Tempting Teacher (The Pierce Family)

Izzie growls. "You don’t trust your own brother?"

"I know my own brother," Max says.

Ben laughs.

"What did I tell you? He’s a lot like Liam," Max says.

"Who is this dashing Liam I hear so much about?" Ben asks.

"He’s dashing?" I ask.

"If he’s a lot like me," Ben says.

Izzie laughs. "He’s cute. And you have the same charming smile. What do you look like in a suit?"

"Irresistible," he says.

"He does wear a suit," Max agrees.

"I look good in everything," Ben says.

"Or nothing," Izzie suggests.

"We’ll drop you off," Max says.

"No. It’s only ten blocks. I want to walk. On my own." She blows Ben a kiss. "I’ll miss you. Visit."

"Here? Or New York?"

"Both." Even though he’s sopping wet, and she’s in her denim shorts, she throws her arms around him. "But especially here. I won’t be a free agent for long."

"Good things don’t last," he says.

She laughs and releases him. "I’ll see you tomorrow, Opes." She gives me a wet hug. Then gives Max one. "Put the girl out of her misery, huh?"

"Maybe," he says.

"He’s cruel," Izzie says. "That must be why you like him."

I flip her off. She blows me a kiss. Then she turns and she practically skips to the sidewalk.

"Don’t fuck her," Max says.

Ben just laughs. "I won’t be long."

"Hey. If you’re going to fuck her, make it count," I say.

Again, he laughs. "I’ll be back next weekend. But only for dinner this time. I found a place in Venice."

"Izzie loves Venice," I say.

He smiles I know. "Ms. Pierce." He offers his hand. "I’m always honored to see you."

I shake. "You too."

He pulls me into a tight hug. Whispers in my ear. "Take care of him, okay?"

"Of course."

He releases me, hugs Max, whispers his own goodbye.

Max laughs. "You’re incorrigible."

"My best quality." Ben winks at his brother. Then at me.

And then we’re alone.

"Are they right?" Max asks. "Are you in misery?"

I nod.

"And you think I’m going to release you?"

I shake my head.

"You’re a smart woman. That’s one of the things I love about you."

"Does it mean you’ll go easy on me?"

"I’ll give you one guess."