Page 48 of In Case You Didn't Know

“He’s hot, he’s rich, and he’s a professional athlete,” I point out. “Of course he’s a draw.”

“Did you know they call it American Football over here?” she asks, giggling. “It annoys him to hell.”

I grin, imagining Parker’s grumpy reaction to that. “They call soccer, football, right?” I ask. I’ve only been to Europe once, back when I was eighteen and my brothers bought me a trip to Rome for my birthday. It was glorious and way too short. With this new book, my UK publishers are already planning a tour all over the UK next year. Which is another reason why I need to get the thing written and stop angsting over Autumn’s brother.

“Yep. He’s started calling it ‘English Soccer’ whenever anybody mentions American Football. That doesn’t go down well.” She lets out a sigh. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” I tell her. “I’m sorry I can’t be there.”

“It’s not your fault. I still get to read your words soon, which is almost as good as having you here. Tell me, did you write the group scene yet?”

I blush, because yes, I did, and it was hot. “Um…”

“You did. You dirty girl. You know I love those scenes the most.” She laughs again. “And Parker always gets the benefit, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh God, I don’t need to know that.” I wrinkle my nose.

“Speaking of grumpy asses, I spoke to my brother earlier.”

“Which one?” I ask, ignoring the pang in my stomach.

“Asher. He said something about you dating somebody.” She clears her throat, and I realize this is actually the purpose of her call. “Are you?” she asks. “Without telling me?”

She sounds genuinely hurt. My chest tightens because she always tells me everything. When she and Parker first starteddating under the radar because neither of them wanted her brothers to find out, I was the only one she confided in.

“I’m not dating anybody,” I say. “It’s just something I said to get both of our brothers off my back.” I tell her about the dinner with Myles and Asher. She giggles when I describe them both being so stupidly protective.

“You’re like Rapunzel,” she teases.

“The one who lived in a tower?”

“That’s her. The one with the long hair. You’re just like her, apart from the hair that is. I thought my brothers were bad, but yours are worse, I swear.” She sounds relieved, like she was worried there was something coming between us. “So why didn’t you come clean to Asher?”

I clear my throat. She doesn’t need to know about what happened the stupid night when she got drunk at The Salty Dog. “He’s working with Myles, I can’t risk him telling him. You know what Asher’s like.”

“That’s true. He’s so intense.” She sighs. “He really started drilling me. I tried to blow him off, but you know what he’s like. Talking to him is like being interrogated by the CIA.”

Oh God, now he’ll know for sure that I was lying. I hate this.

“Don’t worry. It’s not your fault. I’ll come clean to him.”

“Oh no, don’t do that. You’re absolutely right, Asher would definitely tell Myles. And then you’ll have to deal with them not only being over protective but asking why you lied to them.” She lets out a low breath. “And if they start sniffing around, they’re bound to find out about your books.”

“Oh God.” The thought of any of my brothers discovering my books – and god forbid, reading the smutty scenes – sends my blood cold, but the memory of my discussion with Alice about marketing sends it colder. “You’re right. Let’s just hope they get busy with their security issues and forget about me.”

A low voice rumbles in the background. I’m guessing it’s Parker.

“You would tell me if you started dating somebody though?” she asks, sounding uncertain again. “I know we don’t live together anymore, but we’re still besties, right?”

“Of course we are. And of course I would,” I promise. “Now go to bed.”

She laughs softly. “Yes ma’am. And Francie?”

“Yep?”

“Don’t forget to send those chapters.”

“I won’t,” I promise. She hangs up, and I look at my phone again. Reed Marks is still beaming up at me, his golden retriever energy practically bursting through the screen.