Mind Play (Bennett Sisters Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

 
    Butch’s grin got even bigger, showcasing both dimples . I t was apparent he wasn’t buying her answer , but she wasn’t about to let him know otherwise. What she really wanted to do was stand up and give him what for, but she knew she wouldn’t. That was how her sisters would have handled it , not her . They were the outspoken ones, the ones that didn’t take crap from any man. Claire only dreamed of being that way herself . Claire stood up for herself when she needed to, but she’d only fight the battles she could win. Not wanting to give him any more ammunition, s he held her tongue and kept herself calm and collect ed , not showing the turmoil she was feeling inside. No, he was fishing for a reaction , and he wouldn’t be getting one from her.
    “I wasn’t after her number. I was only flirting with her so she wouldn’t throw me out later when I sneak Emma some contraband . She’s d ying for a burger and a chocolate milkshake , and who am I to deny the mother of my godchild anything ? ” Butch shrugged. “ I told her I’ d get her one. It’s easier if you play nice with the people in charge.” Butch stopped the rocking chair and kis sed the top of her head. “ A ngel , y ou know you’re the only one for me.”
    He walked out on her again, leaving her alone with her thoughts in the quiet room. Well , quiet for a few minute s before Mike, Sam, Abby, and John burst through the door, carrying on a loud conversation. She’ d only caught the tail end of it .
    “You know you like her, you want to marry her, you want to make babies with her , ” Abby said in a singsong voice , mimicking a line from her favorite movie . Mike growled , scowling down at their little sister.
    Their loud conversation had Emma stirring in the bed , and Jake trying to sit up, but not the baby. Lily was sleeping right through it all . “Good job , guys, you woke them up.”
    They all stopped and glanced around the room. “Sorry,” they said in unison.
    “Abby, who does Mike like, that he wants to marry and have babies with?” Claire asked , biting her lip to hide t he smile forming on her lips .
    “ Dr. Elizabeth Lister , of course. You know she’s the only one that can put that deep of a frown on Mike’s face . We ran into her as we were coming in the hospital . T hey both scowled at each other, and Mike stomped after her. It was the funniest sight I’ve ever seen.”
    Mike took a step toward Abby, but Sam and John stepped between the two , effectively shielding Abby from Mike’s reach .
    “That’s not a good idea , Mike.”
    Mike’s gaze went from father to son and back.
    “Yeah, I’d have to agree with my dad on this one , ” John said , crossing his arms over his chest , in an identical pose as his father .
    “ Just man-up already and ask her out ,” Abby said nestled safely behind the brick wall of muscles blocking Mike’s attack .
    “ You don’t even know what you’re talking about. I don’t want to ask her out. I don’t even like her , ” Mike said as he turned . He walked to Emma’s side of the bed and pla ced a kiss on Emma’s forehead . Emma wiped the sleep from her eyes and covered her mouth as she yawned.    
    “Abby, quit teasing Mike , ” Claire said as she p ushed her foot , setting the rocking chair in motion once again.
    “Claire, I would, but I’m having too much fun getting a reaction out of him.” Abby held her hands out for the baby. Claire didn’t mind handing her over . S he wanted to stretch her legs and arms out. She’d been in the same position for a couple of hours. She pushed up from the seat and let Abby take the seat to resume the soothing rocking motion that was helping Lily sleep.
    “Well , I need to get going . ” Claire grabbed her purse and walked over to the bed , giving Emma a hug. “I’m having a problem with my books , and I need to get back to see if I can figure it out.”
    Jake pushed himself from the sleeping chair , lifted his hands above his head ,