Noah doesn’t answer, his jaw grinding.
“I don’t need your protection,” I continue. “I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a grown woman and I can take care of myself. Esteban’s been nothing but respectful. I feel safe with him.”
Esteban’s brows lift just slightly at that, but he stays quiet. Smart man.
There’s a pause that stretches long enough to feel heavy, and then Josy grabs Noah’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go.”
We walk back to the cars, the tension still clinging to us. I slide into the passenger seat of Esteban’s truck while Noah and Josy climb into their own. Their car peels out first, Noah accelerating so fast as he passes us that there’s no mistaking it—he’s still furious.
The silence in the truck is warm, but not awkward. Still, I can feel Esteban’s jaw tick as he glances in the rearview mirror.
“I’m dropping you off fast,” he mutters. “Before your brother decides to beat my ass in your driveway.”
I snort, shaking my head. “Sorry about that.”
He finally looks at me, and for a second, the playful glint returns to his eyes. “No need. Totally worth it.”
My heart stumbles again.
Was it worth it because he got to touch me, kiss me, and flirt? Or worth it because he got to annoy my brother?
I laugh under my breath, trying to look away, trying toact like his nearness doesn’t undo me. But it does. Everything about him does.
We pull up to the house, and he parks. By the time I open the door, the light of the truck flickers on, casting a soft, golden glow across us. And as I glance at him under the warm light, the curve of his mouth, the sharp edge of his cheekbone, the way his eyes keep dipping to mine, I feel it again.
That ache.
I’m not so sure if I can keep pretending I’m not having feelings for this man.
Chapter Fourteen
Esteban
Iwalk her to her door and lean down and press a soft kiss to Eva’s cheek. I try to be quick about it, fully aware that Noah is probably standing at his window, ready to come down and kick my ass if I linger too long.
Still, I can't resist inhaling a small breath of her perfume, the aroma that has been so tempting all night sticks to my skin even after I pull back.
I flash her a smile, doing my best to ignore the part of me that wants to stay. "Thank you. You were amazing tonight. If everything goes smoothly in the next two weeks, we’ll be able to break off this fake engagement soon."
Eva’s smile lights up her whole face. "It was fun. I really enjoyed seeing you in action. You’re good at what you do."
Her words warm something in my chest, and for a second, I forget all the reasons I should be keeping my distance.
"Okay, well," I say, stepping back toward my car before I do something stupid, like ask if she wants to hang out longer. "Have a great night, Eva."
"You too, Esteban."
I force myself to turn away, my hands clenching into fists at my sides to keep from reaching for her again. I wish I could stay, sit with her on her couch, maybe talk for hours, get to know the real Eva behind those bright smiles.
But I’m already skating on thin ice with my best friend. And if I’m smart, I’ll keep skating right out of here before I fall through completely.
I walk into the house we’re remodeling, the smell of dust and fresh lumber filling the air. The guys are hard at work demoing the old bathroom, the sound of hammers and crowbars echoing down the hall. I glance around, mentally checking off what’s left to be done.
I spot Noah in the primary bathroom, wrestling with the old, rusty tub, his shirt soaked with sweat and his jaw tight with effort.
"Need some help?" I ask, stepping closer.
"Nope. I'm good," he grunts without looking at me. His tone is clipped, and the tension rolls off him in waves. Great. I guess he’s still pissed about last night.
