I look straight ahead. “I don’t—look, I was just concerned.”
She squeezes my arm, and it warms at her touch. She smells sweet like fruity flowers. “Because I grew on you. I’m not so bad to have around. Right, roomie?”
I stand abruptly, realizing my mistake in waiting up for her. I need distance and fast. She’s entirely too appealing in her relaxed martini state. “Next time text if you’re gonna be later than you said you were.”
I stalk off toward the stairs.
“Sean?”
I stop, but I don’t turn around. “What?” I growl in my fiercest tone.
Silence.
I turn around to see if I hurt her feelings with my harsh tone. I just desperately need distance.
She gives me a sly look. “You should go to improv class with me next time. I think it’ll help you relax.”
“I don’t have time for improv class.”
She stands and slowly walks toward me, her hips swaying. My senses go on high alert. Her voice is a throaty purr. “It’ll make you worry less if you can walk me home though, wouldn’t it?”
I swallow hard. “I wasn’t really worried. I was concerned. There’s a difference.”
She closes the distance and smiles up at me. “Would it kill you to admit I grew on you?”
Yes. Because that is one step too close for comfort. “I just want ya to be safe. Winnie told me about that guy in LA.”
She frowns. “Yeah.”
“I won’t let anyone bother you. You’re safe here. Just keep me in the loop so I know when to be concerned.”
She bites her lower lip, and my gut tightens. “Can I tell you a secret?”
I hesitate because that feels too intimate, but she goes on anyway.
“Ever since I moved in with you, I haven’t had a single nightmare about that horrible man. I’ve felt at peace, so thank you.”
“Uh, you’re wel…” I trail off in surprise. Her arms are wrapped around my middle in a tight hug. Her cheek presses against my chest and, when I glance down, she’s smiling. Ah, hell.
I wrap my arms around her and let out a breath that almost feels like relief. She’s here, she’s safe, and she feels surprisingly good in my arms. Relief slowly shifts to awareness of her warm body pressed against mine. I’ve kept her at arm’s length all week, and now she’s awakening desire I’ve ruthlessly pushed down with every ounce of willpower I possess. I don’t know how much willpower reserves I have left.
Her head lifts, her eyes soft. “I’m glad you’re my unofficial guard and roommate.”
Do not kiss her. “How much did you have to drink tonight?”
“One martini. Just enough to give me a nice buzz.”
One martini is nothing.
She sighs and traces her finger over one of my biceps, staring at it. “I’m a bit of a lightweight.”
Do not kiss the drunk girl. “Not much of a drinker, huh?”
“Nope. You?”
“Just a beer now and then.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Both her hands cup the sides of my neck and slide down my shoulders. “You’re so nicely muscled, and I’m extremely fond of your neck. It’s thick and corded.”
Haven’t heard that before. “Thanks.” I drop my hands from her and take a step back. “Goodnight.”
“Wait!”
I do, even though there’s a playful sparkle to her eyes that makes me wary.
She takes a step closer and looks up at me from under her lashes. I’m in dangerous territory, but I can’t seem to move away. “In improv, one person suggests something and then the other has to say ‘yes, and,’ and play along. You want to try it with me?”
My voice comes out hoarse. “I’m not an actor.”
“Just try it. You say, ‘close your eyes, Josie.’”
“Close your eyes, Josie.”
She closes them, lifting her face to mine. “Yes, and kiss me.”
I’m tempted, so tempted.
Her eyes open, locking on mine for an intense moment. Then her hand slides to the nape of my neck, her fingers in my hair, and she tugs me down to her, her eyes drifting closed. I don’t resist. Curiosity? Loneliness? Plain old lust? I don’t know, and I don’t care. My lips meet hers in a soft kiss that only makes me crave more. I can’t give in to this need. She’s my ex’s cousin, and she’s out of here the first chance she gets.
I pull away, but she grabs my head and pulls me back in for another kiss. Raw desire floods my veins. I deepen the kiss, and then at the first tentative touch of her tongue on mine, I lose the iron grip of control, diving in hungrily. My hand tangles in her hair, the other cupping her ass and pressing her against me. Need like I’ve never felt before overwhelms my good sense. She returns the kiss passionately, and I’m lost in her sweet heat.
