My stomach was swooping again. It was really quite annoying and made getting drunk difficult. It started when Lennox told me that she and Rider were both going to be at a friend's house for the night.

"But why," I squeaked. "Don't you want to spend time with your fun aunt?"

Lennox shook her head and smirked. "Not really." She shrugged into her backpack and stalked out of the room.

The swooping continued throughout the day and seemed to magnify when Joe came home wearing a dozen grocery bags.

"What is your request for dinner," he asked in a strained voice as he set the bags down. I thought for a moment, but got distracted by the muscles flexing in his shirt.

You. "Well you don't have to make much. Lennox and Rider are with fri-"

He glared at me. "Lasagna."

I nodded in defeat. "Lasagna."

He smiled as he got out pots and various ingredients. I poured myself another glass of wine and leaned against the counter to watch him make his masterpiece. I watched as his arms would move in ways that would make them flex and curl in his white V neck t-shirt. He would raise his arms to reach into the higher cabinets and a sliver of tan skin would appear. He would wipe his hands on his denim clad thighs and whistle show tunes. I licked my lips and sipped my wine.

Joey Longo was delicious, like his lasagna. "So what do you want to do tonight?"

I shook my head and cleared my throat. "How about some old fashion strip poker?" I flushed immediately, not realizing what I said and mentally slapped myself.

His eyes widened and he froze. "Strip poker?"

I sipped my wine. "C'mon Longo, you scared you gonna lose?" I asked. I couldn't back out now, not when my invitation was clear. There was a long pause.

"Oh, you are on." I met his eyes with a smile and went into the living room. I pulled out a fresh deck of cards and moved the coffee table so that Joey and I could sit on either side. I set my wine roughly onto the table causing it to slosh a little. I then separated the chips evenly.

Burke, you can do this. Put on your big girl panties. My face flushed. Or take them off.

Joey came through the door. "Do you want to eat now or later?"

"Later."

"Ok." He sat cross-legged on the other side of the table as I shuffled the cards. I handed him five and I five. I checked out my hand. It was junk. Darn. Well I can either bluff or fold. Either way I have to take something off. I glanced at Joey. He looked blank yet cocky. I threw some chips in. "Call."

He raised and waited. I broke under his scrutiny.

"Damn it. Fold." I threw down my cards and looked at my clothing. I was wearing a black pencil skirt, scarlet blouse, and red pumps. I slipped off my pumps and sat back down. I was glad when I won the next two hands. His shoes and shirt came off. "You just got lucky," he said gruffly. My eyes traced the cotours of his abs and biceps. I let out a breath. I would never get tired of seeing him without a shirt.

I lost the next hand. I paused and turned beat red. "C'mon Burke. Take it off. Take it off." I grimaced.

"Fine." I shrugged off my blouse and leaned back giving him a great view of my naked breasts. Joe shielded his eyes.

"What are you doing?"

"What," I said innocently. "You were going to see them anyways."

A low growl emanated from Joe as he took in the sight. It made my core throb achingly. "You're not making this easy on me, Mel."

I stood up and smiled, unzipping my skirt. It hit the floor revealing my lacy thong. I walked up part of the stairs and looked at him over my shoulder. "Good," I said. "I didn't plan on making it easy. But it would be easier if you followed me."

And he did.