Neighbors with Benefits (Anderson Brothers, #2)(36)

Michael cringed inwardly at her self-deprecation. Mia was forgetful when distracted, but there was nothing flighty about her. She had made a choice to change her life as a teen and went for it. She was also looking ahead. Planning, even though she would deny it. Maybe her aversion to organization and planning came from her childhood. It would be frustrating to make plans when you didn’t know where you’d end up next.

“What else?”

She shrugged. “That’s it. My needs are simple.”

“You want to live in other people’s homes and work with elderly people until you are old yourself.”

“No… Well, yes… And no.” she ran a hand through her hair. “You’re taking this question way too seriously, Michael.”

“And that surprises you?” He was fascinated and wanted to know more.

“No. I suppose not. You take everything too seriously.”

But he wanted to change that. Now. Here. With her. Startled by this revelation, he deflected by patting the seat. Clancy jumped off the facing seat and nestled in between them.

“What do I want…?” she mused, straightening the blue bow in the dog’s hair. “I want a home where I can put down roots and make friends that will last. And a studio where I can fling paint and not worry about screwing stuff up. I want…” She looked down at Clancy as if mustering courage. “I want a family and a home that’s permanent.” Her words flowed like she couldn’t get them out fast enough. “A life where I only travel because I want to. I want to come home to the same place and person every day. I want kids and dogs and romance.”

He didn’t say anything as her words caught up with her fantasy. Absolutely gorgeous, she seemed in a trance, staring straight ahead as she imagined her perfect future.

“Yeah, romance,” she continued, barely above a whisper. “Picnics on the beach and rose petals in the bed.”

Clearly, her idea of romance was far different than his. Not that he’d put a lot of thought into the concept. Now, seduction, he understood. And it had nothing to do with sand in his shorts and food, or making a mess of his bed with shredded flowers.

She shook her head as if pulling herself out of her revere. “Silly, huh? Especially coming from someone as flaky as me.”

“Not at all.” Unable to help himself, he brushed the back of his knuckles over the smooth skin of her cheek. “And I have a theory about the flakiness, Mia—”

“Mr. Anderson?” Jacob’s voice interrupted through the speaker, startling them both. “We’ve arrived at the destination. You’re thirty minutes early.”

“That’s perfect, Jacob. Thanks.”

“Early. Wow. Mark and Sue will be so surprised.”

Michael relaxed against the seat and smiled. If things worked out as he hoped, Miss Mia Argarapolis would be surprising not only her friends, but herself as well before the weekend was over.





Chapter Twelve


“Miiiiiiiiiiaaaaaa!” Sue squealed from the porch of the small bed and breakfast. Mia hadn’t seen her friend in over a month and had been nervous. They’d emailed and texted about the wedding, but once her bridesmaid dress measurements had been sent and details finalized, contact dwindled. Mia didn’t know if this was due to Sue’s busy schedule or the awkwardness resulting from the breakup with Jason. Since he was Mark’s best friend, the strain on her friendship with Sue was inevitable.

Sue wrapped her arms around her and squeezed her in a bear hug while Clancy barked excitedly at their ankles. “Wow. It’s been forever. You look great. That dress is a knockout. And look at your darling dog!” Behind her, Mia felt the air stir and Sue loosened her grip. “You must be Michael the Mystery Guy.”

“In the flesh.”

“And it’s very nice flesh, too,” Sue said, extending her hand over Mia’s shoulder. I’m Sue Adams, soon to be Sue Bartell.”

“Michael Anderson, Mia’s fiancé.”

Mia flinched at the title and moved out of Sue’s embrace.

Her friend scanned Michael from head to toe, then did the same to Mia. “Nice to meet you, Michael Anderson, Mia’s fiancé.”

Before Michael could respond, Jason stepped out onto the porch followed by Mark, who checked his watch. “Early! Do we go with the closest estimate, or void the bet since all predictions were for a late arrival.”

Dammit. Of course they’d placed bets on how late she’d be. They always did. And she always laughed like it was funny and not a joke at her expense. A sick churn swirled in her stomach. This was going to be a disaster. As if he could read her mind, Michael took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“Hey, Mike!” Jason called as he strode toward them, hand extended.

“Michael,” he corrected, shaking her ex’s hand.

“This is my hunky groom,” Sue said.

“Mark Bartell. Glad you’re here.”

“Me, too.” Michael shook his hand, and then gave Mia a brilliant dimpled smile. She couldn’t help but smile back. She’d expected his presence to make her uncomfortable, but it actually gave her confidence and took some of the stress off. She wasn’t doing this alone.

“Let me show you guys to your room,” Sue offered.