“That’s probably a way to put it too,” I admit, stretching my smile to a full-teeth one. I’m indeed in the best of moods. But why wouldn’t I be?
I had a wicked workout this morning after a blissful night filled with fantastic dreams. The sun is shining at its kindest, illuminating my desk with a cozy light and warming my back. Thomas had great news about last month’s numbers. Even my breakfast cereal tasted more delicious than usual. I complimented Tracy on how she managed to roast the granola to perfection, and she hugged me in exchange.
And the cherry on the top? In less than a few hours I’ll be seeing Eva again.
Murphy gives out a small whistle. “Well, if I didn’t know any better, I’d almost say you seem like someone in love.”
In love? “What an absurd accusation. I certainly haven’t fallen in love with Eva.” The words tumble out of my mouth quickly and with an annoyed edge like grains of salt from a sack ripped open.
Have I?
The fact that I’m even asking myself this question makes me pause. Chances are that my brother is just playing me. Poking me to see my reaction. Trying to plant ideas into my head…
But even if he is, why does Murphy’s remark irritate me so much? Could it be because…?
I’d be delusional if I denied that there are moments where I don’t exactly know why I’m behaving the way I do around Eva. And, yes, my heart does beat to a whole new rhythm whenever I think of her…but that’s just because I’m attracted to her. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a woman like Eva? She’s smart, absolutely gorgeous, passionate, and not obsessed with money.
The memory of last night flashes through me.
Oh goodness, if that wasn’t the best kiss of my life…
It takes all my willpower to cut the fantasy short before I’m so absorbed, I forget about Murphy staring at me.
“Well, well-l-ll…” My brother elongates the “l” in a way that makes me suspect that my reminiscence couldn’t have overtaken my brain at a worse time. My expression must have hinted at my manly thoughts, leading to my brother drawing the wrong conclusion.
Murphy squints his eyes and scratches his chin, a sign that he’s busy applying his people-reading skills on me. He probably hopes to dig into my soul and unearth that what he thinks I’m aware of but keeping hidden from him. He doesn’t understand that there’s nothing to be found.
I’m not in love with Eva.
I need to adjust this messy situation fast, before Murphy makes a triumphant call to Mother about how I’ve violated the condition of the bet.
“Murphy, quit that analytical glare of yours. I’m my normal self, as always.”
Murphy chuckles. “Really? So you’re telling me it’s normal for you to dance in a pub, offer bonus lunches to your employees, let your secretary attend to her sick mother—or, shall I say, even know that her mother is sick—and take more personal leave in four days than you’ve ever taken in your whole life?”
I square my shoulders. “I don’t see your point. I danced salsa because we went to a disco pub. What was I supposed to do? My task is to woo Eva, isn’t it? Also, I’m obliged to take time off to fit this seduction act into the crazy one week schedule you gave me. Yes, it’s all normal, given the absurd situation I find myself in.”
“And what about your miraculous transformation from Mr. Grumpy-All-Numbers Boss to Have-a-Lunch-On-My-Account Boss? Do you claim that’s normal too? Eva isn’t around to see that. Is that also part of your get-her-to-fall-for-you strategy?”
Incredible. Murphy has put me in a situation where I need to do things that are foreign for me if I want to win. And now he’s using that against me and trying to put ideas about Eva into my head? My nostrils flare. “Wasn’t it you who chewed my ear about acting more approachable and caring in the office? I thought your whole bet was set on teaching me this particular skill.”
“Oh, yes, it was. But you’ve never listened to me. You did, however, listen to E-v-a.” He accentuates each letter of her name with a little wiggle of his brows. “Not that I blame you.”
“And you shouldn’t. Eva is a one-of-a-kind woman. I’m not blind. I see that.”
Murphy folds his arms in front of his chest and arches his back, shifting his posture to an almost-challenging stance. “So?”
When Murphy gets scent of something he believes to be true, he drills till he finds proof of it. No matter what. It must be the key to his success as a psychologist. But it’s also his most annoying character trait as a brother. I know I’ll have to give him a bone if I want him to leave me alone. “What do you want me to say, Murphy? I’m aware that Eva and I have good chemistry. Part of the reason I was ready to accept her as the candidate for our bet. Could this physical attraction, coupled with the respect I’ve developed for her personality, turn into something? Potentially, yes. But it’s something I don’t feel yet. And, above all, something I don’t need. I want my future to unfold the way I’ve planned. So I very much intend to win this bet.”
I expect Murphy to throw me a coy smile like he always does and crack a joke at my expense, but he surprises me by pulling his chin into a frown. “Will you pull it off without hurting yourself?”
The concerned edge in his voice startles me.
“Wait, are you having second thoughts about your own idea, Murph? You told me I needed to prove I can influence people’s feelings without getting involved. Don’t tell me you’re backing out when I’m so close to bringing my prize home?”
Murphy shrugs, his usual relaxed expression returning to his features. “No second-thoughts. You seem awfully confident about winning.”
“Well,
