Desire and a Bottle of Merlot: (Like Sisters Series Book 5) Chick Lit: A Romantic Comedy by Bria Marche

the men through the kitchen window.
    “It’s just water, for craps sake. You looked interested. Mom, will you do it, please?”
    “Forget it—give me the stupid bottles. I’ll hand them out.” Tina walked around to the back of the Victorian with bottles of ice-cold water for the hard-working guys. Dan, Jeff, and Bill were laying the floorboards on the bottom tier of the deck. The sun, being directly overhead, was beating down on the men. Each one had their shirts stripped off already, exposing rock hard, gorgeous abs.
    “Hi, guys. I brought out some water. It looks like you might need some.” Tina turned on her heels after setting the bottles down on the treated-lumber boards. I’m going to pass out any second if I don’t get the hell out of here.
    “ Tina, come on back and sit with us. You aren’t that busy inside, are you?” Dan stood and reached for her hand to pull her up to their level.
    Tina couldn’t tell if his smile was sincere or if he was messing with her. Either way, she didn’t want to engage with this over-the-top, full-of-himself, hot deck builder.
    “Sorry, I’m busy.” She pulled away and continued on without looking back. “I can’t believe him,” she said as she stormed into the kitchen.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “He’s standing out there, half-naked, being all arrogant and shit.”
    Alina dashed to the window, craning her neck to have a titillating peek. “Who’s half-naked?”
    “Dan, that’s who.”
    Sasha peeked out as well. “Humph… the three of them look to be in the same stage of undress to me. It is hot outside, Tina, but funny how you only noticed Dan.”
    “Whatever. So, when are we going nursery shopping?”
    “Let’s go next Saturday. The guys will be busy with the vineyard anyway. We’ll drive to White Plains and hit all the baby-furniture stores. Should I invite Dan to join us?” Sasha asked, giggling.
    “Knock it off, Sasha.” Tina grumbled as she pulled a bottle of Merlot out of the wine rack. She sliced the foil seal, pulled out the cork, and poured a glass for herself and Alina.
    “What’s your problem with him anyway? I like Dan. He’s nice.”
    “I don’t need nice. I can get that from Kismet or Claire. Men are a pain in the ass.”
    “Yeah, that’s true… especially the gorgeous, sweet ones, right, Mom?” Sasha and Alina chuckled.
    “Tina, darling, do you want a boyfriend or a husband someday?” Alina asked.
    “I don’t friggin’ know. Possibly… but they’re so whiney and kind of unnecessary. Plus, they’re usually full of themselves.”
    Alina eyed Tina up. “You do you enjoy sex, don’t you, Tina?”
    “Mom!” Sasha sounded appalled.
    “Oh, sweetheart, stop acting like such a prude. You are pregnant, aren’t you?”
    ***
    Tina took note of the couples over the next few days. They all seemed to enjoy each other, even Sasha’s mom and dad, who had been married for thirty-two years. They sat side by side, holding each other’s hands as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Tina was certain they didn’t even realize it at times. Mia and Aaron were getting married in just over a month. Josh and Sasha too, plus they were preggers. Vic and Max were madly in love, and now Karen, the last spinster sister and Tina’s only hope, had finally given in and had cozied up with Mario. What a traitor! Tina was officially the fifth wheel, and it didn’t feel good. She couldn’t even hang out at Karen’s house since Mario was staying there during his recuperation.
    She slowed at the stoplight, waiting impatiently for it to turn green. In the car to her right sat a man and a woman, clearly enjoying each other’s company. What the hell? That woman is almost in his lap. Tina gaped at them with disgust. The woman was about to swallow the man’s tongue whole. “Get a room,” Tina yelled out the window as she sped off, squealing her tires. I swear, I’m losing it , she thought when she realized she’d just berated two total