The line at Starbucks was long. Not that it mattered. I’d just come from one of the most stressful meetings of my life and I needed to regroup and ideally, cool down before this next one. It was hot as fuck in Brooklyn. Ninety degrees seemed like one hundred degrees after a three-block walk dressed in a suit and tie. I loosened my tie and glanced down at my cell when it vibrated in my hand.

“Hey, Rem.”

“Well? How’d it go?”

“I haven’t met her yet.”

“I’m dying to know what Syd wants,” he said.

“Me too. She said she was going to be in the city and wanted to talk business. Hell, she was even willing to meet me in Brooklyn. But the house sold and the money was evenly divided, so I’m not sure what’s left.”

“Maybe she wants you back.”

I let out a humorless huff. “Not happening. And don’t make me laugh. I can’t afford to expend any excess energy. I’m a sweaty mess and that meeting with Tony’s Uncle Al was stressful. Why didn’t you tell me he looked and sounded like Marlon Brando in The Godfather? I’m traumatized,” I groused.

Remy snorted. “He’s a sweetheart!”

“Hmph. Actually, he was pretty cool. He invited me to swing by the jobsite and take a look at a few of the renovated units on the ground floor. He has some big sales team working the top units with views, but he kept saying ‘la famiglia,’ which I think meant he preferred to give the business to family.”

“Sounds about right. Family is important to the De Lucas.”

“Sure, but I’m not technically family,” I reminded him as I stepped forward in line.

“You will be next month,” he chirped happily.

“True. Hey, if I see Tony at the jobsite, I’m gonna run a few of my bachelor party ideas by him. We gotta have strippers. There’s no harm suggesting it, right?” I teased.

Remy chuckled. “No, but you might get harmed for suggesting it. Proceed at your own risk.”

“Ha! I think Tony—oh.” I stopped short when a familiar figure waved at me from the far side of the store. “She’s here. I have to go.”

“Okay. Good luck. Just remember, it’s over. You have a new life here with a new man. We’ll forget you still haven’t introduced your only brother or—”

“Are you done with the guilt?”

“For now. You got this, big bro.”

I said a quick good-bye and slipped my phone into my pocket just as Syd approached the counter. I hadn’t seen her in months, but she hadn’t changed at all. She was tall, blonde, and very beautiful in a wholesome all-American way I’d found very appealing. She wore a black sundress with spaghetti straps that offset her long hair and red lipstick. Sydney was the kind of girl who garnered a second look when she stepped into a room and like any wise salesperson, she used her physical advantages to further her career.

I’d liked her ambitious streak and take-charge personality. I’d been swept away by the notion of being part of a power couple. Of course, in a town as small as Elmhurst, it wasn’t a huge achievement to rule the real estate market, but she’d had her eyes set on conquering neighboring cities before eventually trying the Big Apple on for size. In our almost two years together, we’d set records outselling every other broker in our area. The more successful we were, the more stuff we accumulated. Jewelry, cars, jet skis. And that giant fucking house.

The first time I’d walked in and looked up at the gargantuan crystal chandelier in the entry, I’d had a bad feeling. I just couldn’t see myself there. The size and sophistication overwhelmed me. It constantly demanded something from me. Things to fill the empty corners, expensive cars for the garage, animals in the stable and of course, a staff to take care of everything. That house sucked my soul away. I fucking hated that no matter how much furniture we bought, it always felt empty. It took me a while to realize it wasn’t the house at all. It was the relationship. What I had to give was never enough. And it never would be.

Syd smiled tentatively, adjusting the strap on her computer bag before extending her right hand. “Hi, Reeve. How are you?”

I shook her hand, marveling at how awkward it was to greet the woman I once thought would be the mother of my children with a handshake.

“I’m good. What can I get you? Do you still like those iced mochas?” I asked politely.

Her smile took on a wistful quality as she inclined her head. “Yes. Thank you. I’ll grab a table for us.”

I watched her walk away and wished like hell I could call Leo now just to hear his voice. He wasn’t most people’s idea of a comforting presence; he was raw, edgy, and could be very intimidating. But not with me. He was my friend, my confidante, and a lover I could be vulnerable and yet safe with at the same time. I’d never had that with Syd. It felt odd to look at the ruins of our relationship from a new perspective. I’d thought I’d loved her but truthfully it was admiration, lust, and an unhealthy desire to create a fairytale reality that ultimately was unsustainable and deeply unsatisfying. It felt good to be free of that life…and of her.

