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Thrown by this unexpected turn, Carmen found herself grasping at straws. "Maybe if I talk to him - "
Euan shook his head.
"If Ramiro were - "
"Russell absolutely refuses to discuss anything more about the band. He wanted me to make it clear to you."
"What about you and the others?" When Euan remained silent, Carmen's hand flew to her mouth.
"Oh my god." She gasped. "You don't want to revive Seismic anymore."
Euan smiled sadly. "It might be stupid, Carmen, but I'm more satisfied collaborating with other artists and producing music. I didn't have much opportunity for that before. And I can't stomach the idea of Seismic performing with another drummer, no matter how good the guy is. None of us want to. We are Seismic and no one else."
Ramiro was fucked. They both were.
It wouldn't be so upsetting if only it was the best kind of fuck.
CHAPTER9
Two weeks had passed since Carmen, Tanner, and Ramiro started co-habiting. Finding a futon that would accommodate Ramiro's tall form took them a day and a half. Carmen loathed to have him sleep with her again, but at least Ramiro insisted on taking the couch that night. She wondered whether there was any wisdom at all in her offer that he stay. Conscience and her strict sense of responsibility would trump her doubts. It didn't matter that Ramiro could afford a castle or two in a snap, coming from old money and being rich alone. She wouldn't be at peace leaving him alone, even if he could be prideful and insist he was alright.
Especially given that she had this fucking secret that could either undo him or, best case scenario, encourage him to get back in the game on his own. There was no good way to tell him, but the clock was ticking. The longer she kept it to herself, the worse it would get, and the very thing she was trying to help Ramiro from not doing might happen.
Tanner, as expected, was far from pleased that she had taken in a guest on an indefinite stay. He was once again Ramiro's PR. Despite the buttload of money in it, he did not relish that he lived with work twenty-four-seven. Carmen dreaded when he brought up the subject of their wedding date again. They were talking again, but there was a definite strain as each tiptoed around the other. Except for a perfunctory kiss on her lips when he returned from the trip, they still hadn't touched each other nor talked beyond, "Pass the salt, please."
Ramiro at least had toned down his way-too-playful behavior around her. However, the damned man would still call her minx when they were alone.
On Friday night, he surprised her with the announcement that he was off to have dinner with Robin. Tanner was in an event, and Carmen thought that with just her and Ramiro around, she could finally drop the bombshell about Seismic. She looked at him with relief and uncertainty as he stood before her, looking like his old self again.
His hair was trimmed now but still longish and, having gone through professional treatments, looked more golden and softer. He was clean-shaven though a stubble had begun to grow and outline his elegant, sharp jawline that would be shaved come morning. He was dressed in a dark green button-down shirt, gray slacks, and gleaming Oxfords and was slipping on a matching jacket as he spoke. Carmen's stare lingered on his broad shoulders, a catch in her throat. She looked away as he finished straightening the coat and turned to her.
"That's great," she managed to say and resumed slicing carrots. Then she paused and looked at him. "But . . . where, exactly?"
He smirked. "Why, out in public, of course."
"You don't want anyone knowing you're back and now you want to be seen? Oh," she grunted, realizing that this was his intent. She turned pink as Ramiro spread his palms and gave her a serene, knowing look. "Hey, I can call the paps on you; just say the word."
"Maybe when Robin and I are done with dinner. Of course the servers will be talking." Ramiro said. "Sorry you had the salon people sign NDAs for naught."
"It brought you several days. It's your call, Ramiro. I only do as you ask."
She resumed slicing vegetables, unaware that his gaze was warm on the fall of her hair, a practical bob she never let grow past her ears. Her nape had a surprisingly elegant curve despite her thick, muscular neck. He watched the lightning-quick motions of her hands cutting up vegetables and setting them aside.
"I missed Robin. Hey, you haven't seen him for a long time. I know you're one of the few people my brother actually likes. Why don't you join us?"
"You haven't seen each other in a year. You have a lot to catch up on. I'll just be in the way." Carmen set reached for the bundle of broccoli next. "Next time."
"On the contrary, minx, you are the way in more things you can imagine," he told her. Suddenly, a dark look settled on his handsome face, but it vanished quickly. "I forget. You and Tanner have plans?"
She hoped he stayed out late, actually. Without Ramiro around, Tanner would insist they talk about the wedding. "You can say that. He won't be back for a couple of hours. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I have my beef stir-fry and a good book."
"You sure?"
"Positive. Give Robin my love."
Ramiro grinned. "I'll give him your regards, minx."
"Take my car," she offered.
