“Good,” I interjected. “That gives you time to get a workout in. Sweat that liquor out of your system.” As I brought the coffee cup to my lips, I thought of Tommy shirtless and running along Battery Park the way he often did when he lived here. How hadn’t I noticed how fit he was then? Was it just mom-brain blocking all of that out? Because god… I couldn’t stop thinking of him that way now. Shouldn’t I feel ashamed? Guilty? Both?

When our eyes met again, all I felt was hungry, naked want.

Clattering heels sounded in the front hallway, and my sister James barreled into the kitchen. “Sorry I’m late, Darcy! I couldn’t find my good flat iron, and the store was out of the dye I usually use on your hair, so I’ll have to mix it— oh! Good morning, boys!” She painted on a smile, a sultry one that made Tommy sit up and pay attention.

I clenched my teeth.

“Good morning, Auntie,” Tommy said with a big grin.

James all but growled at that greeting, but I don’t think Tommy would label hers as the kitten type.

“I’m not your fucking Auntie, Tomás,” she said, ruffling the hair I had just dug my fingers in as I came. “You really didn’t bring a date to this thing?”

He raised a brow then glanced at me.

“Oh,” she said with a snort. “That Mother of the Groom Concierge thing... You’re not serious about that, are you?”

Tommy chuckled, then leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Of course, I am. But I’ll save you a dance, huh?” he promised with a wink. Then he turned and thumped Jared on the back. “I’m gonna change into some shit to work out in. Come get me when you’re ready.”

Jared nodded, still shoveling food into his face. I watched surreptitiously as Tommy left the kitchen and walked up the back path to the garçonnière.

“Auntie, can you not flirt with Tomás? It kinda creeps me out.”

James rolled her eyes and turned to me. “Where are we gonna do this? Upstairs in your bathroom?”

I nodded, took some of the gear she’d dragged in, and helped her carry it up the stairs.

“That boy has got it bad for you, Darcy,” she said, dropping her gear on my now freshly-made bed. Minerva must have snuck up here to make it while we were in the kitchen. I had a momentary vision of her checking the sheets like one of Queen Elizabeth’s ladies-in-waiting.

We must know her proper functions...

The thought made me giggle, and James must have misinterpreted my giggling as a response to what she’d said.

“I’m serious, Darcy! That boy looks at you like he wants to slurp you up like an oyster.”