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“I don’t even know what’s so funny,” she squeaked.
“I’ve imagined spending the night with you more times than I can count,” he managed. “Never once was it in a place like this.”
Her laughter stopped suddenly, as if someone had pulled an emergency brake. Her stomach fluttered. “You’ve thought about us spending the night together?”
He froze and blinked at her from behind his square glasses. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. That was inappropriate.”
She tamped down the irritation that stirred in her chest. “Forget whether it’s appropriate. Is it true?”
He sighed heavily, sank to sit on the edge of the bed, and patted the space beside him. She gave the comforter a dubious look, then reluctantly perched next to him.
He turned toward her with a serious expression. She slipped her hand inside his, and he interlaced his fingers between hers.
“To answer your question, yes, I’ve thought about ….” He trailed off with a pained smile.
“About us? Being together?”
“Right.”
“So have I.”
He blinked. “You have?”
“A potted plant could tell I have feelings for you. You can’t pretend you didn’t notice.”
“I tried not to go there.”
“Because of Omar?”
“He’s my best friend.”
“I know. Are you attracted to him?” she asked in a neutral voice.
“Am I attracted to Omar?” he repeated, confusion washing over his chiseled face.
“That’s what I asked,” she confirmed.
“Of course not. Leilah, I’m straight. You know that.”
“In that case, what does Omar have to do with any of this?”
He explained it to her like she was a slow-witted child. “He’s my best friend. And your brother.”
“Right. You don’t want to date him, and, for obvious reasons, I sure as hell don’t want to date him. So, again, what’s his involvement here?”
“I can’t make a move on his little sister,” Ryan protested.
“One, I’m not some innocent young girl. I’m turning thirty this summer, for heaven’s sake. Two, what if Omar’s little sister makes a move on you?”
His eyes widened. “What?”
“Maybe you’re afraid of how Omar will react, but I’m not.”
She eased her hand out of his grasp and gripped his thigh, muscular even through the fabric of his dress pants. Then she leaned in close and locked eyes with him.
“Tell me you don’t want to be with me and I’ll back off.” Her voice was husky with desire.
She held her breath while he looked steadily at her, working a muscle in his cheek, for what felt like an eternity.
