Claim My Baby (Crescent Cove 2)
“Shouldn’t something like that be kept private?”
She gave me a glacial look that said I’d probably be watching Friends by myself. In the dark. In my boxers while holding a bottle of Molson.
“Do you know anything at all about romance? I thought you were considered suave with the ladies.”
“The women I typically date aren’t looking for romance.”
“I bet,” she muttered darkly, not so subtly moving away from me.
My phone buzzed at my hip and I picked it up, intending to ignore the call. It was my brother. Why was he calling instead of texting as he normally did?
Oh shit, was it the baby? I hadn’t gotten any of those infernal twin vibes that always seemed to assail me when my brother was in pain—either physical or severe emotional—but maybe distance affected the reception. We’d never tested the boundaries of the supposed twin bond. I tried to dismiss it as hogwash most of the time anyway.
I swallowed hard and accepted the call. “Is the baby okay?”
Beside me, Sage stopped walking and put a hand to her mouth.
“The baby is fine. How is Sage?”
I slid a sideways glance at her and minutely shook my head. “Other than you scaring her witless by calling, she’s perfectly fine. What’s going on?”
“And how are you?”
That explained why there were no twin vibes, and it wasn’t due to location. The jackass was on a scouting mission, probably thanks to his lovely wife.
“Having the time of my life. I’ve never had a more incredible trip.” Beside me, Sage tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “Filled with all the sights and sounds of a splendorous Vegas—”
“Cut the crap. Have you slept with her or not?”
I cleared my throat. Luck
ily, the sidewalks were filled with so many revelers and tourists, all heading in and out of the casinos and hotels, that Sage couldn’t have heard Seth’s booming voice if she wanted to. And she clearly did, since she was walking on her tiptoes to try to get closer to my ear.
I switched my cell to the other hand. “I can vouch there has been no sleeping.”
Seth swore. “She’s a virgin. You know that. How could you?”
Somewhere down deep, something akin to hurt flared. I didn’t care that I was known as a womanizer in town. I knew the truth, that I treated women with respect and told no lies about my intentions. But to have my own brother—my goddamn twin—act as if I was some horny asshole who’d dragged Sage into a bathroom to join the mile-high club was too much.
Didn’t you practically do just that? You dragged her into a hot tub. She told you she rarely received physical affection anymore. Are you honestly surprised she sought comfort from you? You were available. Convenient. What happens in Vegas…and she’s already been reluctant to make plans with you afterward.
Sage stopped walking and pointed at a boutique that was still open. I didn’t understand what she meant until she darted into the shop.
Maybe she had heard. Or maybe she just wanted to shop until she dropped. Who even knew anymore?
“We haven’t slept together,” I said through gritted teeth once the door closed behind her. “Happy now?”
Seth audibly exhaled. “Yes, I am. Ally said she wasn’t worried since Sage hates you, but I told her not to diminish your skills at the woo.”
“Skills at the woo? Is that some childish reference to performing oral sex on a woman?”
Seth laughed. “Hardly. You know, wooing a woman. You’re good at it. And Sage is an easy mark. Tell her she’s pretty, spend some time with her, and she’s likely to confuse sex and love.”
“Whoa there, sex and love? On the first day we’re traveling together? Also, don’t you think you should give Sage a bit more credit?” When he didn’t respond right away, I shook my head. “You and Ally are a pair, all right. Both claim to love her but don’t see her for half of what she truly is.”
“Hmm. Sounds like a little more than the commentary of her frenemy, don’t you think? Maybe you’re the one confusing sex and love already.”
“I’m not confused about anything. You, however, are confused if you think I’m going to continue this conversation. Goodnight, Seth. Give Ally my best.” I clicked off before he could do more than sputter.