So what the fuck was she doing in New York City?

I collected our drinks and brought them to the table Syd chose next to the window. Then I pulled off my suit coat, draped it over the back of the chair across from her, and sat down. I was aware of her amused gaze as I rolled up the sleeves of my white oxford shirt. This was already uncomfortable. It seemed ridiculous to sweat like a pig and ruin a perfectly nice coat too.

“Are you comfortable?” she asked with a chuckle.

“Marginally.”

Syd tapped her long red nails against her plastic cup and gave me a lopsided smile. “So, Brooklyn?”

“Yeah. It’s going to take some time to get my name noticed on a bigger scale but for now…so far, so good. Plus Remy’s here.”

“How’s Remy? Your mom told me he’s engaged.”

I grinned. “Yeah, he and Tony are getting married next month.”

I launched into more detail than she was probably interested in hearing about my brother’s upcoming nuptials. They knew each other in the way people from small towns did, but I hadn’t started dating Syd until Remy moved to Manhattan so there wasn’t much crossover. However, family and mutual friends were neutral topics I hoped would keep this meeting pleasant.

After we’d covered basics and had a laugh about a fight at city hall over a new streetlight on Main Street, a strained quiet fell between us. I tuned in to the cell conversation of the businessman behind me as I sipped my iced coffee. Stocks and commodities, buy, sell, buy, sell.

“I’m moving to the city,” she blurted.

I pushed my cup aside and wiped the condensation on my suit pants as I worked out the proper response. Good for you, that’s nice, or stay away from me. Decisions, decisions. I settled on something simpler.

“Oh.” And then to make myself sound a teensy more intelligent, I added, “That’s nice.”

“Yes. I’ve been talking to a firm on the Upper West Side. They want to pair me up with an experienced salesperson which sounds like a good idea but…I have a better one. I want you to be my partner.”

“Excuse me?”

“We were good together, Reeve. We looked good, we knew our stuff, and people liked buying from a young couple in love.”

“We aren’t in love,” I replied automatically.

She had the audacity to look wounded by the truth, but she recovered with a wan smile and a shrug. “I know. But I’ve been doing some soul-searching and research and—you and I kicked ass together. We did more together than we accomplished separately and we did it in Elmhurst. Just think of what we could do in Manhattan! This was where we said we’d go next. You came here first, and you seem happy enough but…you aren’t working at your dream job or living where you wanted. We can do it together, Reeve. I’m not suggesting we get back together but—”

“I’m with someone,” I said abruptly.

I hadn’t planned on sharing any personal info, but I wanted her to stop talking. The avalanche of words was suffocating. Like staring up at that giant fucking chandelier, knowing it was a matter of time before it crushed the life out of me.

“I see.” She looked out the window as though she needed a moment to absorb the news. “Maybe that’s why you seem happy.”

“Maybe. Look, I’m the first to admit nothing has gone according to plan since I arrived here. It’s taken me months to find my groove, but I’m working through it and yeah…I’m happy. It may fall apart and turn into a disaster, but I’m willing to take a chance. I’m not interested in recreating any portion of what made us successful in Elmhurst. I left for a new start and I got it.” I shifted in my chair and glanced at my watch, hoping to signal this conversation was nearing its end. “I can forgive and forget and remember the good times, but I’m not interested in a reprise.”

She pursed her lips unhappily. “I’m sorry, Reeve. I’m really sorry.”

“I know. But it’s over. We can’t go back.” I stood and grabbed my suit coat then set my hand on her shoulder. “I wish you luck. You don’t need me. You’ll kill it here on your own. Take care of yourself, Syd.”

She stood and threw her arms around me. I held her for a moment then stepped back. “Good-bye. I hope she’s good to you.”

“He’s amazing. Thank you.” I winked then squeezed her elbow and headed for the door.

I paused when I reached the crosswalk. I wondered if it occurred to her that she’d basically admitted she’d looked at our relationship as a professional merger. I wished I’d caught on sooner. I pulled out my cell and stared at the blank screen for a moment. I wanted Leo. I’d have him to myself in a couple of hours, but my brief interaction with Syd made me feel rudderless, disconnected, and anxious. I never felt that way with Leo, I mused before typing the first thing that came to mind.

Let’s eat ice cream in our underwear on the roof tonight. I call the mint chip.

It was silly but it was something. Connection.

You wanted chocolate. The mint chip is mine.