She breaks the kiss. “We shouldn’t do this. You’re my cousin’s ex. It’s weird.”
“You’re leaving when you get your pilot.”
She beams a smile at me. “You really believe I’ll get it?”
“It’s easier to think that.”
“Why?”
I open my mouth and shut it. Why don’t I want to get closer? Fuck Winnie. She left me. What if Josie did stick around?
I’m not up to a relationship. That’s the problem. But I’ve been avoiding a hookup with her too. Something about Josie feels dangerous, like I could fall hard and never recover. That’s all the reason I need to keep my distance. I don’t want to get burned again.
“Goodnight, roomie,” I say, dropping my hands from her and heading upstairs.
“Goodnight, boss man!” she calls.
A reluctant smile tugs at my lips. Maybe I do want to be the boss. For the first time I wonder if I should branch out with my own business. I shake my head. Look at how optimistic Josie infected my brain. Like I could ever step away from my family’s business. I’m rooted here in Brooklyn with my family and our business. Josie will go wherever the job is. I did the right thing stepping away. There’s no future for us, and some part of me knows a casual fling wouldn’t end up being that way for me. I already care about her too much.
Chapter Five
Sean
I check in at my real job the next morning. It’s Friday, and our CEO, my older brother, Dylan, is back early from his honeymoon in Italy with his wife, Ariana. Their plan to cruise the Italian coast was thwarted by a serious storm that looked like it would be sticking around for several days. Dylan is actually whistling as he walks into our construction office. Guess married life agrees with him. I know Ariana well. She was in my grade at school and lived next door to us growing up. She was always a quiet shy girl, which is probably why I was never interested in her. I like someone with more fire in her, more energy, an open friendliness that says she’s up for anything. I am not describing Josie. I’m speaking in general terms about what I normally go for when I have the time and energy for a woman in my life. Which is not now.
“Hey,” Dylan says, giving me a slap on the back. “Ready to get back to real work?”
“Yeah, almost. I’ll be back here full-time on Monday. Just checking in today.”
He smiles, his blue eyes sparkling, all tanned and relaxed. I can’t remember the last time I felt relaxed. “How’s it going? You gonna wrap up at Winnie’s place soon?”
“Getting there. I’m finishing up the bathroom; then I need to get the kitchen done, and a few tweaks here and there before inspections.”
He nods and heads to the makeshift kitchen setup on a table in the corner of the office, whistling again.
“How was Italy?”
“Fantastic!”
I join him as he helps himself to coffee. “You’re awfully happy to be back at work. Aren’t ya upset your vacation was cut short?”
“Nah. We still had five days to see everything we wanted to see in Rome and Venice. We’ll go back for an anniversary to check out the coast. Maybe with kids.” He grins. “A baby on the way gives a man a whole new sense of purpose.”
I incline my head. They leaked the news at the wedding that Ariana’s pregnant. They both wanted to get started on a family right away. Dylan, as the oldest, always had that family-man thing going on. I mean, he might look badass riding around on his Harley with his tribal tattoo designed specifically to showcase his bulging bicep, but he always looked out for us younger brothers. Definitely father material. I stare at him, a strange ache in my chest. It’s not that I envy him. I guess I just thought I’d be moving into that part of my life by now too. I’m thirty-one, and I come from a large loving family. I really thought when I committed to Winnie, that was going to be it. Married, house, maybe a dog, kids down the line. I’ve already had my share of tomcatting around. Speaking of…
My brothers arrive in a bunch like they met up on the street and talked for a bit before wandering in—Jack, Connor, Brendan, and Garrett. People in the neighborhood always say you can tell a Rourke son right away since we resemble our dad—most of us six feet or so, same athletic build, thick dark brown hair, sharp cheekbones, and square jaw. We got our mom’s blue eyes, except Garrett. He has aquamarine eyes like our dad.
