“I can’t wait.” He winks.
I clear my throat, aiming a pointed glance at Clover. She rolls her eyes before introducing him. “This is Kent. He owns the house next door.”
Kent and I shake hands. I make sure to squeeze a little firmer than usual to show him I’m not some pushover. “I’m Marshall.”
“He’s Maddie’s older brother,” Clover explains.
He knows my sister? Jesus.
They just got here yesterday and Lucky’s already got a fucking date?
And why am I annoyed at how she introduced me? I like to think she and I are friends too. Would I feel better if she’d called me her friend? Or is it that I want some claim on her?
I’m acting like a dog taking a proverbial piss on her leg, marking my territory.
What does she know about this guy?
“How old are you?” I ask.
“I’m twenty-three.”
“Where are you from?” I fire another question.
“Connecticut.”
“What do you do for work?”
“I work at my family’s company.”
“Which is—“
Clover puts her palm on my chest. “Okay, that’s enough. Kent, I’ll see you for dinner.” She wraps her fingers around my bicep, steering me toward the stairs. Once we’ve stepped onto the deck, she turns to me. “What is your problem?” She spits out the question between clenched teeth.
“There’s no problem.”
“Then what’s with the interrogation?”
“I was looking out for you. How well do you know this guy?”
“Well enough to say yes when he asked me over for dinner.”
I shake my head at her naïveté. “Clover, you don’t go to some strange guy’s house on a first date.”
“He’s not strange. He’s nice and polite.”
“That’s what people always say about mass murderers too.”
“Marshall, you’re being ridiculous. Where’s this overbearing, older brother vibe coming from?”
Older brother vibe? If only she knew how unbrotherly my feelings for her are at this very moment. How much restraint it’s taking me to keep from slamming our mouths together.
“Can’t I look out for you? You’re my sister’s best friend.”
“Whatever, Marshall.” She scurries to open the sliding glass door. I chase after her all the way to the kitchen.
This time I catch her arm, turning her around. Her skin, hot from the sun, warms my palm. “Look, Clover, I want you to be safe.”
She yanks her arm free. “You don’t need to worry. I have condoms in my bag.”
My teeth snap together, tightly clenching at the thought of her having sex with Kent. “That’s not what I meant. Jesus. You’re going to fuck this guy? You barely know him.”
“Double standard much, Marshall? I already know him better than you know most of the women you screw.”
“Yeah, well, that’s me… not you.” Great answer, Marshall. Like she’s not going to go apeshit over that.
“That’s not a reason,” she snaps. “I’m an adult, and if I want to ride Kent’s dick all night, I will.” Opening the fridge, she begins setting sandwich makings on the counter.
“If that’s the kind of girl you want to be, feel free to ride mine.”
Her head appears over the top of the door. “Marshall, you should get away from me before I throw this jar of mayonnaise at your head.”
I back up two steps. “I’m just saying…” She draws her arm back, as if she’s going to chuck it at me. I raise my hands up. “Calm down.”
“Fuck you. Why should I? You inserted yourself in my business where you have no right to.”
“Someone had to. You’re acting...” I trail off before I say something I’ll regret. I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“Like what?” she asks. “Huh?” She steps forward, coming at me like a little pit bull, poking my chest. “Don’t stop now.” She glares up at me.
I’m ashamed to admit how quickly I jump at the bait. “You’re acting desperate. There. Are you happy I said it?”
She narrows her eyes. “Yeah, Marshall. I’m happy. I just love being insulted, especially by a hypocrite. Get.” Poke. “Over.” Poke. “Yourself.” Poke.
Fuck me and my big mouth. I’ve never shamed anyone for owning their sexuality, so why can’t I keep my mouth shut with Clover?
I’m not disrespectful to women. The ones that I mess around with all know the rules ahead of time. I may not want anything long term, but I don’t make a habit of hurting people’s feelings. But fuck if I didn’t disrespect and hurt Clover just now.
Raking my teeth over my bottom lip, I gather my thoughts. Loaded with frustration and the self-loathing assailing me, I shake my head, and the words that leave my lips surprise me. “I’m sorry, Clover. I’m way out of line. I was being protective of you and then I acted like a disrespectful asshole. It won’t happen again.” I brace myself, waiting for her to hit me literally or figuratively.
She studies my face for sincerity and must be satisfied with what she finds. “Apology accepted.”
Raising my eyebrows, I give her my best pleading look. “Can I please get a sandwich?” I ask.
She points the knife at me. “Don’t push your luck.”
Chapter Three
Clover
“You look hot,” Maddie tells me, reclining on my bed.
“Thanks.” I take a final glance in the mirror, surveying myself from head to toe, unimpressed with what I see.
“What’s wrong?” Maddie asks. She can always recognize the smallest changes in my mood.
I sigh. “I’m not even sure I want to go over there.”
She rises to her feet, making her way to where I’m standing and meets my eyes in the full-length mirror. “Come on. You’ll have fun, and if not, we’re right next door. You can come home whenever you want.”
“Yeah,” I half heartedly agree. I’m not certain why I’m so unenthused about my date. I was looking forward to it earlier. What changed? Marshall being here?
“By the way, thanks for being so great about Shaw and my brother showing up uninvited,” Maddie says.
Speak of the devil. Does Marshall’s presence really factor into my lack of enthusiasm?
Kent seems genuinely nice, and he’s definitely easy on the eyes. And I haven’t been on a date in too long. So what’s my problem?
I should be jumping at the chance to spend time with him. Instead, I’m standing here silently hemming and hawing.
Turning toward Maddie, I ask, “Why is Marshall here, anyway?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. But we shouldn’t be surprised since he and Shaw are best friends. If the situation were reversed, I’d want you with me too.”
“Hmm,” I hum, unconvinced. I still don’t understand why he acted so strange when Kent spoke to me. He seemed possessive of me, but that can’t be right. Most of the time, he acts like he can barely tolerate being near me. I must be misinterpreting his behavior.