One Night Stand by Parker Kincade Read Free Book Online Page B

right hook, Mandy.” He rubbed his jaw, moving it back and forth as if to check for damage. “I’m gonna let that one go since she’s your baby sister and all.” He absently rubbed the scar along his stomach. “But don’t ever try that again.”
    Amanda dropped the glasses she’d collected on the table with a clank . She glared at the men as she swiped the whiskey off the counter.
    Caleb grabbed an empty glass and toasted it up. “You had it coming. And for Christ’s sake, put on a fucking shirt.”
    “So Amanda,” Alec reached for the bottle in her hand, “why don’t you sit down and tell us how Joe here became acquainted with your right hook.”
    “I’m much more interested in hearing how these two know each other.” Amanda looked at Caleb before raising a challenging eyebrow toward Joe.
    He glanced at Caleb before turning his full attention to her. “This scar you’re so fascinated about, Mandy?” He accepted the full shot glass Caleb handed over and tossed it back. “The one you said looked like it was meant to gut me?” He was towering over her now and she suddenly felt weak. “Your brother is the son of a bitch who gave it to me.”

Chapter 5
    Amanda was drunk. Pleasantly numb. Warmth infused her chest as she listened to the brotherly camaraderie drifting from the foyer. Joe was at ease with her brothers, escorting them to the door as if he’d done it a hundred times. God, had she only known him a matter of hours? It felt so natural being with him. As though he’d always been here.
    The night was a blur of arguments, liquor, and laughter. There was an easy acceptance of Joe that her brothers had never before exhibited with any of her other … well … men. She couldn’t really call Joe her boyfriend now, could she?
    Your brother is the son of a bitch who gave it to me.
    Special Forces. Compromised mission.
    Joe saved my life.
    She laid her head back against her chair, pieces of the night’s conversation swirling through her mind. She’d been surprised to find out Joe had been in the military, although in what capacity she still wasn’t clear. She smiled slightly, thinking about her brothers’ scowls when she declared that she hadn’t seen any tattoos or identifying marks on Joe’s body to give him away. Joe had laughed and told her she watched too many movies. And followed that up with another round of shots.
    She knew better than to press for information, no matter how curious she may be. Caleb was tight-lipped about his time served. It seemed Joe was too.
    Caleb had come home to take care of them after the death of their parents. Gone was the fun-loving and playful brother she knew. In his place was a hardened soldier, fierce in his protection of his family. Now, apparently, she owed her “one-night stand man” for Caleb’s life. It was a little surreal.
    The room spun slightly under her feet as she overheard their conversation from the other room.
    “We could really use someone with your, um, skill set around the site,” Brandon said.
    “We’re always looking for talent. From what Caleb says, you’re the best,” Alec added.
    “I’ve been out for some time. I think I’ll stick with the bar, but your offer is appreciated,” Joe replied. She imagined them clapping each other on the back and trading handshakes.
    “You’re sleeping on the couch, right, Sterling?” Caleb said.
    He snickered at the question. “Absolutely.”
    Not bloody likely.
    The sky was starting to lighten. The voices faded as the men moved toward their respective rooms. They’d all had enough to drink that she’d insisted everyone stay put for the night. Or the morning, as the case may be. Her eyes drifted shut and she waited for Joe to come and take her to bed.
    She came awake to Joe’s breath against her cheek. “Come on, my drunk little slugger,” he teased, lifting her easily into his arms. She buried her face in his neck and inhaled deeply. She felt the rumble of his laughter against her side.