“That must suck.”
“It sure does. What’s worse is he’s been hooking up with my older sister on and off for years.”
My mouth hangs open, and my jaw trails the ground. “No way.”
“Yeppers.” Pain splays across her face. “I haven’t spoken to Sofia in years, and I’ve only recently patched things up with Rowan, though things are still a little strained.”
“Does your sister know how you feel?”
She nods before pointing toward the seat. “She’s known all along.”
I shake my head before sitting down. “I have no words.” What kind of sister would do that? I’m heartsick on Tullia’s behalf.
“She doesn’t even care about him, and he follows her around like a dog begging for scraps. It’s pathetic.”
“Sounds heartbreaking,” I say as she snaps a few pics.
“I’m used to living with the pain.”
“You should screw his brother. Give him a taste of his own medicine.”
She almost chokes on her tongue. “Rhys is only eleven.”
I cringe. “Shit, okay, definitely don’t do that.” I arch my head to the side. “Screw his best friend. Hell, screw all of them. Really mess with his head.”
Laughter tumbles from her mouth. “I like you. You talk a lot of sense.” She moves in closer, snapping away. “I wish I could, but they’re all like brothers to me. Just thinking about it gives me the ick.”
“Well, I hope you’re at least dating. Make him jealous, and he might see sense.”
“He’s never going to see me like that.” She shoves her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “I’m the opposite of the girls he picks and a pale imitation of my gorgeous older sister.”
“You’re so pretty,” I truthfully say. “And really friendly. Any guy would be lucky to date you. It’s his loss if he doesn’t see what’s right in front of him.”
She sits down beside me. “That’s sweet of you to say.”
“It’s the truth. You need to get out there and date, sister.”
“I’ve tried dating, but no one measures up to him. It’s hopeless.”
“Just have fun then. No-strings-attached one-night stands can do wonders for a girl.”
“Is that right?” Cristian asks in his familiar, deep, sexy voice.
My cheeks flush as he walks toward me, arching a brow. “I was speaking metaphorically, and eavesdropping is rude.”
“It wasn’t intentional. Dinner is ready, and Valentina sent me out to get you.” Cristian stares at my lips, and I think he’s remembering our kissing the same way I am. My blood heats, and longing stirs low in my belly. Cristian offers me his hand, and I let him pull me to my feet. My heels dig into the soft grass, and I get stuck, stumbling forward as I lose my balance. But he’s there to catch me before I face-plant the grass and ruin myself.
The instant my body brushes against his, fire blazes hot and heavy inside me. Cristian’s eyes lock me in place as his arm winds around my back. My heart is spinning like a whirlwind as we stare at one another. My hands land on his chest of their own volition, and the craving to kiss him is almost insurmountable.
The clicking of a camera snaps us both out of it, and we quickly pull apart. My cheeks heat again.
“Wow, that is one seriously hot photo,” Tullia says, looking at the preview screen of her Nikon.
“Let me see.” Cristian takes the camera from her and stares at it. “Email me all those, including the ones you took of Sloane on her own.”
“Yes,boss,” Tullia sasses, and I cringe a little.
“You didn’t see that,” Cristian warns.
