Page 53 of Just One Spark

I laughed at his teasing, but it felt hollow."This was always supposed to be temporary.We're friends."

He leaned against the counter, holding a strip of bacon."You don't think the sex is phenomenal for being just friends?"

He was bare chested, and all that skin was distracting."It is good."

He raised a brow."Just good?Do I need to take you on this countertop for you to use a better word?"

I shook my head, laughing."I have to eat.You wore me out last night."

"I feel like you've issued a challenge though.I have to make it even better for you."

"That's not true.I think it's great."I've never had anyone want me to rate their sexual chemistry with me.

His shoulders lowered in disappointment."Great?That felt underwhelming."

I laughed."Why do I feel like you just want a reason to have sex with me?"

"I don't need a reason.I want to all the time," he said earnestly.

This thing between us felt really good.I enjoyed spending time with him, whether it was watching a movie, sharing a meal, or showering together.I loved that we supported each other in our respective businesses.I was going to miss him when I moved back to my life."I guess you'll be busy the next couple of weeks, getting everything ready to open?"

"I have a meeting with Beck this morning to talk about last night.We have some things to fix.Rowan was passionate about opening the brewery.This was his dream, and I wouldn't weigh him down with concerns about my feelings.Especially when I wasn't supposed to be having any.This was just sex and a little pretending when we were in public.But it was starting to feel less like acting and very real.

I couldn't stop thinking about the rooftop proposal and how genuine Rowan seemed.Right up until he reminded me of the fake nature of our relationship.

The whole evening would have been magical if I could just forget about the plan."You'll be even busier when the brewery opens."I wasn't sure if I was reminding myself or him.

"Malcolm loves to remind me of that.Dad said he's getting a nanny so he can work more nights at the restaurant."

I frowned."Does he need to do that?"

"He says he does.But Dad doesn't like that he'll be spending less time with McCoy."

"You think he should spend time with McCoy the weeks he has custody?"I asked him.

His brow furrowed."I'm not a dad, but I would think he'd want to do that.At some point, can't he hire a trusted manager to do the nights he can't?"

"Sometimes you can't afford that kind of help."It was a good thing that I was starting my business before I had a family to worry about.I'd seen firsthand how time-consuming family could be.

He lifted the plate and practically shoveled the scrambled eggs into his mouth.When he was done, he wiped his mouth and sipped his OJ.It was adorable that he drank juice and not coffee in the morning."I can understand that.I haven't seen the numbers for the restaurant.I would think that he would be close to being able to hire more people.But I don't know for sure.Malcolm tends to think that he has to be the one who's managing the restaurant.It's like he can't give up the control."

"Ah.The other women were talking about that last night.It was encouraging to hear that everyone struggles with this stuff."

"The problem is that Malcolm is pressuring me to always be present.To focus solely on the brewery.As if I can't be trusted to handle it on my own.It's irritating."He carried his dish to the sink and rinsed it.

"Can you set a boundary with him?"I'd spent a lot of time talking about boundaries with a therapist after my father died.It was the main reason why I only saw Mom every few months.I didn't want to get sucked back into that situation.If she asked for help, that was different.But I couldn't help her unless she decided she wanted it.

"Every family member gets a say in the businesses.But this feels like more.No one else is questioning my focus or drive."

"Tell him that you appreciate his concern but that you've got it.If you need his advice, you'll ask for it."

Rowan braced his hands on the counter."I don't think he'd take that very well."

I huffed out a laugh."I don't believe he would."

He scrubbed his hand down his face."Honestly?I'm afraid to say that to him."

I raised a brow."You're afraid of your brother?"