She’s a lovely woman—a beautiful woman, really. Between her honey hair, hazel eyes, and symmetrical features, I have no reason to avoid a date with her. My reluctance has nothing to do with her. It’s me, the same problem I’ve had for many years.
I’m not made for relationships. Even seeing the hungry look in her eye makes me twist with discomfort. That’s not her fault. It’s mine.
“I want to be honest with you…” Even though I shouldn’t be. Lying would be easier. “I’m not looking for anything serious right now.”
Her eyes sparkle. “That’s fine with me. We can keep it casual.”
“No. That’s not—” Shit. Where is Everett when I need him? “That’s not what I mean. I’m not looking for casual sex, either. That’s… that’s not for me.”
I’m a conundrum to most, who assume I would be a typical wealthy Playboy. Not an option for me. I don’t have time to date, but I don’t enjoy casual sex. The former is less surprising, but the latter always seems to shock people. Something tells me Joy won’t be an exception to the surprised majority.
Her brows furrow, and the excitement drains from her face, twisting to embarrassment. “Then whatareyou looking for?”
My eyes fall on Evie without meaning to—because she’s watching us. I feel her gaze on me, and it doesn’t move away, not even when I catch her.
Honesty is probably best. Beating around the bush leads me to awkward conversations like this one.
“I’m not looking for anything,” I turn, returning my attention to Joy. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t lying about being busy with work, and even though it’s improving, it will always consume too much of my time. There will always be something else coming up. That’s how it goes.”
Making my work a priority isn’t a chore, either. It’s my greatest love, and I put everything into it. There’s nothing else for me to give. Most people won’t understand, and I don’t expect Joy to, but at least she can take no for an answer.
“I get it.” She lifts a shoulder. “If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”
“I do.” I swallow thickly, hoping her acceptance means the conversation is coming to an end. “Thanks.”
EVIE
Of course, Theo is seeing someone. It’s not like I’ve ever asked him about his relationships—that would be inappropriate—and it makes sense that someone likehimwould be seeing the most beautiful woman in the world. She’s taller than I am, more mature, and her hair shines in the sunlight.
I wouldn’t turn her down if she tried to crawl into my bed, that’s for sure.
It’s easy to avoid Theo for the rest of the party. He always leaves before anyone else, and that is fine. I don’t need to talk to him. I make a few new friends throughout the night, and it’s not until everyone is gone and I’m left with a messy kitchen that I start thinking about him again.
About the stranger kissing his cheek. Their proximity contradicts the warm smile he sometimes gives me, and I feel dirty, but—it all meansnothing. He’s my boss. It’s a friendly smile. Maybe he even looks at himself as my mentor. How am I supposed to know?
Theo won’t tell me anything. He didn’t even tell me about his girlfriend.
“Are you cleaning again?” Everett groans.
He’s had a few drinks, and I’m sure the last thing he wants is to help me tidy up the kitchen. Of course, Everett doesn’t know how badly I need this right now. Something to keep my attention on, something to fix.
“Go to bed.” I scrub the massive, sticky tongs he uses to grill. “This won’t take long. You and your friends weren’t as messy this week.”
“Yougo to bed.” He yawns and turns around.
Something tugs at my chest, begging me to stop him. Curiosity.
Envy.
“Wait!” I turn off the faucet and face Everett, gripping the sink’s ledge.
Everett looks at me with lifted brows, waiting for me to say something else, but the words get caught in the back of my throat. I know exactly what I want to say to him, but how can I get the words out without combusting into flames?
There’s no reason for me to ask what Iwantto ask. I shouldn’t say it. It’s inappropriate and totally unprofessional. If Theo Roche were a wise man, he would fire me before I ask silly things like?—
“Is Theo dating someone?” I blurt, my face radiating heat.
Everett laughs out loud, and I long to melt into a puddle. To disappear. Get me out of here.
