“What do you want to watch?” she calls out to me.
“I don’t care. You pick.” We both know I’ll be sound asleep within minutes. This work week really did kick my ass.
It takes no time to rinse our dishes and load them into the dishwasher, that I know was full. Alyssa must have taken care of that when she got here earlier. Reaching into the fridge for a beer, I remember that I’m out, and Archer is restocking me. Instead, I grab a bottle of water for Alyssa.
“That was fast.” She smiles up at me from her spot on the couch.
I set the bottle of water on the end table next to her and plop down on the couch. She instinctively lifts her legs and places them on my lap. “Did you decide?”
“No. I’m trying to find something manly since Archer is coming over.”
“You cooked. You can watch whatever you want, and neither one of us will say a damn word about it.”
“I know, but I don’t want you two to be miserable. Remember the last time I picked when your brothers were here? There was that royal romance movie playing, and they made fun of me through the entire thing.”
My hands begin massaging her feet. “That won’t happen. I promise. I got on their asses about it, and it won’t happen again. I gave you free rein. They needed to accept that.”
“Regardless, I’m looking for something manly.” She scrolls through the options and nods. “This will do.” She queues up some combat movie.
“You’re going to sleep right through this.”
She grins and shrugs. “I’m not afraid to nap it out, Tank.”
I chuckle. “I know you’re not. There’s nothing wrong with a nap. However, you won’t sleep tonight, and then you’ll be pissed tomorrow because you’re tired.” Instead of replying, she sticks her tongue out at me, and I toss her a wink. We both know I’m right.
The sound of the front door opening and heavy footsteps down the hall has me turning my head to greet one of my little brothers.
“Damn, Lys, it smells good.” He nods toward the twelve-pack of beer in his arms, and I nod, reaching out to take one from him.
“You’re staying if you’re drinking, right?” Yes, I know he’s twenty-four and a grown-ass man, but he’s still my little brother.
“You good with me staying?” he questions.
“You know which room you can use.” I have two spare rooms, and one is reserved strictly for Alyssa. She doesn’t stay over often, but when she does, it’s her room. She has clothes and toiletries she keeps here, and I don’t let anyone ever sleep there. I have the same setup at her place. Makes it nice when we’re out late or just hanging out like this with a beer or two, and neither one has to worry about getting home.
“Alyssa?” Archer offers her a beer.
“No, thanks.”
“We left everything out. Make a plate and come sit. She’s got a movie ready to go.” I point toward the television.
“On it. You both already ate?” he asks.
“Yep. Knock yourself out.” My plate had been heaped. Between that and the salad, I’m stuffed. I wait until he’s in the kitchen before turning my attention back to my best friend. “Thank you for making dinner and inviting him over.”
“Of course. He’s family.”
I nod because Alyssa is my family too. She thinks of my brothers as her own, and they think of her as a sister. “What are we doing tomorrow?” I ask.
“I’m going shopping with Kennedy and the girls. We’re going to pick up some new items for our trip.”
“Why do women need new clothes to go on vacation?” I ask.
“It’s not that we need them, as much as it’s nice to have them. I don’t know. There’s just something about a new outfit or bathing suit when you’re already in a relaxed setting. It makes you feel good about yourself.”
“That makes sense, I guess. Guys are just different. I couldn’t care less what I am wearing as long as it’s clean.”
Alyssa laughs. “Did you ever buy new swim trunks since yours split open at the end of the season last year?”’