Your parents were going through another rough patch, and it didn't take a genius to figure out why, especially when your father's check book was out.

The compensation for this latest hiccup turned out to be something that benefitted everyone.

*Built-in wardrobes. Yay!

"Jesus, Molloy," Your father's favorite laborer—and yours— growled, as he tossed another pile of clothes from your old wardrobe on to your bed before dragging the wardrobe into the middle of your room. "Where are you going with all the clothes?"

"Rule number one," You said, sitting in the middle of your bed, rummaging through a mountain of clothes and shoes. "You never judge the size of a girl's wardrobe."

"No judgment from this end," Joey replied with a resigned shake of his head. "Just confusion."

”Yeah, Joe, me too,” You thought to yourself while shamelessly watched him work, taking in every tight muscle under his white t-shirt, and the golden strip of skin he flashed when he stretched.

His body truly was a sight to behold, considering by the time this summer had ended, he had racked up almost as many tattoos as he had scars from fighting.

"You planning on giving me a hand anytime soon?" Joey askad, dragging you from your thoughts, as he dropped another heap of clothes on your lap. "Or do you plan to just sprawl out on your bed for the evening?”

"Sprawl," You said with a lazy sigh, flopping back on your pillow. "Definitely sprawl."

"You're a pain in the ass," Joey grumbled, but sounded more amused than annoyed.

"What's that? You like my ass?" You teased. "Why thank you, Joey. lis my pride and joy."

"Your legs should be your pride and joy, Molloy," Joey tossed over his shoulder, and the compliment thrilled you.

Your heart skipped. "So, you don't think I have a nice ass?"

"I can't remember what it looks like," Joey replied, quick as a car. "Why don't you take off your pants and I'll tell you."

"Funny."

Joey glanced over his shoulder and gave me a devilish smirk. "It was worth a shot."

Crap.

"You'd get such a surprise if I dropped my pants," You taunted, throwing a rolled-up pair of socks at his head.

He deftly caught them mid air. "Not as big as the surprise you'd get if I dropped mine," He shot back.

Your mouth fell open and he winked.*

"Now, get off that pride and joy of yours and show me where you want the dressing table area."