This is Marshall “no strings” Winters we’re talking about. He doesn’t do feelings at all. If he wasn’t Maddie’s brother, I might think he was a robot programmed to be as attractive as possible to the opposite sex, yet remain outwardly emotionless.
Sometimes, I’ve even wondered if he has a heart beating inside his muscular chest.
Where Maddie is warm and affable, Marshall can be sharp and biting. At least with me he is, and that’s all I’m concerned with. He can be nice to every other person at Boston University, but if he treats me like crap, then he’s an asshole in my eyes.
Thankfully, most of our communications center around Maddie. He can be an obnoxiously overprotective brother, and I call him out whenever I witness such behavior from him. But he’s been noticeably better since he accepted Maddie and Shaw’s relationship. Which has been great for me because I’ve barely had to deal with him.
But now he’s here screwing with my vacation vibe and I’m not happy about it at all.
“What’s got you thinking so deeply?” Maddie questions, carefully studying my face.
“Nothing important, really. I’m just lamenting the passing of the summer months. Why must it go by so freaking fast?”
“Right?” she agrees. “At least we’ll be juniors this year. We’re officially halfway to our bachelor’s degrees.”
I nod. “True. But I’d kill for an extra month of summer. Winter in Boston comes way too early.”
“I like winter. Cuddling in front of the fireplace is one of my favorite things to do,” Maddie replies.
“Sure it is, now that you’re with Shaw. Just don’t forget who you cuddled with before.” I tap my chest.
Maddie laughs. “You are an excellent cuddler.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“Speaking of ‘cuddling,’ should I expect you home later?” Maddie inquires, looking at me expectantly. Is she hoping I’ll say no? That’s not gonna happen.
“Of course. When have you known me to stay over on a first date?”
“Never. But you know the saying—never say never. And Kent is extremely attractive.” Her shoulders pop up toward her ears in a shrug. “This could be the exception to the rule.”
“I won’t say absolutely not, because I don’t want to make a liar out of myself just in case. But it’s highly unlikely. If I decide to stay, I’ll text you, so you’ll know for sure.”
Maddie leans in to hug me. “Have fun. You deserve a great night.”
I squeeze her tightly. “Thanks. What are you going to do?”
“Hang out here. Shaw’s gonna man the grill, and who knows what Marshall has planned. He’s probably collected the phone numbers of every available girl on this street by now.”
Keeping my upper lip taut, I barely keep back the sneer. What she suggested isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. Marshall moves fast, and I’ve yet to see a female resist him. Aside from myself, anyway—and I probably shouldn’t make such a claim since it’s mostly by default. It’s not like he’s pursued me and I’ve turned him down. Although, I like to think if he did, I’d shut him down so fast his head would spin.
I glance at the clock. “I guess I should head next door.”
“Yes, get out of here.” With a hand on my back, Maddie ushers me all the way to the stairs. “Relax and have a fantastic time. Hopefully, I won’t see you until tomorrow.” She grins so cheesily, I can’t hold in my laughter. She gives me a quick hug. “I’m going to shower. Can’t wait to hear all the sordid details.”
My sandals are loud, clacking against the wooden treads as I descend the stairs and continue the racket as I transition to the hardwood floors throughout the downstairs. I’m out the back door, onto the deck, and about to breathe a sigh of relief when I see Marshall kicked back in one of the loungers. Crap. My forward momentum stutters for a moment, and he pounces on the opportunity presented.
“Look at you, Lucky.” His eyes leisurely travel up and down me, making note of every detail, as if he’s taking inventory. All that’s missing is a tablet for him to jot his findings on.
He clamps down on his bottom lip, and I imagine those same teeth grazing over my nipple and then tugging on the taut flesh. A wave of heat consumes me. Gathering my loose locks, I raise them from my damp nape. His continued staring becomes unbearable and I snap. “What?”
His lips creep into a smug twist. “You look good enough to eat. But maybe that’s your plan.”
“Is that supposed to be your idea of a compliment?” I raise my hand up, stopping his reply. “Don’t bother, Marshall. I don’t have time for your games.” Continuing down the deck stairs, his deep answering chuckle follows me, getting under my skin just as he wants. I won’t let him ruin my night.
Stepping onto Kent’s property, I pull in a long, calming breath and paste a pleasant expression on my face just in the nick of time, because he’s waiting for me.
“Clover.” His smile is genuine, which makes me answer with one of my own.
“Kent.”
Taking my hand, he assists me up the final step before pulling me in for a brief hug. “I’m glad you’re here.” His gaze glides over me. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you. Something smells fantastic.”
“Me?” He grins and raises a brow.
“No. I meant whatever you’re cooking.” Oh God. Palm meet face.
“Dinner’s finishing up now.”
“You smell good too,” I rush to say.
A sharp laugh echoes over from next door. Fucking Marshall. Can’t he just disappear and let me make a fool of myself in peace?
“Thank you. I wore my favorite cologne for you.” Kent touches my arm. “You know how tequila makes women’s clothes fall off?” I nod, although I’ve never personally had that problem. “So does my cologne.”
My brow furrows. Was that the punchline? He can’t be serious.
“Dude, you can’t be serious,” Marshall yells over, echoing my own thoughts. I hate that he overheard and is calling him out on his lame remark, but at least I know I’m not the only one who found it so fantastically lame. Kent’s head tips toward Marshall. “Is he talking to me?”
I wave my hand. “Nah, he’s on his phone. Ignore him. He’s no one important.”
“Why don’t you have a seat while I finish up the grilling.” He pulls a chair out for me.
I hesitate. “Can I help you with anything?”
“Just sit down, babe, and be the eye candy you are.” He pats me on the head, and I sink down on the cushioned seat.
There’s so much wrong in that one sentence. Babe? I’m not a fan of nicknames being given by someone I don’t know. And babe is so unoriginal. Eye candy? I find this to be so insulting. I’m more than my appearance. I have a 3.8 grade point average at Boston University—I’m no slouch. And patting me on the head like I’m a dog? That just reeks of condescension. It smells almost as bad as his no doubt expensive cologne.
Kent is acting like a different person compared to our other interactions. And though they were brief, he was extremely polite. Does he have an obnoxious twin brother who’s impersonating him?