Page 82 of The Other Brother

As he pulls away, I feel a grin overtake my face. It may have a touch of evil in it.

“Let’s just mess with her a little,” I suggest.

A few minutes later,I saunter out into the kitchen.

Mel glances up with a grin that fades rapidly when she sees me and is replaced with a look of confusion.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

Mel blinks. “Isn’t that my line?”

“I don’t know. Is it?” I open the fridge and help myself to some orange juice.

I’m pouring it at the counter when Cody comes in, stretching and yawning. He’s pulled on a T-shirt, but he’s still in his boxers.

“Want some orange juice?” I’m already pouring a second glass.

He gives me a co-conspirators grin. “Great. Thanks.” He takes the glass and drains it in three gulps.

“You’re thirsty,” I comment.

“I’ve been doing thirsty work.” He gives me another grin then heads to the pantry. “You want cereal or toast?”

“What cereal do you have?”

“Nothing with raisins.”

“Of course. Fine. I’ll survive on raisin-free cereal just this once.”

I slip around to sit at the breakfast bar.

Cody grabs two bowls of cereal and spoons, sliding them across the counter.

Mel stays stationed by the sink, her eyebrows threatening to rocket off her forehead.

“What is happening here?” she asks, looking between us.

“We’re having breakfast,” I state.

Cody comes and sits on the stool next to me, sitting slightly closer than normal.

Mel’s eyes dart between us as Cody and I eat our breakfast and have an intense debate whether Rice Krispies are better than Corn Flakes.

“Anyone want coffee?” she finally asks.

“Nah, I’m okay thanks,” Cody says.

“Not for me either.”

Mel’s shoulders relax as she uses the fancy pod machine to brew herself a cup. I can see she’s doubting herself, thinking that I’ve just crashed here for the night.

Cody finishes his cereal and stacks his bowl in the dishwasher.

“I think I’ll have a shower,” he announces.

I snort. “Good idea. You do kind of smell.”

Cody cuffs my shoulder as he goes past. He pauses at the door to throw a pointed look at me.