AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I get your need to keep busy, Evie. But—”
“It’s not just that.” Though the words come out of my mouth, there’s no real heat behind them. “I mean, maybe that’s a big part of it,” I admit, knowing she’s right. “But I just came off a relationship that didn’t work. Mostly because of my job, to be honest.”
“And because he didn’t deserve you.”
“That too.”
The mood, having darkened, lightens once again.
“But seriously,” she says as I continue to eat, my alcohol-laden stomach thanking me. “Aside from the fact that Tris is your biggest rival, and . . . holy shit, is up for a freaking Cucina Award . . . who saw that coming?”
I can’t answer through my really yummy tuna, but yeah. Agreed.
“And that you don’tthinkyou have time for a relationship. Even though you really do,” she adds quickly. “Forget about Jay; he’s ancient history. What else is the problem?”
Looking away from Zara and down toward the river below, I think about the question. And how to answer.
What else? I know what else, but it’s not easy to admit.
“I really like him,” I say finally, looking back up at my friend. “He’s so frigging hot. When he looked at me at Chari’s wedding . . . and then that dance. Maybe that was it. I’ve never been with a guy who can dance that well.”
“Sure, that’s it. His dance skills.”
My mind wanders to last night.
“That’s only the beginning,” I admit coyly, Zara catching my meaning and laughing.
“And you didn’t even sleep with him yet. Can you imagine?”
“No,” I say. “I can’t.”
Zara pushes away her salad.
“So you’re afraid of a relationship with Tristano and are using the work thing as an excuse to put distance between you. And he’s using the column as an excuse to see you because, obviously, he likes you too. A lot.”
I want to ask so badly, but I don’t.
“And no, he hasn’t talked to Cole about you, that I know of. If that’s what you’re wondering. But only because they haven’t been together in the last two weeks. Tris is as busy as you.”
Glad I didn’t have to ask. “See? It’s just a part of the business.”
“Uh-huh. On the other hand, I have gotten to know him a bit this past year, through Cole. And am not surprised you like him so much. I always wondered why he didn’t have a girlfriend. The guy is a complete catch.”
Yeah, he is.
“So he hasn’t had a girlfriend, really?” I fail miserably at making my voice sound casual.
“A serious one? No.”
“Makes sense, though. The DeLucas are a solid family. You know?”
“Yeah, my dad thought the world of them. They started their businesses around the same time.”
“Which brings me to the most important point of the day. You should totally have sex with Tristano DeLuca.”
I nearly spit out my water. “Where the hell did that come from?”
Zara’s smile is contagious.
