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Deep down I agree, even though I find it hard to say the words out loud.
“He hasn’t had the same upbringing that we have. I’m not sure he knows how to be with someone.”
“Don’t excuse his behavior. If he cares for you then he should never have pretended otherwise. There is no excuse for that.”
“Ugh! Why are you single?” I moan into his shoulder, and I’m surprised and find myself distracted when Ryan replies, “Because the woman I want doesn’t see me.”
I pause and pull him to a stop. “Is she blind?”
“I thought we were talking about you?”
I smile. “Nice try. You wanted me distracted so consider me distracted.”
“She’s different and has no interest in anyone who manages a nightclub. It isn’t her scene at all and there is nothing I can do about it.”
“I don’t get it. You’re a handsome man, although I may be partial as you’re my brother, but you have a degree in Business, and you run a very successful nightclub.”
“You’re really good for my ego, but as long as she’s happy then I’ll have to walk away. She loves to read and spends a lot of time at the library, which is where her boyfriend happens to work.”
“Oh no! Ryan! You’re in love with someone else’s woman?”
“Now I’m miserable,” he grumbles. “Let’s spend the night at my place. I have plenty of ice cream and we can order in pizza.”
“You’re not working then?”
“Nope.” He grins. “Well, I should be but I’ll call Dad and tell him we’re having sibling time. You know he loves us spending time together, he’s also aware of who is upsetting you.”
“Oh God! He was in there, right? That guy, Roger, said he thought Dad was in the room.”
“He was there. I made him let me come after you.” He shrugs. “Figured it would be easier.”
“It is. I think I’d have died if Dad had witnessed the scene outside the building.”
“Our folks worry about us, and they’re also well aware that we all have sex… Separately. I mean not together.”
I start laughing. “I knew what you meant, you idiot.” I shove into him, and for now I allow him to distract me.
10
Shane
The flames from the fire lick up the walls and light the room. I much prefer sitting in the dark because it matches my current mood. I don’t think I know of anyone who has managed to screw up with their girlfriend as badly as I have in the past couple of days.
My disheveled appearance says it all; I’m an asshole. I need to somehow explain to Sofia why I reacted in the way that I did because the hurt I saw on her face is killing me. I don’t want to hurt her, and I hadn’t meant to. Seeing her there I’d actually felt a moment of pure joy until I’d opened my mouth and ruined everything.
Hearing the slight creek of the door opening, I lazily move my head and watch as Monica moves into the room. I’m annoyed with her and she knows it too.
“You really are in love with her,” her comment needs no answer. “I’m sorry for what I said. I wish I could take it back, and you’re right, I do like Sofia. She’s a good person, and also an exceptional baker.”
“Why do I sense a but in there?” I narrow my gaze and watch her squirm. “Spit it out Monica.”
She sighs. “I’ve spoken to Mom.”
“Ah! So you’ve sorted things out yourself. Good girl.”
“Yeah,” she mutters. “What have you done? Why are you in the dark?”
“I keep screwing up with her and I don’t know how to fix it this time. She wanted me to promise not to break her heart, which you saved me from promising by your little display in the kitchen. The thing is I don’t want to be alone anymore. I want someone to share my life with me. I want someone whose life I can share. That someone is Sofia McKenzie, and she currently thinks I’m an asshole. I deserve it too.”
