“We are friends, Ramon.”
“Then listen when I tell you that Eric isn’t someone you want to get involved with.” I sigh. “He’s my cousin and I’m the first to say what a great guy he is…but as a friend only. He likes his freedom and he doesn’t commit to any woman. I really don’t want to see you get hurt. Regardless of what did or didn’t happen between us, I don’t want to see you get hurt because of him…just think of me like a big brother.”
She chuckles. “Jeez, I’ve been dating my brother.”
Groaning, I let a smile play on my lips. “Just be careful, okay?” I nudge her shoulder.
“I will.” She offers me a wry smile. “What about you and the woman you’re involved with? Who is she?”
I feel myself pale at her question, and turn away before I can meet her gaze.
“It’s complicated,” I admit.
Sylvia rests her head against my shoulder. “The relationships worth having usually are.”
“Speaks the voice of experience.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders.
“My parents,” Sylvia admits. “They’re still happily married although their story makes my heart pound. Think my dad screwed up more times than he cares to admit.”
“Guys are stupid when it comes to relationships.”
“Ramon, that’s funny coming from you.”
“It’s the truth.”
“Yes it is.”
Clearing my throat, I excuse myself, “I better get going…I left, um, a friend to come and talk to you. I didn’t explain why I had to leave so quickly and I should probably go and explain it.”
“Okay, you better head back…and thank you for being concerned about me, but I can assure you that I might be small but I’m capable of looking after myself.”
“I believe that.” I kiss her on the top of her head. “I’ll always be here for you, Sylvia.”
“I know.”
Chapter Seven
Ramon
I seem to be on a roll this morning, and it’s not even eleven in the morning. Sylvia is finally off my conscience, although I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t concerned about her being with Eric. I sure as hell didn’t see that coming.
When I’d spoken to Eric on my drive back through the city to my apartment, I’d asked him to be careful with her, and I just hope he listens. The good news for now, is that Eric is going to keep an eye on the site while I’m staying at my cabin with Noah this weekend.
My intention was to make it difficult for Noah to be back in my life, but I find I can’t be that bastard. Noah and I were always meant to be together.
Waking up tangled with Noah had felt right this morning and we’d probably still have been in bed if not for my hotheaded brother.
Pulling up outside my apartment building, I’m still wondering what had gotten Ruben’s goat enough to just let himself into my apartment this morning. He’s never just walked in before.
Strange.
Grabbing my cell, I switch the engine off and climb out. The heat of the day hits me in the face as I move toward the entrance to the building, eager to see Noah.
I didn’t miss the hurt expression that crossed his face when I left. If I’d stopped to think, I’d have reassured him, but at the time, I was more concerned for Sylvia. My priority was wrong? and I’ll admit that as soon as I see him.
Stepping into the elevator, I rub my temples as I feel a headache approaching. At least I’ll be able to tell him that I’ve talked to Sylvia and we realized that we both need something from other people and not each other.
Seeing Sylvia naked had been a shock. Not sure what I was expecting when I walked into her bedroom. I definitely hadn’t been expecting that. I knew she was beautiful but she has an amazing body. My body had started to come to life when she’d bent over to dry her hair, and again when her large breasts pressed against me.
I didn’t lie to her about her being beautiful, and if there was no Noah in my past or present, then I might have even taken her up on the obvious invitation. I’d have felt like a heel after the fact when I’d realized she wasn’t really into me anymore. I may have even been hurt. Not too long ago, I’d considered taking our ‘friendship’ to the next level, which I’m sure she wanted as well.
Off the elevator, I walk toward my door with a smile plastered on my face. Sylvia is going to drive Eric to distraction if Ruben didn’t exaggerate about what happened last night in his club. Eric has always been the private guy. Everything behind closed doors. But it looks like petite Sylvia has awoken something in him. Should be fun to watch.
My hand hovers over the keypad for my apartment while I wonder what kind of reception I’m going to get from Noah.
Our relationship, or whatever the hell we have right now, is fragile and I know I screwed up this morning. Once upon a time, we could do or say anything to each other because we were both secure in our relationship. Now, I’m second guessing myself and hoping Noah won’t up and leave when I don’t think.