Her Sexiest Mistake

by Jill Shalvis

  “Yeah. Thanks.”

  “Where’s Hope?” She tore her gaze off him and searched the crowd. “I don’t see her.”

  “Look again,” he suggested and pointed back toward the Jeep.

  Mia swiped her damp forehead and scanned the group. Just a girl in jean cutoffs and a white T-shirt working the sponge over the wet windows, her hair stuffed beneath a Dodgers baseball cap. “I don’t see—” Her gaze froze, widened. “My God.”

  Kevin laughed.

  The girl was Hope, sans black clothing, sans black makeup. “I can’t believe it. Where’s all the black?”

  “She got wet and borrowed some clothes from another girl.”

  “Ah, so the change is only temporary.”

  Kevin shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe you should tell her you hate it, and then she’ll keep at it.” At her soft agreeing laugh, he shifted a little closer and ran a finger over her cheek. “So what’s up with you today?”

  His voice was warm and deep, and sent a bolt of pure lust through her so that she crossed her arms over her hopeful nipples. “Nothing.”

  “You are such a liar. A pretty one, but a liar nonetheless.” He stepped even closer.

  Stressed and weak and down, she became extremely aware of his bare torso, tough with strength, a golden red from being in the sun. Broad shoulders on which to set her head. Lust she could deal with. But the yearning that followed that lust was hard to take. “Just a bad day,” she finally answered. I want to bite you and then lick you from head to toe…

  “Queen Mia.” He let out another laugh that somehow made her want to press her face to the crook of his neck and hold on.

  Hold on.

  Terrifying thought. “I’m not the queen of much today,” she admitted, and at his easy, thoughtful look that said Tell me all about it, she felt her throat tighten. “Tess got fired, my new account is being taken over by the king of all assholes, and Sugar is too busy for her own daughter.”

  “Been through the wringer today, have you?”

  “To say the least.”

  “You could keep Hope.”

  “I can’t do that.”

  “Why?”

  “Why?” She searched for the reasons, telling herself there were just so many. “Because I have a life.”

  “Right. And it’s full and perfect, right? No need to make any changes to it, not when you have it all.”

  “Don’t start with me.”

  “Oh, that’s right. I’m only good for the stress relief. The horizontal kind.”

  She felt a reluctant smile tug at her lips. “Horizontal? We’ve been vertical plenty, as I recall.”

  He looked at her mouth and shook his head, an unwilling smile on his own lips. “I do like the look of that smile on you.”

  She met his eyes, saw the flicker of heat and reluctant affection, and felt some reluctant affection of her own kick in. Damn it. “You look good all wet and soapy, Mr. McKnight.”

  “You trying to change the subject?”

  She opened her purse and pulled out a twenty. “For the cause?”

  He arched a brow. “You want me to wash your car?”

  “Yep, while I watch. Unless my money isn’t good here.”

  He snatched the twenty from her fingers, then waved at Mike, who sauntered over, dressed pretty much the same as Kevin. He took the twenty and stuck it in a cash box.

  Kevin signed something, and Mike grinned as he walked away.

  “What did you tell him?” Mia asked, shifting her feet on the baking asphalt.

  “That I was going to give you the works.”

  “Hey!”

  “Your car.” His expression was all innocence. “I was talking about your car. Wait here. I’ll call Hope over to help.”

  “Yeah, about that…” Mia winced. “That sucky day I mentioned? It also includes the disagreement we got into this morning. She’s not happy with me.”

  “Well, it’s possible her day has been worse than yours. There’s apparently some question of whether Adam is going out with Hope or Amber.”

  Mia followed Kevin’s gaze to a pretty little blonde, leading a cheer on the sidewalk to attract more cars. She was everything Mia—and Hope—had never been. “That punk.”

  She swiped a hand over her hot, damp face. “He gave Hope a hickey.”

  “I saw.”

  Of course he’d seen; he didn’t miss a thing. “I’m going to kill him.”

  “They didn’t have sex,” Kevin said.

  “But she knows we did,” Mia said. “And she thinks I’m the biggest hypocrite out there.”

