She lets out a loud puff of air and then rubs her fingers across her lips. Her gaze lifts to mine and there’s a sense of determination and strength in them. “Does this change anything for us?”
I blink a few times. “For us?”
“Are we friends?”
“Of course,” I say carefully.
“Do you want to suddenly marry me and become a family?”
My chest tightens, and my throat goes dry. “Syd …”
“Answer me, Dec.”
“No, I don’t …”
She raises her hand. “Then there’s nothing to say. We were friends who shared a passionate kiss. We can blame it on a full moon or whatever you want. However, if you want to be friends, that has to be the last time. I can’t keep doing this. My feelings for you have always been what they are. I love you, want a life with you, but I can’t let myself hope when you’re clear there is none. So, I beg you. Love me or let me go because my heart can’t take anymore.”
And with that, she walks out, leaving me feeling like a complete asshole.
After a second, I collect myself and head downstairs. She’s standing at the window, looking lost, and I hate myself.
“Milo should be here soon,” I say, wanting to see her eyes so I can read what’s in her head.
However, she doesn’t turn to me. Instead, she tucks her blonde hair behind her ear. “What exactly will today entail? Meaning, what should I expect?”
I move toward her, and she steps to the side. “Milo will come and tour the property, and hopefully, he’ll give you some insight on what he thinks. He buys and develops property, but he also invests in properties like this one on the side in London mostly, but also here. You’ll like Milo, he’s a cocky prick, but a great guy.”
She nods slowly and then finally looks at me with a smile. “So, he’s like you?”
“I’m not sure I’m such a great guy.”
Sydney shakes her head. “I think you’re just fighting the wrong fight.”
“And what fight should I be fighting?”
“That’s for you to figure out.”
She’s the only person who can cut me with a few words or a look. I know I will never be the man she wants, and it would make me the villain if I were to pretend otherwise.
“I guess it is. Either way, Milo will be able to give you some advice that will help if you’re still sure you want to sell.”
“Oh, I’m sure.” She turns back toward the window. “Are you going to leave once you make the introduction?”
“No, I’ll walk with you guys.”
“Why?”
Because I want to spend whatever time near you that you’ll allow.
“Because Milo is my friend, and he’s helping me out.”
Sydney’s eyes narrow. “Are you afraid I’m going to throw myself at him?”
Now I do chuckle. “Milo is happily married.”
“All the more reason you don’t need to stay around.”
One day, she’ll stop fighting back on every-damn-thing. Not that I have any hopes of that being today. “Or all the more reason you do.”
Her lips pinch. “Whatever.”
While a lot has changed, deep down, she’s still the same. Her passion and heart are like a siren to me, and I want to answer the call.
Two months ago, I held her in my arms and made love to her. I would’ve done it again upstairs because I can’t stop wanting her. I ache for her. I dream of her—of us—of a life together, even though I know I shouldn’t.
Then I wonder if she would give me just the time that I’m back. Then I remember, Sydney doesn’t love that way. She’s both feet in and no rope anywhere in sight. I would have to jump in with her, knowing I would never need air again because she would be my breath.
And that can’t happen.
I can’t have her, but I can help her find the surface and not drown her with the weight of my issues.
“He’s here,” Syd says.
Dread fills me, and I wonder if I’m making a mistake. Maybe I can convince Milo to tell her not to sell, but it’s a bit late for that.
Sydney goes and opens the door.
Before she can say anything, he speaks. “Well, no one told me that you are just the most enchanting creature alive.” Milo’s British accent is extra thick as he takes Sydney’s hand and brings it to his lips. “Delighted, love.”
She smiles, and a faint blush paints her cheeks. “You must be Milo.”
“Yes, I must, and you are the gorgeous woman who has tied this brute of a man up in knots.”
“Laying it on a little thick, are we, Milo?”
He shrugs with a grin. “Never.”
“Now I see why you didn’t want him to be alone with me. He’s charming and handsome.”
Milo’s arm wraps around her, and he pulls her close. “I like her.”
“I bet you do. Hands off or I’ll call your wife.”
He leans his head close but doesn’t drop his voice. “Isn’t it just total fun to poke the bastard? Look, he knows I am desperately in love with my wife, and he’s still about ready to rip my arms off. Aren’t you, mate?”
I’m going to fucking kill him. We may have been friends for years, but right now, I want to do exactly what he’s accusing me of wanting to do.
However, giving Milo any satisfaction is not in my plan. “Not at all, I’ll be happy to watch Danielle do it for me.”
He grins and then releases Sydney. “Come now, you know she can’t resist my charms.”
Sydney shakes her head, smiling the entire time. “You two are trouble.”
“You have no idea,” he replies.
She really doesn’t. Milo was the bachelor of the year, living life as he wanted, and then he was knocked on his ass by his now wife. It has been a joy to watch.
“All right, Casanova, let’s show you the property so you can give us your expert opinion on this.”
“Don’t let him fool you, darling, all my opinions are expert.” Then he turns to me. “We don’t
