“Sorry,” I whisper, feeling downright terrible about everything.
Rachel takes hold of the cardigan and adjusts it over Nova’s shoulders before asking her, “Are you okay?”
Looking like a deer caught in headlights, Nova nods while she begins to climb to her feet. “Yeah ... ah ... yes.”
We all stand up, and I have to suppress the intense urge to hold her again.
Rachel glances at me, and coming closer, she places her hand on my arm. “Are you okay?”
No. My sister is dying. I’m angry as fuck, and like that’s not enough, I’ve knocked Nova off her feet before kissing her.
Christ.
Not wanting to worry Rachel, I nod. “I’m good.”
Nova walks to the camera, and when she picks it up, Rachel asks, “Nova, can you give us a moment alone?” She nods and quickly hurriestoward the stairs. Once she’s out of sight, my sister gives me a concerned look. “Talk to me.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Today just got the better of me.”
She rubs her hand up and down my arm. “You’re allowed to break as well, Easton. You don’t have to be strong all the time.”
I’ll break once you’re gone.
I pull Rachel into a hug and inhale a calming breath. “Don’t worry about me.”
After a short while, she pulls back. “So ... you kissed Nova. Want to talk about that?”
Our eyes lock, and not seeing any judgment from Rachel, I frown. “You’re not upset?”
“Why would I be?”
“Because she’s your best friend.”
“So?”
Surprised, I tilt my head. “You’d be okay if I started a relationship with Nova?”
Rachel shrugs. “If that’s what you both want.” She levels me with a serious look. “Do you have romantic feelings for her?”
I take a moment to think about how to respond before I admit, “She’s beautiful and completely different from the other women in LA.”
The past week and a half the attraction I feel toward Nova has been increasing at a rapid pace. Every day, I notice something new about her that makes me want her in ways I’ve never wanted a woman before.
She’s like a mother hen around Rachel and always gives Lainey attention after school. Not once has she taken a moment for herself, and I’m pretty sure if we allowed it, she’d take over the entire household and work her fingers to the bone.
Nova is the most selfless person I know, and falling for her is as easy as breathing.
Rachel narrows her eyes on me. “You’re not answering my question.”
The corner of my mouth lifts. “You’re like a dog with a bone.” I shake my head and admit, “I’m attracted to her.” I let out a breath. “A lot.”
A smile begins to tug at Rachel’s mouth. “Are you falling for her?”
I nod and don’t have to wait long for her to respond. “Wow, my brother, who’s never had a long-term relationship, is actually falling in love. I think this is a first because that model you took out a few times years ago doesn’t count.” An amused chuckle escapes her. “I seriously thought you’d remain a bachelor forever, but I’m glad Nova’s the one who’s making you reconsider your stance on dating.”
I don’t date for various reasons, Rachel, Lainey, and my career being the most important three. Most women just want to be seen on my arm and don’t give two shits about who I really am when the camera is off.
Sure that I want more than a friendship with Nova, I ask, “Would it be okay with you if I pursued Nova?”
