“That’s all we wanted to be. Friends with benefits and nothing more. That sort of relationship wouldn’t work for you.”
Cobra lifted a brow. “I don’t see why not. Need I remind you that you’re the one who suggested I stop doing one-nighters and get a steady girl?”
Cortez shrugged. “You’re thinking with the wrong head, Cobra. I suggest you give this some more thought. And keep in mind that her last name is Sharpe.”
“Whatever.”
Tez chuckled, making Cobra study him curiously. “Your funny bone seems to be on full display today, Tez.”
“I’m wondering if you truly believe all the BS you’ve been spouting about friends with benefits, Cobra. I know you, and I can read you like a book. You want more from Desiree Sharpe. She has gotten under your skin, pushed your buttons, and definitely ruffled your feathers. That could only mean one thing.”
“What?”
You’ve fallen in love with her.”
“Fallen in love?” Cobra asked, as if to make sure he had heard his brother correctly.
Standing, Cortez grinned. “Yes, fallen in love. It can happen, trust me, I know. And if you don’t believe me, ask Colton. I just hope you figure out what you feel for her soon. A woman like Desiree won’t be available for long.”
Cortez glanced at his watch. “My flight takes off at six. Are you free to join me for a meal before I head to the airport?”
Cobra stood and grabbed his jacket. “I’ll make time.”
Because anything was better than going home to a lonely house. A house that still had Desiree’s scent in every room. That was what he got for giving her that tour of his home. But he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
But for Tez to accuse him of falling in love? That was stretching it.
At least, that was what he hoped.
***
Desiree smiled. “I am so happy for you and Léandre, Cam. You found your joy.”
“Yes, I did, but don’t change the subject. Let’s get back to you and Cobra.”
“There’s nothing to get back to. And where is Léandre? Shouldn’t you be somewhere curled up with him?”
“We’ve done a lot of curling up over the last few days, trust me, as well as a lot of other things. Dre is outdoors bringing in more wood. The temperature is going to drop tonight. It’s August, but in the Alps, it feels like the middle of December.”
Then, under her breath, Camille whispered, “Dre’s great in bed, Rae, just like I knew he would be.”
“That’s too much information, Cam. If you keep it up, I’m going to have to cover my ears.”
“Then let’s talk about you and Cobra.”
Desiree rolled her eyes as she leaned back in her office chair. “There isn’t a me and Cobra. The man had me investigated for Pete’s sake.”
“And?”
Desiree frowned. “And? Isn’t that enough?”
“He told you why. Besides, he didn’t read the report.”
“Then he wasted a lot of money,” she quipped.
“Is there a reason you can’t share with him what’s in there?”
Desiree fought back tears that threatened to fall. “Yes, there’s a reason. If he read it, he’d know how desperate I was to prove I wasn’t like my mother...or my father, so my grandfather would love me. I wanted to show my grandfather that I was a responsible human being, worthy of my last name.”
