“Well, he did. I mean . . . he’s seen better, what kind of comment is that?”
“A stupid one, because that’s what he is, stupid. He clearly has feelings for you and doesn’t know how to manage them.”
“Oh my God, don’t give me that crap. We’re not in elementary school. He can act like an adult man.”
“I’m not taking his side, just trying to offer up some sort of explanation as to why he’s acting like a tool. I’ve seen him when he’s relaxed and you’re not around, and he’s really nice, easygoing, and fun. Sure, he teases a lot, but that’s sort of his way. I think if you got to know him better, you’d see the same things.”
“I don’t need to get to know him better. What I know is enough.”
The boys walk onto the van, joining us, and they take the two captain’s chairs in front of us, but not before Huxley gives Lottie one of the most consuming glances I’ve ever seen.
Listen, I don’t have a crush on my sister’s fiancé, I really don’t, but I have to say, the way he looks at her is incredibly sexy. So sexy that at times, I notice how attractive Huxley is. I know, I know, I shouldn’t be thinking about my sister’s fiancé like that, BUT . . . ugh, the way he looks at her.
I’m knocked out of my inappropriate thoughts when the driver shuts the door and we are on our way.
“How long is the drive?” Lottie asks.
“Twenty minutes,” Huxley answers. “It’s at the River Estate.”
“Edwin is meeting you there?” Lottie asks.
“Yes,” I answer. “He’ll be a touch late, but he’ll be there. He actually had to rent a suit for the event because he didn’t have one. It was cute, and I helped him pick one out online.”
“What self-respecting man doesn’t own a suit?” JP asks.
My eyes flash to the back of his head. “Someone who works from home for a living and doesn’t go to events that require a suit.” My voice is laced with attitude and for very good reason. I don’t want JP picking on Edwin. Sure, I can handle his snark, but I’m not sure Edwin has a thick enough skin to handle it.
“Did your date have a dress?” Lottie asks, taking the attention off me. “Or did you have to buy her one?”
JP turns in his chair and says, “Genesis has multiple dresses, but I still bought her one anyway.”
Wait . . . what? JP is dating someone? When did this happen? I mean, not that I really care, but I didn’t think he was the dating type, unless . . .
“Did you hire her to go on this date as well?” I ask.
Not sure why I’m poking the bear, but the question flies out of my mouth before I can stop it.
“Interested in my dating life?” JP asks with a wiggle of his brows.
“No, I’m not. Not even sure why I asked that. Probably just to goad you.”
“Well, for your information, I’ve been dating Genesis for about two weeks now. She’s the vice president of Mecca Tech.”
“That’s nice,” I say, looking out the window. “I hope you two are very happy together.”
“We are, thanks.”
“She only just kissed him the other night,” Huxley chimes in.
“Dude,” JP bemoans, which of course brings a smile to my face.
When I glance at Huxley, he sends me a wink. I knew I liked him for more than one reason, besides loving my sister.
JP once again turns in his seat and as if he needs to save face in front of me, he says, “We’re taking things slow.”
“I didn’t ask.” I hold my hands up, smiling. “But you know, Edwin and I have shared more than one kiss.”
His eyes narrow. “And were those kisses any good? Seems like a guy named Edwin kisses more like a cow licking a salt block than with desirable affection.”
“He kisses just fine.” Slightly sloppy, but JP doesn’t need to know that.
“Why don’t we talk about something else?” Lottie suggests. The tension is rising, therefore Lottie swoops in with the need to diffuse it. I’m usually that person, but I’m in the trenches, grenades being tossed around, and I’m sitting back, knocking them right back at the thrower. “Uh, how about the wedding? We haven’t talked about that much. Huxley and I decided on a beach wedding.”
“You did decide on the beach?” I ask, facing my sister now. “That’s so exciting. When did you decide?”
“Just now . . . upstairs. Huxley went by the cove and restaurant you and I looked at the other day and he really liked it.”