Easy Charm (Boudreaux 2)

“Sure, if that’s all you’re offering.”

***

“So, we filed a police report,” I say while nibbling on chips and salsa. Rhys and I met up with Kate and Eli for lunch. Eli is currently glaring at Rhys because Rhys has his arm around my shoulders.

God save me from overprotective brothers.

“I can’t believe she stole it right under your nose,” Kate says, shaking her head, also munching on chips and salsa. “What in the hell is her problem?”

“I wouldn’t sleep with her,” Rhys replies. “And Gabby stood up to her, told her off, and kicked her out of her house.”

“Actually,” I say, looking up into Rhys’s face, “I think it was you who finally kicked her out.”

“Either way, she got kicked out.”

“Good, but you should have called me,” Eli says, then sighs when Rhys kisses my hand. “Are you going to continue to touch my sister for all of us to see?”

“Yes,” Rhys replies simply, making Kate grin.

“I’m not sure how I feel about this,” Eli says.

“You don’t have to feel any way about it,” I reply in frustration. “I’m a grown-ass woman.”

“It’s my job to protect you,” Eli says, as if I’m being difficult.

“But it’s not your job to be an ass,” Kate says, but softens the blow by kissing his cheek. “It’s Rhys. You know him. And they’re cute together.”

“Hurt her, and—”

“Seriously,” I interrupt, not wanting to hear the hurt her and I’ll kill you speech. “We’re fine.”

“I get it,” Rhys says to Eli. “I feel the same about Kate; you know that. We’ve had that conversation. I almost decked you when you showed up in Denver.”

Eli sits back in his chair, and his eyes calm a bit, but he looks no less foreboding.

“Don’t make me regret trusting you,” Eli says calmly, just as our meals are delivered.

“Back at you,” Rhys replies with a cold smile. Kate catches my eye, and we both sigh, and shrug as if to say, what can you do? They love us. They’re worried about us.

Damn it, sometimes they’re idiots.

But lunch is delicious.

“Beau said this morning that you need a new dishwasher,” Eli says.

“I do. I’ll find time to pick one out in the next few days.”

“Just come to the office with me after lunch and sign off on one, and I’ll have it delivered. It’s your inn, but damn it, we can help with that shit. You’re busy enough.”

“Too busy,” Kate agrees.

“I think I’m going to hire some help,” I reply. “Rhys might have talked me into it.”

Eli’s eyebrow shoots up in surprise. “We’ve been trying to talk you into it for over a year.”

“I didn’t need it a year ago.” I shrug and twirl a long string of cheese around my fork. “But I’m much busier now, and Sam is getting more involved in things, so it’s time to have some help.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Eli says, as if there is no room for argument, and I simply laugh at him.

“No, you won’t.”

“Gabby, I have a whole HR staff that can easily find someone qualified to help you.”

“I’m perfectly capable of finding someone to help me,” I reply. “You run your business, and I’ll run mine, big brother.”

He sits back in his hair and tilts his handsome head, watching me. “Okay. You handle it.”

“I will.” I nod once and sip my Coke. “I wonder if I should specify in the ad that felons aren’t welcome to apply.”

“Gabby, let me handle this!” Eli exclaims, and I can’t help but dissolve in a fit of giggles.

“I’m teasing. It sure is fun to get you all riled up.”

“Most wouldn’t dare,” Kate says good-naturedly. “I wonder what people would say if they knew that he’s nothing but a big softie.”

“I will take you over my knee, Kate,” he murmurs to her, and Rhys tenses up beside me, but Kate just laughs and leans her head on Eli’s shoulder.

“Right. Except you have this thing against spanking me, so I don’t think that’ll happen.”

Eli’s lips twitch as he buries them in Kate’s hair and kisses her head.

“I don’t mind being spanked,” I add and eat a chip loaded with cheese and beans, just as Eli’s eyes go cold again, pinned on Rhys, who simply laughs beside me.

“I don’t need to know this,” Eli growls.

“It’s not like he leaves marks. Well, they don’t stay for long.”

Kate is laughing like a loon into her hand, Rhys is smiling widely, and Eli looks like he’s about to spit nails.

Or spank me himself.

God, this is fun.

“Gabby,” he says, always in control, “you’re my baby sister. I don’t ever want to hear about any sexual encounter you ever have. In my head, you’re a virgin.”

Rhys snorts, earning a glare from Eli.

“She has a child, Eli. She’s clearly not a virgin.”

“And you should know,” I remind him with an evil smile.

“For the love of fuck,” Eli mutters, scrubbing his hand down his face.

“I’m full,” I report and sit back to pat my belly. “Let’s go handle the dishwasher at the office.”

“Good idea,” Eli says with a sigh. “Before I go to jail for murder.”