"I can't come alright? Seriously." I brushed my fingers by my lips as the thought of Cora rushed past my mind. "I think I've objectified women too much. It's lost the thrill of what it should be."
"How long?"
"Since I came?" I glanced over at him as Derek walked into the house.
"Oh, shit. Count me out of this conversation." The big cowboy turned and walked back out of the house, causing me to smile.
"I did the other night because I thought about Cora, but before then? It's been a long time. Too long to think about." I shrugged and got out another beer. "Maybe something is wrong with me."
"Yeah, or maybe you're growing up." Clay reached over and patted my chest. "Try pulling back a little and waiting for a woman worth stripping for. Not all of them are worthy of that, bro."
"No? Could have fooled me." I winked and walked back toward the porch, tired of the conversation. I was the alpha dick of the group that used women and slept around, no matter where we went or what we did. It was my spot on the team, my designated position. We laughed over my escapades and joked about my sexual prowess all the time. It was who I was.
I walked back out to the grill and took the spatula from Daniel's hand to start pulling the burgers off the grill.
"What should I wear tonight? I'm not sure if I should go for my swim suit and a t-shirt or maybe some khaki's and a polo?" Daniel turned his attention toward me. "I want to wear something that says I'm cool and laid back, but that I'm also mildly interested in looking good."
I chuckled. "Wear whatever you want to, Dan. Just be yourself, dude. You'll be fine."
"Wear the khaki's." Clay moved up beside me. "Not all of us have your confidence, Brody."
"I wish I could bottle it up and sell it. I'd be rich and you guys would be broke mother fuckers." I smirked and moved back, trying to avoid their playful pushing again.
"Right. And, I'm the one that woke up with a pretty girl in my bed this morning." Clay took the burgers from me. "Maybe the tides are turning."
"Maybe so," I mumbled and glanced back at the lake. I was going over to Cora's with my friends, but I'd have to be on-guard. Something told me that the chase was going to thrill me beyond anything I'd encountered this far. I wanted it bad.
Wanted her bad. Maybe too bad...
Chapter 12
Cora
Emily hadn't done me any favors by telling me that Brody was asking about me. It was silly and childish, but the thought of bringing a player to his knees caused my blood to race with excitement. I didn't want to hurt him, but the thought of bending his enormous ego a little was rather enticing.
"What are you thinking about? You look like you're planning someone's doom." Emily chuckled and moved up beside me in the kitchen as I washed my hands.
All the snacks for the small get-together that evening were done and in the fridge. Cindy was taking a quick shower, and Dedra was headed back from town with beer and a few more bottles of wine for us.
"No, I was just thinking about my future." I lied with ease. "I think you're right about standing up to my parents."
"Good. Make sure I'm there when it happens?" She snorted and let out a yelp as a knock resounded on the door behind us. "They're here. Do I look okay?"
I turned and smiled. "You looked great, as always. I love the skinny jeans and that blue top. It's much better than anything in your suitcase."
"I feel ridiculous." She walked to the door. "You sure?"
"Yes. Let them in." I dried my hands and turned to look out at the lake through the window just above the sink. Some part of me hoped that Brody would forgo the evening and instead spend it with his cousin or one of her friends. But a bigger part of me prayed like hell that he would be there to tease me, to make me feel something. And boy was he good at that.
A smile touched my lips at the sound of Clay's voice.
"Don't you look incredible?" He spoke, and Emily giggled. It was out of character for her, so much so that I turned to make sure he wasn't tickling her.
Brody walked in and stopped just inside the door as our eyes met. He lifted a six-pack of beer and gave me a cocky smile. "I come in peace?"
"I doubt that." I dropped the towel and walked toward them, turning my attention to Daniel. "Hey, you."
"Hi, Cora. You look beautiful." Daniel touched the side of his glasses and blushed slightly, causing me to smile. He wasn't going to be anything other than a good friend, but it was cute watching him get flustered.