Chapter 7 - Sibling Rivalry

"Now you're going on a date with him? He's a single dad, Aimee. Why go on a date with someone who has a kid? Tell me he's at least rich or something?"

Karla sat on the edge of Aimee's bed, as her sister tried to decide which outfit looked good, but not boring, on her. Or trampish. She didn't want to come off like her sister, and this was just a dinner to thank her for babysitting Abigail. It's not like it was an official date or anything. Aimee didn't know what one of those even looked like, it had been so long since she went on one. "Why do you sound so surprised? I go on dates." Liar. "And no, he's not rich. I don't go out with people for what they have. Besides, this is just a thank you dinner. Nothing fancy."

"A thank you dinner? What is he thanking you for? What exactly did you do in that old building?" She had a look on her face like she was proud of Aimee.

"I took pictures, perv. It's for babysitting his daughter. Why are you making such a big deal out of this?"

Karla shrugged. "Seems like slipping you a twenty would be a better thank you. Taking you out to dinner is an excuse to slip a date in on you."

Aimee sighed, as she slid her shorts off and replaced them with jeans. The outfit was decided. Jeans and a soft blouse, the beige one her mother gave her last Christmas. "Not everyone lives life on ulterior motives. Some people actually mean what they say."

"Ha! No one means what they say and everyone has an ulterior motive. Once you realize that, you will get further in this life."

"If that is what it takes to get ahead, then I'll gladly stay behind. I'd rather be naïve than cynical." She slipped the blouse over her head and grabbed her purse, just as the doorbell to their apartment rang. Saved by the bell. "I'll see you later. Don't wait up."

"And miss all the fun details?" Karla called after her, her tone revealing her meaning behind her words.

Aimee just shook her head, as she reached the door. Karla would never change. Everything had to contain a hidden meaning, and every night needed to end in sex. Her sister simply could not just enjoy what was offered on the surface. Of course, being that cynical came from the way she lived her life. She thought everyone was just like her and Karla Harper was one of the most manipulative people Aimee knew.

She opened the door and Clint stood there, dark jeans and a long-sleeve button-down white shirt, his biceps and powerful chest pulling the material snug against his body. Aimee's breath caught in her throat a moment, and she forced herself to breathe. She caught herself soaking in the rest of him, the way his jeans cupped his manhood and promised strength in his legs. She jerked her eyes back up, realizing she was staring too long at parts of his body she should not have even looked at. Ever since he asked her out, it was like her fantasies took over her perceptions. Would it be so bad if the night did end in sex? That wouldn't make me like my sister, would it?

"You all set to go?" His smile pulled one out of her, and she swallowed before speaking to make sure she had a voice.

"Please. I need a break from the mess that is Karla Harper." She pulled the door shut behind her, and the two of them walked down the corridor to the elevators at the end of the hall, hoping to get past Miss Fowler's condo before the old woman poked her head out. They passed his apartment on the way out, and Aimee blushed at the thought of ending her night there.

He laughed as he pressed the down button. "Another fun day with the Harper sisters, huh? If you two don't get along, why do you live together?"

The elevator dinged and the doors whooshed open. As she stepped into the small box, she said, "Because it keeps her out of my mother's house." It sounded cold and callous, but it was the truth. If Karla wasn't living with her, she would be taking over their mother's home and milking their mom for all she could get. It was standard Karla Harper fare. As much as her sister drove her crazy, it was better than the alternative, even if she was tricked into it at first.

Charlie's Place was a small, rustic café located on the beach with tables set out back to allow diners to enjoy the ocean view as well as its breeze. Clint stood beside her chair as she slid in, and only then did he take his seat. The waitress took their drink orders—sweet tea for her, water with lemon for him—and disappeared to bring out the garlic knots the place was known for. The evening sky drifted from dusk to the darkness of night, with stars forcing their way onto the evening. Seagulls flew overhead while others perched on the wooden rail that marked off the dining area, hoping for some delight to be tossed their way. The evening was cool thanks to the breeze blowing off the ocean, and just the scent of the Atlantic helped soothe her mind and calm her spirit. The beach was always a relaxing place for Aimee and helped her center herself whenever she became stressed out. Clint chose a perfect spot.

"Thanks for allowing me to pick the place," Clint said as he opened the rolled up cloth napkin holding his utensils. "It's nice to eat out where the meal doesn't necessarily come with a toy or need dipping sauce."

She faked a shocked look. "I'm not getting a toy with my dinner? First no piggyback ride and now no toy. What kind of an evil man are you?"

Clint laughed, and it made her smile just to hear it. "But if you behave, I'll buy you ice cream for dessert."

"Deal, but it better have sprinkles," she said, and they both laughed.