“I see you’ve taken a liking to my Cat,” Marcus said, shifting his gaze from Billy to Cat and back again.

“Oh, nah, it ain’t like that. We were just smoking,” Billy told him.

“It’s okay, Billy, women come on to Cat all the time. I’m pretty used to it by now,” Marcus assured her.

Not liking the way the couple looked at her, Billy got defensive. “Hold on, par. I think you got the wrong idea. I don’t do women and I wasn’t pushing up on your girl.”

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “My what?”

“Aren’t you and Cat together?” Billy asked, not really catching on.

Cat burst out in laughter. “Billy, we came together, but not together. Marcus is my brother.”

The pieces finally fell into place. Those same graceful motions, the predatory glare, it was all in the genes. She felt like a real chickenhead for not getting confirmation before she opened her big-ass mouth. “Sorry, I thought…”

“No need to explain,” Marcus spoke up. “This happens to us more often than not. We’ve got different fathers, that’s why her eyes are green and mine are just nigger brown. Cat and I have done some freaky shit, but we’ve never gone that far.”

“Damn, I feel stupid,” Billy admitted.

Cat eased back into Billy’s space. “You shouldn’t. The idea is actually kind of tempting. What do you think, Marc?” She glanced at her brother. “Could we split a Billy sandwich?”

“I don’t think so,” Billy said sternly.

“Cut it out, Cat.” Marcus stepped between them. “Billy, she was just playing with you.”

“Cat!” Rose called from over by the grill.

“Oh God, she probably thinks Billy is over here putting the moves on me. Marc, why don’t you see if you can keep Billy entertained while I’m gone.” Cat winked at Billy and sauntered off to see what Rose wanted.

“Your sister is mad aggressive,” Billy commented.

Marcus flashed a smile. “Its genetic.”

“So now I’m gonna have to back you down, too?”

“Nah.” Marcus raised his hands in surrender. “I’m aggressive, but not extra. I like to let a woman realize that she wants me on her own.”

“I hear that.”

“So which side do you play for?” Marcus asked very bluntly.

Billy’s eyes flashed. “Excuse me?”

“No disrespect, sis, but considering what kind of party we’re at, I gotta ask.”

“Well, I could ask the same of you. Are you a catcher or a pitcher?” Billy looked him up and down.

Marcus gave her a throaty chuckle. “Good one, ma. Nah, don’t fuck around. I’m strictly hitting pussy. My sister dragged me down here. I heard a free meal and some drinks, so I rolled out. I didn’t know it was gonna be a rainbow parade. No offense.”

“None taken, ’cause I don’t do same sex, either,” Billy said.