“Okay, so I was cute. Got it.”

  “Go for slutty.”

  Kristen bristled. “That’s a degrading—”

  “Do you or do you not want to get laid?”

  “I do. I really, really do.”

  “Show some skin. Glam up the makeup. Wear sexy panties. And put on some heels. You’ve got this.”

  “You’re right. I’ve got this.” Kristen nodded, mentally searching her suitcase for something sexy.

  Damn. There wasn’t a lot. And there definitely weren’t heels. Hiking boots, yes. Heels? Nope.

  “Maybe we could do some quick shopping before I head to the barbecue?”

  “Yeah. I like this idea. I can blow off yoga.”

  “So, you’ll come with me?”

  “I may drop by near the end. We’ll see.”

  A half hour later, as they settled their bills and signed their checks, Kristen glanced back at the women who’d done their pedicures. The technicians’ eyes had gone wide more than once during the process.

  Kristen nudged her friend in the ribs. “Leave a big tip. I think we scarred those poor ladies for life with our conversation.”

  Tori grimaced. “Without a doubt.”

  *

  Now this was much more his scene.

  Blake took another swig of soda before flipping the burgers laid out on the grill. Alternative music drifted from the speakers set in the window of the house he’d lived in up until a few months ago.

  He glanced at the handful of people spread around the backyard. There were no unfamiliar faces, only people he considered friends and who he’d known for years.

  “Thanks for manning the grill.”

  Blake glanced over as his friend James came to stand beside him.

  “Anytime. You know I was born for grill duty.”

  “Yeah, you were.” James nodded. “We miss having you live here, man.”

  Blake let his gaze drift around again. “I miss it at times, I won’t lie. I just needed a place of my own. It was time.”

  “And you make pretty good money doing that firefighter thing, huh?”

  “It’s not bad. More now that I’m a trained medic.” Blake gave his friend a sidelong look. The athletic and strong type. Ran marathons for fun. “You know, you could always give up that law-school stuff and come to the dark side.”

  “Nah, my passion is for arguing.” James grinned and took a swig of beer. “How are things? You dating anyone?”

  Blake’s smile faded. “Nah. Single and cool with it.”

  Surprisingly, the memory of last night and a cute blonde lingered at the forefront of his mind. Kristen’s parting words still left him a little irritated and shocked.

  Let it go, Blake.

  Changing the subject, Blake cast his friend a sidelong look. “How about you? Things still going good with Hannah?”

  “Yeah. It’s going all right.” James turned to lean against the porch rail. “I feel kind of bad. We don’t see each other as much as we should.”

  “Dude, you’re in law school and working at your cousin’s firm. You’re super busy and she gets it.” Blake shrugged. “And she loves the hell out of you. You’ve been together since eighth grade, right? I’m sure she’s cool.”

  “Yeah. I’m sure you’re right.”

  “She coming today?”

  “Yeah, she should be.” James grabbed the packet of cheese next to the grill and began laying slices on a handful of burgers.

  The sounds of female laughter came from inside, and James glanced back into the house. “That’s probably her now.”

  Blake watched his friend disappear inside and turned his attention back to the group playing cornhole.

  The weather was actually somewhat nice, which was never a given this time of year. Low sixties, which meant shorts weather in Seattle. No one could complain about that.

  “Blake,” Eric, their other friend and former housemate, called out from the yard, “get down here and join us for a game.”

  “Grill duty.” Blake lifted his giant spatula. “Once these burgers are done, I’ll be down there to kick some ass.”

  The sound of female laughter came again, but this time it was closer. A husky sound that made the hairs on the back of his neck lift.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in that much makeup,” James’s voice carried from inside the house. “What’s the deal?”

  The woman’s response wasn’t audible.

  James stepped out on the porch a second later, seeming to be alone. But the moment his body cleared the door, a smaller frame filled the entryway.

