Say No To Joe? by Lori Foster Page A

be careful.”
    Curling his lip, Joe said, “Yes, Mother.” Being coddled by his cousin was a most discomfitting happenstance. “By the way, I contacted Alyx. She should be here soon to lend you a hand. She knows what things are mine, and what came with the apartment. Make damn sure she’s never left alone, though, okay? You know how she is. If she sees anyone spying on the place, she’s liable to go right up to them and demand they turn themselves over to the law.”
    Zane grinned despite his bad mood. “She’s still fearless, huh?”
    â€œFearless and flippant and brassy as hell.” Joe didn’t like to consider all the ways his sister’s personality mirrored his own. He’d been a very bad influence on her. “I swear she’ll never marry because she scares all the guys half to death.”
    â€œShe’s a little like Luna in that respect.”
    Lowering his voice even more, Joe said, “Yeah, well, Luna doesn’t scare me. I can handle her.”
    â€œSpoken like a man blinded with lust. You know you’re going to eventually eat those words, right?” Zane shook his head and laughed. “God, I just hope I’m around to see it.”
    â€œDon’t hold your breath, okay?” He gave Zane a light shove to get him back on track. “After you pack up the rest of my stuff, turn the keys over to the landlord and split. I’m paid up a month in advance, but if there’s a problem with the lease, just let me know. Alyx can store my things. Got it?”
    Luna stuck her head out the window. “Are we leaving sometime today, or do you two biddies plan to gossip all damn day?”
    Just that easily, she lightened his mood. “Nag, nag, nag.” Joe startled his cousin by pulling him into a bear hug. His sore ribs protested, but it was worth it for Zane’s reaction. He walked away while Zane sputtered behind him. After sliding into the seat next to Luna, Joe buckled his seat belt and gave a weary groan. “Mind if I doze while you drive? I’m a little tuckered out from all the excitement.”
    Just as Joe had intended, her anger evaporated. Funny how Luna had always hidden that wide nurturing streak of hers. He liked it. He liked her, and he had no qualms with her rush of concern. With most women, it had felt smothering, but with Luna, it just felt . . . nice.
    She began fussing over him. “Do you need a pain pill? I have them in my purse. And here, I thought you might want a pillow, so I brought one with us.” She pushed it behind his head while Joe reclined his seat a little and stretched out his long legs. “Get comfortable and relax. I’ll wake you when I stop for gas, okay?”
    Zane leaned into the car. “Quit spoiling him, Luna. He’s insufferable enough as it is.”
    â€œI know,” she said with gentle sweetness, “but I’d hate to see even a snake suffer.”
    Zane laughed while Joe pretended to be insulted, but in truth, he didn’t mind her quips. He knew Luna was struggling with things. Smarting off was her way of dealing with the strength of her attraction to him. He wasn’t blind. He knew she felt the chemistry almost as much as he did.
    The little lady wanted him, but it scared her. He scared her. And for a woman like Luna, fear was unacceptable.
    He’d ease her into things, Joe decided. That is, if he could keep himself in check. It wouldn’t be easy if she kept being so grumpy and teasing and sexy. He leaned back and closed his eyes. “Say goodbye, Zane.”
    â€œGoodbye. And don’t forget to check in once you’re in North Carolina.”
    â€œWe’ll call,” Luna promised. “Thanks for everything, Zane.”
    â€œNo problem.” He stepped back. “Let us know if you need any help with the kids, okay?”
    â€œI will.” She put the truck in gear.
    â€œAnd, Joe? Watch your back.”
    Joe