The Favor

I was going to let him play these people—most of whom I cared for. Hell, I would be playing them as well. Although I didn’t regret that I’d let him take care of the sextortion extravaganza, I often wished he’d called in a different kind of favor.

“Did you ever take acting classes?” I asked him quietly.

He threw me a slight frown. “No.”

Slipping into another person’s skin apparently just came naturally to him, then.

Having used the front door key that Melinda had long ago given me, I led Dane through the house and out into the backyard. Music played, but it wasn’t too loud to override the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the grill spluttering. The warm air was laced with the scents of smoke, beer, charred meat, and the various foods on the patio table.

Simon, Wyatt, and Tucker stood near the grill, deep in conversation. Junior was playing tug of war with Ranger—both were gripping an old frisbee tight. Soaking up a drink spill on the table with a clump of napkins, Melinda talked with her elderly neighbor, Nancy—who often invited herself to her neighbor’s get-togethers. Ashley lounged on a chair, sipping soda, nodding along to whatever Melinda was saying. Heather stood off to one side with her friend, Jana, who was just as much of a bitch as Heather. Well, like often called to like.

Melinda spotted us first. Beaming, she dropped the soggy napkins on the table. “There you two are.” She crossed to us, pulled me into a hug, and then eyed Dane with a smile. “You’re taller than I expected. And just as hot as Ashley told me you were.”

I sighed. “Dane, this is Melinda. She’ll remember her manners in a few minutes.”

Dane’s mouth curved. “I’d like to say Vienna talks about you all the time, but it’s more like I have to sneakily coax stories out of her.”

Melinda nodded. “Our Vienna’s not one to entertain people with life stories, but I have plenty about her that I think you’ll find fascinating.”

I groaned. “You promised me you wouldn’t do this.”

Melinda’s brow puckered. “I did?”

“Yes, you did.”

“Damn.” She looked at Dane. “Well, that’s okay. My husband, Wyatt, didn’t make that promise, so I’ll just tell him to spill it all.”

Wonderful.

Wyatt and Simon appeared then. After giving me a hug, my father greeted Dane warmly, more upbeat than he’d been a few nights ago. Wyatt probably would have been a little more reserved if Dane wasn’t carrying a large crate of beers—he’d insisted on bringing them along.

Taking the crate, Wyatt smiled at me. “I’m going to like this guy, Vienna, I can tell.”

So easily bought. I almost snorted.

Ranger came over and sniffed at Dane hesitantly.

“This is Ranger,” I said as Dane held out his hand for the dog to smell him. “Don’t be bothered by his size. He’s a big softie.”

Dane scratched him behind his ear, making Ranger’s eyelids droop in pleasure. Well, he’d won over the dog fast enough.

Once we each had a beer bottle in hand, I introduced Dane to Nancy, who declared him a pretty thing and wanted to know if he’d be open to running off with her.

Ashley pushed out of her chair and gave me an air kiss before then greeting Dane. Tucker joined us to say his hellos, his usual polite self. Then goddamn Heather and Jana strolled over, their hips swaying. I had to grit my teeth.

Heather pushed her sunglasses up to her head and flashed him a smile that was all sex. “I’m Heather, Melinda and Wyatt’s daughter.”

Dane only inclined his head, though he didn’t come across as rude.

I was kind of impressed that he’d kept his eyes from dropping, considering she’d dressed in a top that was at least two sizes too small, so her boobs were practically spilling out of it. Her skirt was indecently short and super tight.

I wished I could say she looked skanky. She didn’t. She pulled the look off well. Which was annoying, because she’d only dressed that way to get Dane’s attention. God, the woman was a boil on my ass.

“And I’m Jana,” added her sidekick. “Heather’s friend.”

Again, Dane inclined his head. He also slid closer to me and draped his arm over my shoulders, keeping the side of my body flush to his. It felt both possessive and protective. It also made a silent statement that he wasn’t interested in anyone but me. Not that that would stop Heather from throwing herself at him just to wind me up.

His eyes darted to Junior, who was hiding behind Melinda. “And who might you be?”

“Oh, this is my son, Junior.” Heather hauled him to her side as if hugging him, but the move was a little too rough. “Say hi to the nice man, Junior.”

“Hello,” the kid said shyly.

“Ah, Vienna mentioned you,” Dane told him. “She said you’re her favorite nephew.”