Donnie’s demeanor changes immediately. “I was just kidding about my test. I think I’ll get a B.”
After we talk more about his math test, I tell him I love him. He sounds so young when he says it back. I hang up then sit for another few minutes, thinking about my brothers and an empty fridge. If I hadn’t left, they’d have food and someone to help them study. When Devin got scared last night, I could have held him until the storm passed. Instead, I walked away from my life on an impulse.
Ford and Pax listen as a band plays a rock version of Little More Satisfaction. They don’t look upset, but Ford seems relieved when I join them.
“I thought you made a run for it,” he says before kissing just behind my ear.
“Sorry. I called and checked on my brothers.”
Ford shoots Pax a dirty look. For his part, Pax ignores us and watches the band.
“He’s sorry for being an asshole. He told me.”
“Did you have to threaten him first?” I ask.
Ford smirks. “Does it really matter?”
Smiling at him, I shake my head. “After dinner, are you taking me home?”
“No,” he says casually then leans back and focuses on the band.
“I’m running out of clothes.”
“Go naked.”
A smirking Pax shakes his head. “Anything is better than the flannel.”
Glaring at his brother, Ford sighs. “I want to hurt you and I tend to get what I want.”
“Are you talking to her or me?”
Ford narrows his eyes then suddenly smiles. “When I hit you, your face will cave in enough for you to see what an asshole you are.”
Pax glances at me then back at his brother. “I’m sensing you might like this broad more than the thousands of broads you’ve nailed before.”
I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I do. They’re so stupid and adorable together. Ford and Pax are scary guys. Yet they sound just like Donnie and Devin fighting in the backseat over the Nintendo DS.
Smiling at my laughter, Ford runs his hand down the back of my hair. The gesture relaxes me as always. More than relaxed, I feel a warm flutter in my gut. I’m falling hard for a man who might not be capable of falling too.
“What’s your thing with flannel?” Pax asks as the salads arrive. “Do they remind you of an old boyfriend?”
Ford grunts at this question while I’m more interested in the raisins in my salad. He notices my frown.
“Bull’s had a raisin obsession ever since eating at some place in Chicago. Eat around them if they gross you out.”
I take a bite and shrug. “Not bad. Hey, how come he called you Slugger and Home Run? Like how did you get those nicknames?”
“We like bats,” Pax says darkly, clearly trying to intimidate me.
I wipe at the side of my mouth. “You have something right here.”
Pax wipes too, but I’m just fucking with him. Figuring this out, he rolls his eyes. Ford grins at his brother’s irritation.
“I started wearing flannel when I moved here.”
“A whole two weeks ago, huh?” Pax says.
“Yeah. I didn’t want guys looking at me and thinking about sex.”
Pax rolls his eyes. “Based on how loud you get when Ford fucks you, I’d say you failed.”
“I used to wear heels,” I say, ignoring him. “My greatest accomplishment growing up was learning to walk in heels. Not just walk either, but run too. I’m an ace in heels. I miss wearing them actually.”
“I’ve shit greater accomplishments than that,” Pax mutters.
“Like what?”
Pax flips me off. “I’m not sharing my personal shit with you.”
Ford laughs at his brother’s whining then leans over and says, “I bet you look hot in a pair of heels.”
“Maybe I’ll do a striptease for you one day.”
Ford’s smile fades as he imagines us in his bedroom. I see the hunger in his eyes and brush my lips against his. Not only do I love how much Ford wants me, but I really enjoy how our flirting annoys Pax.
“If I see a cute pair of heels, I’ll buy them,” I whisper.
Ford grins. “Eat your salad. You’ll need the energy for later.”
Returning to our salads, we listen to the band perform their version of Hound Dog. By the time our tacos arrive, Pax says he’s depressed.
“No, you’re not,” Ford replies.
“I could be. I’m capable of depression.”
“I’ve never seen you depressed and I’ve seen you every day of your life.”
Pax scrapes his fork against the plate. “I was likely depressed when you weren’t looking. Maybe while taking a dump or fucking a chick or jerking off in the shower.”
Ford laughs while I roll my eyes.
Pax sighs. “Insensitive.”
“You’ve been an ass since we got here. Don’t pout now.”
“Hey, let me say something nice about Shay and she can do the same about me. Sounds good, huh? Let me think. Oh, I know. I like how Shay keeps my brother’s cock happy. She’s a great lay.”