Opposites Distract Read Free

got here, would he?
    Brody glowered down at her. “Looks like Tessa was right and you got lost in your writing world. She phoned and asked me to check on you.”
    He made it sound like an accusation. She shrugged. “It’s what I do. I don’t usually stop until my stomach growls. I’m not used to a schedule.”
    â€œBut you do try to be considerate of friends and hostesses?”
    This guy could be a real dick. She crossed her arms. “I had my phone alarm set for five forty.”
    She barely got the words out when the alarm went off. “Oh, baby, baby, my baby, baby” sang through the room.
    Brody raised his eyebrows. “Whatever gets your attention.”
    She ground her teeth, then frowned at him. “You cleaned up.” He still wore his worn, comfortable jeans, but he’d changed into a button-down shirt and sweater. He’d be yummy if he weren’t such a sourpuss.
    He looked her up and down. “I guess I didn’t need to bother.” She hadn’t changed out of her driving clothes—faded jeans with a few rips in the right thigh area and a baggy sweater. Her hair was still pulled back in a low ponytail.
    â€œI didn’t know gumbo meant a formal dinner.” She yanked at the scrunchie that held her hair, letting loose waves cascade past her shoulders.
    Brody stared, then shook his head. “No matter. Shall we? It’s time to go.” In the lobby, he waited for her to shrug into her winter coat and then walked with her to his SUV. She wasn’t short, but the step-up to get into the passenger seat was more exertion than she was used to. He gave a grim smile, enjoying her effort. He’d be surprised to know how much she walked back home. She was in good shape, whether he thought so or not, damn the man!
    When she fastened her seat belt, he shut the door and circled the vehicle to slide behind the steering wheel. On the drive to Tessa’s, she mentally calculated how much time they’d have to spend together. Not all that much. Her stay here looked better.
    Harmony grinned from ear to ear when they pulled into the driveway. The wide bungalow was as charming as she’d pictured it. White, with green shutters and flower boxes, it looked warm and welcoming. She reached for the door handle, but Brody shook his head. What now? He walked around the SUV to open her door for her. She stared at him. “Are you for real?”
    â€œI am, but I think you’ve lived with vampires and werewolves too long to remember some of the social norms.”
    â€œNo one opens doors for women anymore.”
    Brody shrugged. “They should.”
    A thick layer of snow blanketed the yard and the house’s roof. It looked like something on a Christmas card—inviting and cozy, especially since the sidewalks were cleared. Harmony hurried up the path.
    Tessa threw open the front door before they reached it and pulled Harmony inside. “I can’t believe you came. I’m stuck on a scene in chapter eleven. Where are you in your book?”
    Ian rolled his eyes and waited for his brother to join them. “Tessa promised not to talk writing while we eat.”
    Brody smiled. “I’m sure she keeps her promises, just like Harmony claims she does.”
    â€œI heard that!” On her way to the kitchen, Harmony threw him a dirty glance.
    Ian grinned. “You got in trouble.”
    â€œYeah, I’m worried now.” Brody hung his pea coat on the coat tree by the front door, carefully wiped his feet on the welcome mat, then trailed behind them. He sniffed as he went. “Mmm, something smells good.”
    Harmony twirled in a happy circle in the kitchen. “I can’t believe you remembered. We ate this together in New Orleans when we skipped out for a few hours between panels.”
    Tessa pointed to the oven. “Do you remember what we had for dessert?”
    â€œYou didn’t!”
    Tessa opened the