The Wrong Man (Alpha Men 3)

“Thanks,” Sam said with an appreciative grin.

Still mad at me, sunshine? The text from Brand came while Lia, her sisters, her mother, and Charlie were discussing ideas for Daff and Spencer’s wedding. The couple hadn’t settled on a date yet, they just knew they wanted a spring wedding. Possibly in October. Daff wanted something low-key, without fuss or frills, which was pretty much in keeping with her personality. Considering that just six months ago she’d been adamant about never getting married, it was a pretty big step for her to even consider a wedding ceremony, so everybody was playing it cool, even though Lia knew her mother was dying for more fanfare.

Lia, happy for a distraction from all this wedding talk, stared down at her phone for a moment before quickly typing a reply.

Maybe. Not sure. She ignored the animated conversation and feminine laughter swirling around her as she waited for the response.

Gutted. Does this mean I don’t get to play with your ( . Y . ) and (|) tonight? Lia choked back a laugh at the text and tried very hard not to blush.

Maybe. Not sure, she replied.

God, you’re brutal. Throw me a bone, sunshine. Just one little bone for my not so little boner. She clamped her lips between her teeth to prevent the smile but she knew she was fighting a losing battle. He was completely incorrigible.

I’ll see you at seven.

Can’t wait.

“Lia, you’re the color of a ripe tomato. What’s going on?” Daisy asked curiously, and Lia practically jumped out of her skin. Unbelievably, she had completely forgotten the other women were there. She quickly lowered her phone, screen down, to her lap and smiled at Daisy while waving her free hand in front of her flushed face.

“It’s just a little hot in here, that’s all,” she said, and they all gaped at her.

“If you’re menopausal, maybe,” Daff said and glanced at her mother. “No offense, Mom.”

Their mother snorted.

“If you think I’m still menopausal, you’re deluded, my girl. I’m fifty-eight. I went through menopause four years ago.”

“I wasn’t sure if it was still a sensitive subject or not,” Daff said, and the older woman laughed.

“It was never a sensitive subject. Now, focus on the subject at hand, please. I’m definitely interested in knowing why your sister looks like someone who got caught with her hand in the cookie jar.”

“I’m just hot, that’s all,” Lia protested, while her cheeks brightened even more.

“Why are you hiding your phone?” Charlie asked gleefully. Lia sent her a mock wounded look, which the girl completely ignored.

“Why are you hiding your phone?” Daff repeated.

“I’m not. I’m thirsty,” she prevaricated desperately, pushing herself up from the table and getting a bottle of juice from the refrigerator. “Anybody else want a drink?”

“Oh my God, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you full-on lie before,” Daff gasped, her eyes alive with unholy pleasure. “You’re terrible at it. Never do it again.”

“Do you have a man friend you’re not telling us about?” Daisy asked astutely.

“I’d rather not discuss this right now,” Lia said, pouring her orange juice into a glass and taking a thirsty gulp. The pulp made her cough, and she’d never been so grateful for that uncomfortable tickle in the back of her throat. Sometimes having her family so involved in her life could be trying, but she knew they only wanted her happiness after her failed engagement. She also knew none of them would approve of her involvement with Brand, because they knew as well as she did that it would never be anything more than it currently was. And they would worry she was setting herself up for more pain.

They would all be filled with well-meaning advice and concern, but they wouldn’t be telling her anything she didn’t already know. Lia would rather they never knew about what was going on between her and Brand.

“Lia—” Daff began, but Lia cut her off with a look. For once, Daff paid attention to the clear warning in Lia’s eyes, and her mouth snapped shut.

“I’m not prepared to discuss this. Can we please focus on the wedding?” Daisy and Daff exchanged troubled looks, while Charlie just stared at Lia like she’d never seen her before. Her mother was staring, too, but her eyes were thoughtful, which made Lia feel incredibly uncomfortable.

Daisy, bless her tactful soul, quickly adjusted the subject back to engagement parties and weddings, and Lia was left alone. But she knew this wouldn’t be the end of the matter. Her sisters were too persistent and stubborn for that.

When she went around to the cabin just before seven that evening, it was to find the door unlocked and Brand nowhere in sight. She stood uncertainly in the living room for a moment before a god-awful racket alerted her to the fact that he was upstairs in the loft. She followed the unidentifiable noise until she found him lying flat on his back on a workout mat, with his hands folded over his flat, taut stomach and his eyes closed. He was wearing a pair of gym shorts and nothing else. His entire body gleamed with sweat, and Lia bit back a moan at the sight of all that honed, masculine strength. His injuries may have weakened him, but he was still a beautiful specimen of masculinity.