I chuckled at the gif he attached of a scowling kid and countered with a few devil emojis and a heart. First one there wins. See you tonight.

I shoved my phone into my pocket and waved for a taxi. One more stop then I was going home. To Leo’s.

* * *

The old factory building the De Luca Construction company had recently refurbished was prime real estate in one of the more exclusive sections of Brooklyn Heights. No doubt the views of Manhattan from the top floors were stunning. According to Tony, the property had been in his family for decades. His grandfather, and later his uncle, had rented it to a law firm. It was one of their infamous “friend of the family” deals in which the rent hadn’t changed since 1985. When the firm dissolved last year, they decided to finally take advantage of the market by turning the property into condominiums.

The square brick building featured generous windows and overlooked a grassy knoll with a contemporary fountain. A riot of flowers lined the winding pathways. And benches and picnic tables sat under huge shady trees. The ones at the furthest edges probably had a nice view of the river and boardwalk beyond. It was an inviting space. No doubt, the De Lucas had done a great job with the renovations. I bet they’d make the money they’d invested back in spades.

I headed up the path leading to the fenced-off front entry and called Tony’s cell. I figured I’d take a quick look at the lower units and try to put together a comprehensive report to wow Uncle Al and maybe win a job as listing agent for a couple of units.

Tony answered on the first ring. “Yo, Reeve. You here?”

“I’m outside the gate. Do I need a hard hat or something?”

“Yeah. I’ll find you an extra and bring one down. Stay put,” he instructed.

I scrolled through a few messages while I waited for Tony. The steady buzz of construction noise warred with the ubiquitous city sounds I was usually able to tune out with ease. Not so much now. I paced in front of the chain link fence, hoping to stave off the wave of agitation that followed me after my meeting with Syd. I’d be fine as soon I could refocus on something besides the niggling worry that my instincts sucked.

It was one thing to fall in and out of love with someone but another thing entirely to think I’d been duped for two years. What did that say about me or my judgment? Was I so desperate to fill a void that I convinced myself of something that was never real? I raked my hand through my hair when my agitation spiked. What if I was guilty of doing the same thing with Leo? I said the L-word too fast. He hadn’t seemed freaked out about it but he also hadn’t reciprocated. I wondered if I was pushing too hard and trying to make a commitment out of mint chip ice cream. Or maybe—

“Hey, what’s with the daydreamin’? Let’s go, man.” Tony pushed a hard hat at me and narrowed his gaze when I started in surprise.

“Um, sorry.” I grabbed the standard issue yellow helmet and examined the inside suspiciously. “Is this clean?”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Probably not. But don’t worry, the lice around here are friendly.”

“Ha. Ha.”

“Put it on and let’s do this. I need to finish up and get home. I promised Rem I’d look at china with him.” He winced and shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t think we need china though. We have plates. Done deal. Some of this pre-wedding stuff is like a test, you know? I guess it’s good to know if you can compromise on stupid crap like silverware before you get to the hard stuff.”

“So you don’t have any strong opinions about utensils?” I teased as I gingerly set the hard hat on my head.

“No. I’d eat pasta with my fingers if that’s what Remy wanted. As long as I have him, I’m happy. I don’t need anything else.” Tony patted my shoulder and gestured toward the gate meaningfully.

I followed him inside, nodding when he went into detail about the refinishing work they’d done in the entry. But I was still stuck on his ineloquent but somehow poignant declaration of love for my brother. “As long as I have him, I’m happy.” Simple truths were the most powerful ones.

I glanced up at the plasterwork on the ceiling. “This is nice. I like the mix of old and new.”

“Me too. You should see the upstairs units.” Tony let out a low whistle of admiration. “Really fucking swanky. I’d take you up there, but most of the best features are covered with drop clothes. Mikey and Pete are busy making sure the filming crew doesn’t scratch the floors or bang the wall with their equipment.”

“Filming crew?” I frowned.

“Yeah. I’ve been downstairs so I haven’t seen ’em but I’ve heard ’em all damn day,” he groused. “They’ve been louder than us.”

“What are they filming?” I licked my lips and swallowed hard when my already jumbled mind started throwing pieces of a puzzle together haphazardly.

“Some cable show about houses in—”

“Oh my God.”

I stepped away from Tony and headed for the stairs.

“Hey. Where you goin’?”

I didn’t stop. My feet moved of their own volition through tarp-covered nondescript hallways toward the sound of voices. I rounded the corner and bumped into a young man with a clipboard.

