Twice the Touch by Cara Dee Read Free Book Online Page A

lawyer. Only, instead of having half a load of pro bono cases and working for the environment like our father, Greg is all about Corporate America.
    When Dad retired early and left the firm his own father started, Greg changed things around . Seth joined a few years ago. Cooper Law II is all about billable hours now, and I know it's only a matter of time before Ted makes partner too and turns that II into III. Three money-hungry Coopers owning a law firm.
    I ring the doorbell, and my seven-year-old niece rips the door open, a gap-toothed grin on her face. "Uncle Mark!"
    I chuckle and ruffle her hair. It's all blond and curly and adorable with bows. "Hey, my little pumpkin. Pretty sure you're not allowed to open the door by yourself." And as the words leave my mouth, I hear Tess calling Abby's name from inside. I grin and cock a brow, eager to get out of the cold, harsh winds. "Uh-oh. Sounds like Abby's in trouble." She's fucking cute, this one. Had Alexa and I been good together, maybe we would've been parents now, too.
    "You come save me." She giggles and pulls me into the hallway. " My new friend also saves me from Mommy lots and lots." Ah, that means she's got a new babysitter. Again. Greg rarely likes the people watching Abby after school, so he fires them. And it's up to Tess to find a new sitter. Ideally for Greg, Tess would stay home with Abby, but she doesn’t want to give up her job as a nurse. It's her passion, and she knows how needed she is in her profession. "She's here for dinner, 'cause Daddy wans'ta talk to her a bit more."
    "I see." My brother—much like me, I suppose—needs to be in total control. Only, he's obnoxious about it. Even Tess rolls her eyes when he gets going, both affectionate and annoyed. She gets him, loves him, which makes Greg a lucky bastard. Removing my jacket and shoes, I follow Abby toward the noise; as always, there's a choice to make. In the kitchen I will find my mother, Tess, and probably Ted's fiancée. In the living room I will find Dad, Greg, Ted, and Seth. It's a no-brainer. "Kitchen, pumpkin."
    "I know," she replies frankly. "You gotta meet my new friend. Her name is not easy to say."
    I smile down at the little whirlwind and roll up the sleeves of my gray button-down.
    W e reach the kitchen, and it's a familiar sight. Mom and Tess by the stove, Ted's fiancée—Jessica—pulling something from the fridge; well, I assume. The fridge door is blocking my view, so all I can see are a pair of pink ballet flats. And lastly, the scents permeating the air are enough to make any man's stomach growl.
    "Darling!" Mom's the first one to spot me, and she gives me a bright smile as she walks over to me , her reddish-brown curls bouncing. While my brothers have inherited her Irish features, I look just like my dad. Darker hair, blue eyes, and a skin tone that doesn’t turn lobster red in the sun. Dutifully, I dip down so she can peck my cheek; then I return with a kiss to her forehead. "You're almost late, I'll have you know."
    I wink. "Emphasis on almost."
    "Abby, what have I told you about opening the door without asking us first?" Tess is busy fussing over my niece, but she gives me a quick smile in greeting.
    Just as I'm about to ask what's for dinner, the fridge door closes, and I see th at it's sure as hell not my brother's fiancée standing there. What in the…? Not another blonde with the perfect Stepford appearance. No, this one's a petite, curvy brunette. One I distinctly remember flogging last night. One I restrained while her boyfriend fucked her.
    My eyes grow wide , but I note that hers don’t. She doesn’t look shocked one goddamn bit. There's guilt instead. Written all over her too-fucking-beautiful face. Which can only mean she somehow knew.
    Knew what?
    Knew I was coming. That I'm me. That the favorite uncle Abby always raves about is me .
    "Oh, that’s right," Tess mutters with an apologetic smile. "You two have met." My eyebrows rise. Next she cups Mom's elbow and