“We’re meeting for a walk on the beach,” Lucy said.
“You responded to the potential axe murderer?” Nicole asked.
“This just gets better and better.” Finn looked pointedly at Nicole over the top of his juice. “How did this guy give off the murderer vibes?”
She ignored him. “Did you send another picture, Lucy?”
“Not this time,” she said.
Finn raised his eyebrows. “You sent Arm Porn pictures?”
“Just one.”
Without my shirt, she thought.
“Have you asked him what he does for a living?” Finn demanded. “Do you know if he lives in Florida full time?”
“Those are great first date questions.” Lucy headed for the door.
He drained his juice. “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“That’s not up to you,” Lucy pointed out. “I know you paid a lot for these tickets. We don’t want to miss the cocktail hour.”
“It’s for a good cause. I don’t feel the need to get my money’s worth.” But Finn stood and headed in her direction. “What if this guy doesn’t want kids?”
“I’ll ask him on our date.” Lucy pulled open the back door. “After I get a good look at his face.”
“You’ve only seen his arms?” Finn challenged. “How the hell do you decide from a guy’s arms if he’s relationship material?”
“I’ve seen more than his arms, Finn. Now can we go?”
“Yeah.” Her brother placed his hand on the door and pushed it shut. “But I’m parked on the street out front.” He turned away. “When we get there, I need to talk to Jared.”
“You’re both going to this thing?” Her fingers dug into her clutch.
“One of our biggest clients throws this summer party to support the local food bank.” Finn continued down the hallway. “Jared is in town, so he needs to show up.”
Anticipation ricocheted through her. “Is he bringing a date?”
“No.” Finn glanced over his shoulder. “Why?”
Lucy shook her head, trying to dislodge the unwelcome memory of Jared’s lips. “I like to be prepared if I’m going to spend the evening making small talk with Jared’s latest fling while you guys discuss business.”
“He’s stag tonight,” he said. “I only have one question for him. It won’t take long.”
“You made one hell of a first impression,” Finn announced. “The princesses call you Mr. Arm Porn. And Nicole’s on the fence about whether you’re an axe murderer.”
Jared rested his forearms on the cement seawall and stared out at the breaking waves. “I have a date with your sister tomorrow night.” He glanced over at Finn. His partner—in business and dating profiles—held a wine glass in one hand. “Having second thoughts?”
“Fuck no.” Finn rested his wine on the wall. “I know you’re not an axe murderer. And if she’s willing to meet a man who refuses to send a picture of his face, but sends other shots—”
“She told you?” Jared pushed off the cement and stood up straight. “I guessed she would share the pics with her girlfriends, but not you.”
Finn raised his hands in the universal palms out gesture of surrender. “I don’t want to know anymore. Do me a favor and delete the images off your phone. I’d hate to borrow your cell, or hell your computer, and stumble on your naked ass. Or Lucy’s for that matter.”
“Done,” Jared said. His buddy cared deeply for Lucy. Enough to set this wild-ass plan into motion. But Finn knew where to draw the line. The pictures weren’t any of his friend’s business. Period. End of story. He wanted Lucy happy, not locked away in some freaking tower like the woman with the long hair.
“I have one question.” Finn reclaimed his wine. “What the hell do you plan to do when Lucy realizes you’re Mr. Arm Porn Ryder?”