AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I step forward so we’re almost chest to chest. “Maybe we should set some ground rules, so we don’t fall into bed together. The temptation in the Hamptons will be strong. What with my very revealing bikini. Me putting suntan lotion on my long legs, lying under the sun while sweat puddles between my breasts. I’d hate for you to be sporting a permanent erection the whole time.”
Amusement and intrigue sparkle in his eyes. “You might have trouble of your own when I air dry after my shower, droplets of water dripping down my abs, disappearing below the towel. I’d hate for you to be rubbing yourself off just to dull the ache.”
Touché.
“Bree!” Enzo’s voice calls from across the office.
My gaze moves to the receptionist, who I assume is Bree. The phone dangles in her hand, eyes fixated on us.
“Damn,” she whispers.
“Bree!” Annie makes her way out of Enzo’s office toward us. “Hang up the phone.” She takes it from Bree and hangs up.
Bree snaps out of it. “Sorry.”
“Thank you for making our receptionist unable to function,” Enzo remarks from the doorway of his office.
I glance at Carm. Are my cheeks as flushed as his? I’m torturing myself with this man.
Swiveling in the other direction, I pull another envelope out of my bag. “Here’s your keys for the Hamptons.”
Annie takes it. I’d imagined her hugging me when I delivered her the key to her summer dream, but she’s still gauging what just happened.
“Carm, can I talk to you?” Enzo asks, nodding into his office. “It’s about Ma.”
I’m pretty sure that’s brother talk for get-your-ass-in-here.
“I also have Dom’s key. Not sure what I should do with it?” I pull the envelope out of my purse and hold it between us. “Thanks for finding him by the way. It really helped with the cost, which was nice.”
Annie watches as Carm heads over to Enzo’s office while I stick to my tactic of ignorance is bliss. If I keep acting like nothing happened, maybe people will forget it. Hell, if I’m lucky, maybe I will too.
“I can take it. We were all surprised he agreed to it. He’s a total workaholic, but between us, I think he’s heartbroken.” She eyes the two brothers as they disappear into Enzo’s office. “The guys say I’m wrong, but I know the signs a helluva lot better than them. My guess is he won’t be great company, but he’ll pay and he’s always willing to help with anything. You two will probably get along well.”
I nod.
“I’m not suggesting—I mean, you and Carm, well…”
“There’s nothing between us.”
“There’s something,” she counters, a smile playing on her lips.
My eyes betray me and glance at the office where I can see Carm sitting on the couch, arm stretched along the back as though he hasn’t a care in the world.
Yeah, Annie, you’re right. There’s something, but we’re going to act like there isn’t. It’s best for everyone.
“It’s just the head-to-head competition getting to us.”
“When we get to the Hamptons this weekend, remind me to tell you about Enzo and me over a glass of wine.” She’s smiling as though there’s some reason I’d be interested besides just getting to know her better. I’d love to hear her story, but if she thinks it’s going to change my mind about Carm, she’s wrong.
“When are you guys heading there?”
“Oh!” Her eyes widen. I love how excited she gets. She’s the total opposite of Evie. “We should start a group chat. My phone’s at my desk. I’ll start it, but your friend Evie, you can add her?”
“Sure.” I adjust the strap to my purse on my shoulder.
“Maybe my friend Mae and I could ride with you and your friend?” she asks.
“Sure.” I don’t mind as long as I don’t have to spend three long hours in a car with Carm.
