“Have you heard from Nicholas recently?” I resort to a question about one of the few things we have in common, our brother, Nicholas.
Nicholas is older than Liam but younger than me.
He’s also one of the world’s premier novelists. His series of detective mysteries has sent his star into the stratosphere.
He’s currently on a book tour in Europe with his wife, Sophia, and his daughter, Winter Rose.
“Yesterday,” he admits. “They’re having a blast. He asked about you.”
Of course, he did. Nicholas has always had a sixth sense when it comes to me. He can look at me and tell when something is off. I’ve been avoiding his calls recently only because the last conversation we had before he boarded the flight to Paris was a rough one.
Nicholas is convinced that I’m sacrificing too much for the job.
Since he married Sophia and became a dad, he’s been on a crusade to enlist Liam and me in the happily-married-family-man club.
Liam is sure as hell not ready for that.
Marriage and kids don’t go with my career choice.
“How’s it going with your new roommate?” He sets the large menu down in front of him on the table. “Did you apologize for flashing your dick in her direction?”
“I did.” I pat my hand on the wooden table. “She accepted my apology and we’ve moved on.”
He narrows his eyes. “Moved on? What exactly does that mean?”
I tell the truth as Matilda and I established it last night. “We’re friends.”
“Friends?” He draws the word out. “With benefits?”
I shake my head. “Just friends.”
“You’re good with that?” He looks over at the blonde server who hasn’t taken her eyes off of him since we walked in.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I doubt like hell I could live with a beautiful woman and not let my mind drift to all the what-ifs.” He drinks from the water glass in front of him.
“I didn’t say my mind hasn’t wandered.” I laugh. “The dynamic is complicated. She’s Julian’s family. I’m his best friend. There’s a line there that’s becoming blurrier by the day.”
“You’re all adults, Sebastian. You don’t need Julian’s approval to do anything. If you’re interested in this woman, tell her.”
I would if it wasn’t for the guilt that gnaws at my gut when I think about the inevitable conversation between Julian and me when Matilda realizes I’m not the Prince Charming she’s looking for.
I know I’m a great fuck, but beyond that, I can’t offer her what Julian is giving to Maya.
She deserves better than a man who is married to his job.
He steals another glance at the server. “I’m about to order. You ready?”
“You’re about to ask for her number.”
He laughs as he shakes his head. “I have it. Our relationship is professional.”
“I take it she’s not a colleague, so she’s a patient?”
“I can’t answer that.”
I look over at the young woman. She must be a patient. I sense the sadness that’s surrounding her.
