Craving Rose (The Aces' Sons 5)

“Not like this,” I argued, pointing at her. “Not like…like Rose and Lily.”

“We’re always Rose and Lily,” she said, throwing her arms in the air.

“You know what I mean,” I replied, laughing as she tripped over some grass.

“It is nice to have a night out,” Lily sang. “And I’m going to have drunk sex later.”

“Good for you,” I said seriously.

“It always is,” she replied.

We found a couple of chairs and dropped into them.

“I haven’t seen Mack tonight,” she said slyly as we stared into the fire.

“You’re like the fiftieth person to bring him up.”

“Well, we’re all just waiting to see what’ll happen next.”

“I’m so glad we could amuse you guys.”

“Oh, come on,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You guys are doing some weird mating ritual that—”

“It’s not a mating ritual,” I hissed, widening my eyes at her.

“Oh, my God,” she whispered, her mouth dropping open. “You’re embarrassed!”

“I’m not embarrassed.”

“Yes, you are! Your eyes are all squinty and you keep glancing around, like you’re afraid someone will hear me.”

“Then why aren’t you shutting up?” I asked.

“Because this is hilarious!” She leaned toward me. “You actually like him. I know you get all flustered around him—”

“I do not.”

“—but I didn’t realize you were actually into him.”

“I’m not into him,” I replied, keeping my voice low. “He just flusters me.”

“Flusters you,” she said flatly, raising her eyebrows. “No one flusters you. You’re unflusterable.”

“Not a word.”

“You are the coolest person I know,” she said, ignoring me. “You don’t get flustered. You’re a freaking ballbuster. Guys are scared of you.”

“They are not.”

“You’re intimidating,” she continued. “And aloof. And I’ve never seen you act as goofy as you do when Mack’s around.”

“Gee, thanks,” I muttered.

“It’s like your mouth isn’t connected to your brain or something,” she said, waving her hand in the air for emphasis. “I don’t remember the word for it.”

“He rattles me,” I admitted.

“Why?”

I thought about it for a second, trying to find a way to put the feeling into words. “He’s quick,” I said, glancing at her before looking back at the fire. “Anything I say, he has a response, like—” I snapped my fingers. “And I swear to God, Lil, every single word out of his mouth is laced with innuendo. He could tell me he was headed to the grocery store, but it would sound like he was taking a trip to pound town.”

Lily burst out laughing, and I felt my lips twitch.

“I’ve never noticed that,” she said through her giggles.

“His voice is all deep and gravelly,” I replied defensively. “He’s like the male version of a phone sex operator.”

“Imagine that voice in bed,” she teased. “Oh, Rose.” She groaned. “Right there, Rose.”

“Would you shut it?” I snapped, swatting at her.

“Suck me harder, Rose,” she continued.

“You have a filthy mind.”

“You’re just as bad as I am,” she shot back, grinning.

“No, I’m not,” I retorted, getting to my feet. “I’m going to get another drink. You want one?”

“Sure,” she said, getting more comfortable in her lawn chair. “I’m gonna stay here.”

“Thank God,” I mumbled under my breath as I headed back toward the clubhouse.

My cheeks were hot as I made my way through the darkness. Maybe Lily was right and I did have a thing for Mack—but that didn’t mean anything. It wasn’t as if I’d do anything about it. He was older than us, more responsible than us, and way more experienced than I’d ever be.

I was so busy thinking about all the things I’d say to Lily when I got back with our drinks that I walked right into someone for the second time that night. This time, the collision was a lot harder, and I ended up flat on my ass.

“Damn, you okay?”

Jesus. Of course it was Mack. Of course.

“I’m okay,” I replied, getting quickly to my feet. “Totally fine. Right as rain.”

Right as rain? Was I sixty-four years old? What was wrong with me?

“I hit you pretty hard,” he said, his voice laced with concern. Of course, all I heard was hard and I immediately flushed.

“My fault,” I squeaked, lifting my hands in the air. “No harm, no foul.”

Shut your mouth, Rose. Shut it right now.

“You’re not going to fake an injury so your brothers will beat my ass, are you?” he said with a chuckle. “Payback for the door?”

“I wouldn’t do that,” I replied, offended. “That’s not a prank, that would be a total asshole thing to do.”

“Right,” he said. Even though it was pitch black outside, I could tell by his tone that he was smiling.

The silence between us stretched while I stood there trying to think of something clever to say. I wasn’t ready to walk away yet, but Lily was right—when I was around Mack, my mouth seemed disconnected from my brain.

“Did you use the gift certificate?” I finally blurted out.

“I was meaning to talk to you about that—”