When he pulls away, Finn looks at Andrew. “You guys have that big Christmas party at the firm every year, right? Maybe next year you can refer Mac for the job?”
Andrew had just taken a drink of his beer, and he sputters and coughs, leaning forward to set the beer on the coffee table. He thumps himself on his chest. “Wrong hatch,” he says with a strangled voice.
Finn looks at him quizzically, then shrugs, returning his attention to Zahra. “Want some help getting those apps together? No sense waiting for my parents. They’ll show when they show.”
“I thought dinner was being catered?” I ask.
“It is, but Zahra insisted on doing something, so she made some appetizers. She likes to cook.”
“Guess that comes in handy with my brother, since he’s completely inept in the kitchen,” I say.
She smiles and gets up from the couch. “It certainly helps.”
Finn follows her into the kitchen, leaving Andrew and me in silence except for the football game on the television. We both pretend we’re avid football fans, but I swear I feel his gaze on me.
“Everything okay?” Andrew says in a low voice, I’m assuming to keep my brother and Zahra from hearing.
“Mmmhmm.” I don’t look at him.
“Kenzie, I would have told you but…”
When he doesn’t continue, I turn my attention toward him. “But what?”
He sighs and it makes his whole chest heave. Of course I can’t help but notice the way his navy cashmere sweater stretches across his pecs. “I can’t say. But you’ll figure it out.”
My eyes narrow. “What is that even supposed to mean?”
“Trust me.” He holds my gaze, those storm clouds in his eyes swirling with emotion.
Despite myself, I nod. “Fine.”
“Now, why else are you so grumpy today? That’s usually my role in our relationship.”
My brain stutters over the words “our relationship” even though I know he doesn’t mean them the way it’s implied.
“I’m not grumpy,” I argue. But the truth is I am, which is rare for me.
He gives me a pointed look.
“All right, I’m on edge about seeing my parents, and I feel like a sack of potatoes next to Zahra. I should’ve dressed up.” I frown and look down at my shirt with a cartoon turkey on it that says, “You only like me for my breasts.”
Andrew chuckles.
“I’m serious. She’s so glamorous and put together.” I gesture aimlessly toward the kitchen.
“MacKenzie, you couldn’t look bad if you tried. You always look stunning, poultry shirt or not.”
I don’t know if it’s his use of my full name or the entirety of his compliment, but my cheeks heat and a low throbbing sensation stirs between my legs.
Our eyes lock, then he opens his mouth to say something, but I don’t want him to take his words back, so I blurt, “Thank you.”
He nods.
“Here we are.” Zahra arrives from the kitchen with a tray of appetizers, and Finn follows with a second tray.
They smell delicious and my stomach growls, but luckily no one seems to notice.
“Looks wonderful, Zahra,” Andrew says.