“Hey, Mike, come here,” Vance calls to him, almost begging, so he won't be alone with the overly intimidating brothers.
Mike smiles and walks over to Vance and Melina's brothers, who are the same height as Vance and him. Four guys at 6'4”; shit that’s crazy. Vance introduces Melina's brothers, Bryan and Cameron, to Mike. He shakes their hands firmly, making eye contact and smiling. There’s no mistaking that they are brothers, just like Vance and Xander.
Both guys have dark, expertly styled hair. Bryan, the younger of the two has light green eyes like Melina, is a bit thinner. While Cameron has eyes so dark brown that they almost look black. They share the same dimples on both cheeks as Melina. And they both left scruff on their faces. They are good looking dudes. He would bet anything that they could have a different girl in their bed every night if they wanted.
“What's up, guys? Want a beer or something to drink?” Mike asks.
“Sure, thanks,” Bryan says.
“That'd be great,” Cameron agrees, his voice deep and gravelly.
“Alright, be right back,” Mike says, shoving the football he’s still holding into Vance's chest then heading toward the kitchen.
Before he can make it to the door, Melina grabs his arm. “Mike, wait, let me introduce you to my parents and sister.”
Mike steps over to Melina's side and gets his first unobstructed glimpse of her sister, Scarlett. Holy mother of God! Mike feels as if he's been slapped in the face. Melina is gorgeous, but Jesus, her sister is breathtaking.
“This is my mom, Ginger, and my dad, Hank,” Melina says, introducing her parents first.
Mike has to tear his eyes away from her sister to shake Ginger’s and Hank's hands. He smiles. “Nice to meet you. I'm Mike.”
They smile and say hello. They are both extremely good looking, which explains how they made the most gorgeous group of kids on earth.
“And this is my sister, Scarlett,” Melina says with a soft smile on her face. She obviously loves her sister.
Mike shakes Scarlett's hand, tamping down the urge to kiss her knuckles. He figures that would be highly inappropriate in front of her parents. She is just absolutely stunning with her long dark hair like Melina, brown eyes like Cameron, and a body like her supermodel sister. She looks similar to Melina, but there is definitely something different about her. It could just be that she is younger, but Mike isn’t sure.
“Hey, Scarlett.” Mike smiles.
Scarlett blushes and gives him a shy smile. “Hi,” she replies in a tiny little voice.
Oh fuck him, she’s shy. He has such a thing for shy girls. He has some kind of sick desire to pull them out of their shells and show off their wild sides. And he can see by the bold way her eyes are roaming over him that she has a wild child in there somewhere. He has to remember her age. Nineteen; she is 19 and he is 28. That’s a nine year difference. That’s a big difference at this age. Generations apart. They’d have nothing in common.
“If you'll excuse me, I need to grab Bryan and Cameron some beer,” Mike says, excusing himself. He has to get away from Scarlett for a couple of minutes to clear his head.
Mike walks into the kitchen to see Tripp dumping ice into the cooler over the bottles of beer. Movement in the doorway catches Mike's eye and he looks up to see his sister, Anna, and dad walk into the kitchen. Mike smiles and greets them.
“Hey, guys,” Mike murmurs, giving his sister a hug and kiss, then the same for his dad.
“Hey, Mikey, how you doing, bud?” his dad asks, giving Mike a firm pat on the back.
“Better now that I got that stupid cast off,” Mike mutters, running a hand through his hair.
His dad grunts in agreement then goes to shake Tripp's hand. “Tripp, my man.”
Tripp smiles “Hey, Big Mike! Long time no see.”
All of the guys call Mike’s dad Big Mike. It’s better than Mr. DiAngelo or Mike Sr. He says those had made him sound old, anyway. So Big Mike it is. It’s also fitting because his father isn't the thinnest of guys. He’s Italian and eats like one. Lots of carbs. He is a bit shorter than Mike and carries most of his weight in his belly. Mike is concerned about his heart, but his dad insists that his doctor says that he's healthy.
