Knox

“I see someone has a crush. Very cute,” Easton says, cracking a smile while taking Libby’s abandoned chair.

“What the hell are you rambling about over there?” I grumble.

“You like her.”

“Who?”

He gives me a dumbfounded look. “Libby, dipshit.”

Do I lie or tell him the truth? If I tell him what happened with us last night he’ll either try to play matchmaker or run her off, depending on how he feels about her. He and my grandma like to think they can pick and choose the women I date.

“She’s my assistant. We work together every day. I can’t exactly be an asshole to her.”

“I said it then and I’m saying it now. You like her, like her.” He called me after the video released and grilled me about Libby when I divulged that she wasn’t an actress but my assistant.

“Is it supposed to be more serious if you say it twice?”

“Don’t be a smartass. Do you need me to point out the fact that she’s wearing your clothes, your hair looks like it was pulled at the roots all night while you pleasured her, and it smells like sex all over this place? I think it’s obvious she’s into you considering she’s screwing you. Ask her on a date or something.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“No.”

I stretch my legs out in front of me. “She’ll say no. She’s already made it clear she doesn’t want anything to do with guys like me.” Libby will let me touch her, but there’s no way she’ll step into the feelings zone with me or let me claim her. She wants to screw me and then not leave her number on my nightstand.

“What if we all do something together?”

“No.” I don’t want Libby to start pulling away because I’m pushing her too much, especially with Easton. He thinks he has a degree in matchmaking.

“If you don’t ask her, I will.”

“Prepare to get shot down, brother.”

“She’d be good for you.”

“Girls aren’t good for me, period. Do you remember my last serious relationship? It obliterated my reputation and almost fucked up my entire career. I’m happy with what I’m doing now. If Libby wants to fuck around, I’m game. But don’t be trying to plan a wedding or some shit.”

Easton has been with the same woman for three years, and he’ll probably end up marrying her. She’s good people, and they’re perfect for each other. So now he thinks that I need to settle down and do the whole domesticated thing like him.

“You can keep hooking up with all these random girls all you want, brother.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you’re giving me permission,” I say, sarcastically.

He holds up a finger. “But don’t be upset when the party is over, the booze is gone, and no one is there to love you.”

“Don’t try to pull your psychoanalyzing bullshit on me.”

“No psychoanalyzing bullshit, only telling you the truth. I obviously know you’ve had sex with her, but it’s not only lust and sexual chemistry I see, you want more. You might be trying to hold back because she doesn’t, but I know you better than anyone.”

Like she knew we were talking about her, Libby’s door opens, and she walks out with wet hair and wearing a robe.

“Question,” she says. “I know you planned on staying here tonight and Easton’s the next few days, but do you want me to change anything since he’s here now?”

“He’s going to stay at my place tonight,” Easton answers for me.

“Got it. I’ll book me a room here. Let me know if you need anything. You guys have fun.”

“Why don’t you come have a good time with us?” Easton asks. “We’re having dinner and game night at my place tonight. I have a guest bedroom you can crash in. It beats staying at another hotel, and you get to hang out with the coolest brothers in the world.” He flashes her a bright white smile, and I’m hoping she falls for it.

She shakes her head. “No, it’s okay. I don’t want to interrupt your whole brotherly bonding fun.”

“You won’t be. My girlfriend lives with me, so she’s going to be there.” He throws his thumb over to signal to me. “You’ll actually be saving this guy from being the third wheel.”

She nervously looks over at me, silently asking for permission.

“You know I’m always game for hanging out with you, sunshine,” I say.

“I guess it is better than hanging out by myself.” She runs her hands through her hair. “Let me blow dry my hair real quick and I’ll get ready.”

I nod, and she disappears back into her room.

Easton looks at me with a smug grin. “Date time, brother. I told you she’d want to come. Now get your bags and let’s get the hell out of here.”

“You go ahead. I’ll get a car and meet you at your place in awhile.”

I go to my bedroom when he leaves and change, putting on a ball cap and a jacket in an attempt to disguise myself. Easton hasn’t let it slip that we’re related to any of his neighbors, so we’re still trying to lay low. Easton’s girlfriend probably wouldn’t be thrilled if groupies started showing up at his door.

And trust me, they’d fuck him just to meet me.

They’ve already tried.