“You did do that.” He taps the tip of her nose with his index finger.
I watch the movement. It’s intimate in a way that speaks of a bond, but it’s playful too. Maybe they aren’t lovers. Did I read this wrong from the start?
Maya shrugs. “You’ve always been like a brother to us. Don’t sisters tease their brothers?”
I definitely read this wrong.
“Julian’s sister teases him all the time,” she goes on with a glance at her left hand. “My husband loves it. I know you love it when I tease you too.”
“Speaking of your husband,” Case begins, stealing a glimpse at me. “How did you and Julian enjoy dinner at Nova the other night?”
“It was heaven.” Her hand leaps to her chin. “The food was delicious. The wine was perfect. It was the romantic escape we needed.”
“Good.” He leans down to press a kiss to her forehead. “I knew Tyler would take the best care of you.”
He’s talking about Tyler Monroe. He’s the owner and head chef of the restaurant. I know that because I saw him on a cooking segment on one of the late-night talk shows.
“Where did you two have dinner?” Maya turns her attention to me.
I don’t know the name of the restaurant, so I stick with their primary offering. “We had pizza.”
“Decent pizza for New York,” Case interjects.
“So a good time was had by all?” Maya searches his face for something.
When Case sighs, I step in. “I had a good time.”
“Case did too.” She smiles at him. “I can tell.”
I take that as a good sign. It’s an even better sign that Maya appears happily married. I don’t feel nearly as bad for semi-flirting with Case at dinner.
Maya looks to the watch on Case’s wrist even though she’s wearing one. “It’s getting late. We need to talk. I have some news.”
They need privacy, and I’m more than happy to give it to them.
“It was good to see you again, Maya.” I smile at her before I look to Case. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”
“Sure thing.”
I turn and start toward the hallway, stopping when a small rectangular card on the floor catches my eye. I hear the sound of footsteps, and lowered voices as Case and Maya make their way to the foyer.
With a quick bend of my knees, I scoop the card into my palm.
Flipping it over, I read the first line etched in gold ink.
Maya Bishop. Licensed Real Estate Broker.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Case
Glancingat my closed apartment door, I jab a finger into the elevator call button just as Maya pushes a finger into the middle of my chest. “You like her. You like Emma, don’t you?”
“She’s Drake sister,” I remind her, and myself, if I’m honest.
“So?” She cocks her hip. “What does he have to do with this?”
I shake my head. “Everything.”