“Excuse me, sir. You can’t—well, hi!”

“Diego.”

“Long time no see,” Diego singsonged, pushing a pencil behind his ear before leaning in to give me a one-armed hug. “How’ve you been?”

“Uh. Good. You?” I asked distractedly.

“Same here. But my boss is a taskmaster and there’s no rest for the weary. Or the wicked,” he added with a laugh.

“Is he here?”

“Yes. He’s busy taking over the world on his cell in between running through dialogue and making sure the lighting is right. I rarely wish for a gloomy summer day but overcast skies are better for…”

I nodded like I gave a shit about camera angles and glare then stepped around Diego and parted the heavy linen drapery separating the hallway from the adjacent room.

The light was blinding. I stood in the doorway to let my vision adjust to the sunlight streaking through the wide bank of windows and reflecting off the gleaming wood floors and white walls. Most surfaces were covered in a protective plastic except for a corner of the kitchen area where a small crew manning heavy-duty cameras surrounded a couple of familiar-looking faces. Chuck and Nora and…Leo.

There were enough bodies in the room that no one noticed me. Or since I’d been allowed in, maybe they assumed I had a secret pass and a reason to be there. I had nothing but a sick churning in my gut that worsened with every step as I approached the black granite island.

Nora glanced over and frowned. “Reeve?”

I nodded in acknowledgment before facing Leo, who’d turned at the sound of my name. He looked handsome and commanding in his navy designer suit. Like a man who was born to reign. Or a lion overseeing his concrete jungle. His cell was glued to his ear, but he pulled it away and cocked his head curiously as though he was confused by my presence.

He disconnected the call with a sharp, “I’ll call you back” then narrowed his gaze at me. “What are you doing here?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing but I think I know,” I said in a low voice.

“This is one of the properties we chose for the pilot. I told you I—”

“This was the reason.”

“What reason?” Leo furrowed his brow. “What are you talking about?”

“This—” I extended my right arm weakly then dropped it at my side. “You wanted the De Luca connection. Not me. It was never about me at all. I can’t believe I didn’t see it,” I whispered.

Leo gripped my elbow and gave me a fierce look that made my pulse race in spite of my plummeting mood. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I can’t do this now.” He held my chin between his thumb and forefinger when I pulled away angrily. “Hey. Did you just meet with your ex?”

“Yeah,” I said unhappily.

“I’m sorry she upset you but—”

“She didn’t upset me. She opened my eyes,” I hissed. “Good-bye, Leo.”

I shot him a scathing look then headed toward the exit, carefully avoiding the curious glances of the crew who surely felt the tension whether or not they overheard our conversation.

“Reeve!” Leo’s booming voice startled me.

And everyone else. Heads turned to see what the fuss was about. Heat flooded my cheeks. I hated scenes. I hadn’t meant to engage him in a ridiculous showdown at work. This was so…juvenile. I had to get out of here, but dammit, he was impossible to walk away from. I stopped in the doorway and turned to face him.

“Yes?”

Leo’s features softened noticeably. He gave me a tentative smile and stuck his hands in his back pockets in a boyish, vulnerable way that made me wary coming directly in the wake of his outburst.

“Swing by the market and grab some extra mint chip, baby. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

The nonchalant request was the perfect neutralizer. Crisis averted. Nothing to see here, folks. Move along. Well, fuck that.

I balled my fists at my sides in frustration and yelled. “Get your own fucking mint chip.”

A collective gasp flittered around the space followed by an unsettling quiet. My mortification was complete. I bit the inside of my cheek hard then made my version of a classy exit. I ran.

I scurried out the door, knocking Diego’s clipboard from his hand before racing down the hallway to the stairwell. The protective plastic sheets whistled like the wind through the trees as I picked up speed. When I hit the landing, I waved at Tony before finally stepping outside and sucking in a gulp of fresh air. I thought I heard him yell something about a hat, but I didn’t stop walking until a hand on my shoulder stopped me midstride.

I whirled around sharply, sending the yellow hard hat flying off my head. Leo caught it before it hit the ground then held it in front of his chest like a shield.

“You wanted my attention—you’ve got it. What the hell is going on?” he growled.

And I just…lost it. It was gone…whatever it was. Sanity, lucidity, my ability to communicate like an adult. Poof!

“You used me!” I pointed my finger at the hard hat, aware that my voice and my hands were shaking.

