Free Rory's Mate by J. S. Scott Page A

only big enough to feed five people--in front of her.
     
    "I don't want that," she told him, irritated now that she had to actually stare at the pasty in front of her. 
     
    "Why not?"  Rory cocked his head and shot her an I'm-so-confused smile as he started eating his piece with obvious enjoyment.  "It's fantastic."
     
    Callie rolled her eyes, trying not to be charmed by the incredibly gorgeous specimen of manhood.  For God's sake, did the man have to look perfect? He had eaten more in one evening than any normal man ate in a month and he still didn't look like he held one ounce of fat on his body.  It was disgusting.  Still...she tried to be polite.  He was Brianna's new brother-in-law.  "I'm trying not to eat sweets, Rory.  I have to watch what I eat."
     
    Rory continued to grin as he consumed his giant sized piece of cake.  "Why watch it when you can eat it?"  He paused to shoot her a curious look.  "How do you know that I'm Rory?  Liam was sitting here earlier?"
     
    "Who else would you be?  We were introduced at the rehearsal."  She shoved the piece of cake to the middle of the table as she answered.
     
    "Liam and I are twins.  We're identical," he answered, polishing off the mammoth pastry and setting his fork on the plate.  He stared at her curiously.
     
    They weren't identical, Callie mused.  Not really.  Although they were both incredibly handsome with their midnight black hair that just touched the back of their collar and very dark eyes, Rory was just...different.  Yeah...they were dressed in matching tuxedos and they looked very much alike...but she would never mistake one for the other.
     
    She shook her head as she answered, "You aren't really exactly alike."
     
    Rory looked perplexed.  "Most people can't tell us apart."
     
    Really?  Liam was attractive as was his brother Nathan, but Rory...was a walking temptation.  She looked around for Liam, but didn't see him in the crowd.  She didn't have anything for comparison but she was doubtful she would ever confuse the two.  Liam didn't make her edgy and nervous.  Rory definitely did.  It was like she could feel the male hormones coming across the table, making her want to jump the table and attack. 
     
    Callie crossed her arms in front of her and answered defensively, "I just don't think you're alike, that's all."
     
    "Does that mean I'm the handsome one?," he asked hopefully, smiling brightly. 
     
    It was strange, but he wasn't flirting.  It was almost as if he wanted validation.  Callie refused to give it to him.  His head was probably already fat enough.  "No comment."
     
    Rory's face fell.  "I guess that means I'm not." 
     
    Callie searched his face for signs of conceit, but she didn't see anything except raw honesty.  As she took in his perfect features and glanced at his wavy mass of dark hair with one little stray strand that seemed to separate from the others, she wanted to reach out and brush it back in place.
     
    Come on, Callie.  Get real.  The guy has to know he's incredibly gorgeous. Don't feel sorry for him.   
     
    "I guess not,"  she answered, feeling even guiltier when he looked even more dejected.  Wanting to see him smile again she offered, "Have my cake."  She pushed it in front of him. 
     
    He pushed it back.  "I know you want it." 
     
    "I don't," she answered firmly.
     
    "You do."  He started to smile again.
     
    "Don't," she insisted.
     
    "Come on, Callie.  You were looking at the cake table like a tiger looks at raw meat.  You wanted it.  That's why I brought it." 
     
    Oh, shit.  She groaned inwardly.  Was she really that obvious.  "I'm a chef. I was just checking out the competition."
     
    "You wanted to taste the competition.  Admit it."   He took the plate from her and set it in front of him.  He took a clean fork and scooped up a bite of the irresistible confection.  He reached over the table and held it to her mouth.  She opened automatically and he dropped it