I wanted to forget about the situation with Reina for a few minutes."What's been going on with you?Dating anyone?"
He shook his head."I was dating a woman, but she said I was too closed off.I didn't show any emotions or some shit."
When I remained quiet, he lowered the bottle."What?You agree with her?"
"I mean, I can see what she's talking about.You are closed off.I don't know anything about your family."Then I held my breath because I wasn't sure how he would react.
He was quiet for a few seconds, staring at the bar."There's nothing to tell."
"You have a sister you never talk about."
His expression softened."You think I'd let you idiots around Emery?"
"That's a good point."But he hadn't answered my question.What was his story?Why did he want to hang out at our house growing up?What was going on at home?
"Emery deserves better than you."
I shook my head, laughing."That's harsh.I'm not that bad."
"Name one woman you've dated for real?"he challenged.
"I had a girl in high school."It was a typical relationship.I drove her to school, held hands with her in the hallways, and took her to parties on Saturday nights.But when it came time to make a choice about our futures, I didn't see her in it.She wanted to go to California for college, and I wanted to be in state.It was a natural break.No hard feelings.Nothing like what happened between Ford and Natasha when he enlisted.
"No one since?"
"For a few months here and there.I've never found anyone that made me want more.Besides, you know how it is running a business.Not many people understand the commitment."
"I wouldn't want to be distracted right now, not when the business is just starting to take off."
Each of us ran our own business in addition to the joint construction one, except for Cooper.He'd worked for other construction companies, and he was the one who had the idea for us to join forces.He was the obvious choice for the manager.And we wanted the best for him.
He never would have moved up in the companies he'd worked for.They were usually family based.And the Sterlings took care of our own.Cooper was most definitely an honorary Sterling, no matter how much ribbing we gave him on the text chain and when we were together.
Someone slid next to my seat and waved for the bartender.
It was Reina.
She was standing close enough that I could smell her shampoo.She smelled amazing, and if she were mine, I'd have my hands on her so that no one approached her.She was delectable in that slinky dress.After she gave the bartender her drink order, she turned to face me.
I felt Cooper get up and leave, probably to go to the restroom, but I appreciated that he'd left me alone with her.
Reina tipped her head to the side, her hip pressing against my leg."What are you doing here?"
"Cooper wanted to go out."Thankfully, he wasn't here to dispute my claim.
She arched one perfect brow."Is that right?"
"How's your night going?"Have any men asked you out tonight?Are they hassling you?Do you want them to?That thought made me curl my fingers into fists.
She smiled."It's great to be out with my girls and not be worried about the fire."
There was something about her energy that drew me in.Who wouldn't be attracted to someone with so much determination and grit?She was magnetic, and I wanted to be in her orbit.I wanted to discourage anyone who even thought about approaching her.
But she was so warm and soft, and she was here, watching me closely.
I lowered my voice."Are you behaving?"
She laughed softly."Are you asking as my friend or Tom's?"
