all about sex,' he repeated. 'And I'm going to prove it to you. Tonight. Dinner. With me.'
'As in a date?'
'Yeah.'
'I don't-'
'See you at six thirty.' With that, he let her go and walked away.
'I didn't say yes!' she yelled after him.
He didn't even look back, the bastard.
Well, fine. But she wasn't going. No way. Not going to get in a restaurant and stare at him over flickering candles and wine, and talk… Not going to ride on the back of that motorcycle, clinging to his hard, warm body. Not going to go home with him and let that body make hers sing.
Ah, hell. She was going to go.
Kevin came down the stairs, and Mike took his gaze off the TV long enough to sign, Scary woman left you a text message.
Who?
Beth. Mike used the remote to flick through the channels with a speed that suggested annoyance. The volume was earsplitting, not that he could tell, but after a minute he tossed the remote aside to sign in quick, agitated gestures. She said to tell you she'd like a conjugal visit tonight, and bring dinner.
Kevin laughed. She did not say that.
Word for word. Since when is she sniffing around you again?
Since Amber is at the teen center for the summer. Beth's under the misguided impression I'm a better catch these days.
Mike took in what Kevin was wearing and raised a brow.
Kevin looked down at himself. He'd showered and put on fresh jeans and a clean black T-shirt. Given who Mia probably usually dated- not high school science teachers on a budget-this was probably slumming it. The TV, still at earsplitting decibels, was driving him crazy, so he grabbed the remote. Loud enough for you?
Mike's face closed. Sorry if I can't hear it.
The old stab of guilt still brought pain. He knew it, and Mike knew it.
Sometimes he knew Mike liked knowing it. Look, Mia and I are going to dinner. Want me to bring you something?
So you're going to get fed before she does you this time. That's nice.
Kevin's jaw ticked. Do you want something or not?
I'm going to Tess's.
She might not be up to it, she-
Quit. I know, we've been text-messaging. She says she's pissed, but I think she's sad. I'm going to cheer her up.
Kevin thought of Mia, and how protective of Tess she was. If Mike fooled around with Tess, as was his custom with women, and then dumped her in about a week, also his custom, Mia would kill him. Maybe you should call Kim. Or Carrie. Or how about-
Tess.
Yes, but Monica called you, just this morning, said you hadn't gone out with her in weeks. I bet she'd take you clubbing.
Mike's smile faded. Last time I went clubbing, you had to bail me out of jail. I thought you'd be thrilled I was doing this. You have a problem with Tess?
No, I have a problem with you screwing around with her and then dumping her.
Mike stared at him. How do you know she's not the one?
Kevin laughed.
Mike's face tightened. You're that sure I'm going to fuck it up?
Kevin didn't know what to say to that without starting the fight that Mike was clearly looking for. What's the big deal? Just find another woman to play with.
Why don't you?
What are you talking about?
Or are you going to come home dragging your heart behind you again.
What does that mean?
Mike stood up. It means you're one to talk. You're currently sleeping with the female equivalent of me. You ever think of that? Yet another person in your life that is broken but doesn't want to be fixed. Yet another person in your life for you to anguish over, and in this case, get screwed over.
Kevin stared at Mike, hearing the words as if his brother had actually spoken them, feeling them settle into his chest. I don't have time for this shit.
Right. Because it's about you this time. Mike nodded agreeably. You never have time to deal with yourself, only others. Go. Go get fucked tonight. Literally and figuratively, see if I care.
Whatever. Kevin strode to the door, feeling far more suited to be heading to an aggressive basketball game than a date.
But maybe a date with Mia would be right up his alley. Maybe for once he'd do this her way. Get all his
