You still coming over for dinner tonight?

Dave looked away from Colton’s text message. It was Friday, and Colton had been trying to get Dave over there all week. If not for his mother and a couple of modeling sessions, he would’ve gone, especially since Janie had spent nearly all her time there since their night together.

Shivers ran the length of his body as he waited just outside of his mother’s hospital room. The papers were on the way to release her, and then they would go straight to rehab.

Made love.

There was no denying he still thought of it that way. After a quick break, he’d given her the oral he’d promised—after cleaning up the area a little. Then he’d made love to her again, the second time slow and deep. It was that second time that he’d felt her skirt her imaginary defensive line. She’d gotten close to the edge, tensed up, and then emotionally pulled away. He’d been that in tune with her to feel it. And that in tune for it to manifest like a physical blow.

Granted, he’d been firmly in his head the whole time. Firmly in control. He’d wanted to make sure she reached climax. Girls could be tricky, and the last thing he wanted was for Janie to fake it. But maybe he just needed to let go himself, inviting her to come along.

But what if she didn’t?

Dave would be left hanging like a fool, that was what.

Then again, she’d already seen his vulnerabilities—the side of himself he tried to keep hidden—and she hadn’t turned away yet. In fact, she’d turned toward him. She’d put herself out there for him.

Would she do it again?

He blew out a breath as he spied the doctor down the hall. Finally.

Three hours later, after he’d endured his mother’s teary goodbye and checked her into the run-down rehab establishment she’d chosen, he pulled up in front of Colton’s house with a heavy heart.

Now there was a man who had it all. The huge house, his dream girl, somewhat normal parents, a fun family, and his ideal job within his grasp. Colton had turned his hard work into a rock-star life. Dave had no idea how he’d done it. How he could hope to do the same.

He swung open the door and climbed out, already glancing around for Janie’s car. Gone. She wasn’t there.

He deflated, only then noticing a different car.

Crap.

Colton’s parents might be somewhat normal, but they were also a pain in the ass. Why the hell were they there for dinner?

Dave shot a longing look at his open car door. There was still time to escape. Maybe go back home and hope Janie would return to the apartment. He hadn’t seen her much since they’d spent the night together. He had the distinct impression she was avoiding him. Whatever the reason, he missed her. He wanted to see her again. Chat and laugh with her. They could figure out the rest.

Bing.

A text message from Noah. I see you out there, bro. You better not leave. I don’t want to deal with Colton’s mom alone.

Dave swore under his breath and glanced at the front window. He fired off a message. Is Colton setting us up? Why is she here?

She caught him when he was distracted and invited herself to dinner. Worse, his sister can’t make it.

Dave looked at the sky. The crush he’d had on Colton’s sister when they were kids was long gone, but he still loved hanging out with her. She was a riot, and her husband was good people. More importantly, the pair of them and their kids kept Mrs. Lewis occupied.

Noah texted again. I just told everyone you’ve arrived. Suck on that.

Noah was going to get a fat lip, even if Dave had to sucker-punch him and run.

Another swear word riding the breeze, he slammed the car door and started toward Colton’s house.

Colton’s door swung open and Ethan stood in the threshold, his face grim. “Want a drink?” Noah drifted up beside him.

Dave lifted his eyebrows. “Are you guys desperate to see me, or what?”

“We’re worried that you’ll take off running,” Noah said with a shit-eating grin. “We wouldn’t want you to miss quality time with Martha.”

“What are you boys doing?” It was Martha, Colton’s mother. She moved Noah to the side so she could join. “You’re letting all the flies in.”

“Sorry, Mrs. Lewis.” Ethan gave her a tight smile. Everyone knew better than to try and charm Martha. Even Dave. She could see right through those shenanigans.

“Ethan, call me Martha. You know better. Dave, my goodness.” She tsked as she stepped out in order to smooth Dave’s wrinkled shirt. “Where did you come from, a cage in the zoo?”

“I had to check my mother into rehab again.” Dave let his face fall for effect. Ethan and Noah’s expressions darkened. They knew what he was doing, and wouldn’t be able to compete.

“Oh my goodness, you poor thing. Oh no. Come in here. Come in. I’ll get you something to eat. Oh, you must be heartbroken.” She tried to usher him into the house. Before she crossed the threshold, she paused, and her gaze snagged on something down the street. “Maddie’s little friend is here again. Have you met her? Such a pretty thing. She has absolutely ruined her clothes. The way she carries on with those paints.” She tsked again. “I haven’t seen any of them myself. She’s keeping them to herself. I have an eye for artistry, too. I could probably help in some way. Ethan, have you seen any of her work? I know you know something about art. Your mother, God rest her soul, doodled with watercolors or something, didn’t she?”

“Charcoal, ma’am.”

“Why he insists on using my last name and calling me ma’am, I do not know,” she muttered, and tried to usher Dave farther into the house. He stayed where he was, watching Janie exit her car down the street. “It makes me feel old. Anyway, do you know her? Maddie’s pretty little friend? C’mon inside.”

“I better go help her—”

“I got it,” Noah said in a hurry.

Something hot and sharp pierced Dave’s middle. Jealousy rose without warning, threatening to strangle him. He clenched his fists and body, trying to regain control.

“Dave does know her, don’t you, Dave?” Ethan slapped Dave on the back and pushed him forward. “And yes, I have seen her work. I peeked before she told us not to.”

“Oh, is that so?” Martha tugged on Dave’s arm. “Well, is she any good? She is certainly dedicated. But you know how art goes. All the effort in the world can’t compete with natural talent.”

Colton turned from the stove as Dave and his entourage walked into the kitchen. His eyes held an apology, undoubtedly because he hadn’t fessed up about his mother coming to dinner.

“Colton, how is it looking? And Maddie’s friend is back.” Martha bustled in and checked the oven. Colton was an excellent chef and capable host, but in Martha’s eyes, men did not belong in the kitchen. She’d just as soon all the males got lost.

Madison, who sat at the island with tight eyes, would kill them all if they left her alone in the kitchen with Martha. She actually didn’t like it when anyone except Colton used the nickname Maddie, but due to a mix-up when she and Colton had first faced the family together, the name had stuck. Martha wouldn’t change now.

“How’s your mom?” Madison asked, slipping off the stool.

“I just checked her into rehab. She really wants to stay on the straight and narrow this time.” Dave accepted a beer from Ethan.

Madison nodded. “She will. You’ve got an ace in the hole this time. Trust me, it’ll work out. It always does when Janie puts her mind to something. That’s why I’m so glad she’s decided to pour herself into her painting. She’ll kill it, just as soon as she finally gets over her recent obsession.”

Dave frowned. “Recent obsession?”