James and I are standing under the outside portico when I notice Sin leaving the parking lot. Sin parked his borrowed car instead of using the valet, something James would never do. I still can’t believe he let Sin drive “his baby.” I am forbidden to even get behind the wheel.
I missed seeing Sin this morning. He left the house before I got out of bed. He told James he had to pick something up at the store before brunch and I tried to hide my disappointment. James asked why I had such a long face and frown. I said it was the same headache from last night. I still can’t believe he bought my excuse. I haven’t planned how I will escape his pawing hands tonight, though. I pray he gets called in for surgery at The Clinic, then his hands will be far away from me and I can work on my escape. Crazy how it sounds like I’m a prisoner breaking out of jail.
As Sin draws closer, my heart skips a beat. I watch his muscles flex and pull like I did when he walked toward me at the airport. He looks like he strode straight out of a glossy designer ad in a magazine. He owns the air surrounding him and everything in sight fades away.
I want to wave and call to him as he approaches, but James would disapprove of me showing Sin that type of attention. Instead, I bite my lip and hold my hand tight by my side.
Sin pushes his Ray-Ban’s to sit on top of his head and our eyes connect. The sadness inside me melts away when his face lights up with a smile intended just for me—or so I tell myself. It is surely not one meant for James.
“Good morning, Harlow.” Sin gives me a phantom air kiss. “Nod if you’re doing okay,” he whispers against my ear before pulling away. I catch a blast of his woodsy leather scent. His smile, scent, and nearness centers me. I am going to be okay in a day, so I nod back at him. His smile brightens and I sense his relief.
Knowing our time together is coming to a close saddens me, but if Sin hadn’t come to Rochester, I might never have found the courage to leave James. His presence has shaken me awake.
“Find the store okay?” James asks as we all turn and head inside the lobby.
“Yes. I found it and everything I needed.” Sin shoots me a sly wink and I knit my brows. The devilish twinkle in his eyes tells me he’s up to something. He winks at me again and I can’t help laughing quietly to myself. I am really going to miss him and his assuring way. We have become fast friends.
“Emma’s here,” I say to both James and Sin. “Over by the hostess.” All eyes follow mine and Emma notices us looking at her. She waves her hand, but stops in midair.
Her mouth falls open as her gaze lands on Sin, and it is just as I thought. She finds him as drop dead gorgeous as I do. I’m afraid to look at him and see his reaction to her. I don’t think I could bear him returning the same attraction, even if she is my best friend. But I have no claim on him other than this horrible pain in my chest when I think of them together.
“Harlow invited her best friend to brunch to meet you. I’m pretty sure she’s a sure thing,” James says to Sin. “At least that is the rumor.”
“That’s not fair.” I try to defend Emma’s honor, but I notice Sin looking at me with searching eyes. Does he think I’m trying to hook him up with her? I pray he doesn’t, since it is the furthest thing from my mind.
“Look, Sin. She’s young and you’re young. No harm in a little fun while you’re here, right?” James punches Sin in the arm, and Sin flinches away from him.
“Right,” Sin responds with a sharp edge, his eyes seeking mine again. I get the feeling he doesn’t want to be pushed into something with her.
We have almost walked to the spot where Emma stands, still gaping at Sin. I understand her reaction. His type of hot doesn’t happen in Rochester—ever.
“Morning, Emma,” I say in a singsong voice in hopes of breaking through the Sin-induced spell she has fallen under. She shakes her head and turns toward me. She mouths the word, “Wow,” and her eyes glaze over in a dreamy state.
“Holy shit. Is this him?” she asks softly while pulling me into a hug. True to form, Emma doesn’t wait a second to find out the name of the hottie standing in front of her. I can’t blame her, though. I had the same swoony flush when I saw him at the airport. And just a few minutes ago as he walked to the building from the parking lot.
“Emma, I want you to meet Sinclair, James’ nephew. He’s here for The Clinic’s clerkship,” I say, giving a short and to the point introduction. I don’t think Emma is listening to me, anyway.
“Hello, Sin,” Emma says, doing a perfect Mae West impression. She holds her hand out to him and when he takes it, a stab of green jealousy rushes over me.
“Harlow mentioned you yesterday. Nice to meet you.”
“Well, now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s find our table.” James takes my hand in his and leads us to our usual spot in our Sunday morning routine.