Page 22 of Love: Take Two

"You're in luck because the turkey's done," Mom chirps.

"Saved by the bell," Dad mutters before following Mom into the kitchen.

Yong-rae turns to me.

"So, Damon is a professional basketball player—"

"Retired," Damon interrupts, and Adam blows out an annoyed breath.

"His girlfriend is a supermodel," Yong-rae continues. "You'rea top talent agent. Is everyone here a big shot?" he asks.

"Kind of?" I say, chagrined. I gesture around the table. "Adam works for aFortune 500telecom company. Maya makes high-end personalized gifts and art. Denise is a fashion designer who actually works with Kendra. Cory used to work in Finance, but now he's doing consulting and helping Denise get her label off the ground. Henry is the city's mostsought-after divorce attorney. And Camila used to work with Henry, but now she's with me at Luxe."

"I feel like my CV doesn't measure up to all of you," Yong-rae says, looking around. I pat him on the back.

"Of course it does," I insist. "You're Yong-rae Kim, star of the upcoming hit film directed by Edward Ash!"

"Here, here!" Camila says, raising her glass. It's the second time she's helped clear the air, and I wonder how long before she moves out of contracts and starts working with clients directly. She's a natural.

When Mom and Dad return with a turkey fit for a Food Network special, we dig in with gusto. We're loud and messy, but I'm proud as hell of my brothers and the amazing women they're bringing into the fold.

I wasn't sure about having Yong-rae here; even though he's been my client for a while, I've always kept my personal life very separate from work. But I couldn't leave him alone to spiral during the holidays. Not when he's so close to losing what he's worked so hard for. WhatIhave worked so hard for.

I'll be his support system. I'll help him get back on track. And when shooting resumes and everyone sees what I've always known has been there, even Miss Perfect Awa won't be able to find fault with him.

Chapter thirteen

Noah

November 2005

"You've never hooked up with a friend? Not even making out or hand stuff?"

I could kiss her. Not in a romantic way. Not like how I want to kiss Awa. More like how Michael kisses Fredo in "The Godfather". Sybil—nosy, can't-read-the-room, always-aroundSybil—just became a hall of fame wingwoman!

It's been months—months!—since I asked Awa for her number. We've talked. We've eaten meals together. We've studied more than I ever have in my life. But whenever I try to flirt with her, to move things to the next level, she acts clueless. She's got some sort of blinders on that make it impossible for her to believe I'm truly hitting on her.

I don't know why Sybil's suggestive comments tonight finally got through to Awa, and I don't care. Because now she's looking at me, not with her usual thoughtful concentration, and nothing like the stolen glances when she thinks I'm not watching, but with open desire. And she hasn't pulled her hands away.

"N-No," she whispers, blinking nervously. "All my friends are just friends."

And idiots, I finish in my head. How could any man—any man who's attracted towomen—not want to jump her bones after spending mere hours with her? I can't honestly be the first person to see the siren hidden behind the bookish armor she wears, can I?

I grip her hands tighter and swallow down my nerves.

"Do you want to?" I ask.

God, I hope she wants to. I'm done pretendingIdon't want to. That I don't want to tap into the passion lurking beneath her librarian persona.

She looks up at me, hesitant.

"In general, or…?"

When the words die on her lips, I inhale deeply to tamp down my frustration. Can she really not tell how much I want her? How hard it's been for me to hold back around her? How hardI'vebeen?! I don't give a shit if she wants to hook upin general! I want to know whether she wants to hook up withme, goddammit!

I caress her wrists and remind myself about the blinders, that even this conversation might be uncharted territory for her. I nod towards her bedroom.

"I—" She looks away before starting again. "Doyouwant to?"