Say You Need Me by Kayla Perrin

how the hell had they ended up getting involved?
    “Darrell?”
    His eyes flew to hers. “Yeah?”
    She gave him an odd look, clearly wondering what had been on his mind. After a moment, she shrugged. “So, what do you say? Can we work together? I know Miami. Ican help you look for him here. Take you to all the places you might not easily find. Besides, two heads are better than one.”
    Darrell didn’t respond, contemplating the thought.
    “No offense, but I’m really the one who ought to be wary,” Serena added. “Considering you are Cecil’s brother.”
    “I’m nothing like my brother,” Darrell retorted.
    Darrell’s quick answer made Serena think he’d been spouting that line his whole life, almost like a knee-jerk reaction. That, along with the way his jaw hardened and his body tensed, made Serena realize that she’d pushed one of his buttons. Which made her wonder what Darrell and Cecil’s relationship had been like growing up and how different they truly were. Judging by Darrell’s agitated demeanor, Serena guessed they were quite different, and that Darrell had often taken flack for his brother’s actions.
    “I didn’t mean to offend you,” she told him.
    “Maybe not, but your comment makes me think your suggestion is a bad idea. Like you said, I’m related to the guy who ripped you off. Why would you want to spend any time with me?”
    “Because I’m desperate.”
    “Oh, thanks,” Darrell replied wryly.
    “I don’t mean…” She exhaled sharply. “Look, this isn’t the best situation for either of us. We don’t know each other. But we both want the same thing: to find Cecil. And I’m willing to work with you if you’re willing to work with me.”
    “Is that so, Slugger?” Darrell raised an eyebrow, but grinned.
    “I guess you’ll never let me live that down.”
    “Hey, I like a woman who can protect me from the bad guys.”
    “Oh, stop.” Serena felt embarrassed enough.
    “I’m just playing with you.”
    Darrell smiled down at her, a genuine smile, and Serena’s heart suddenly pounded so hard, it was like getting punched from the inside. She’d never had that reaction just from looking at a man, not even Cecil, and he was Darrell’s twin. Did that make sense?
    No doubt about it, Darrell Montford was drop-dead-gorgeous-fine. He had a lady killer smile that lit up his bright brown eyes, coupled with an athletic body that boasted well-sculpted muscles in all the right places.
    A soft breath oozed from her body.
    Serena’s reaction to him surprised her. But it wasn’t only his physical qualities that were attractive, she realized a moment later. There was something else about him, something she inherently trusted.
    And she couldn’t help wondering, Why didn’t I meet him instead of Cecil?
    God, what was she thinking? Hadn’t she learned her lesson yet? Cecil had been the first pretty boy to sweep her off her feet—and she’d fallen flat on her back. The last thing she wanted to do was make the same mistake again.
    Especially with his brother.
    His identical twin brother. How different could they be?
    Which was why, though she knew she should simply give him her number and tell him to call her when he found Cecil, she wasn’t quite ready to say good-bye to Darrell. How could she trust him to keep his word and call her when he’d found him? Cecil could easily give him some cock and bull story that Darrell would want tobelieve—perhaps even pass her off as a jealous ex. If that happened, Darrell would no doubt choose to believe his brother over her.
    No, she needed to work with Darrell for her own peace of mind. Serena extended a hand. “Are we in this together?”
    Darrell didn’t respond, merely looked at her, not sure what to do. What the hell was he in for if he agreed to work with her? But as Serena continued to extend her hand, Darrell finally reached out and took it in his. Her small hand almost got lost in his large one, and he couldn’t help wondering how