At Gideon’s hesitation, Rico had to smile. “You’re jealous.”
“I don’t want that guy to think he’s got a chance.”
“Trust me, anyone who sees you and Jonah together will know that’s not happening.”
Gideon frowned. “I don’t want Jonah to have regrets. About what he’s missing, I mean.”
“You’re insane. The only one he cares about is you. He dumped that guy to find you.”
“Yeah…I guess I never thought I’d meet a guy Jonah had sex with. I don’t like thinking about it.”
“Well, now you know how Jonah feels when he sees me.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Somehow, it’s always been different with us. Know what I mean?”
He nodded. More than ten years had passed since he and Gideon had hooked up, both of them knowing it was never anything more than a physical thing that would burn out, which it did, leaving them friends. Rico hardly thought about it anymore, and if he or Gideon never mentioned it, he could almost forget it happened. The two of them were certainly different people now, although Gideon had moved on with his life, while he remained stuck in neutral, barely breathing.
“So I’m being stupid. Right? Tell me.”
At that Rico laughed and pushed Gideon out. “My favorite thing to do. You’re being stupid, Gideon. Now go, have fun, and tell Jonah good luck.”
Flashing him a grin, Gideon hurried out, leaving him alone. Funny how empty the office felt without him there. From the time they’d started the business, they’d worked together. The only time he’d taken off was that crazy-ass, spur-of-the-moment trip to Texas over a month ago.
Damn it.He didn’t want to think about that or Adam, but the memories shot through him like a bullet, bringing with them almost as much pain as if his skin had been pierced. Adam looking so damn sexy riding that horse, like he was a real cowboy. Rico had to face it. Forgetting about Adam Barton was proving harder than he thought.
His cell phone rang, and he glanced at the screen, not recognizing the number.
“Hello, this is Rico.”
“Hello. My name is Maryann Pearson. I know this may sound strange, but your father asked me to give you a call.”
“He did?” Wary but intrigued, Rico took a seat behind his desk. “Is he okay?”
“Oh yes.” Her tinkling laughter sent a sneaking suspicion through him. “I’m in New York City—just moved here, as a matter of fact—and he thought maybe we could get together and you could show me the sights?”
Oh, Dad, why? Why can’t you leave me alone to live my life?
Ever the dutiful son, Rico couldn’t say no. “I’m getting off work in an hour. We could meet then, say at the Gansevoort lobby bar at nine o’clock?” It would have to be a trendy, upscale place because he knew there’d be a report back to his father on where he took her. It wouldn’t do to take her down the block from his place to his favorite neighborhood bar. Besides, he’d stopped going there after that last disastrous time he almost hooked up with someone to prove he could stop thinking about Adam.
Fuck.He had to stop thinking about Adam.
“That sounds wonderful. See you then.”
“How will I—”
But she’d clicked off before he had a chance to ask how he’d know her. Then he realized she’d know what he looked like.
Thanks again, Dad.
Two hours later found him walking into the sleek lobby of the Gansevoort, then over to the bar. A tall woman looking like a model with her shining dark hair and perfect makeup waited at the hostess’s station.
“Enrico? Hi, I’m Maryann. Nice to meet you.”
Her firm handshake and direct smile set him at ease. “Nice to meet you too. And please call me Rico. Shall we have that drink?”
“Why not?” She proceeded in front of him, her slim figure striking in a bright-red dress that stood out from the usual black worn by most New York City women, winter or summer. They slid onto barstools, ordered a drink, then faced each other.
Maryann broke the awkward silence. “I never know what to say in these situations.”