  “Ah. That makes sense then.”

  She looked at him warily and tried not to wilt in the heat. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

  He sighed. “She’s been telling stories.”

  “Runaway stories?”

  “More like…lies.”

  “Oh, boy. What’s she saying?”

  “She’s just talking, being a teenager, trying to fit in.”

  “What’s she saying?”

  “That she’s from some rich family and they’ve dumped her with you for the summer and you’re treating her like Cinderella before the ball. Any of that background stuff true?”

  “Are you kidding me? You know it’s not.”

  His eyes never left hers. “How would I know? You’ve never told me anything of your past.”

  “Okay, you know what? It’s too hot for this. I’m just going to take her home.”

  Kevin splashed the hose over her feet, making her gasp with the sudden cold.

  She stared down at her silky, strappy heels. “These are Jimmy Choo’s,” she said in shock. “You can’t just—”

  He did it again, splashing just a bit higher now, past her ankles nearly to her knees. Water spots appeared on the bottom of her pleasant D&G skirt. “Hey!”

  “Oops.”

  Mia narrowed her eyes and took the last step between them, putting them toe-to-toe, and if she’d been a foot taller, nose-to-nose. “I’ll have you know these shoes are expensive.”

  “And I’ll have you know that haughty tone you use when you’re irritated really turns me on. It’s sick, I know, but true.”

  “You don’t want to play with me. Trust me. I always win.”

  He flashed a slow and utterly wicked smile. “Did you know that when you’re backed into a corner, your Southern accent shines right through?”

  “I’m not—”

  “Oh, that’s right. We don’t talk about that. Or your past. You don’t even cop to having one.”

  Echoes of Tess saying the same thing went through her head. “My past is too complicated to discuss in this heat.” She reached for the hose, but he evaded.

  “I’ve got air-conditioning at home,” he said.

  “You said you weren’t going to answer the door to me anymore.” She again tried to snatch the hose from him, but he pulled back and, in the guise of pointing it at her car, missed entirely.

  And nailed her legs, making her gasp again.

  From behind them, the kids began to notice and let out a bunch of whistles and woo hoos. “Water fight!” someone yelled.

  That was all they needed to hear. With shrieks of laughter and screams, the kids turned on each other.

  In the midst of it all, Kevin took a step toward Mia, a wicked light of intent in his eyes.

  She backed up, her butt hitting her car. “I mean it. Don’t you even think about—”

  The hose hit her thighs and belly, and laughing, she finally grabbed the hose and pointed it at Kevin’s chest, nailing him full blast. He burst out laughing, the sound even sexier than his voice, and then just stepped through the spray toward her. Pulling a total girl, she screamed, dropped the hose, and went running around the Jeep, ducking down on the far side of it.

  “Aunt Apple?”

  Mia opened her eyes from her crouch by the passenger door and came face-to-face with Hope. Or at least she thought it was Hope. With a cap on and her face devoid o
f makeup, she looked like a different girl entirely, sweet and pretty. And fairly shocked.

  “Are you…squealing?” Hope asked in a disbelieving voice.

  “Apparently, yes.” She would marvel over that shocking fact later. “I’ll pay you twenty bucks to sidetrack Kevin so I can get him.”

  Hope’s eyes widened. “Twenty?”

  “Okay, forty.”

  Hope just stared at her.

  “Sixty. Come on, Hope. Help me out here.”

  Hope shook her head, looking bowled over. “I’d have done it for nothing, you know.”

  “Have I taught you nothing? Aim higher, girl.”

  “Yeah.” Hope touched the cap, looking a bit self-conscious. “I’m, um, sorry about this morning.”

  Mia blinked in surprise, but the girl was gone. She waited a minute, then, assuming Hope wanted that sixty bucks, stood up. No Kevin in sight. Perfect. She tiptoed toward a forgotten bucket filled with soapy water, her heels squishing all the way. Damn him. She took another quick look around.

  Still no Kevin. This was too good to be true.

  Without warning, she was grabbed from behind and pulled against an extremely wet, warm, hard chest. “Gotcha,” Kevin said low and husky in her ear, tightening his arms on her as he laughed softly.

