Teased(37)

Vida was surprised they were headed in the opposite direction of the apartment, wondering where he was headed. The sky darkened as Colton drove through town, eventually pulling into the driveway of a small house. Several lights were on, and a woman came out when she heard the bike’s motor.

“Colton!” The woman threw herself into his arms. Colton laughed, picking the woman up and twirling her around in a circle before placing her back on her feet.

They drew apart and Vida was struck by the woman’s resemblance to Colton. He placed a casual arm across her shoulder as he introduced her to the smiling woman.

“Vida, this is my sister, Brenley. Brenley, this is Vida.”

“Hello, I can tell by your face that Colton didn’t tell you he had a sister. He likes to surprise everyone that he actually has a family.” Brenley made a face at her brother.

“I try to keep her hidden away. Everybody feels sorry for me that my sister’s so ugly.”

Brenley punched Colton in the stomach at his joke. Vida smiled as the two began to push and shove each other. She was amazed at this side of Colton.

“My big, ex-con brother is an embarrassment to me, too.” She could dish it right back to her brother.

“Ouch, that’s no fair. That’s hitting below the belt.”

“If I could have got to you before you made such a stupid move, I would have busted your balls,” Brenley replied grimly.

“Well, it’s over now and I’m home. What’s for dinner? I’m starved.” Colton changed the subject.

“I made your favorite; meatloaf.” Vida saw Colton turn pale and Brenley snickered at him before leading the way into the house.

The aroma of fried chicken hit her nostrils as soon as she walked into the doorway.

“You witch. I’m not doing the dishes because you lied to me.”

“You’ll do the dishes or I won’t cook for you anymore,” Brenley threatened right back at her brother.

Colton made a face. “That’s blackmail, but what can I do? I’m held hostage because you won’t share mom’s recipe book.”

“If I gave you the recipes, I would never see you.” Brenley’s tone became more serious. “You two have a seat. Dinner’s ready.” The table was set for three people; Brenley had known that Colton was bringing her for dinner. Vida tried not to let warmth invade her at Colton introducing her to his sister.

“Can I help?” Vida offered.

“You and Colton can do clean up.” Brenley smiled, setting down a platter of fried chicken before going into the kitchen and returning with potatoes and biscuits.”

“I have died and gone to Heaven,” Vida said, looking at the delicious food. Her mouth was watering from the aroma alone. Brenley laughed, placing a pitcher of tea on the table.

The talking stopped as they each filled their plates with the food that ended up tasting as good as it looked. Vida cleaned her plate, debating seconds, not wanting to make a pig of herself in front of Brenley. Colton demolished his food then had seconds. He seemed determined to eat everything on the table except the dishes.

“Slow down, Colton. I have plenty for you to take home for later,” Brenley promised.

“It’s been a long time since I ate food that tasted so good,” Colton said when he finally finished.

Brenley smiled at her brother’s compliment before getting up from the table and going into the kitchen with a wink in Vida’s direction. She came back carrying a huge chocolate cake.

“Now, I have died and gone to Heaven,” Colton sighed. Brenley cut each of them a big slice of the rich dessert. Even Colton couldn’t manage a second slice.

After dinner, Vida and Colton both cleaned the table and did the dishes while Brenley stood nearby, chatting with Colton and occasionally asking Vida a question.

Vida liked the woman, and finding out that she owned a small local business doing graphic designs only increased her admiration. Vida liked She also enjoyed that her home was cozy and nicely decorated without being too girly. It was exactly what Vida dreamed one day of owning herself.

Deciding to watch a movie, they went into the living room. Brenley sat down in the only chair, leaving the couch for Vida and Colton.

Vida sat down on the end of the couch, however Colton eyed her before tugging her closer to his side. Embarrassed, she tried to scoot away a few inches.

Vida noticed Brenley’s amused gaze on the silent struggle. Deciding it wasn’t worth embarrassing herself, she stilled, relaxing into the sofa.

Colton leaned back, putting his boots onto the coffee table. Vida was about to take him to task when Brenley shook her head with a grin. Vida came to the conclusion that both brother and sister were used to getting their own way.