Anna is standing there eye fucking Tripp. Man, she has it bad for the guy. Ever since she hit puberty and started noticing guys, Tripp has been it. Mike has yet to see her with a boyfriend. He knows that she's kissed a few losers, but he doesn't think that she’s slept with anyone. She hasn't exactly come out and said that she's still a virgin, but she has hinted about it. Mike’s pretty sure it’s because she wants Tripp and no one else. It’s sorta sweet, when he thinks about it.
Mike knows Tripp is cautious about getting into a relationship with Anna because if something goes wrong, and they don't work out, he’s afraid of losing Mike’s friendship. Which might have been the case when Anna was teenager, but she’s a grown woman now. She can take care of herself and her heart. Mike has stayed quiet about it; he hasn’t given the go-ahead to Tripp, but he also hasn’t told him to stay away from her. He’s trying to stay neutral, but apparently Tripp needs a nudge. He wouldn't mind Tripp dating his sister; he’s a good man with a good heart, and Mike knows that Tripp would treat her right. And he'd rather have his sister date someone who he knows isn't a loser.
“Hey, Tripp,” Anna says softly.
Tripp turns to her. His eyes flash heatedly as he takes in her bikini top and short shorts. Okay, Mike didn't need to see all that.
“Hey, Anna,” Tripp rasps.
Holy shit, Tripp really has it bad! What the hell is going on around here? First, Vance with Melina. Then Dayne is fucking lost when it comes to Harper. And now Tripp. Mike shakes his head and grabs two beers from the fridge then motions for his dad to follow as he heads out back again. His dad chuckles and follows. Mike hands Bryan and Cameron their beers while his dad says hi to everyone. Vance is now by Melina's side, and Dayne and Ryder have made an appearance on the patio, which has become extremely crowded.
“You guys wanna head down to the beach?” Mike asks Bryan and Cameron.
Bryan shrugs while tipping back his beer but starts for the beach. Cameron follows.
“So what do you guys do?” Mike asks.
“I'm a professional ballet dancer,” Bryan says.
“No shit? That's awesome,” Mike says, sincerely impressed.
“Yeah, the pay sucks but I've got this damn passion for dancing that forces me to keep doing it,” Bryan says with a smirk.
Mike laughs. “Good for you, man. How about you, Cameron? What do you do?” Mike asks.
“Stuntman,” he answers nonchalantly.
“Shut the hell up! So you're in movies and shit?” Mike asks excitedly.
Cameron nods. “Yeah, I've done a shitload of chase scenes in movies.”
“I hate you for being so friggin’ cool.” Mike sneers, making both Bryan and Cameron laugh.
“I tell him that all the time, too.” Bryan chuckles.
Just then, Melina lets out a playful shriek and races past them with Vance hot on her heels, his hair wet, and water dripping down his face. He has a huge smile on his face as he races after her. Apparently, she dumped water over his head. Mike watches Bryan and Cameron as they quietly assess the couple, trying to determine if they need to kick Vance's ass.
Vance grabs Melina around the waist, making her scream. He tosses her over his shoulder and wades into the ocean while Melina slaps his ass. Vance dumps her into a wave, going down with her. They both break the surface laughing, Vance's hair is stuck to his forehead and Melina's is slicked back away from her face. Then they kiss; a slow lingering one that has Bryan and Cameron averting their eyes.
“Don't worry. Vance is a good guy, and he really cares for Melina,” Mike says softly.
Bryan nods. “Yeah, we can see that.”
“Ya know, with this whole Damien thing, we're just waiting for him to say forget it, it's too much trouble, and leave her to fend for herself,�
�� Cameron mutters bitterly.
Mike shakes his head. “Never. Vance would never let anything happen to her.”
Cameron chews his bottom lip, not sure whether to believe Mike or not. “I hope not.”
Bryan looks over at Cameron. “You have to admit that Melina's been so happy since she started dating him.”
Cameron nods. “Yeah.”
“If you guys get to know Vance a little better, you’ll really like him,” Mike says.
They both nod, agreeing. Mike peeks back at Vance and Melina. They finished kissing, and now they are just jumping in waves together. Mike's eye is then pulled to the water's edge where Scarlett is toeing the water. She must have just gotten there while he was talking because she wasn't there a minute ago. Her little white string bikini barely covers her sexy little ass. Mike growls low.