  Goose bumps rose everywhere, but pride dictated that she struggle. “When I get free,” she vowed, “I’m going to get you.”

  “Promise?”

  “Let go!”

  Another soft laugh. “I don’t think so.”

  “Let go or I’ll…” Hard enough to think when he held her like he did; harder still to maintain her righteous dignity.

  “You’ll what?” he goaded. “Make it good now.”

  “I’ll get Hope to rewire your house so that every time you switch on an appliance, country music blasts at earsplitting decibels throughout your house.”

  “Nice one.” But he still held on to her, his arms banded tight around her middle, the fingers of his left hand spread wide and nearly, just nearly, brushing her breast. “Face it, Mia. I won. And I’m going to claim my prize.”

  Her nipples went happy. “Dream on. There’s kids watching.”

  He laughed again, and even though she kept squirming, he didn’t let her go. “Not everything is about sex.”

  “Between us it is.”

  For a beat, he went utterly still. Then he bit lightly on her ear, making her hiss in a breath, and not in pain. “It’s not all about sex,” he repeated. “And I’m going to prove it to you. Tonight. Dinner. With me.”

  “As in a date?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I don’t—”

  “See you at six thirty.” With that, he let her go and walked away.

  “I didn’t say yes!” she yelled after him.

  He didn’t even look back, the bastard.

  Well, fine. But she wasn’t going. No way. Not going to get in a restaurant and stare at him over flickering candles and wine, and talk…Not going to ride on the back of that motorcycle, clinging to his hard, warm body. Not going to go home with him and let that body make hers sing.

  Ah, hell. She was going to go.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kevin came down the stairs, and Mike took his gaze off the TV long enough to sign, Scary woman left you a text message.

  Who?

  Beth. Mike used the remote to flick through the channels with a speed that suggested annoyance. The volume was earsplitting, not that he could tell, but after a minute he tossed the remote aside to sign in quick, agitated gestures. She said to tell you she’d like a conjugal visit tonight, and bring dinner.

  Kevin laughed. She did not say that.

  Word for word. Since when is she sniffing around you again?

  Since Amber is at the teen center for the summer. Beth’s under the misguided impression I’m a better catch these days.

  Mike took in what Kevin was wearing and raised a brow.

  Kevin looked down at himself. He’d showered and put on fresh jeans and a clean black T-shirt. Given who Mia probably usually dated—not high school science teachers on a budget—this was probably slumming it. The TV, still at earsplitting decibels, was driving him crazy, so he grabbed the remote. Loud enough for you?

  Mike’s face closed. Sorry if I can’t hear it.

  The old stab of guilt still brought pain. He knew it, and Mike knew it.

  Sometimes he knew Mike liked knowing it. Look, Mia and I are going to dinner. Want me to bring you something?

  So you’re going to get fed before she does you this time. That’s nice.

  Kevin’s jaw ticked. Do you want something or not?

  I’m going to Tess’s.

  She might not be up to it, she—

  Quit. I know, we’ve been text-messaging. She says she’s pissed, but I think she’s sad. I’m going to cheer her up.

  Kevin thought of Mia, and how protective of Tess she was. If Mike fooled around with Tess, as was his custom with women, and then dumped her in about a week, also his custom, Mia would kill him. Maybe you should call Kim. Or Carrie. Or how about—

  Tess.

  Yes, but Monica called you, just this morning, said you hadn’t gone out with her in weeks. I bet she’d take you clubbing.

  Mike’s smile faded. Last time I went clubbing, you had to bail me out of jail. I thought you’d be thrilled I was doing this. You have a problem with Tess?

  No, I have a problem with you screwing around with her and then dumping her.

  Mike stared at him. How do you know she’s not the one?

  Kevin laughed.

  Mike’s face tightened. You’re that sure I’m going to fuck it up?

  Kevin didn’t know what to say to that without starting the fight that Mike was clearly looking for. What’s the big deal? Just find another woman to play with.

  Why don’t you?

  What are you talking about?

