet Coke left?”
“Oh yeah, here.” He slid over the soda and got himself back together. “I got us some movies to watch tonight. Figured we both needed a lazy evening.”
“I’m not watching Fast & Furious sequel one million.”
“No, I got stuff you like. Shall We Dance. The Notebook. Steel Daffodils.”
“Magnolias.”
“Right.”
She glared at him suspiciously. Her full lips wrapped around the straw and sucked. The room misted for a few seconds, and Wolfe remembered the exact heat and pressure of those lips around his cock. How sweet and erotic the sight of Gen on her knees was, giving so much pleasure until—