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“So how the hell did my sister once again rope me into this shit?” I grumble as I yank at my tie, suddenly realizing it’s still on.
Her eyes flash. With anger? Annoyance?
“Hmm. This shit, as you call it, is very important to a woman who has often spent her entire life dreaming about the most important day of her life.”
I wouldn’t say her tone was snippy, but I’ve struck a chord and I feel bad.
Leaning my forearms on the counter, I try to relax and diffuse this slightly irritated situation we find ourselves in.
“I’m sorry for degrading your career, Cassie. I’m just…” I trail off.
Her face softens. “You didn’t want to be involved. I know. Which is why I offered to set up a call with her instead, but she was dead set on keeping this meeting.”
I shake my head. Nora knows how Nevaeh leaving me at the altar fucked up my view about marriage and weddings. It’s almost like… it’s almost as if she’s up to something trying to get me involved. This is more than her just wanting her brother involved.
“Whoa there, Bucko. What are you thinking about right now? Should I leave you to those murderous thoughts?” She chuckles.
That’s when it finally occurs to me. “She’s been scheming this whole time.” I growl.
“I’m sorry?” Cassie questions.
“My sister. She’s been doing this on purpose. Making me come to the venues, that missed lunch meeting, now this.” I glare down at my hands, which are balled into fists. Flexing my fingers, I try to let go of my frustration for my little sister.
Cassie makes a noise and I know it’s just clicked for her as well. “She asked me weeks ago if I was dating anyone. She was very interested in that. I guess I should have found it strange how she just decides so last-minute she wants to meet up. And then cancels.”
I close my eyes, realizing the game Nora has been playing. “She’s always been slightly manipulative. I always gave her grace because she lost her parents at such a pivotal age. She’s never wanted for anything and she’s always been a hopeless romantic. Plus, I’m not her parent, and we always just had an understanding,” I tell Cassie, wondering out loud why Nora thought playing Cupid was a good idea.
“She loves you very much. And she’s a wonderful woman from what I can tell, so what, she wants her big brother to be happy.” Cassie’s voice is soft and melts over me like butter. I sigh. I know she’s right.
“How confident are you in making all of tonight’s decisions on your own?”
“I could make them in my sleep,” she says with a confident smile.
“Great. Make them and move on.”
“Consider it done.” She closes her tablet, placing her stylus on top of the cover. I push off the counter and walk to the fridge, yanking it open and pulling out two bottles of water.
Walking back to the island, I circle back to something she said.
“So, tell me, are you dating anyone?” I ask, handing her a bottle. My fingers brush hers. I’m not sure what I expect to hear. I know what I want to hear.
She stares up at me, a slight blush creeping up over her cheeks. “I am seeing someone. It’s not exclusive. We've only been on a few dates.I don’t think it’s going to last much longer.”
“Why?” I grunt. Her answer is exactly want I wanted. I’m not the type to break up a relationship by any means, but if this guy is too stupid to make things official with her, then I’m happy to satisfy her.
“There is another man.” Her voice is only above a whisper now.
I hum. My water is now in front of me on the counter. I’ve moved away from her, but I’m still within reach. “And this other man? Tell me about him.” Loosening my tie, I pull it off, her eyes tracking my moments.
Her voice is breathy. “He’s grumpy. And it really does it for me. But I’m not sure what’s happening there.”
Meticulously, I roll the sleeve of my shirt up toward my elbow. Her eyes drink me in, following my movement as I continue with the other sleeve.
I chuckle at her expression. “You’re drooling.”
“Whoops, it’s just that was the second sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” She giggles, her
eyes darting between my forearms and my face.
