“Don’t get any ideas,” I said. “The whisky is mine.”
“Nah, I was just thinking.”
“About what?”
“How I used to fantasize about you.”
Chapter Seven
The bottle slipped and I juggled it, but then caught it before it hit the floor. I’d planned on just pouring a splash into my empty wine glass, but after Orion’s comment about fantasizing about me…I needed a minute to gather myself, so I turned back to the cabinets for a snifter.
“What’s the matter with you?”
“Nothing.” I returned to the table and poured. “But you’ve had too much to drink.”
Orion gave me a lazy smile, swirling what was left of the wine in his glass. “Because I said I used to fantasize about you? God, relax. I didn’t mean sexually.”
“Didn’t think about what you meant.”
“Yeah, you did. Anyway, I meant I used to fantasize about meeting you. When I first found out Jaz had a family.”
“You didn’t know right away?”
“Nah. First few years he was just…him. He placed me with Claudette after a couple other places didn’t work out. I didn’t expect he’d stay in my life. Not sure he wanted to stay in touch at first, but I was a pain in the ass, didn’t leave him much choice. But when I found out about you, I used to imagine we’d meet. That one day you’d learn about me and want to hang out. I always wanted a big brother.”
Clearing my throat, I said, “Well, you would have been disappointed. I never wanted a little brother.”
He chuckled and drained his wine. “Hey, I’m not still into it, don’t worry. Was just stupid kid stuff. So…you really not gonna share that whisky? Gonna leave me high and dry.”
“You already drank all my wine. Aren’t you driving?”
He set his glass down and leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “You trying to be my daddy, Kurt?”
“No, but unfortunately I suspect my daddy would mind if you wrapped your car around a tree. And since I called him earlier and bitched a blue streak about you, he’d surely blame me for getting you liquored up and accuse me of trying to murder you.”
“Yeah, probably.” Orion stretched his arms back and pulled his hair-tie out. His locks fell free, one yellow strip standing out against the silky brown waves. Scrubbing fingers along his scalp, he studied me through hooded eyes. “You were bitching about me to Jaz?”
“You left me a voicemail calling me a selfish prick.”
“Ah, yeah. Sorry. I was wrong about that. You’re actually really generous. Thanks for the food.”
“No problem.”
“I was wrong about you and Jaz, too. You’re obviously a good son. And a good person.”
My brows shot up. “Um…okay, thanks. I appreciate that.”
“Can I have some whisky please?”
I shook with laugher. “No!”
“Aw, man.” He crossed his arms over his chest, pouting. “Your dad said you were uptight.”
“My dad said you were manipulative.”
“What?” He placed a hand on his chest. “Me?”
“Imagine that. Is that why all the sweet talk about me being a good person? Buttering me up for whisky?”
I had the feeling Orion got what he wanted more often than not. But I had kids, and they’d been trying to manipulate me to get their way for years. My Dad Instincts made me immune.
“Nah, that’s nothing.” He waved me off, the gesture so like my father it was surreal for a moment. “Sure, I can be manipulative, but only with people who deserve it. I wouldn’t try that shit on you.”
Chuckling, I said, “I think you mean that shit doesn’t work on me.”
“You don’t think I could manipulate you if I wanted to?”
“No. I really don’t.”
“You’re certain. Total confidence I couldn’t manipulate you.”
“Total confidence. But you’re welcome to try.”
Without a word, Orion rose from the table, and strolled slowly over to my side. Pulling out the chair next to me, he turned it around and straddled it. He was inches from my face, even closer when he folded his hands on the chairback and rested his chin on them. Blinking slowly, he stared into my eyes. “What kind of whisky is it?”
A laugh wheezed out of me and I doubled over.
“You’re not supposed to laugh!”
“How can I not when you’re giving me those pathetic doe eyes? This is how you manipulate? You suck.”
“Come on, at least give me a chance.” He chuckled.
“Okay. My mind is open.”
He rested his chin on his hands again and blinked up at me, clearly suppressing a grin this time. “What kind of whisky is it?”
“Glenlivet.”
He glanced at the bottle, then back at me. “It’s probably expensive, huh?”
“A little, yes.”
Sighing, his lips tightened as his lashes dipped, looking down. Twirling a lock of his hair, he let his gaze slide up to mine again. “I’ve never had expensive whisky before.”
“A sad, sad tale. How ever did you manage?”
“I can barely afford rent half the time. Must be nice to be able to throw money down on stuff like that. Not have to worry about it.”
“Does this Tiny Tim routine work on others?”
“Sometimes.”
“Nice try, but you’re gonna have to do better.” Even as the words left my mouth, I had a feeling I was going to regret them.
Orion rose from the chair. My breath grew shallow as he shifted back and sat on the table, one leg brushing against my arm. With the ripped denim at his knees, a bit of soft skin brushed against my elbow, and I suppressed a shiver. He leaned back, resting his palms behind him, and eyed me seductively. It took all my willpower to keep my face neutral as I held his gaze. I could feel his body heat. I could smell him. And his eyes…
“I want it,” he said, his voice soft and deep.
My heart started banging in my chest. “You want what?”
“A glass of whisky.”
“Well, sorry. You can’t have one.”
His foot brushed against my ribs. “But I want it.”
“You can’t…” I gasped as he lifted one leg, straight up like a dancer, and brought it down on the other side of me. His thighs astride me now, he slid his ass closer until his groin was directly in front of my face. “What…” I let out a breathy laugh. “What are you doing?”
“Sorry, is this too much? I don’t usually drink wine. Guess you got me a little drunk, Mr. Varley. Maybe you better put me down for a nap.”
I forced a placid smile. “What situations do you get into that require this tactic to get what you want?”
“Too much?”
“It’s a bit extreme. And potentially dangerous.”
“Worried someone might take advantage of me?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Nah, I can take care of myself. I’m usually the most dangerous thing in any given situation.”