So I built walls.Maintained a professional distance.Hid behind the cold, demanding persona of Mr.Castellano, CEO.It was safer that way.
I study the quiet street, distracted.I no longer have to keep her at arm’s length.There’s nothing stopping me from showing her exactly who I am now, who I could be—with her.And I’m enjoying her reactions immensely.The wide-eyed surprise when I’m kind to her family.The flush in her cheeks when I touch her.The way she kissed me back in her driveway like she’s been wanting to do it for as long as I have.
By the time I reach the Hartley house, it’s still dark.I let myself in quietly, hoping to grab a glass of water before heading back upstairs.As I enter the kitchen, the light suddenly flicks on, and I find myself face to face with Sophie, sitting at the table.
“Morning,” she says, like finding her sister’s boyfriend sneaking in at four in the morning is perfectly normal.
“Good morning,” I reply.“You’re up early.”
She shrugs, watching me with that direct teenage gaze.“I saw you leave.I was going to follow you, but it’s way too cold out there.So I waited.”Her assessment is unnerving in its directness.“Why were you out walking at three in the morning?Normal people are sleeping.”
I pour myself a glass of water, oddly amused by her bluntness.“I usually go for a run at this hour.Habit.”
Sophie watches me curiously.“You don’t take a break?Even during Christmas?”
“No.Some things are important.My morning run helps me clear my mind.So, what did you need from me that you waited for me to come back?”
She’s quiet for a moment, and I sip the water, holding her gaze.
“How long did you say you and my sister have been together for?”
“A month after New Year’s,” I reply lightly.
“Really?”Sophie’s smile broadens.Something’s not right.I can feel a flicker of unease.
“Yes.”
“Did you guy break up?Have any disagreements?”
“No.”
My answer makes her lean forward, and she whistles through her teeth.“You two should really get your stories straight.I know you’re not dating my sister.”
I go very still, maintaining my neutral expression through years of practice.“Why would you say that?”
Her smile is pure mischief—knowing and slightly smug.“Because I talked to Olivia two weeks ago, and she told me about this terrible blind date she went on.Kind of hard to go on blind dates when you have a boyfriend, don’t you think?”
Clever girl.She’s sharper than I anticipated.
“You’re observant,” I say, sipping my water.
“Top of my class,” she replies without a hint of false modesty.“So...Why are you two pretending to be a couple?”
I consider my options.I could deny it, but something tells me Sophie won’t buy any story I concoct.Better to find an ally than an adversary.
“What if I said I like your sister?”
She doesn’t answer immediately, just studies me with an intensity that reminds me of Olivia in boardroom negotiations.“I can see that,” she says finally, decisively.“I see the way you look at her.Chase never looked at her like that.”
I’m surprised by how pleased I feel at her assessment.“He didn’t deserve her.”
“Obviously not.He’s a total jerk.”She narrows her eyes at me.“Are you using her?”
“No.”The answer comes instantly, firmly.
“Are you just trying to sleep with her?”
I nearly choke on my water.“That’s not an appropriate question.Aren’t you a little young to be?—”
