Page 94 of Revenge Puck

“You asked!”

“Give me more, please.”

I roll my eyes. “Her brother is one of my teammates, so she’s unaffected and unimpressed by all the shit that goes with it.”

“That’s good.”

“She’s sweet—genuinely a kind person.” The words feel strange in my mouth even though I’ve said them to Juliette; it’s weird saying them to my sister.

“To you?” Sutton pounces.

“To everyone,” I correct. “But yeah. To me, too.”

Sutton makes a small, scoffing noise. “Go on.”

“There’s not much to tell, we’ve only gone out once.”

“What’s her name?”

I hesitate to tell her, knowing Sutton is going to go all CSI down the online rabbit hole to find photos and informationabout Juliette. Considering I’ll be dumping her as soon as she’s head over heels in love with me, I keep her name to myself.

“Let me feel this out first; let’s not get everyone worked up about it—you know better than that.”

My sister grunts, disappointed, but she knows I’m right. Women come and go. No point looping the family in too early.

“I still think you’re gatekeeping.”

“You know I’m right.”

“Come on,” Sutton wheedles. “I won’t stalk her.”

“Yes, you will.” I laugh.

“You are no fun.” There’s a pause. “But you like her enough to cook her dinner from scratch.” She says it as if she’s not setting up a trap.

I glance at the stove. At the sauce that’s been simmering so it will thicken. At the red wine I set out. At the pasta ready to add to the boiling water.

I’m using her, but yes. “She’s great.”

The doorbell cuts through the condo, causing my sister to inhale sharply.

“Oh my god, that’s her, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, big brother. Go be charming. And don’t overcook the pasta.”

Please—since when have I ever cooked pasta? Give me a damn break.

“I won’t.”

“And Aaron?”

“What?”

“Have fun.”

“Thanks. Love you.”