Bryan lays a heavy hand on his shoulder, making Mike's eyes snap to his. “I hope you’re not growling at my sister's ass,” he says with a smile, but Mike knows that Bryan would knock him out in a second, ballet dancer or not.
“Shit, sorry, didn't mean to,” Mike mumbles and chugs the rest of his beer.
“Scarlett is way too young for you, my friend, remember that,” Cameron warns.
“I know, I know.” Mike nods.
“Yeah, she's off limits for you pal,” Bryan adds, squeezing Mike's shoulder.
Mike gives him a bored look. “I hear ya,” he says dryly.
**Scarlett**
Scarlett glances over her shoulder at Mike. She’s standing at the water's edge, fidgeting with her hair. She really wants him to come over and talk to her. She saw the way he looked at her earlier when they were introduced. She isn't blind. She knows when a guy finds her attractive, since it happens fairly often. She isn't a supermodel like her sister, but she knows that she’s pretty. She’s just shy, and she hates it. She just doesn't know how not to be. She gets embarrassed easily, and she always feels so awkward trying to start up conversations with people. But this time, she walked by Mike on purpose to try to subtly catch his attention.
Mike is standing with her brothers, who most likely told him to stay away from her. Dickheads. She should be the one deciding whom she can and can't date, but her brothers are always in her business, scaring guys away. Melina tries to help, to get them to back off, but they are almost just as bad with her. Luckily, Vance doesn't seem to scare easily.
All of Vance's friends seem really nice, but Mike is so damn sexy. She’s having a hard time keeping her eyes off him. He is built like a god - broad shoulders, rock hard chest, washboard abs, and a tight ass. And damn does his ass look good in those flowered board shorts.
Scarlett wishes that he would pay her some attention. She knows that he is older than she is by 9 or 10 years, and that might bother him, but it doesn't bother her. Scarlett likes older guys, they usually aren't immature and lazy. She likes guys who have a stable job, can take her out on dates, make her feel special, and treat her right. Guys her age that meet that criteria are few and far between. They are usually all about sex, drinking, and partying with their friends.
Scarlett sighs and glances over at Mike again. He’s starting up the beach toward the house. Dammit. He doesn't even spare a glance back at her. She’s going to have to initiate a conversation with him if she wants to get to know him better. God, her face flushes just thinking about it. What is she supposed to say? She doesn't have a whole lot of experience with guys; she doesn't know how to start a conversation. It’s not like she wants to talk about the weather. Scarlett starts back up the beach in hopes of catching him alone. She won't feel as stupid trying to talk to him if no one else is around to hear her.
It isn't until after they eat that Scarlett has a chance to get Mike alone in the house. He goes to use the bathroom, so Scarlett fiddles around in the kitchen, waiting for him to pass back through to go outside. Scarlett takes a seat at the island and is nibbling on a pretzel when she hears Mike's bare feet slapping across the tile.
“Hey, what are you doing in here?” Mike asks, stopping next to her.
Scarlett glances at him, trying to fight the flush that is creeping up her cheeks. “Oh, I just needed a break from the heat,” she replies softly, surprised that the lie pops out of her mouth so easily. Well, it isn't like she can say, “Oh...just waiting for you.”
Mike grunt. “I hear ya, that sun is brutal.” Crossing his arms over his tanned chest, he leans his toned tush against the counter next to her. “So, Scarlett, do you work? Go to school?”
Scarlett glances at him to find him watching her, a neutral expression on his face. “I'm in school full-time, majoring in elementary education. I want to be a teacher, but meanwhile, I work as a wedding photographer on the weekends.”
Mike's eyebrows shoot up. “That's cool,” he says, his expression impressed.
Scarlett smiles bashfully. “It's a secret passion of mine; I love wedding pictures.”
Mike smiles warmly, his eyes lingering on her lips. “A little romantic are you?”
Scarlett winces. “A little...it's just such a beautiful event with the wedding dress and the flowers and the love. I have so much fun capturing it all with my camera.”
Mike turns toward her, leaning his elbow on the counter then resting his chin in his palm. “So, why not pursue photography instead of teaching?”
