Page 35 of Beautiful Chaos
She nods, taking in that bit of information. “Do you think he’s avoiding you?”
Maybe?
I saw him in front of our condo building two days ago and called out his name. I’d been unreasonably happy to see him, despite the fact that I’d chatted with him about an upcoming op earlier in the day. He never acknowledged me and instead ducked down the alley.
I think he might still feel a little awkward after realizing how much I know, though I hope he understands that I’d never gossip about him. Not even with my nosey sister.
Even if I weren’t bound by what’s left of my ethics training, what we shared feels…personal.
I hem and haw for a moment. “No? I mean, he tends to keep to himself when he’s in work mode.” I laugh. “Either that or he can’t see me.”
She raises her expressive brows. “Hermano, you’re, like, seven feet tall and built like a defensive tackle. There’s no way he can’t see you.”
“Jackass.” I shoot her the finger as I take another drink. “I’m six seven. Also? I’m more of a linebacker,thank you very much.”
She winks at me. “Okay, but in off-work hours, does he still look at you like you’re the juiciest piece of steak out there?”
I ignore her as I turn on the water misters and plop onto the couch under the shade sails.
“Well?”
“I swear, I regret saying anything to you.”
Sisters are the absolute worst.
“Whatever. You didn’t have to say a word. He stares at you like a lost puppy whenever you aren’t looking.” She snorts. “Not to mention the fact that heavily tattooed and kinda broken is your favorite flavor of person.”
Ugh.
I mean.
She’s notwrong.
But having Amelia on the case makes this all so much worse.
“I’ll remind you I’m on the psych team at Wimberley, and it would be inappropriate for me to pursue anything with a member of the operations team.”
Also, historically speaking, I’m a bit of a manwhore. Not to mention busier than I’ve ever been. A relationship, especially with Sy, is an evergreen no-go.
Just…ha.No.
I mean, c’mon.
Given what I learned in our conversation, I’d end up spending the rest of my life convincing a killing machine that he’s good and worthy of love.
Which is, y’know, true.
But also professionally embarrassing.
“You still haven’t answered my question, Oak. Is Sy still mentally undressing you every time you’re within his line of sight?”
Will she ever let this go?
Narrator: I believe we all know the answer to that question.
“I haven’t noticed.”
I mean, he did press his face into my neck and hug me like I was the only thing keeping him alive.