  The soda in Blake’s hand slid free, and he lurched to grab it before it hit the ground. Sticky root beer coated his hand as he crushed the aluminum with his fingers.

  Blake blinked, certain he was imagining the woman in front of him. Maybe he was transposing her face onto someone else who looked kind of like her.

  Nope. It was her. Kristen from last night. And instead of the fresh-faced, girl-next-door look, she had a little bit more of a vampy makeup thing going on now.

  Her face was completely made up. Her eyes were lined and lashes extra-long looking; her lips were pink and glossy. Stick-straight hair hung halfway down her back. Had she ironed it?

  He swept his glance down her body. Despite the fancy makeup and hair, she was dressed casually in black leggings and a loose, white top over it.

  What the fuck is happening?

  Blake turned his back to them, needing a few seconds to get the damn shock off his face before she recognized him.

  Who the hell was she? And what was her connection to the people at this barbecue?

  “Hey, buddy.” James’s clapped a hand down on his shoulder. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Poker face, keep your damn poker face on.

  Blake wiped all emotion off his face, gritted his teeth, and turned around to face them.

  Kristen’s laid-back smile froze as she made a nearly inaudible choking noise. Her eyes rounded, and he was pretty sure she was silently using the same curses he was.

  “Not sure if you guys have ever met,” James continued, oblivious to any tension, “but this is Kris. My little sister.”

  Chapter Four

  Sister.

  She was James’s sister.

  Shit. Fuck. Damn.

  Blake’s stomach dropped to the floor, and bile rose in his throat.

  All the things he’d done with her last night—and the filthy things he hadn’t done but had wanted to—flashed through his brain.

  Her gaze met his, and the silent plea for him not to mention last night was impossible to miss.

  “Nah,” Blake forced an easygoing smile and held out his hand. It was time to make use of that drama summer camp his mom had sent him to as a kid. “We haven’t met. I’m Blake.”

  She placed her hand in his, and he didn’t miss the slight tremor.

  “Nice to meet you.” Her smile tightened to almost brittle level as she pulled her hand back. “So, um, how exactly do you both know each other?”

  “We were in the same frat.” James grabbed the extra grill spatula and transferred the burgers to a waiting plate. “Blake lived here with us until he got his own place recently.”

  “Frat brothers.” Kristen’s tone was overly bright, but James seemed oblivious. “You don’t say. Wow. I mean, that’s great. Just great.”

  “Yeah.” James turned and smiled at her. “I’m going to bring these burgers inside. Help yourself to a beer or something, kid.”

  “Okay.”

  “Food’s inside,” James hollered to the guys on the lawn before turning and making his way into the house.

  With no one within earshot, Blake let his smile fade.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” he muttered. “Kristen Watson. Guess I should start asking girls their last names just to be safe.”

  “What? It’s not like I knew you were friends with my brother.” Her cheeks went pink, and she folded her arms across her chest. “Trust me, I would’ve run fast and hard if I’d known who I was trying to seduce.”

  “You shouldn’t be trying to seduce anyone,” Blake snapped tersely. So much for her not being his problem because here she was, standing right in front of him again. A big fucking problem.

  “We’ve had this talk.” She frowned. “I mean, I think. Some things are a little fuzzy from last night.”

  “You don’t say. How are you feeling? Hungover?”

  “No, I’m good.” Her smile turned whimsical. “I had a super relaxing morning at the spa, actually. Aren’t my nails cute?” She held up her pink-tipped hand. “Anyway. Look, can we just forget last night? Pretend you don’t know me?”

  Disbelief had him giving a harsh laugh. “Isn’t that what I just did?”

  “Yeah, I guess. But I mean, like, keep that going.”

  “I thought you said your brother was a cop? Was that a lie?”

  “James isn’t the cop; my other brother is. But he lives in Wisconsin now.”

  Now that she reminded him, it surfaced in his memory. James had mentioned both his siblings, just not all that often. Or maybe Blake hadn’t been paying attention.

