Just One Inch

“I’d say,” Harold growled in return, turning to the older woman with adoring eyes. “With social media and everyone traveling in such small circles, who knows what’ll happen next?” he shrugged.

“Hear, hear,” chimed Matt, raising a glass. “Here’s to coincidences … and new beginnings,” he said with a pointed glance at me.

What the fuck? What was my brother getting at? Obviously he knew I felt nothing for my so-called fiancée, but did he have any idea of who Tina was to me? Had he guessed? Suddenly, Matt’s intentions became clear. My fucking brother was gazing with silent appreciation at the brunette’s curves, and letting his eyes trail over her ample cleavage while savoring the slim white hand that held a wine glass aloft. I was filled with a murderous, red-haze rage.

“Mary, Harold, to you,” I said through gritted teeth. “And to the Mannings,” I managed, shooting my brother a fuck-you look.

But Matt was oblivious. He’d sidled into the seat next to the curvy brunette and was already making small talk, chit-chatting about some bullshit. He was probably relating some touching story of growing up on a ranch and playing with lambs. God knows, girls love that shit. But I realized I knew almost nothing about my mystery brunette, and my frustration and powerlessness were overwhelming. I needed to stop this fucking farce from going any further.

“Jake,” said Mary as she settled a napkin in her lap, “tell us a little about yourself.”

“Oh Mother,” cried Jenna before I could speak, “Don’t you keep up with current events? Jake is the CEO of Manning Pharmaceuticals. They IPO’d six months ago,” she said triumphantly. “They’re the first unicorn to go public in a year,” she announced in a loud voice, as if hoping the restaurant would overhear.

“Harold,” said Mary, slapping my dad playfully on the arm. “You didn’t tell me that you were the Mannings of Manning Pharma. Of course I’ve heard of the company. I think my mother, Jenna and Tina’s grandmother, uses their diabetes drug.”

“Darling, I didn’t want to say anything,” rumbled my dad. “Manning Pharma belongs to my boys. I’m just a plain old working man, rough around the edges,” he rumbled.

“Oh you!” flirted Mary shamelessly, giving his arm a warm squeeze. “You’re the most sought-after contractor in San Francisco. Don’t play it down,” she said with a sweet smile.

These aging lovebirds were so disgusting that I almost wanted to puke. But even more worrisome was watching Matt putting the moves on my curvy brunette. I could see him leaning close to her, his interest evident by his body language. What the hell? We were all step-siblings here. Didn’t he realize what a fucking disgusting lech he was?

Meanwhile, Tina’s body language looked receptive. She was laughing at his jokes, and nodding in agreement with something he was saying. She took a delicate sip of her water, her eyes meeting mine momentarily over the rim of the glass. Goddamit. I needed her. Just the sight of those caramel eyes looking up at me reminded me of her on her knees in my bedroom, gazing sweetly up at me as she tasted my cock.

I adjusted myself uncomfortably in the chair, my body rock-hard and ready to spew at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, Jenna noticed and slipped her hand provocatively onto my thigh, her fingers trailing my bulge under the tablecloth.

“We wanted to let you know that we’ll be getting married at Memorial Chapel,” she announced to the table before lowering her voice confidentially. “We’re going to have about three hundred guests, including Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison. Because Zuck is one of Jake’s friends right? And Larry wants us to take his yacht for the honeymoon.”

I was annoyed. Sure, these were professional acquaintances but I wouldn’t say they were friends per se. I mean, let’s get real. Sometimes you’ve got to slash another man’s throat in business, and I knew both Zuck and Ellison wouldn’t hesitate to cut me under the right circumstances. Hell, I’d beat their wives and children if it got me what I wanted.

But I must have growled something that made Jenna smile brightly. Meanwhile, Tina flushed, looking at her glass. The brunette got up hastily, mumbling some excuse, and made her way to the back of the restaurant.

“What’s gotten into her?” asked Jenna breezily. “Oh I know, we had finals and it’s been rough but she’ll be fine. Anyways, are you all free the first weekend in June? I’ve already reserved the chapel for that Saturday.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. Getting up, I too made my way to the back of the restaurant in pursuit of the beautiful brunette.

7

Tina

This night was turning out to be a sheer nightmare. The quiet dinner with Mom had somehow morphed to include her newest boyfriend, but okay, three is fine. A nice dinner was a nice dinner, and I was already a goner with the plaid shirtdress. Inappropriate before, it was going to be doubly inappropriate in the swanky atmosphere of San Francisco’s newest mod restaurant. But I sighed and nodded, defeated before the night even began.