Anger and lust fill my veins.
That voice…
I can still hear him mocking me. Sunshine, you never have any fun.
I can still hear him groaning my name. Fuck, Chloe. You're so wet.
"You ever turn it off?" Ryan calls from the back room. He moves into the lobby. Shoots his brother a really look.
Dean makes that who me? gesture. He shrugs like he can't be bothered to think about anything he does.
Ryan ignores him. "Chloe, this is my brother. Dean. You guys went to school together."
This is a small space. We're close.
Dean is right there. Three feet away maybe. Close enough to kiss. To hug. To slap.
"I remember." My eyes refuse to obey my command. They focus on his narrow waist. His broad chest. His strong shoulders.
Those same bright blue eyes.
That same million-dollar smile.
He offers his hand. "Nice to see you again."
Ryan raises a brow. He shoots his brother a cutting look.
Dean shrugs, effortlessly aloof.
I dig my heel into the hardwood. I'm new and I'm nobody. He's a co-owner. And a blood relative.
Whatever problems I have with Dean Maddox, I'm going to have to get over them if I want this.
Ryan shoots me a look. You okay?
I nod.
He nods back. "If he gives you shit, let me know. I'll kick his ass." There's a hint of humor in Ryan's usually serious voice. He's teasing.
He must be.
Because Dean is wearing his amusement like it's his finest suit.
He waits for Ryan to leave then moves closer. "It's been a while."
God, I was such a stupid kid. I really believed that I meant something to him. "Yeah."
"Your hair looks good short."
"Thanks." I brush a dark strand behind my ear reflexively. At first, this style was a necessity, not a choice. But I grew to love it.
"You look even more like you can kill me."
"I can. I do aikido now."
"Ryan told me."
"Oh." I bite my lip. It doesn't mean anything, Ryan and Dean talking about me. He's the same carefree playboy. I may not be the same, but I'm still the artsy loner.