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She looked up from the screen. “Of course they’re different, but graphic design is a much more practical way to make money. The scrapbooking was just my inspiration—combining different elements to make something beautiful.”
She shrugged, then turned her focus back to the computer.
As the minutes ticked by, the design took shape, transforming into something I would have never imagined.
“I wish I was more creative,” I looked at what she had created so far. “But I’ve just never had artistic talent. Although I have always wanted to learn to play the piano.”
Zoey paused and turned to lock eyes with me. “You’ve always struck me as someone with a lot of hidden depths. If you’re interested in the piano, why not start now? It’s never too late to learn.”
“Maybe one day I will.”
She turned back to what she was doing. “I hope you do.”
“I really owe you one. You’re a fantastic designer,” I admitted, a rare compliment coming from me.
A spark of pride lit up her eyes. “Thanks. But you don’t owe me anything. Not all heroes wear capes, you know.”
I smirked at her quip. “No, I really owe you.”
“All right,” she conceded, and rested her hand on my arm. Warmth spread from her touch throughout my body, settling between my legs. “I’ll let you make dinner for me one night while you’re here.”
Was she suggesting a date? That was out of the question.
Well, maybe not. Making her a meal wouldn’t necessarily lead to sex—even though that had been the case every other time I had ever made dinner for a woman I’d had an interest in.
Oh, who was I kidding? I had never made dinner for a woman. I had ordered food and pretended I’d made it. But most of the time, I never even took the meals out of the takeout container. Cooking was not a talent I possessed.
The sound of the shower running ceased, signaling the imminent return of Liam and Bodhi.
“Deal,” I said. “I owe you dinner.”
Zoey pushed her hair behind her ear, a faint blush gracing her cheeks. She seemed unaware of the effect she had on me, the undeniable allure that was as frustrating as it was intriguing.
I was Mason Andrews, a man who prided himself on keeping emotions at bay, on not getting entangled in the complications of relationships. But I couldn’t help but wonder if something was different about Zoey—a pull that was hard to resist, even for someone like me.
As much as I might have been tempted to act on those impulses, Eric’s sister was off-limits. I could not cross that line. So, with every ounce of self-control I could muster, I suppressed the urge to lean in and kiss her—my raw, underlying desire battling my better judgment.
Instead, a touch of playfulness danced in my eyes. “You’re a lifesaver, Zoey, really.”
Did I just compliment her again?
Her gaze met mine, and for a fleeting second, I saw a glimmer of something more in those blue eyes. But whatever it was, it was quickly replaced by her easygoing grin.
Liam and Bodhi returned, freshly showered, and Zoey offered them both a huge, welcoming smile. I marveled at how seamlessly Zoey fit into the group dynamic. She was both a calming presence and a spark of unexpected energy.
But with my friends’ return, the spell was broken. However, the tension between us lingered beneath the surface.
As the night wore on, I couldn’t help but wonder if the lines I’d drawn were beginning to blur. Having an interest in her was a dangerous game—one I had to avoid consciously.
I was used to having women at my beck and call, but she had the power to make me second-guess my own rules. And I couldn’t just fuck this one and leave.
I had to keep reminding myself that she was Eric’s sister, which should’ve been a clear red flag for me to keep my distance, yet the magnetic pull toward her was undeniable.
So, I did what I had to do; I masked my brewing emotions with witty remarks and leaned into our banter. I refused to let her see the turmoil beneath the surface, the battle between my natural inclinations and the inexplicable connection I felt for her.
As the night came to a close, I knew that no matter how much Zoey intrigued me, crossing the line with her was something I couldn’t afford.
My hand was going to be busy tonight. If I couldn’t have her in reality, at least I could have her in my dreams.
