I felt guilty for lying, but if Cameron knew, his reaction would be murderous.
“And how did that go?” Cameron’s deep voice filled the room, his overprotectiveness not to be missed.
“Fine. I noticed some of the build-out wasn’t going to plan. I voiced my concerns, and he’s agreed to give me creative control.” As long as I agree to sleep with him.
I wanted to flog myself for even considering it, but I’d woken up with Will’s proposition as prominent in my mind as it had been when I’d driven away from him last night.
I’d cycled through all the emotions. Fury that he’d be so bold to think I’d ever consider it. Frustration that bringing up his bad behavior to my brothers would only hurt the project that we’d all invested so much into. And finally, a spark of intrigue at what such a misadventure could be like.
He frowned, and for a second, I worried he could see the truth written on my features.
“He picked you up in a private car to give you creative control over his investment?”
“Something like that,” I said, my voice light.
“So what did you think about him?” Maya asked.
I shrugged. “He’s okay. Kind of cocky.” And rude. And incredibly sexy.
Maya snorted. “Typical finance guy.”
“He’s a real estate developer. And typical or not, he’s the one who’s putting his money on the line,” Cameron said.
He was right, and I probably should have cared more about Will’s very important investment. But in this moment, I was more concerned about the way my body paid attention when he was near. His easy and confident way irritated me as much as it aroused me.
“He was making changes to the plans,” I said, without looking at my brother directly.
“If it’s a problem, I can step in, Liv. This needs to stay on schedule.”
“I’m aware of that. So is Will. Trust me,” I said, hoping to reassure him.
His expression remained taut. “Okay. Well, keep me in the loop.” He softened when he leaned down to kiss Maya. “I have to head to the gym and take care of some things. You okay?”
“I’m good.” She smiled, her brown eyes glittering when they met his concerned expression.
He gently rested his hand on the swell of her belly. “Call if you need anything. Anything, okay?”
“I promise. I will. Now go to work, and I’ll try not to go into labor while you’re gone.”
He kissed her again and left us.
When the door clicked shut behind him, Maya blew out an audible breath. “Sorry. He’s gone into big-brother-overprotective-daddy mode lately.”
“I know. He’s always been like that. Probably will only get worse now.”
She put her bowl to the side and folded her legs up on the couch. “So tell me what really happened with Will.”
I widened my eyes a fraction. “Nothing. That’s pretty much it.”
She canted her head. “Don’t bullshit me, Liv. I’ve seen Will. He’s a dream. Any sparks?”
I shrugged because I didn’t know what to say. Sparks had flown, along with an indecent proposal and some very inappropriate banter. I couldn’t risk telling Maya because it might get back to Cameron. I trusted her, but he was her husband and their confidences came first.
“He’s definitely not husband material,” I said, using Will’s own words.
She fiddled with the tail on her long blond braid. “I don’t think many single guys are. But you have to start dating at some point. You can’t stay cloistered in your apartment downstairs forever.”
I let out a short laugh. “I’m sure the last thing Cam wants is for me to start bringing dates home.”
“He’d get over it. Eventually.”
I shook my head, because he wouldn’t.
Between Cameron and Darren hovering constantly, I could hardly give a guy a second glance at the gym, let alone my number. Even if I did, the prospect of entertaining any kind of normal dating relationship opened up another world of problems. My parents’ world, specifically. I’d seen what they’d put Cameron and Darren through with their romantic relationships, but I wasn’t like my brothers. They were fiercely independent, strong-willed in the face of our parents’ judgments.
Frank and Diane Bridge weren’t letting me slip away into the arms of just any man without one hell of a fight. They’d all but promised me this. I wasn’t in the mood for that fight.
“I have plenty of time to date. I want to focus on the business right now.”
“Listen, Cameron is going to have his hands full when the baby comes. Between that and work, he probably wouldn’t notice if you shaved your head. Promise me you’ll try to get out there a little more. I’d offer to be your wing woman, but you know.” She gestured to her very pregnant state with a silly smile.
I laughed. “I’m not in any rush, but I’ll give it some thought, okay?”
Oddly, I couldn’t envision jumping into the dating scene, but I could imagine taking Will up on his ridiculous offer.