“Is he single? Are you sleeping with him?”
“What? No. It’s none of your business, and why do you care?”
I flick off the office lights, and we go through the door that connects to the living room. “He is. And you are. And if you aren’t, you want to.” Her voice is accusatory as we enter the kitchen.
I stick my head inside the fridge, trying to ignore her, but it’s like trying to ignore a bee buzzing next to my ear.
“You have a hot single man within spitting distance, and you’re not going for it? That’s a waste of good man flesh. Someone should take advantage.”
I root around for a drink, pushing aside a block of cheese and a bag of carrots. The only beverages in the fridge are expired oat milk and a few cans of soda. Damn Jacob. He’s made it hard to keep booze anywhere in the house because it always disappears within a day.
I stand up and shut the fridge. “He’s not a plaything that’s only here for your amusement. No one is taking advantage of anyone.” I won’t mention the ogling or the flirting or the orgasm on the porch.
“Who’s taking advantage?” Jacob enters from the side door.
Taylor shrieks and jumps on him. “Jakey!”
“Tay-Tay!”
He swoops her around, and they’re both laughing and talking as if they didn’t see each other last month and go through this same ridiculous routine.
I move to the sink, rinsing off a few dishes from breakfast and lunch and putting them in the washer.
Taylor comes and goes once or twice a month, usually only staying a night or two at the most. She lives in her VW bus and travels across the country, going wherever the wind takes her, working odd jobs and attending music festivals with a rowdy group of eclectic friends, ranging from hedge fund managers to C-list celebrities.
I love my sister. I’m happy when she’s here, but Jacob is usually worse off when she leaves.
“How long are you staying?” Jake asks.
I dry my hands on a dishcloth and turn around, leaning back against the counter.
Taylor shrugs. “A day or two. There’s a big show in Fort Lauderdale. Tortuga. Can’t miss it. Although you have a guest here that might encourage me to stay longer.” She winks at me.
“What are you talking about?” Jacob jumps up onto the counter next to Taylor, his legs swinging back and forth.
“Archer Weston.”
Jacob scowls. “He’s still here?” His eyes dart to mine.
I explain for Taylor’s benefit. “I made a deal with him. He’s going to help around the cabins for free, and all I have to do is answer a few questions.”
Jacob’s brows furrow. “How long did you say this deal is going to last?”
So I may have glossed over some of the finer points.
“Yeah, Finley, what kind ofarrangementdo you have with this guy?” Her tone goes dreamy. “He has a great aura.”
“Taylor.” I give her my best older-sibling-in-charge voice accompanied by a warning look.
She laughs. “C’mon, spill it, sis.”
I blow out a breath, knowing she won’t let me get away with anything but the full explanation. “Archer is here because of Oliver Nichols.”
Taylor’s mouth pops open. “Oliver Nichols? Isn’t he the guy who keeps making those huge offers on the property?”
I nod.
Jacob frowns at me. “You’re not selling, right?”