Scarlett looks at him for a moment. He’s genuinely curious. Most guys couldn’t really care less when she starts talking about her love for photography. Scarlett smiles slightly. “Teaching is also something I love to do; especially teaching kids.”
“You have a lot of love in you,” Mike murmurs.
“Yeah, seems that way.” Scarlett sighs.
“You seem extremely mature for your age,” Mike says, his eyes roaming to her lips again.
“I try to be. I don't even hang out with people my age because I usually find their behavior ridiculous. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, and I don't want to hang with people who make that their lifestyle.”
Mike chuckles. “It must be hard being a good girl in college when everyone else is partying.”
“It can be at times, but I deal well enough.” Scarlett shrugs.
Mike seems to be drinking all of this information in and storing it away. And his damn eyes keep dropping to her mouth, which is making her fidgety with the urge to kiss him.
“You have a boyfriend?” Mike asks quietly, his chin still resting on his palm.
Scarlett blushes and shakes her head. “No.”
Mike scoffs. “Yeah, right. How is a gorgeous girl like you single? You must have tons of guys chasing after you.”
Scarlett shrugs, blushing even deeper. “Like I said, I don't like guys my age.”
Mike's gaze on her darkens with desire and lust. His eyes become hooded and his jaw clenches. He breathes out a curse, rubs his face, and glances over his shoulder. “I need to get back outside, you coming?”
Just like that, their conversation is over. What did that mean? He looks as though he wants her, but then, he flips a switch and the look is gone. Scarlett is so confused, but she nods and follows Mike outside. She is definitely going to need some sisterly advice after tonight.
Chapter 13
**Tripp**
Tripp stares at the huge bonfire raging a few feet in front of him. He’s sitting in the sand, arms slung loosely around his raised knees. He keeps glancing over to where Anna is sitting with Melina and her sister, Scarlett, laughing and joking. She’s so beautiful and he’s so in love with her. Actually, he has been for years now. And every day that he isn’t with her just sucks ass, big time.
Mike comes and plops down next to him in the sand with a loud sigh. He hands Tripp a beer, who cracks it opens and takes a swig. “Think they’re talking about us?” Mike asks.
Tripp sends him a sideways glance and snort. “Why would they be talking about us? If anything, they're talking about Vance.”
Mike chuckles. “Yeah, probably.”
They sip their beers in silence for a moment. Tripp looks over at Anna again to find her watching him. Tripp cocks his head and raises an eyebrow in question. Anna shakes her head slightly, her expression turning sad. He sighs and rubs his face with his hand in frustration. He knows that she has feelings for him, too. He then looks over at Mike, who is smiling for some reason, as he tips back his beer.
“I'm not blind you know,” Mike says, breaking their silence.
Tripp gazes him warily. “What are you talking about?”
Mike gives him a look as if to say, give me a break. “Tripp, how long have we been friends?”
“25 years,” Tripp answers automatically.
“You think I don't know how you feel about my sister?” Mike asks, eyebrow raised.
Tripp gives him his best blank cop face. “And what exactly do you think you know?” Tripp asks, not sure if Mike is baiting him or not.
“I know you have feelings for her. I don't know how deep, but I know you care about her,” Mike says, very sure of what he’s saying.
Tripp drops his chin to his chest. “I'm in love with her, man,” he says only loud enough for Mike to hear him.
Mike's beer comes spewing out of his mouth as he chokes. He swipes his arm across his mouth as he continues to cough. “What?” he wheezes.
Tripp looks at him so he knows how serious he is. “I'm in love with her, have been for years.”
“Why the fuck haven't you said anything?” Mike exclaims.
“You’re one of my best friends, Mike. I won't lose you over a woman,” Tripp says, shaking his head.
“We're talking about the woman you're in love with, Tripp. She may be my sister, but I don't want to keep you from her. I want you to be happy,” Mike tells him honestly, placing his hand on Tripp's forearm.
“What if we don't work out?” Tripp frowns, studying Mike's face.
“Then you don't work out. Anna's an adult. I'm not going to stop being your friend if you break up. Now, if you cheat on her, or lay a hand on her, that's a different story. I would kick your ass from here to China, but other than that, we'll be okay.” Mike smirks.
Destiny Revealed (There's Always Tomorrow Book 2) Page 14