Page 52 of One Last Thing Before You Go

“I'm ignoring you now.” I hear her sift through some paperwork, imagining how she would avoid meeting her brothers gaze. It hasn't been eons, but I've known Lottie long enough to know she's not one for admitting anything that might put her in a vulnerable position.

“When you told me about this guy on the phone, you neglected to mention how hot he was.”

“I told you he was attractive,” she mutters.

I grin stupidly, suddenly wondering why the hell everyone makes such a big deal about eavesdropping and karma. All I’m hearing is good shit.

“And I was sure Adri must’ve said something too. There’s no way she’s been sitting on that information and didn’t tell you about it.” I can practically hear her roll her eyes.

“Yeah, but you know she can be a little bit dramatic. I took all of it with a grain of salt. And when you and I spoke… I mean, Jesus, Carlota. Tell me why you aren’t all over him?”

Yes, Carlota. Do tell.

This is what I’ve been waiting for. The moment of truth—the real one. Not some fictitious, pathetic excuse.

“He’s my business partner. Plus, it would be dumb of me to start something given that he doesn’t even live here.”

Okay, the business partner part isn’t new, but me not living here is definitely is.

My stomach twists because there’s no immediate solution to that problem. But I stand up straighter, determined to find it. If this is what’s keeping us apart, then⁠—

“He won’t always be your business partner. And honestly? The whole not living here thing should be a bullet point in you pro column. He could just be a temporary good time.” I frown, not liking the turn this conversation is taking. “Especially since you vowed to never be in another relationship again, right? I don’t get what the big deal is.” Wait…

…never be in another relationship again?

“Stop,” she groans.

“Seriously. I don’t know how you’ve held off this long. He’s really attractive—that much is obvious. Even after he put his shirt on for the meeting, it took everything in me to focus on the numbers and not think about those tattoos and ripped body. Why do you think I caved so quickly on the realtor’s fee?”

“Because you’re my brother,” she deadpans.

“No way.” He scoffs. “Damn, I almost feel like I cheated on Brandon or something because of how much I struggled not to look at the guy that way. But it was mostly his charisma.

He’s so charming, you know? And sweet.”

“Yeah, of course I know. It’s not even about the way he looks, which is so infuriating. I keep trying not to like him, but… It’s like we can’t help flirting with each other. And he’s adorable and it’s so goddamn frustrating because it’s not like he does it to manipulate me or try to get me in bed. I mean, I’m sure part of him is. But what I mean is that he does all the same nice things he does for me for everyone around him and it’s just…” She sighs, frustrated. “He’s the best.”

I smile, the knot in my stomach releasing, replaced by a sense of warmth and comfort.

Lottie.

Daniel snorts. “Yeah, he actually seems like an amazing guy. Not to mention the amount of sexual tension between you two was way more than I was comfortable with. You are my sister, after all.”

“That’s gross. Don’t ever say the words ‘sexual tension’ to me ever again, please.”

“You’re so stupid.” He snorts. “But seriously, I think you should just go on a damn date with the guy. Put him out of his misery. Maybe sleep with him, a little,” he snickers.

Yes. Date me. Date me, Lottie.

“I’ve already slept with him, remember?”

“You know what I mean.”

God, I knew Daniel was a cool guy. I should buy him a coffee or a cookie or something as a thank you. Though of course I wouldn’t be able to tell him why I’m thanking him, could I? “I don’t know.” She sighs. “It feels like playing with fire. I… I’m kind of terrified, Daniel.”

“If this is about Finn… I only spent about thirty minutes with Knox, but even in that limited time you can tell he’s not⁠—”

Finn? The ex?