Slenderman by CeeRee Fields (good novels to read TXT) 📗

rolled to the balls of his feet and back again. “I’m glad she didn’t make us move.”

“I would never make you two do anything.”

Rhys and Rian turned and smiled.

“I didn’t know you were done with the conference call with Redden.”

She waved a hand toward the hall. “I’m done with my piece. He’s got two more calls to make.” Then she turned to Rian. “You should know better than to think I’d ever take away your home. The only way I’d do that if it was in all of our best interests, and it isn’t.” She bumped Rian’s side, being five-foot-four, she couldn’t nudge his shoulder without using her hand. As if she sensed the mood turning heavy, she changed the subject. “So why are we eating in here tonight?”

The light in her blue eyes teased and Rhys knew she’d already guessed what Rian’s big announcement would be this time.

His brother shrugged. “No reason. I need to go see if Marta needs help in the kitchen.”

With that, his brother raced from the room.

“Way to clear the room, hon.”

“It’s a gift.” Jo grinned. “You know he’s going to ask if Evan can move into the pool house.”

“I know. Those two are thick as thieves and get on like a house on fire. But I want him to present it, and I want to make sure Lisa and Marta are good with the addition.”

“Well I’m with you, whatever you decide.” She hugged him.

“I am glad you didn’t push for us to move. Even though this place makes you uncomfortable and you get a lot of crap about it at work.”

Her fingers covered his mouth. “First, I’ll get comfortable here. It’ll take time, but it’s already happening. My movies are mingled with yours, and my CDs have been added to yours. This will become my home because you live here. Second, my ego is not so fragile that it’ll crumble over being teased about your money and me living in a castle. I couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks.” Her lips took the place of her fingers, and she pecked his lips as she made each point. “Only your opinion matters. Third, this house holds so many memories of your parents. With my parents, they’re only a phone call away. And if something happens to them, God forbid, I know you’ll push me to bring things from their home to remember them. Like you did with my ugly yellow table everyone makes fun of, and the corkboard I’ve solved so many cases on that it’s falling apart.”

“Your yellow table is an acquired taste, and I would miss it after getting used to it. As for the corkboard. We can have it framed and get you a new one.” Resting his hands on her hips, he urged her back until she was sandwiched between him and the wall. Claiming her lips, he lost himself in her. Her spicy flavor, panting breath, and quiet whimpers.

He cupped the head and tilted it for a better angle. Her left leg slid over the outside of his leg, and he gripped her ass to lift her. With a groan, he pushed away from her before following through with the move. Rian’s excited voice rose and fell as he greeted Evan. Sighing, he grabbed another quick kiss. “The hammock after dinner?”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll go wash up because the fried chicken is making my mouth water.” Her fingers trailed over the buttons of his shirt. “The food isn’t all that’s making it water, but I’ll satisfy that hunger later.” She sauntered from the room.

He shook his head fondly at her as he adjusted his blazer to hide the erection pushing against his slacks. She always knew just what to say to him to keep her at the forefront of his mind.

His gaze taking in the room again. This must have been why Rian had been acting evasive and nervous the last week. Dodging questions Rhys had about Rian’s game and subtly questioning him to see if he was still providing Jo’s team information. He trusted Jo not to ask, but Redden and Ian had a tendency to talk about the case while eating their meals in the kitchen. It had taken Rhys and Jo together explaining to them why they couldn’t do that anymore to make them stop. Now he realized Rian’s nerves didn’t stem from the investigation at all. His brother had something important he wanted to present to his family.

The scene was reminiscent of when Rian had asked to move to the pool house. He’d spent a month talking to himself, jumping to help Marta any chance he could, and asking basic questions on housekeeping. When he was ready, he had set the dining room table and asked Lisa, Marta, Rhys, and Jo to please be at dinner that night. Then he’d laid everything out in as logical a manner as he could. They had agreed to a trial run, and six months later everyone was comfortable with the new arrangement. Rian felt more independent. Rhys and Jo could make out on the couch without commentary. Lisa enjoyed the suite she had and the quiet time while Rian was gone, she could spread out in the den and study. It had been harder for her here with Jo, Rhys, and Marta barging into the room and distracting her.

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and homemade biscuits were all fresh from the kitchen. Just as it was six months ago. Rian had chosen it because it was the same dinner their parents requested when they had big news to share with their family.

A noise drew Rhys’s attention, and he smiled to see his brother with Evan trailing him. “Hey, you two. You look very nice tonight, Evan.”

“Thanks.” Evan ducked his head as he took a seat.

Rian sat to his right.

Evan was out of his polos and khakis. Instead, he wore light blue button-down shirt and black slacks. His dark blond hair had also been combed, and his