What the hell does this unexpected visitor want? I scowl. This is my only chance to get some alone time, and the last thing I want to do is deal with some other crisis on a Friday night.
The doorbell rings again insistently. Well, whoever it is, they’re persistent. Damn it, I think, striding coolly across the apartment to answer it. It’s probably just a nosy neighbor, and I’m preparing a short but polite dismissal, my eyes hooded and my shoulders tense. Angrily, I yank the heavy slab open, but the harsh words in my throat die a quick death when I see who it is.
After all, standing in my doorway is none other than Libby Rain. It’s been a while since I last saw my kid brother’s girlfriend, but once the shock of seeing her on my doorstep wears off, I’m able to get a better look at her. And I’m definitely looking.
The curvy girl is dressed in a mini skirt so short that it verges on indecent, but it hugs her voluptuous thighs and wide hips perfectly. Above it is a tight tank top with a low neckline that provides a tantalizing view of her cleavage, complete with a sexy shadow between those pillowy mounds. The outfit is enough to induce a faint ache in my groin, and that’s after about three seconds.
Libby Rain is a beautiful girl. No, not beautiful. Stunning. I’ve known that since the first time I saw her, back at a Christmas dinner with my brother Patrick and our folks. That’s one of the reasons I’ve kept my distance. She’s my brother’s girlfriend, and in spite of the urges that I feel every time I see her - writhing, hot, filthy urges - I know not to rock that boat.
Still, it doesn’t change the fact that she’s standing before me now, looking even more gorgeous than I remember. Her perfect brown curls cascade around her shoulders, framing her face like a halo that matches her deep, chocolate brown eyes.
Her eyes. In spite of her form-fitting outfit, those doe-like eyes stare up at me from under thick eyelashes with a naive innocence that sets a fire blazing in the pit of my stomach. It’s amazing how quickly I forget about my other plans for the evening. My whole world has condensed to the woman standing in front of me, everything else dropping away. I catch myself wondering what it would be like to run my hands down those luscious curves, to caress her perfect breasts and drag her against my body. It’s not the first time I’ve had these urges, but it’s certainly the most intense.
Gritting my teeth, I manage to speak. “Libby,” I say stiffly. “How are you?”
“Hi, Frisco.” She sounds tentative. “Um, I’m good.”
Silence for a moment.
“So, what are you doing here? Is there something I can help you with? Where’s Patrick?” I ask, peering behind her.
But Libby’s alone and she bites her lip, her eyes darting away from me as she rubs her arm. “Patrick’s at home, but he knows I’m here,” she rushes. “I’m sorry it’s so late,” she adds apologetically. “I hope I’m not intruding. Your brother gave me your address, but I was also here for Christmas dinner last year.”
“I remember.” I remember the glances I stole at her from across the table when she wasn’t looking, damning my brother for having claimed her before I got the chance. I remember the thoughts that ran through my mind as I lay awake in bed that night. “You’re not intruding,” I say, still a bit tense.
“I’m glad,” she replies, breaking out into a smile that lights up her whole face. “I know it’s a bit out of the blue, but I…” She pauses, swallows, and continues. “To be honest I’m having a bit of a career crisis, and I don’t know who else to talk to. I don’t know anything about business, and you know I’m a barista at the Blue Bean, right? I just thought since you run your own coffee chain, maybe I could get your advice?”
“Ah,” I say, still stiff as I stare at her. Did I really think she came here for me? The thought sends a fresh wave of sexual frustration through my body, but I manage a brisk nod. “Sure, I have a few minutes.” Of course, it’s a complete lie, but it doesn’t matter. “I would be happy to answer any questions you have, even on a Friday night.”
“Really?” She bats those long eyelashes. “That would be fantastic. Seriously. I can’t thank you enough, Frisco.”
“The pleasure’s all mine,” I growl, holding the door open for her. “Come on in. Make yourself comfortable.”
Libby does so, following me as I turn and head back into my living room. “Oh wow. I forgot how big your place is.”