“How did I use you? Why would I use you? You’re being ridiculous!” He massaged the back of his neck with an exasperated sigh.

I gritted my teeth and closed the distance between us. “You knew my brother was marrying a De Luca. That’s why you hired me.”

“That’s true,” he said simply.

I sputtered and then stared at him with my mouth wide open. I felt like I’d been sucker-punched only to have my assailant stand above me with a “You had it coming” expression.

“You admit it? Just like that?”

“Baby, you quit and we happened and…it had nothing to do with the De Lucas,” he said earnestly. “Yes, McAllister flagged your name when we realized the connection, but we already had the deal.”

“You didn’t have the whole thing though, and you aren’t the kind of guy who walks away from the other half of a deal, Leo. I know you.”

“Then you should also know there are exceptions to the rule,” he retorted.

“What? The boyfriend rule? It couldn’t be that. We haven’t had the BF conversation. We’ve talked about a million things but definitely not that. Politics, religion, weird family traditions, but never about us. And that’s okay. I don’t want to ask for anything you aren’t ready for. But…I won’t be used. If you want the whole deal, take it.” I gestured toward the construction site behind him. “I don’t need it. I’ll find my own way.”

Leo tossed the hard hat onto the grassy area beside us then backed up a few steps before glancing at me with an unreadable expression. My heart was in my throat. I braced myself for the worst when I sensed the stormy atmosphere around him.

“I want to go too.”

“Where?”

“Your way. Wherever you’re going. I want to be there.” His voice was rough with emotion, making it difficult to understand him even when he came to stand in front of me. “I would never use you or take advantage of you. I—” He let out a breath of air and pursed his lips thoughtfully. “I love you, Reeve.”

“No fair. You can’t say that right now. I’m mad and—”

Leo cupped my face and caressed my jaw. “It’s true. My timing sucks but I swear, it’s true. Do you trust me?” He put his hand up to stop my speech. “No. Don’t answer. You’re gonna say no and I understand but I can prove it. What do you want me to do?”

“Um…”

“Cartwheels,” he replied in a serious monotone voice.

I squinted and set my hands on my hips. “You’re going to do a cartwheel?”

“Yeah. Here. Hold my coat.” He shrugged his coat off then draped it over my arm and unbuttoned his shirt-sleeves one at a time then rolled them up his forearms meticulously before meeting my gaze again.

“Now? Why?”

“ ’Cause I’m a fool for you, and I’m willing to make a fool of myself to prove it. I can’t back out of that contract because it was signed months ago, well before you started at McAllister. I can promise not to go after the other portion if you want. You say the word—I’ll do it. You want me to pierce my nipples, get your name tattooed on my ass. Done. I love you, Reeve.

“I should have started the boyfriend conversation, I should have…I should have done a lot of things I didn’t. I haven’t had a boyfriend in eighteen years. I never wanted to go through it again because I didn’t just lose him, I lost everything. But now…I’d give it all away again just to be with you.”

Emotion bubbled inside me and spilled over in a wave of love and affection so cleansing and sweet, I wished there was a way to bottle the moment. My smile was so wide it hurt.

“Come here.” I held my arms open and sighed when he pulled me close. I closed my eyes briefly and breathed in his scent. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I get so crazy around you.”

“It’s because you love me. Admit it.”

“I love you.” I kissed him then, fusing my lips to his and throwing everything I had into the connection.

When we pulled back for air, we stared at each other, wearing matching goofy grins. Leo laced his fingers through mine and kissed my knuckles before moving toward the grass.

“Okay. This will not be pretty. Just…try to keep the laughter to a minimum. Oh, and let’s make this fair. You wear the hard hat.”

I snickered as I set the hat back on my head. “Now what?”

“Now…here goes nothing.” Leo flexed his muscles like a cartoon character then looked both ways before setting his left hand on the grass and hiking his six-foot-four frame over his head. He lost his balance and promptly landed flat on his back.

I crouched beside him and smoothed the stray hair from his forehead then leaned down to kiss his lips. “That was amazing. Thank you.”

Leo grinned. “This is just the beginning. We’ve got a ways to go.”

I nodded in agreement and caressed his face. I loved the sentiment. It fit us well. A few songs popped into my head at the same time, vying for a place in my never-ending internal soundtrack to commemorate a new beginning. I pushed them firmly aside and let the moment unfold. Two men in executive suits lying on the grass on a hot summer day. We may have looked out of place but neither of us cared. We’d found the right path and we were on our way.