What Lovers Do(64)

“Okay, baby. Then you know where your bedroom’s at.” He nods to my room on the right. “Shep, make yourself at home in here. I think the bed has been slept in less than a dozen times. You can use the bathroom two doors down on the right. Taryn ran to the market to get something to throw on the grill.”

“Thanks, Dalton. I really appreciate your hospitality.” Shep gives my dad a polite smile and nod before taking his bag into the guest room as I deposit my bag in my room just opposite his.

“It’s not as fancy as your parents’ place in Sedona,” I say, slipping back into his room and plopping down on the bed as he opens the blinds and peers out the window at the yard. “But it’s close to the pier, the beach, and so many great restaurants and shops. I know how much you love to window shop.”

Shep turns toward me, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Only with you.”

“Liar.” I giggle.

“Everything’s better with you.”

“Liar,” I say again, but in a whisper.

He gives me the most cryptic expression. A half smile. An intensity in his brow and eyes.

“Sometimes, I wish I could read your mind,” I say.

And just like that, his expression morphs into one hundred percent mischief. “I don’t know if you’re mature enough to read my mind.”

“Mature enough?” I sit up straight and fold my legs in front of me.

“Mature enough …” he echoes, taking a few steps toward me and pushing my glasses up my nose even though they’re up plenty far. “Have you always looked this cute in glasses?”

I laugh. “No. And I’m not sure I look cute in them now.”

“Speaking of spectacles … are you going to make a spectacle of me tomorrow when we golf with your dad?”

“You mean am I going to let you beat me?”

“I’m pretty sure golfing with a great like your dad will elevate my game. On the off chance that you have a lucky day, are you going to gloat?”

My head cocks to the side. “I don’t elevate your game?”

He shrugs a shoulder.

“Shep, I will beat you tomorrow. I will likely beat my father as well. Pretending otherwise is just … beating a dead horse. And I know how much you don’t like to beat a dead horse.”

A funny expression steals his face. Does he honestly not remember saying it?

I stand and straighten my T-shirt before folding my arms over my chest. “If you can’t hold your own tomorrow, physically or emotionally, then you shouldn’t have invited yourself on this trip.”

“I can hold anything I need to hold or that you need me to hold. Thanks for your concern.”

“Hey!”

Our attention goes to the doorway and Taryn’s bleached smile with red lips. I catch my nose crinkling into something distasteful while eyeing her black braided pigtails wound into two buns on the top of her head like a young girl in middle school. She looks too young for my dad. Hell, she looks like she could be my daughter.

“Hi, Taryn.” I pad my way to her and submit to her open arms. She’s decorated like a Christmas tree in necklaces and bracelets.

Nose ring.

Half dozen earrings in each ear.

A full sleeve of tattoos on her right arm.

“Taryn, this is my friend, Shep.”

Taryn eyes Shep a little too long before shifting her gaze to me. “Just friends?” She holds out her hand, all the while giving me a conspiratorial look.

I think she’s salivating, seconds from sprinkling a little salt onto him and devouring him right in front of me.

“Just friends,” Shep says while taking her hand and giving her his best smile. “Nice to meet you, Taryn. Thanks for allowing me to stay in your beautiful home.”

“Mi casa es su casa,” she says without releasing his hand.

“What’s for dinner?” I ask, forcing the lingering handshaking to end.

“Fish and wine.” Taryn smiles. “Good for the heart. In fact, let’s open a few bottles now. Shep, did Sophie mention my family owns a winery?”

We follow her to the kitchen, where my dad is already opening a bottle of wine that I know he hates. She has him trained quite well. As much as that thought disturbs me, it’s amazing what a guy will do when he’s thoroughly pussy whipped.

“She did. My ex and I used to visit wineries all the time.”

That’s right. How did I forget that?

“Shep’s an expert brewer,” I say.

He coughs, shaking his head. “I’m not. To put it in my sister’s words, I’m a man child conducting science experiments in my garage.”

Everyone laughs. He’s probably right. After seeing his setup and all the bottles of failed attempts, I now realize his brewing talent is about as well-honed as my crocheting talent.

“We should go to the winery,” Taryn says. “If you’re not into golfing, I’d be happy to take you there tomorrow while Dalton and Sophie golf. They are so competitive; it’s not exactly an enjoyable outing.” She winks at my dad and takes the glass of wine he offers her.

“As tempting as that is … I actually love golf. I think I elevate Sophie’s game. Without me, I’m certain Dalton will win.” Shep is so full of shit.