I made a face."You're a jerk."
He chuckled."At least I'm not lusting after my boss."
I tucked my phone away, resolved to respond to her message later."She's not my boss.She's a client."
"And that makes it better?You walked away last time for a reason.You didn't want her, or you wouldn't have let her go.I've never heard that going back to an ex was a good idea.There's a lot at stake if it goes bad."
"You're not making me feel any better."I actually felt worse about the situation because I wasn't sure I could ignore these feelings for her.
He gave me a pointed look."Just don't do anything that could put our business in jeopardy."
"I won't."It was a good reminder that business was riding on this project, and I couldn't get distracted and do something stupid.
He raised a brow."Isn't she coming to family dinner this week?"
I nodded."Mom insisted I invite her."
"This should be interesting."
I held the pencil so tight; I was surprised it didn't break."I'm so glad I could entertain you."
"There's not much else going.There was a little drama after Lincoln got snowed in with Penny, but they figured their shit out."
I raised a brow."Are you interested in someone?"
He shook his head."I'm too busy with work.Between my personal clients and Sterling Brothers' projects, there's no free time.I'm always on call."
"That's rough."
"It's not a big deal.But I could see wanting to slow down eventually.It's one more reason to focus on building the business now."
Business was our number one priority.My brothers were relying on its growth for their future, and I wouldn't do anything to screw that up.
Later that night, when I looked at Natasha's message that accompanied her picture in the hot tub, I decided not to respond.There was no point in tempting myself with something I couldn't have.
Hudson's advice couldn't have come at a better time.
Ispent the weekend working on my bathroom.It felt good to make some progress on a place I'd get to enjoy.And on Sunday, I texted Natasha to confirm she was still coming to family dinner.Mom would have wanted me to reach out to her, and I preferred to avoid her wrath.
I showered before dinner, then headed over to Mom and Dad's in my truck.I wasn't sure what kind of car Natasha drove, but I didn't see any unfamiliar vehicles.She probably wasn't here yet.
Inside, everyone congregated in the kitchen.It was loud with everyone talking at once.
Mom greeted me with a kiss on the cheek."Where's Natasha?Didn't you pick her up?"
I frowned."I assumed she'd drive herself.I wasn't working at the inn today."
A crease formed between her brows."I assumed you'd bring her."
I ducked my head."She'll be here."
Mom made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and salad for dinner.It was one of our favorites, and my stomach rumbled.
We helped put everything on the table, and when the doorbell rang, Mom said, "Why don't you get it?It's probably Natasha."
"Your girlfriend's here," Cooper singsonged as I walked past him, and I smacked him in the shoulder.
"Stop being a child."
