Hot Summer Nights (Lucas Brothers)

“You’re not being reasonable,” I mutter, shaking my head, fear making my heart beat erratically.

“I think I’m being reasonable for the first time in my life. I should have put my foot down years ago.”

“Put your foot down? Who in the hell do you think you are?” I gasp, my own anger trying to rise from the misery inside of me.

“The man you love but are too afraid to claim,” he barks, his arms crossed against his chest as he looks at me, daring me to argue.

“Right now, you’re more like the man I’d like to castrate,” I argue.

“We both know that’s not true. You love my dick.”

“Right now, I don’t like you or your dick.”

“Because you’re afraid,” he says, and he’s using that tone on me, the one he always uses when he’s daring me to do something.

“No, I just know there’s no point. We have a freaking history of disasters behind us, Bryant. There’s nothing you can show me in two weeks that can change that.” I’m mostly lying. I know the disasters in our past can only be laid at the feet of one person. I don’t tell him that. I don’t see how he can help but know the truth, however.

“You sound so positive, Maggie.”

“I am. If you think I haven’t constantly thought about how we might overcome our past, you’re wrong, Bryant. I have and every scenario in my head ends badly—very badly.”

“Come on, Maggie. What’s the worst thing that can happen? We crash and burn. It won’t be our first time. Hell, it won’t even be our second. Give me the two weeks. If nothing else, then we will at least have shared a hell of a goodbye,” he coaxes.

I close my eyes because the thought of giving Bryant my love for two weeks and only having it be a goodbye, hurts like hell.

“If we do that, it will only hurt Terry worse,” I warn him.

“I’ve thought of that,” Bryant responds, surprising me.

“You have?” I squeak, my heart pounding in my chest because the look on Bryant’s face is one I haven’t seen before.

“Yeah, so? Your mother has agreed to keep Terry for two weeks.”

“Uh…”

“Now, Maggie.”

“Are you crazy?” I explode.

“Maggie—”

“Oh my God! Do you know what kind of crazy you’ve unleashed on us? You can’t let my mother even sniff the air where she thinks she can matchmake. Are you insane?” I literally screech.

“Well damn it! We need somebody’s help because we sure aren’t getting anywhere on our own.”

My eyes go round as freaking saucers. I can physically feel them widen, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they pop out of my head.

“You want her interference?”

“If it will finally get you to see that you belong with me? Then, you can bet your sweet, fucking ass I want her help.”

“I… you’re insane. Certifiably insane, Bryant Matthews.”

“That’s rich coming from you. Especially considering you’re the very one who drove me that way.”

“You know what, Bryant?” I ask, finally deciding to give him what he’s asking for. It’s his own fault he doesn’t know what he’s letting himself in for.

“What?”

“I’m going to give you enough rope to hang yourself.” I cross my arms at my chest as the idea solidifies in my brain. Bryant thinks he wants my crazy mother in on his scheme. He has no idea.

“What does that even mean, Maggie?”

“I’ll give you your two weeks. I’m even going to encourage my mother to help us work out our issues.”

“You’re trying to scare me, baby, but what you don’t know is that I don’t scare easily.”

“We’ll see,” I tell him smiling sweetly. “I got to go into the office now,” I announce, turning to leave.

“Just make sure when you get done, you come home to me, Maggie.”

I stop walking and look over my shoulder.

“We have our son, tonight. Remember?”

“Bring him home,” he orders, his voice bossy as hell and instantly making me wet—well, wetter than I’ve been since I saw the ginormous hard-on he was sporting. One thing is certain, Bryant and I never had problems when it came to anything sexual. Our connection is like a freaking live wire that gives off sparks constantly.

“I don’t want him hurt—”

“Bring him home tonight. He doesn’t have to know his parents are doing anything more than having a dinner together and spending time with him. He doesn’t have to know his parents are fucking like bunnies in the next room all night.”

“This is crazy, Bryant.”

“Two weeks. You agreed, woman. Don’t try to back out now.”

“God, I hope my mother drives you insane for the next two weeks, Bryant Matthews,” I huff, opening his door to leave.

“She probably will. God knows her daughter has done it my entire fucking life,” Bryant replies.

I stumble as his words hit me, but I force myself to walk away. I don’t stop until I get to my car. Once I get inside, I wrap my fingers around the steering wheel and drop my head down while my heart runs away with me. Two questions swirl in my head.