“Where have you been?”

I’m jolted out of my thoughts when I hear those words uttered in anger by Sinclair, the second I step foot through the door into the kitchen.

He’s sitting at the table with a glass of wine in one hand and crackers and cheese on the plate in front of him. “Not going to answer?” He holds my gaze and I feel my nerves dance. He’s never been like this before.

I want to be ignorant and pretend he isn’t sitting there, but instead, I pull a chair out and drop down, joining him. “I was out picking up Michael’s sister and her husband from the airport along with their two month old son. He’s so sweet.”

“I didn’t come here to see you to have you ignore me, Brooke. I thought we could work on writing that book we’ve talked about.”

Tugging my lip between my teeth, I don’t know what to say because I’d forgotten that we’d discussed our ideas. “I’m sorry.” I shrug. “I actually had no clue you would be here when I arrived, so I’d planned on reading and just relaxing.”

“I noticed the way Michael looks at you. He can’t take his eyes from you, and I don’t exist when he’s in the room. It isn’t fair to me, Brooke.”

I gasp and jump up from the chair. “What are you talking about? Me and you are just friends, Sinclair.”

He shoves the chair back, places both his hands on the table and leans closer. “We’ve been friends for years, and you know I want more.”

My heart pounds at his words and it makes me wonder whether it’s him or Carrie talking. I didn’t think, for one minute, that my sister would sit back and let me be with Michael. She’d have to cause more trouble because that’s the way she’s made. So now I’m wondering if she’s going through Sinclair to do that. I would never have thought it from him though.

“It’s because of our friendship that I haven’t been blunt and to the point.” I inhale and hope he accepts what I say. “You are more like a brother to me, Sinclair.” I run my hands through my hair at the hurt look on his face. “I’m sorry.”

Silence follows, but not for long. “Carrie said—”

“What did Carrie say?” she asks, strolling into the kitchen in her silk wrap.

“You told me,” Sinclair starts, and gets a raised brow from my sister, “that Brooke was shy and needed a nudge in the right direction.” He hisses. “You’re both liars.”

“Sinclair,” Carrie mumbles, stepping into his space, her hand on his chest.

I roll my eyes as I watch her at work. It’s no wonder she gets herself into so much trouble. Always playing a game with people’s emotions and then wondering why they react and hate her for it.

“You really don’t want to fall out with us, do you?” Her finger runs in circles over his chest. “I thought we all could go to the beach tomorrow and hang out. Like we used to.” She turns to me. “Brooke will come too, and we can all just relax and have fun. What’d you say?”

They both look at me, and without knowing how to answer properly because I don’t trust Carrie for one minute, I nod in agreement.

Carrie smiles in the way that puts me on edge and twirls in front of Sinclair. “That’s sorted then. We have a date at the beach tomorrow.”

I use their current distraction as an excuse to slip away and quickly run up to my room.

Locking the door, I sag against it and breathe a huge sigh of relief, wondering if I’ll have chance to get out of the beach trip. I probably won’t and I’m half curious as to what my sister is up to.

Shaking my head to get her out of it, I fling my clothes off and head into the shower. I have a few hours before I’m going out with Michael to have dinner with his sister and family.

* * *

My dress this evening is peach with thin straps holding the bodice up. The flared skirt stops just above my knee and, when I walk, the silky folds wrap about my legs. My gold ballerinas complete my outfit, and as I look down into the foyer of the house, I see that Michael has spotted me.

His eyes refuse to move from me, even when my father talks to him. Dad stops, frowns, and then follows Michael’s gaze before he looks between the two of us.

Dropping to the last step, Michael moves forward and enfolds my hand with his. “Absolutely beautiful,” he whispers as his lips brush against my cheek.

“I happen to agree,” Dad says from behind Michael.

Stepping to my side, Michael smiles as my dad looks the two of us over. “Michael has the right words. You’re gorgeous, which makes me think I should have put your dating age at thirty.”

Laughing, I hug him. “I’m glad you didn’t.”

He looks at Michael. “You treat her well.”

“Always.” Michael takes my hand again. “We need to leave, otherwise we’ll be late.”

“Is it okay to ask where you’re off to?” Dad asks.

Michael squeezes my hand, and answers, “We’re having dinner with my sister and her husband at their hotel.”

“Of course, I’d forgotten that they arrived earlier today. That’s why I loaned you the car.” He smiles. “Tell them we’ll do that dinner in the next day or two. I’ll ask Adelaide to arrange it.”

“Will do,” Michael says, urging me toward the door.

“See you tomorrow, Dad.” Ignoring the frown on his face, I let Michael lead me out.

“Your dad seems okay with you being with me, right?” Michael asks, glancing back at the house.

“He likes you Michael. You wouldn’t be here if he didn’t. But with me, yes, I think he’s okay with me being with you. I’m not sure he liked what ‘see you tomorrow’ entailed, but I’m over twenty-one so we’re good.”

I untangle my fingers from his, throw my arms around his neck, and, climbing up him, wrap my legs around his waist. His hand immediately goes to my bottom as he holds me against him.

His eyes darken with arousal but they’re still full of affection for me. This is what I love about Michael. I know how badly he wants me, but he’s forcing himself to wait until we can be by ourselves for more than a few hours. I love that he wants to do that. That he isn’t in such a big rush to get naked and inside of me.

“If you keep looking at me like that, I’m not going to be able to control what happens next,” he murmurs.

“Mmm,” I moan, wiggling against him. “Are we really together Michael?” I ask becoming serious. My hands cup his jaw while my eyes search his.

“You’re my girl, Brooke. I’ve never called anyone that before because there hasn't been anyone who interested me enough. But you, you’re so beautiful on the inside and out. You light from within when you’re passionate about something, or someone.” He grins and I kiss his waiting lips.

“You’re a sweet talker Michael McKenzie,” I whisper in a teasing tone.

“One of these days I’m going to be sweet talking you out of your panties.”

My eyes widen in surprise and then I laugh. “Is that right?”

He places me back on my feet and taps my bottom. “That’s fact, Ms Jordan.”

Giggling, I take his hand, turn it over and kiss the palm. “I look forward to that, although I’m sure that no sweet talk is needed.” I smirk. “I mean, wouldn’t I have to be wearing panties for you to sweet talk them off me?” I wink and turn tail.

He catches up to me and pulls me to stop. “Please tell me you have panties on.”

Glancing into his face, I realize he’s serious as his features are pulled tight. So taking pity on him, I press a hand to his chest and say, “I have panties on.”

He lets out a relieved breath. “Thank you! I wasn’t sure how the heck I was going to sit beside you for dinner knowing that you were naked beneath the dress.”

I smile and bury my face in his chest so that he doesn’t see the small lie I just told him.

“Dinner awaits.”