  Or are you going to come home dragging your heart behind you again?

  What does that mean?

  Mike stood up. It means you’re one to talk. You’re currently sleeping with the female equivalent of me. You ever think of that? Yet another person in your life that is broken but doesn’t want to be fixed. Yet another person in your life for you to anguish over, and in this case, get screwed over.

  Kevin stared at Mike, hearing the words as if his brother had actually spoken them, feeling them settle into his chest. I don’t have time for this shit.

  Right. Because it’s about you this time. Mike nodded agreeably. You never have time to deal with yourself, only others. Go. Go get fucked tonight. Literally and figuratively, see if I care.

  Whatever. Kevin strode to the door, feeling far more suited to be heading to an aggressive basketball game than a date.

  But maybe a date with Mia would be right up his alley. Maybe for once he’d do this her way. Get all his aggressions and stress out with a spectacular orgasm. And then move on.

  Yeah, sounded perfect. But he slammed the door to make it even more perfect. Too bad Mike couldn’t hear it.

  Mia dialed Sugar’s number, and while she waited impatiently someone hit the doorbell. Still waiting on Sugar to pick up the phone on her end, Mia pulled open the door, then found herself momentarily struck by the sight of Kevin standing there looking a little attitude-ridden, a little edgy, a little like he wanted to take her up against the doorjamb. Her heart kicked hard.

  “Hello” came Sugar’s cranky, Southern voice in her ear, as always with perfect timing. “Who the hell is this?”

  “It’s Mia.”

  “Well, listen to you, all fancy LA voice. I’ve gotten your messages. I suppose you’re wanting money for those plane tickets I’m not using this weekend. And maybe for taking care of Hope all this time.”

  “What? No, I don’t want money for taking care of Hope, or the tickets. I just want to see when I can reschedule the flights. I thought—”

  “I’m busy then.”

  Mia’s eye twitched. “
But I didn’t say when.”

  “Yeah. See, the thing is, I’m having some troubles. Mental ones.” Sugar’s voice lowered, as if this was a state secret. “I’m having a breakdown on a account of my daughter driving me insane. There’s this thirty-day recovery period, or so my doctor says.”

  Thirty days, her ass. “Sugar.” Calm. Be calm. “You can’t just desert your daughter for thirty more days.”

  “Oh, but see, that’s the beauty of this. I’m not deserting her at all. She’s with you. And you’re family. I’ll call you in August. Okay?”

  “August!”

  “Otherwise, I just don’t know what I’ll do. Please, Mia. Look, I know I’ve been a shit to you while she’s been there—”

  “How about for all my life?”

  Sugar sighed. “I was kinda hoping you were over some of that early stuff.”

  Now Mia sighed. “I am.”

  “Then, please. For me.”

  “I’ll think about it,” she said, because suddenly Sugar really did sound like she was on the very edge. “But—”

  But nothing. She was talking to a dial tone. “Damn it.” She hit the OFF button with her thumb and tossed the phone to the couch. “Damn it.”

  “Maybe it won’t be as bad as you think.”

  Whirling around, she focused. Gorgeous, edgy guy standing in her foyer, holding an extra helmet, which set her hormones all aquiver as if she was—“A teenager,” she said. And slapped her forehead. “Oh, my God, I’m thinking like a teenager. What kind of influence can I possibly be? I can’t do this. I can’t.” She set her fingers to her twitching eye. “I have no idea how to do this.”

  Kevin sighed and set the helmet down. “It’s going to be okay.”

  “Really? How? How is it going to be okay? By August I won’t have any eardrums left, or a job for that matter. Kevin, I have no idea what I’m doing here,” she admitted quietly.

  “It’s a one-day-at-a-time thing,” he assured her with a lopsided smile that seemed slightly self-mocking as he took her hand. “Trust me on this. Where’s Hope now?”

  “Upstairs. Tess is coming by to get her. They’re going to make cookie dough. I guess your brother is joining them.”

  Kevin laughed. “Hope’ll make a good chaperone.”

  “Do they need one?”

  He ran his finger over the furrow between her brows. “Stop worrying.”