“Anthony, you and I both know I have to be careful of who Iaffiliate with and am seen with. As soon as people see me even remotely romantic, word will spread like wildfire. I’m arranged to be married. I need to be careful with what I do,” I deflect.
“Do it behind closed doors.” He gives me a pointed look.
I laugh.
It’s irrational, crazy, and too soon, but I’m not sure why it’s something I simply can’t stop. I can’t stopgivingmyself to her. I love her, and I know I always will. Iknowthat in my heart. Whether it destroys me or makes me the happiest man in the world, it’s a privilege to love Sunny.
“Okay, how about this. Once you finally admit to Sam you’re in love with her, I will advance to a date with another woman,” I offer.
“I see what you’re doing and that is not the same.” Anthony points a taped finger at me.
Cole chuckles as a grin forms my lips. I hit a nerve with him.
“What?” Anthony asks.
“All I’m saying is, you tell Tyler he needs to get out there but you’re pining after Sam. At least Tyler has a valid reason. You don’t.” Cole points to Anthony.
Anthony blinks. “That’s not true. I date women!” But he doesn’t deny his love for Sam.
“Like who?” I counter.
“Just, women.” Anthony shrugs. “Here and there, you know. Nothing serious, of course. It’s all just for fun.”
I roll my eyes. “Because you’re in love with my sister.”
Somehow, somewhere, us three boys turned into three men head over heels for women we can’t have.
“What about you, Cole? I don’t see you getting out there?” Anthony quips.
“I’m spoken for,” Cole admits.
Anthony’s jaw drops. “I’m sorry, what?” His eyes dart back and forth between the two of us. “Are you too?” he asks me.
Well, this is going to be an interesting night.
Brace yourself, Brother.
SUNNY
A spam call lights up my phone, so I send it to voicemail and bring my focus back on the two girls I now call sisters. A girls night was necessary since the guys decided to watch the game at Martha’s. So here we are, in Sam’s paint studio, drinking wine and free painting while we gossip and giggle.
These are my favorite nights.
I still haven’t told them about my kiss with Tyler. If I do, something about it will make it final and real. I can already imagine the looks on their faces and their squeals of curiosity. If I tell them, any chances of stopping it before something comes of it will be gone.
“Okay, I just have to ask, have you at least gotten laid?” Sam points her paintbrush at me.
“Sam! She literally just got out of an abusive relationship. I’m sure that’s the last thing on her mind,” Macey interjects.
This comment only fuels my curiosity if she feels the same. No conversation has been had about her being my patient, so I chalk it up to she either doesn’t want to, or she doesn’t remember.
“I have not. I’m also not opposed to it.” I shrug.
Maybe a hookup will be good and help me shake the kiss from Tyler. Get whatever that kindled inside me tocalm down. In the same breath, the idea makes me want to vomit.
“The Halloween party will be the perfect place for you to meet a good fuck,” Sam says excitedly. “Or I can just cure that angst for you.” She winks.
I roll my eyes. “I work Halloween, remember?”
