Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

The look on her face plays over and over in my head as I reach for the bag Gail dropped on my desk. The black satin box falls out, and I open it to see the contents I had specially made for Bizzy.

It’s perfect, exactly what I had in mind. I check my watch and see I have three hours before she has to be at work. Packing my laptop and shoving the contracts into my briefcase, I rush to get out the door. Gail laughs at me when I breeze past her desk and yell I’ll be available by cell.

Tomorrow night can’t get here soon enough.

“She seems different,” my mom states, referring to Bizzy who is currently in an animated conversation with my dad and Nick.

They’re laughing at something, and she throws her hands in the air, her body leaning into Nick as they enjoy the joke.

I stiffen and glance at my mom who is watching me closely. “Yes, she does,” I agree, trying to sound normal.

“Rory said she met someone. Someone special.” She takes a sip of her wine, watching for a reaction.

Bizzy already warned me she told her mom, and Rory and Tom were going to stay quiet until the game tomorrow. Then all bets were off. By the looks of my mom, she’s already figured it out.

“Met someone, huh? Wonder if it’s that hockey player in Tampa that asked for her number?” Mathis joins us, intentionally riling me up.

My blood runs cold as I glare at his daring smirk.

“Oh! I hope so! He’s so cute. They’d make a great couple!” Mom chirps, nodding.

“For fuck’s sake!” I growl and shove my brother in the gut.

He grunts and lets out a loud howl, bringing all the attention to us. Bizzy looks at him with concern, then she sees the fire in my eyes and stills. Her smile starts to fade until I crook a finger at her to come, and she gulps the rest of her wine, walking over. Halfway to me, she fingers the necklace I placed on her last night. It’s a single chain choker with a diamond studded ‘B’ in the middle. Most people would assume it represents her name, but to me, it’s a symbol of my commitment.

“About time,” my mom says a little too loudly, and my dad starts laughing.

“Now?” she mouths at me and I nod, tagging her to my side. She folds into me and lays a hand on my chest, the other sliding around my waist.

The whole group goes quiet, and Nick’s eyes grow wide. I brace, unsure of his reaction, and hear Bizzy’s breath hitch, her hand tightening on my hip.

“I’ll be damned. I agree with Mom. It is about time,” is all he says, taking a long look at us.

“What?” I’m confused by his remark.

“You both suck at the secretive thing. I knew something was up the second you answered the phone last week in Tampa. My instincts kicked in. All suspicions were confirmed when I took one look at you both on Monday night. Do you think I’m an idiot? You had a blaze in your eyes that could only mean one thing. You were sending off some serious vibes.

“And damn, Bizzy, I know you better than anyone. Don’t you think I can tell when something’s going on in your life? Give me some credit.”

“Are you okay with this?” Her voice is small, and my heart starts to beat faster. His approval means a lot to her. I’d never really considered the off-chance he’d be upset.

“Okay that you’re banging my brother?”

“NICOLAS!” my mom admonishes, her voice screeching.

Dad coughs to cover his laugh, and Mathis outright chuckles. Bizzy buries her head in my chest, obviously embarrassed.

Nick ignores us and keeps his eyes on her. “To answer your question, no one will ever be good enough for you, but I guess my brother will do. So, yeah, I’m okay with this.”

She relaxes, twisting to him. Even without seeing her expression, I know they exchange some sort of conversation without words. His face takes on a whole new look as it softens and a small grin forms.

“Well, I personally am thrilled! Do I count?” my mom huffs, bringing all heads to her.

“Of course you do, Mom.” I reach over and squeeze her shoulder. “But I had no doubt you’d be happy.”

She likes my answer and curls into my other side, wrapping her arms around Bizzy and me.

“So Shaw finally has a girlfriend?” my dad teases, taking a sip of his drink and eyeing me over the glass. I know that look; it’s telling me he’s happy, and also that he wasn’t fooled by our attempt to be sly.