Marius Rabineaux lives with his daughter Sherie in an apartment complex. Across the hall is computer tech Xavier McDay, whose niece, Tonya, is best friends with Sherie. Taciturn, clueless nerds have never been Marius's thing, so no matter how hot he may find ‘Uncle Cranky,’ Marius leaves well enough alone. One evening when Marius picks up Sherie from her playdate with Tonya, Xavier insults his parenting skills. Later, Xavier turns up at Marius’ workplace and, instead of apologizing, further offends him by disparaging his work ethic. Xavier finally gets it and apologizes to Marius, who decides to give his clueless neighbor another chance. He accepts Xavier’s offer inviting him and Sherie to dinner. The evening is a fun affair, and while the girls have dessert in Tonya's room, both men get to know each other better. Then Marius challenges Xavier to a night away from computers by going out to a night club. One thing leads to another, and they wind up back at Xavier’s apartment. As things crank up between them, will they get more than they bargain for ... and perhaps a chance at something more?

Crank Me Up

I gathered myself together and said, “Well, okay then. Thanks, Xavier, for understanding. It’s time for us to go. Sherie needs to get ready for bed.”


Immediate negative. “But, Daddy, I want to play the Wii with Tonya for a few minutes before bed. I did all my homework at Gramma Jo’s. Please, Daddy, please? Just for a little bit?”


I looked at Xavier, who gave a brief nod. He addressed his niece. “Tonya, you can stay up for half an hour, no more than that, okay?” Squeals filled the air and the girls ran down the hall.


I watched them go and said, “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to impose on you.”


“It’s not a problem. Tonya enjoys her company, and Sherie is a reasonably well-behaved child, if a bit high-strung and lacking in some social graces.” He threw those words out like so much hot air. Like hecould talk.


Chapter 4