Jack looks bleary like he had a wild weekend. He’s on the quiet side, but don’t let that fool you, because it’s just to cover up his devious planning for his next prank. And he loves a good party. He’s the one egging everyone else on to the next level of craziness. Next in line is Connor. My parents always say Connor was such an angel that they had a fifth child, Brendan. He shocked them being such a mischievous little devil. Garrett, the youngest at twenty-three, is overly muscled from his workouts, so we call him Beast.
“Ya hungover?” I ask Jack loudly just to harass him. My brothers and I always give each other shit.
“I wish,” he says. “Neighbor upstairs got a yappy dog that won’t shut up. Keeping me up at night.” He shoves a hand in his rumpled hair. “I’m gonna have to move. Hey, maybe I’ll crash at your place. You’ve got Winnie’s house to yourself, right?”
“It’s a construction zone.”
“I don’t care about that. I’ll work around it.”
I do not want Jack there. He’ll want Josie. Any man would, and I can’t witness them on their way to a hookup, or after, which is all Jack’s ever interested in. “I already have a guest, and there’s no more space.”
“Who?”
“No one you know.”
He smirks. “Did you bring a woman into your ex’s place? Does Winnie know? Ha! Ultimate fuck you.”
“It’s not a fuck you. It’s her cousin, and Winnie told her to stay there.” I immediately realize my mistake in explaining the situation. Jack is sharp.
“So it is a woman.”
I blow out a breath. “Yeah.” I wait for the harassment. My younger brothers have been saying I need to get back on the horse so I’ll relax already. I don’t need a woman. I need to finish the renovation.
Jack shakes his head. “You let her stay with you, but not your own brother? For shame, bro.”
I know he’s busting my balls, but I can’t help a twinge of guilt. We were raised to have each other’s backs. “It’s a special situation. She needed to feel safe. You’re fine. Besides, she’s probably moving out in a week or two.”
“Then can I move in?”
“No. I’ve got inspections and then it goes on the market.”
Jack won’t shut up about it. “How about me and Winnie’s cousin trade? She can stay at my place. It’s safe, and she probably won’t even hear the dog upstairs. It’s mostly a problem because I’m a light sleeper.”
“No, she needs to stay put. No trades.”
He glances around to our brothers, who I just now realize are listening in. “What’s so special about her?” he drawls. “No trades. She has to stay put.” He smirks.
Deny, deny, deny. “Nothing.”
“Have you met her?” Jack asks Connor.
“First time I’m hearing about her,” Connor says with a grin.
Jack turns to Brendan and Beast. They shrug.
He turns back to me, a wicked gleam in his eye. “So, Seanie-boy, what’s your new female roommate like?”
I lift one shoulder. “I dunno.”
Jack smiles widely, which is never good. “Surely, you noticed something about this woman who has to stay with you.”
I play it cool, giving only obvious traits anyone would notice. “She’s an actress, red hair, helpful.”
Jack pounces. “How is she helpful?” He exchanges an amused look with my brothers.
Heat creeps up my neck. Why did I say that? It sounds like sex stuff. “Not like that. She helps with the renovation.”
He cocks his head. “So Winnie’s cousin knows construction?”
“No, she’s just trying. Really hard. I don’t know why.” I help myself to coffee, giving them my back and hoping they’ll drop it. I take a sip of coffee, ignoring the fact that the room is silent, and I can feel my brothers’ curious stares.
“Are ya paying her to help?”
I turn to Brendan. “No.”
He lifts a palm. “Duh. She’s trying really hard to be helpful because she’s into you.”
It doesn’t matter if she wants me, or if I want her. What matters is that I don’t get burned.
“Whatever,” I mumble, heat creeping into my cheeks. Hopefully my thick stubble hides the telltale sign of embarrassment. “I took off today to work on the reno, but just wanted to check in. What’s the latest?” I turn to Dylan, eager to change the subject.
“Okay,” Dylan says. “Now that—”
Jack’s voice cuts in. “Men, we’ve got a situation.”
My brothers all talk at once. “We gotta get to Sean’s place tonight.”
“Yeah.”
“Gotta meet her.”
“He’s blushing, for fuck’s sake!”
I hold up a palm. “Nobody’s going to my place! I need to work, and she’s probably going out.” I’m grasping at straws.
“Tomorrow night, then,” Jack says.
I set my jaw. “She goes out every night.”
