Quinn places her hand on my arm. “Why don’t you stay at our place in Chicago?”
“Chicago?”
Quinn laughs. “Yes, Chicago. It’s an awesome place, and you’ll love it. Our friends are all here if you need anything while we’re gone. Maybe then you’ll want to move here, too.”
“I’m not moving to Chicago.”
“Why?” Jamison asks. “What else do you have going on?”
Way to make me look like a total loser in front of “Mr. I Have My Life Together.”
You have no job and are almost out of money. You are a loser.
“I’ll stay at your place in New York,” I quickly reply.
“You can’t. Valeria’s shooting a few scenes from the movie she’s producing there.”
“In your house?”
A smile erupts on his face. “Yeah. It’s one of Quinn’s novels.”
“What?” Steven and I both blurt out and stare at Quinn.
She beams. “We’ll see how it does.”
“Quinn, why didn’t you tell me? This is awesome news. I’m so happy for you,” Steven says.
She shrugs. “It’s an independent film, so it could be a flop.”
“It’s not going to be,” Jamison insists. “So back to Hope. I think it’s best if you stay in Chicago at our place.”
“I don’t know the city and—”
“I’ll help you,” Steven volunteers.
My heart beats faster. I tilt my head up.
His blue eyes flicker. “I know the city. Plus, I haven’t seen a lot of Hope lately.” He breaks our gaze and takes her from Quinn. “What do you think, sweetie? Want Uncle Steven to take care of you with Auntie Harper?”
Flutters go crazy in my stomach.
He’s adorable with Hope.
So we’re going to spend all week together?
It doesn’t matter. He’s way out of your league, and you don’t need a fling with Quinn’s brother.
“That’s perfect.” Quinn beams.
Jamison pats him on the back. “Thanks.” He looks at me. “You’re out of excuses. Steven will make sure you have whatever you need while we’re gone. You can get to know the city and fall in love so you move here.”
“Fall in love?” Scorching heat fills my face.
“Yeah, Chicago is amazing. Once you get to know it, you’ll feel right at home. And nothing is holding you in New York.”
The city, you moron, not with the hot stud standing next to you.
“Fine. I’ll stay in Chicago for the week. I need a drink.” I spin and go to the bar, embarrassed my life is so messed up.
I can’t blame Jamison and Quinn for not wanting me to take Hope to my apartment. It isn’t the safest neighborhood, and there are times I’m scared to be there.
The bartender comes over, and I order a glass of cabernet.
“Did I overstep?” a deep voice asks, and shivers run down my spine as the delicious scent of leather, roasted almonds, and a hint of lavender hits my nose.
This guy is like a walking billboard for please bend me over and take me however you want.
It’s Quinn’s brother. He’s off-limits.
I turn and try to stop the throbbing in my lower region, but it’s pointless. “No. It’s kind of you to volunteer. I would have ended up here anyway, seeing as I have no job and apparently live in an unsafe place.”
“Is it not true?”
“What?”
“About your place being unsafe?”
“Miss,” the bartender says and hands me a goblet of wine.
I take my drink then down a large sip. Steven patiently waits for my answer. His eyes focus only on me, which makes me more nervous. “No, it’s true. I live in a dump. Well, I shouldn’t say dump because it makes it sound like I don’t clean my place because I do. I’m a very clean person. And it may be falling apart, but I at least take pride in my home. So no, it’s not a luxury condo like what I used to live in, or anywhere near Jamison and Quinn’s penthouse, but it’s mine, and as of this week, I can still afford it, so, hey, cheers to me.” I smile then down another mouthful while cringing inside as I realize I just babbled about my rodent-infested place and lack of money. To make matters worse, I say, “I forgot to tell you about the cockroaches.” I take another swig.
Steven doesn’t move, and his expression is neutral.
Great. Way to impress Mr. I Have It Together.
He’s totally judging you now.
You’d judge you if you weren’t you.
“Quinn and I used to make the cockroaches race.”
“I’m sorry?”
He motions to the bartender and sets his empty beer glass down. “When we were kids. We would catch them in cups then put them in this racetrack thing we made out of cardboard boxes we taped together.”
“Quinn played with bugs?”
He smiles, displaying his perfectly straight, white teeth. “Yep. Whoever lost had to do the dishes.”
“Bet you don’t have cockroaches in your place now.”
“Every now and then, they still pop up. Hard in the city to never see any.” He winks, and my panties officially melt.
The bartender delivers his beer, and when he steps closer to pick it up, my insides quiver. He towers over me, even in my heels. His fitted, white button-down shirt molds around his torso perfectly. His broad shoulders and muscular arms he could only have gotten from spending hours in the gym. And the warmth of his body heat hits me like a freight train even though he’s not touching me.
I inhale deeply, and he catches me and freezes. His eyes widen and smolder, and his tongue slowly licks his lips.
“Steven,” Quinn’s mom cheerfully calls out.
He shuts his eyes, matches my deep breath, and forces a smile. He spins. “Mom.”
“I heard we get Hope for the week!”
“No, Harper and I get Hope for the week.”
“Harper?”
I step out from behind Steven and wave. “Hi, Beth.”
“Hi.” She smiles then looks at Steven. “What day do you have Hope, honey?”
“What day?”
“Yes. I’m assuming you’re each taking her half the week?”
“No. Ummm...” He gazes at me.
“Don’t look at me. I’ve been watching her the entire time. And no offense, but I’m not going to pass her off to you like a football.”
“You’re going to let me see her, right?” Beth asks.
“Of course you can see her. I wasn’t implying—”
“Mom, Harper and I are watching Hope. Call me after the wedding, and we’ll figure out some time you can come over and see her.”
“Okay. I haven’t been to your place in a while.” She looks at me. “He never invites me over anymore.”
Steven looks at the sky and shakes his head. “Mom—”
I step so close to Steven, I’m touching him. “We’re not staying at his place. We’ll be at Quinn and Jamison’s, since all of Hope’s things are there. You’re welcome to come over and see her anytime, just text me to make sure we’re there. I’ll give you my phone number.”