  “Does James know about your irrational little plan?”

  “Gross.” She blinked. “Are you high? In what weird world would I tell my brother something like that?”

  He nodded and tilted his head to the side. “And planning to lose your virginity with a stranger is totally logical?”

  “I’m sure I’m not the first. And how and when I lose it is not your concern.”

  “You seem like a nice girl, Kristen.” He leaned closer to her and lowered his voice. “You don’t need to go about it this way.”

  “You don’t know what I need. And you should just stop.” She seemed to choke on the last word. Her lips pursed, and she took in a ragged breath. “Stop judging me for wanting to have some fun. Judging me for drinking a little too much—and don’t lie, I know you were.”

  His chest tightened, and he glanced away. She was right. Before he could reply, the rest of the guys who’d been playing cornhole made their way to the porch.

  “Food’s inside, right?” Eric asked.

  Blake gave a small nod.

  “Thanks, man.”

  Once Blake was alone with Kristen, he turned his attention back to her.

  “You’re right,” he finally admitted. “I did judge you for drinking too much, and I’m sorry.”

  She narrowed her eyes, seeming uncertain how to take the apology.

  “Thank you. I’m sorry, too. Especially for putting you in this situation. I don’t think either of us expected to see each other again, let alone here. Making this all a little weird. I mean, not as weird as if we’d slept together, but still uncomfortable.”

  He didn’t even want to try and imagine the level of guilt and self-hatred he’d have right now if they’d ended up in bed together.

  “Yeah, sleeping with your friend’s sister is a big no. Like, maybe one of the top Bro Code rules. You just don’t do it.”

  Her mouth thinned. “Well, we didn’t. So don’t worry about it.”

  Maybe he hadn’t slept with her, but he’d definitely had his tongue down her throat and his hand on her tit at one point.

  Shit.

  “Yeah,” he agreed with an unsteady laugh, “dodged a bullet there, right?”

  Her eyes turned flinty, and her laugh was a bit forced. “What a flattering comparison.”

  “I didn’t mean it like—”

  “In any case, just keep your mouth closed?” Her gaze sought his. “Promise.”

  Hell.

  “Yeah,” he muttered, “I promise.”

  “Good. After this barbecue, hopefully, we won’t meet again anytime soon.” She turned and made her way inside.

  And because he was a complete asshole, he slid his gaze down to check out her cute little ass in those leggings.

  Damn.

  Why in the hell had he ever agreed to go to that party last night? If he’d met Kristen today, he would’ve automatically placed her in the untouchable category in his mind.

  But he’d met her last night, and he’d wanted her. Unfortunately, knowing now she was James’s sister didn’t make him want to sleep with her any less.

  *

  “I don’t believe this.” Kristen grabbed a soda out of the cooler and cracked it open. “I don’t freaking believe this.”

  Fortunately, no one was within earshot to hear her mutter of disbelief to herself.

  Blake the Boy Scout wasn’t just a sexy paramedic who she never had to worry about seeing again. He was her brother’s friend. Friend and former roommate.

  She shook her head and took a swig of soda. God, he’d even mentioned last night about being in a frat once. It hadn’t even occurred to her that James might have been in the same one.

  “Hey, Kris. Good to see you again.”

  “Hey, Dale.” She flashed a smile at one of her brother’s friends that she was familiar with.

  She grabbed her phone and sent Tori a text.

  I need you to get your butt over here and ASAP.

  A second went by before Tori replied with just a question mark.

  “Really?” Kristen sighed and typed a more detailed response.

  Need friend backup. Now. Shit hit the fan.

  Another second passed.

  Sounds fun. Be over in thirty minutes or so.

  A half hour? Really? Kristen slid her phone back into her purse. In a half hour, she’d be ready to bail on this thing anyway.

  The sound of another woman’s voice carried throughout the house, and Kristen glanced up to find her brother’s girlfriend stepping inside.

