“Sucks to be the youngest brother,” Dillon muttered. “Next time we should start drawing straws from youngest to oldest.”
“Take the damned straw,” Ace said.
Dillon yanked the straw out of Emma’s hand and swore. His straw was only two inches long. The shortest of all four straws. “I really don’t have time for this right now.”
“Yeah, but you’re the one who said you wanted to get started on your own place and have it ready for when you found a bride to bring home to it,” Ace said.
“He said that?” Emma’s eyes widened, a smile spreading across her face. “Then this is perfect timing.”
“No,” Dillon said. “Perfect timing would be after I build my house. Not before I even break ground.”
“It takes time to woo a woman,” Emma said.
“Precisely my point,” Dillon said. “The construction project I’m supervising is on the verge of falling behind. I promised I’d have it completed by the end of the month. That’s only three weeks from now. I don’t have time to date.” He held out his hand with the short straw. “Someone take my turn. I’ll do the next round.”
Each brother leaned back in his chair, hands up.
“Dude, you’re it,” Ace said with a grin.
“Your turn will be soon enough,” Emma said. “You’re all going to do this if I have to hold your hands through the data entry process.”
Dillon raked a hand through his hair. “Sweet Jesus, how long is the data entry process? I have subs to call and a construction site to visit tonight.”
“If you’ll quit belly-aching and get started, it’ll take less than an hour.” She glanced out the window of the high-rise. “And you’re not going to any construction site tonight because it’ll be raining, if those storm clouds are any indication.”
“Damn,” Dillon said. “I knew I should have gone there first.”
“And break your promise to your only sister?” Emma’s lips twisted. “Come on. Leslie will show you to the computer room where you can enter your data. I’ll help you get started, but then Coop and I have a reservation at Perry’s tonight. My mouth’s been watering for steak all day.”
Dillan brightened. “Then you fill out my questionnaire, and I’ll go eat steak with Coop.”
“Sorry, man. It’s date night,” Coop said with a twisted grin. “You’re not my type.”
Dillon grumbled beneath his breath. “Fine. I’ll fill out the questionnaire.”
“And you’ll have an open mind…?” Emma coaxed.
Dillon never could resist his little sister. “I’m not against this whole dating service. I’m just up against a bitch of a deadline.”
Ace pushed to his feet and clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Maybe having a woman in your life will help relieve some of that stress.”
“Fuck you, Ace.” Dillon shoved his brother’s hand off his shoulder. “You’re not the one having to stay to fill out the questionnaire.”
“No, I’m not.” Ace grinned. “But my time is coming. For now, I need to get back out to the ranch and batten down the hatches before that storm hits.”
Brand stared out at the darkening sky. “Don’t think you’re going to make it. Looks like it’s already raining west of the city. Which means it’s probably already raining at the ranch.”
Ace grinned. “Then I might as well join Emma and Coop at the steakhouse.”
“You heard the man,” Colton said. “They’re going out on a date. No brothers allowed.”
“Then you, me and Brand can hit the Firehouse Lounge for drinks. Dillon can join us when he’s done painting a pretty picture of himself for the girls.” Ace winked and headed for the door.
Emma and Leslie each hooked one of Dillon’s arms.
Dillon frowned down at them. “You’re not ganging up on me, are you?”
Emma grinned. “Nope. We just want to get you started so we can get going. Remember? I have a date.”
“And I have another client arriving any minute,” Leslie said glancing at her watch. “I want to get you logged on, and your picture taken for your profile, before I leave you to your questionnaire.”
“I’m sure I can figure it out,” Dillon said. “How hard can it be to take a photo?”
“You’d be surprised how many clients can’t get their faces in the center.” Leslie led him into a small, comfortable room with a padded, white leather chair, white desk and a computer. She pulled the chair out and pointed. “Sit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Dillon took the seat, feeling more like a trained dog than a candidate for her dating service.
In a few short minutes, Leslie had the system up, Dillon’s logon created, and a decent photo saved to his profile. She brought up the questionnaire and stepped back. “The rest is up to you. You can enter as much or as little as you like, but the more information about yourself, your likes and dislikes you enter into the system, the better chances of the software finding your perfect match.”
“So, don’t sell yourself short,” Emma said with a stern look. “You’re a great guy, and some woman is going to be lucky to find you. Please, give it your best.” She kissed his cheek. “You know I love you, and I want you to be as happy as I am. And remember, you pushed me into dating when I didn’t think I ever wanted to again.”
Dillon squeezed his sister’s hand. “You were dealt a pretty rough blow when Marcus died in Afghanistan. But now, you have Coop.”
“Exactly. And you could find someone to love as well. If you give BODS a chance.” Emma hugged her brother and stepped back. “Now, I have to go. Be sure to put all your good attributes in there. Some lucky lady is going to get a wonderful guy.”
Leslie crossed to the door. “I’m going to get my other client set up. Then I’m out of here. I have to drop my car off at the dealership before they close. All you have to do is fill out the questionnaire. When you leave, just pull the office door shut. It
