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“That’s not my family’s money. It’s mine.” He lifted his chin, urging me to take it.
“How’d you get it?” I arched a challenging brow.
“Sold the Porsche. Consider me a one percent owner in the restaurant if that makes you feel better. An investor. But take the money.”
“What the hell, Enzo? Why would you do that?”
“Because I can.” He smiled. “And you’re like family.” His brows slanted. “I want this place to work as much as you do. I need to be here.” The sudden strain in his voice took me by surprise. “I don’t want to go back to New York. It, um, wouldn’t be good for me. And you know that. So, taking that money is actually a favor.”
Oh shit. “All the stuff that’s happened in the last few weeks . . . did that, um, trigger you?”
He turned to the side, breaking eye contact with me and turning his gaze to the ceiling. “I’ll be fine. I think I’m just stressed out right now about Maria’s situation.”
“Thomas didn’t exactly take her divorce request well last week.”
Maria had been strong and held her ground, though. Plus, she had an army of people who loved her and supported her in her decision to move on.
Enzo faced me again, the muscle in his jaw visibly tensing. I knew there was a lot he wanted to say about Thomas, but he was trying to keep his anger under wraps.
“Thomas is shocked he was caught cheating and that she already left him. He’ll get over it.”
“He asked her to forgive him. To try and work things out before any paperwork is signed,” he reminded me.
“You really think Maria would stay with a man who cheated on her?” I had a feeling that wasn’t the only problem in their relationship. “She won’t,” I answered for him. “Besides, you moved her into the apartment next door to you two days ago. She won’t go back to him.”
“There happened to be an available unit next to mine,” he casually said. “And she didn’t want to be a burden on your parents.”
“Sure.” A sly, knowing smile met my lips. “The guy suddenly needed to move out, and he had his shit packed and ready to go, huh? Talk about timing.”
“What can I say? It was meant to be, I suppose.”
“Mmmhmm. You want to keep an eye on her.”
“Do you blame me?” He arched a brow, working his sleeves to the elbows.
“No. It makes me feel better that she’s next door. And I’m moving out of Mom and Dad’s next week, thank God, so they’ll finally have a peaceful house again.”
Enzo’s lips twitched into an unexpected smile. “You must be excited to move in with Ryan. You guys rented a place across from your gym in the Ballantyne area, right?”
I nodded. “Yeah, a two bedroom for now. I can walk to my yoga classes, which is great. But we’ll get a house one of these days.”
“I have no doubt.” He smiled.
“Of course, us still living at home right now ensures Ryan behaves. Once we’re alone in our own place, it’s going to be impossible.”
“How much longer until you two can have sex?” he asked, not beating around the bush.
“Doc says to wait four to six weeks not just because of his heart, because of the other injuries. He was ordered to abstain from anything physical. Anything that might spike his heart rate, which, apparently, happens just being around me sometimes.”
“Four to six weeks?” He laughed. “He won’t last that long.”
“Well, next week is week three, so I’m hoping to at least make it until then. We’ve barely kissed or touched since the hospital. My decision.” I wrung my hands together and set my linked palms on my desk. “I’m terrified he’ll crash again on me mid-kiss. I can’t shake that memory from my mind. And it’d be my fault. So, if it keeps him safe, then I’ll behave.”
“Until week three.” Enzo smiled.
“Exactly.” I winked.
I also promised Ryan I’d be good and not touch myself since he wasn’t supposed to jerk off. But Enzo didn’t need to hear that. TMI.
