Page 93 of The Catch

Without much thought, I look up his name. I ignore the bio at the top of the results, and find several pictures of him with three different gorgeous femmes. They all have long, straight hair. They're all thin and elegantly dressed, too. Their make up game is on point.

The disgust in my stomach doesn't make me proud. It's not about his dates. As far as I know, they did nothing wrong. But the fact Aidan is out there showing off his new single status— now that he finally accepted it— it feels childish, somehow. Like he lost his favorite toy and now shows up to the playground with three new ones.

Ufff. I'm not proud of those feelings, but they're real. I can only hope he's not toying with those three dates the way he toyed with me.

I go back to Evie's text a few times, unsure of what to tell her. I keep flipping back between my browser and my texting app, biting the inside of my lips the whole time. That's why I see my brother's text right away.

Pablo: any news about the TV show? Maybe I should visit again, or maybe you can come see me

Right. I should also spare a thought to my brother, and what last night with Saint does to the relationship among us three.

I didn't want to confront that so soon, but here we are. Still, I find a way to delay things another few seconds. I send a quick note to Evie to tell her I'm okay and I'll write more later, then turn to the conversation with Pablo.

Ames: Hey! No big news since we last talked. My friend Evie is helping me negotiate a contract while I sign with an agent. I have two calls on Monday, and by next week I may have everything sorted

Pablo: sounds like I should fly again for another visit. Time for another celebration?

I bite my lip. If Pablo visits, Saint and I will have to either pretend nothing is going on, or explain nothing isreallygoing on. My brother may not be entitled to know I hooked up with his friend, but I'm not bold enough to tell him I asked Saint to teach me to have flings anyway. Besides, once upon a time, Pablo told me to think hard about ever getting involved with Saint. Even back then, Pablo knew I wanted forever and Saint doesn't do that.

I take a deep breath and rub my lips together. Stalling is the only thing I can think of for the time being.

Ames: I would love to see you! Things are so chaotic right now with the playoffs and the contract negotiation and pilot filming plans… Let us know in advance, okay? No surprises this time. Let's plan something!

Pablo: No surprises. I'll let you know!

My phone clanks as it hits the stone of the island, but I ignore it. The masa for the arepas should be ready now. I wash my hands and start shaping the simple bread. Should we tell Pablo anything? I don't know if he would understand that Saint and I have the perfect set up— for a little bit. As long as I can prevent feelings from showing up. My brother knows me too well.

"Morning." Saint smiles at me, dimples full force. "Give me a sec."

I startle, but the view fixes everything. Still naked, ass still glorious, he goes into his bedroom. Soon he comes out again, wearing only his jewelry and a new pair of bold underwear. This time, it's a neon pink, tight strip of fabric, with a navy waistband. His hair is messy, he looks happy and sleepy, and it softens all the worries swirling inside my mind.

I leave the arepa on the tray and grab more mix in my hands.

I lean on the kitchen island. "Morning."

He kisses me with complete disregard for the fact my hands are full of white cornmeal mix. I melt, my hands listless in the air next to us.

"You weren't in bed when I woke up," he says. "I didn't expect heartbreak first thing in the day."

I laugh.

"You think I'm joking?" He kisses me more.

Sweet, exploring kisses that turn me to goo.

"I promised you breakfast," I manage.

I did. What feels like ages ago, when I thought he was going to turn me down gently after I propositioned him. Ha.

His lips trail down my neck, the sensitive skin under the shell of my ear. "I promised I'd show you what my body can do."

I shiver.

I could get used to this. All of this.

And that scary thought is enough to show me just how careful I have to be.

"And you're going to do that while fasting?" I ask.