Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“That dickhead isn’t getting near her again. He’s a loser.”

“Changing the subject now!” She huffs. “Tell me more about you, Crenshaw."

“My friends and family call me Ren.”

She squints her eyes and shakes her head. “Nah, I think I like Shaw better. It doesn’t remind me of a little shaved Chihuahua.”

“Shaw?”

“It’s sexy, too. So there you go. New nickname.”

“Exactly how old are you? What do you know about sexy?”

“Oh, please, I’m almost fifteen, and I know sexy when I see it. And you, Shaw Bennett, are ‘sexy’.” She uses air quotes with no shame.

Heat creeps up my cheeks at her statement. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been embarrassed, but this sassy little pixie has me blushing.

“Great, now you’ve given him a bigger ego.” Nick sighs. “But she’s big on nicknames, so I guess you’re stuck with it.”

“I like it, Lizbeth. To you, I’m Shaw.”

A smile spreads across her face and reaches all the way down to my soul. The light in her eyes shines so bright, they sparkle. Like my little brother, I have the crucial need to protect her from the bullies and jackasses at their school.

“Tell me more about this girl giving you a hard time,” I ask gently.

“It’s stupid really. She’s a junior and thinks she’s hot shit. Apparently, she’s not over her ex-boyfriend. The day he asked me out, I was suddenly the focus of her nastiness. Even when I turned him down, she still found a way to label me a slut.”

There’s a bite in her words, reminding me how cruel and callous high school girls can be.

“I mean, really,” she continues. “I’m a cancer patient with a lot more on my mind than a stupid football game.”

“Hey!” Nick slaps his hand to his heart, acting hurt. “There is nothing stupid about football.”

“I may rethink my stance on the sport since my new BFF is a rising star.”

“That’s better.” He winks and reaches for the deck of cards. “Now, you can watch me beat this lug in poker.”

“No way! I asked him a question. It’s his turn to answer.”

I look at her, trying to remember her question.

“I asked you to tell me about yourself.”

“Not much to tell. Junior in college, pretty sure I’m going to law school. After that, who knows?”

“Snore-bore! Tell me something more interesting, like where you’ll take me on our first vacation together?”

I whip my head to her and then back to my brother, who is grinning like a loon.

“W-w-what?” I stutter.

“Where are you taking me? I hope it’s tropical. I love the beach.”

I suck in a breath, not sure how to respond. Is she serious?

Nick starts laughing and gives her a high five. “Well played,” he tells her.

“The look on your face is priceless!” She points to me.