  The tension that had been gripping her eased slightly at the sight of the pretty Korean woman. At least she had another ally.

  Hannah and James had been together since middle school. They were inseparable and sickeningly in love. Kristen had always liked her.

  Hannah spotted her immediately and squealed. “Kris, how are you?”

  Kristen smiled and welcomed the other woman into her arms for a big hug. “I’m good. Just up for a vacation.”

  “It’s been at least two years since I’ve seen you.” Hannah pulled away and leaned back. “You look really good. Love this new makeup you’re doing.”

  “Thanks.” With a grimace, Kristen accepted the compliment.

  She wasn’t a big makeup person, and everyone knew it. Her brother had even made a comment earlier. But since she and Tori were hitting a club after this, she’d decided to get her hair and makeup ready. She planned to change into the slightly trashy dress she’d bought, right before they left. It wasn’t exactly the kind of thing you wore to your brother’s barbecue.

  “You need to get up to Seattle more.”

  Kristen nodded. “I know, it’s just been hard with money and finishing up school.”

  Hannah nodded, her gaze full of understanding. She tucked a black strand of hair behind her ear. “You think you’ll like being a social worker?”

  “I think I will.” Though those she’d talked to in the field had loved to point out it was because she wasn’t jaded yet.

  “Good for you. That’s amazing.”

  “How are things with you? Are you loving teaching second grade?”

  “So much more than I thought I would.” Hannah’s eyes were bright with joy.

  “And you and James are good?” Kristen dropped her gaze to Hannah’s hands, checking for any sign of an engagement ring.

  Nothing. They’d been together over a decade, though, so Kristen figured it’d be any day now.

  “We’re good.” Hannah nodded, maybe a little too quickly, and her gaze slipped away. “Speaking of, I should go find him. Great to see you again. Let’s get together before you head home, okay?”

  “I’d love that.”

  Watching her go, Kristen let her gaze drift out to the porch where Blake still stood by the grill. Even though there wasn’t anything cooking on it anymore.

  A sigh of exasperation spilled from her lips, and she shook her head. He was avoiding her. Not that she could blame him. Last night had been awkward. She’d made it even more uncomfortable with the way she’d left him. Kissing him and spilling her entire lose the V plan before exiting the car.

  Well, crap, it had seemed like a good idea at the time. She’d figured she’d never see him again.

  And yet here they were. At the same barbecue because he was friends with James.

  “You have the worst damn luck,” she muttered before going to grab a burger from the kitchen.

  By the time she’d settled on the couch with a plate full of food, her stomach had settled into such knots she could barely eat. Still, she forced down a few bites.

  A sharp knock on the door sounded before it swung inward.

  Tori poked her head in and smiled, her gaze scanning the room. “Hello, mortals.”

  The greeting suited her, not only because Tori had that gorgeous goddess thing about her but she was also a die-hard sci-fi-and-fantasy geek. Though only those who truly knew her realized that, which was why she was probably still single. All the men she attracted seemed to be the hot-jock types when she really needed a hot geek.

  Proving they existed seemed to be a challenge.

  Tori spotted her and made her way to the couch. She sat down beside her. “Okay, what’s the emergency?”

  Kristen pursed her lips and nodded her chin toward the porch. “That.”

  “What?” Tori slid her glance toward the sliding glass door while simultaneously grabbing Kristen’s burger and taking a bite.

  “Him.”

  “He’s got a nice ass. That’s your emergency?” Tori shrugged. “I mean, please just tell me what I’m looking at here.”

  Blake turned around at that moment and stared through the glass at them.

  “Whoa.” Tori swiveled her head, eyes wide.

  “Yes, whoa.”

  “I know what I’m looking at now. That really hot paramedic from last night.” Tori took another bite and glanced at him again. “What the hell is he doing here?”

  Blake caught sight of them on the couch and narrowed his eyes. She could practically see the curse word on his lips before he shook his head in disbelief and glanced away.