Jack’s brows draw down. “Where does she go?”
I take in my brothers, who seem way too interested in the corner I’ve painted myself into. “Different places. Why does it matter?”
Jack smirks, addressing my brothers. “Someone is extremely touchy about this helpful red-haired actress roommate.” They snicker. He turns back to me. “Is she like Winnie?”
“Not at all, thankfully,” I say way too enthusiastically and quickly backpedal. “Not that I compare them. Can we please talk about something else?”
Dylan pipes up. “I’m thinking of trading in my Harley for a car.”
“No-o-o!” Jack protests.
“Blasphemy!” I say. He’s been riding Harleys since he was seventeen. This is his second one, and he keeps them in pristine condition. Dylan is synonymous with Harley-riding badass.
Dylan smiles, his blue eyes sparkling with good humor. “Guys, I can’t put a baby on the back of my bike.”
“Get a sidecar for the bike,” Brendan says.
“For a baby?” Dylan asks incredulously. “Have ya heard of car seats?”
“Why don’t ya keep the bike and get a car?” I ask. It’s the end of an era if Dylan becomes one of those station-wagon guys, and I think we all take that a little personally. We always looked to his example as a cool laid-back guy.
“No point,” Dylan says. “I’m probably gonna need two cars so Ariana and I can both have a safe ride for the baby whenever we need it. Guys, it’s time.”
I bow my head. “Moment of silence for the end of an era.”
Dylan barks out a laugh. So much for the solemn occasion.
“Can I have your bike?” Beast asks.
Dylan jerks his chin at him. “Make me an offer.”
They work it out in a few minutes. Garrett gets the Harley in exchange for his sporty black Mazda outfitted with a wicked stereo system. Not a bad trade. And at least we don’t have to witness Dyl
an driving a station wagon. Next thing you know, he’ll have a dad bod, droopy dad jeans, and be telling corny jokes.
Dylan brings us the welcome news that the permits cleared, so we can break ground on developing the former elementary school property into commercial office space. It’s our first big development project under Rourke Management. My brothers and I are co-owners of Byrne Construction, the original company, as well as the new development branch. That makes us all invested in its success. The cool thing about our new project is we’re also going to put in new playground equipment that’s wheelchair-accessible (and still fun for kids not in wheelchairs) and landscape the rest of the lot as a park. It’s all part of our development initiative to build parks and playgrounds into it. We want to give back and be part of building neighborhoods. I’ve been wanting to get into real estate development for a long time, and I’m psyched about our new venture.
The rest of the crew arrives, and I linger at Dylan’s signal to wait while he reviews the task list for the day. He wraps up, and everyone heads out to the trucks to drive over to the site. The two of us stay put.
Once we’re alone, he says, “When the baby comes, I’m gonna be taking some time off. You’re my second-in-command when I’m out. That good by you?”
“Yeah, of course.” Dylan and I are tight, only two years apart, and we shared a room growing up. He always leans on me.
He clasps my shoulder. “Thanks. I really appreciate it. You’re my go-to guy. I’ll breathe easier with you at the reins. And I’ll make sure you can legally sign off on financial stuff.”
“I got your back. Don’t give it a second thought.”
Pride has me standing taller as I walk out. I’m committed to my family business, and it means a lot that my older brother knows he can count on me.
~ ~ ~
By the afternoon, I’m feeling optimistic about the renovation. The counter guys showed up on time, and now the fourth-floor bathroom is finished. Just have to let the glue dry for twenty-four hours. I’m making great progress on the third-floor bathroom too. If I work late tonight, I think I can get to the kitchen demo first thing tomorrow morning.
I’m glad to be busy. It’s easier to ignore the draw of Josie, who’s still shadowing me. Who am I kidding? She’s impossible to ignore, especially when she keeps complimenting me on my neck, shoulders, and back. “Powerful lines of muscular perfection” is probably my favorite. I suppose it’s her way of flirting, or maybe she just wants a reaction. Either way, I’m not rising to the bait. I’ve got work to do and no time for a woman, even if she’s sexy and constantly in reach.
Rogue Gentleman (The Rourkes, Book 8) Page 5