She rolled her eyes."I've always treated you like a Sterling.You don't get any special treatment."
He nodded seriously."That's probably true."
I looked between them."But you two fight like cats and dogs.Can you get along?I don't want you to upset Reina."
Aspen waggled her brows."Why not?Is something going on between you two?"
My jaw tightened."That's none of your business."
Aspen looked at Cooper, and he dropped his head to hide a smile.
I glared at him."I can't wait until you're interested in someone.I'm going to be in your business all day, every day."
Cooper raised his head, his expression amused."That's all you got?When I get a girl, you're going to bug me about it?"
Aspen laughed.
I hoped that he was in the same situation, but that would mean that he was interested in my younger sister, and I was not wishing that situation into existence.I'd be angry if one of our friends had harbored a crush on our sister.None of my brothers would be okay with that.At least Reina only had one brother I had to contend with.
But thinking about Cooper wanting Aspen had my head spinning.I could see why Tom would be upset with me.It would be a betrayal to our friendship.I wasn't sure I could forgive Cooper for doing something like that.
"It's only a matter of time for you two," I said to them.
Aspen raised a brow."Now you're wishing a boyfriend on me?"
"Yes.Wait.No."I didn't want my sister dating anyone, especially not a close friend."Stop talking about boyfriends and girlfriends.We have a job to do."
Cooper mock saluted me."Yes, boss."
"You're the boss, and you know it."None of us wanted to organize the schedule or deal with ordering supplies.That's why Cooper was in charge.
"I'll be happy to help Reina pick out everything she needs for the bakery.Just let me know when you're meeting up."
Cooper nodded."Will do."
"I'm off to get coffee.See you later."Aspen practically bounced out of the shop.
I walked over to where I'd been working before I saw Reina on the sidewalk."You know, I compared you dating Aspen to me hooking up with Tom's sister, and I didn't like the way it made me feel."
He raised a brow as he fed me wire."And how's that?"
I paused for a second, examining how I felt inside."I felt betrayed.But we've been friends since we were kids.You practically lived at our house.You're like another brother to me."Then I shook my head and laughed."It's so ridiculous though.I'm sure you feel the same way I do about Aspen.She's annoying."They'd always hated each other, so it wasn't the same situation as Reina and me.
"Yeah, that would be awkward.I can't imagine liking Aspen.I can barely stand to be in the same room with her."
"Thinking about you two together made me wonder if I'm doing the right thing with Reina."
"If Tom finds out, he's going to feel betrayed.It might ruin your friendship."
"It's something to think about."I just wasn't sure the fear of the consequences was enough for me to step away from Reina.Tom hadn't mentioned coming home, so there was nothing to worry about.I'd think about it when he was scheduled to visit.For now, we were in our own world, and nothing could penetrate it.
At least that's what I was telling myself.There was no point in worrying about Tom unless we were going to be more than a fling.It didn't feel right to think about my relationship with Reina that way.But I wasn't prepared to call her my girlfriend either.That didn't sit right with me.
Then I had an uncomfortable thought.Was she my dirty little secret?We hooked up at my house, never went out on dates, and the only people who knew about us were my family and Cooper.
Maybe I should take her out and make her feel special.Wouldn't she think we were in a relationship?My head was starting to hurt.
"Why do you want Aspen to help Reina make design choices?"
