The Mating Game by Elizabeth Lapthorne Page B

stretched, happy for the first time all week.
    “In fact, it feels quite refreshing. I don’t feel this insane urge to fuck every sexy woman I meet, anymore. I don’t feel like going out and picking anyone up. I just want my Mary. I might head out. The sooner I get this over with, the happier I’ll be.”
    Samuel rose and hugged his brother.
    “Just make sure you shower and shave first, girls like that sort of thing apparently. Man, you’re a goner, Dom. Remember what I said about your knees and begging. If your famous seduction technique doesn’t work, then think of that silver tongue of yours and how much women like men to be on their knees groveling.”
    Dominic tried to get him in a headlock. The brothers scuffled for a few moments, bumping into chairs, knocking a lamp over. They were both so involved in getting one up on the other they didn’t hear the door open until a young high-pitched voice cried out.
    “Mom! Uncle Dom and Uncle Sam are fighting in Dad’s study again! They’ve knocked over the lamp you gave him, too! They need a time-out!”
    Both men hastily unlocked themselves and glared fiercely at Edward and Christiana, who stared at them from the doorway as if they were a pair of naughty six-year-olds.
    Christiana waggled her finger, a perfect imitation of Sophie when she was riled.
    “Fighting is to remain outside. You’ll put holes in the rugs and walls again. You know the rules!”
    Edward looked at the men, surprisingly mature for his seven years. Christiana, only four, enjoyed the thought of her mom chastising her huge uncles.
    “Don’t be a tattletale, Christi,” Edward chastised quietly.
    Christiana pouted. “But—”
    Edward continued as if she hadn’t even interrupted, sure in that way only kids have, that his words would be heeded. “They were only playing. And anyway, Dominic is going to go get his mate. Aren’t you?”
    Surprised by the astuteness of the young lad, Dominic nodded solemnly.
    “Sure am, Edward. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pack before your Aunt Sophie comes to read me a lecture and lock me in my bedroom for an hour of time-out.”
    Christiana turned to Edward.
    “How could Mom read him a lecture? She just waggles her finger and talks lots.”
    “Come on, hotshot. I’ll tell you out back.”
    Samuel laughed as Edward dragged Christiana out into the backyard, and began to talk quickly to her. The men found it amusing that she hung on his every word.
    As they quickly left the study, they noticed Zachariah staring after the two kids, a proud, happy look in his eyes.
    “You okay, Grandpa?”
    Zachariah snapped back to reality. “Sure am, Dom. I hear you’re off to pick up your mate? Congratulations, son.”
    Dominic rolled his eyes. “It’s not a done deal, Gramps. She’s gotta accept me first.”
    Zachariah snorted. “The day one of you men can’t twist a decent female around your left paw is the day I take you out back and thump your hide raw! You’ve had the ladies drooling over you since before you were a teen. I’m sure you’ll manage.”
    The old man turned to Samuel. “And you had better look out for yourself, my boy. You think you won’t settle down. Let me warn you, lad. You’re gonna meet her right when you don’t want to, don’t expect to, and she’ll lead you a merry dance, just like all the other boys. So don’t get too cocky, you hear?”
    Samuel merely grinned. “Me? Cocky? Grandpa, I’m shattered!”
    The old man snorted, and turned around muttering. “Damned youth of today. No idea! No respect!”
    The two men laughed, certain that their grandfather had a large grin across his features. They headed out the back, Dominic plotting how to tame his redhead.
    * * * * *
    Later Wednesday afternoon
    “ Mary ! Please stop that pacing, you’re giving me the most horrendous headache.”
    Mary ignored her cousin and continued to pace in front of her office window. “How can I possibly be giving you a headache when you’re