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Gemma steps out of the elevator, the doors closing behind her.

“Drink?” I walk into the living room, followed by her small footsteps.

“No, thank you.”

Brandon’s lasagna is already laid out on the couch table.

“Oh. Do you expect someone?”

“Yes. You.” I turn to face her.

“You knew I’d come?”

“I know my sister, and I know you.” My sister presumably told her everything. I’d bet on it, but still, I wasn’t sure Gemma would come.

She fiddles with the strap of her purse, not meeting my eyes.

“Sit down and let’s eat. It’s already past noon.”

“Don’t you eat at a table?”

“This is more comfortable.”

“Wait, is that lasagna?” She eyes the food.

One of her favorites.

Her eyes shoot up to me, wary. “Strictly business?”

“Strictly.” I clench my fist behind my back, gesturing for her to sit.

She concedes and sits down on the couch. I sit down close to her, our knees almost touching. She tenses but doesn’t move away.

“So, business?”

“Right.” She eyes the lasagna again but doesn’t move to take any. “I wanted to thank you for doing all this. I really like your sister.”

“I’m glad you two hit it off. She doesn’t warm up to anyone.” I scoop some lasagna. “How about we start with you having a taste before we get into business? This is my brother’s recipe. Best lasagna in the city.”

Her mouth opens, presumably to rebuke me, but I give her a begging look as I pass her the plate. “Please, eat.”

“Thanks.”

Gemma takes a small bite, the tension in her shoulders easing as the flavors hit her tongue. The wonders lasagna can do.

I want nothing more than to reach out and touch her, but I resist. It’s too soon.

“Oh wow, this is really good.”

“Told you.” I try to keep my face straight. “Now, for—”

“Did you really end it with Esther?” Her fork rattles against the plate in her lap.

Business?

“Yes, I ended it with Esther.” I meet Gemma’s gaze directly. “I told you before, she meant nothing to me. It was a business arrangement to please my father.”

Gemma glances away, fiddling with her fork. “Right.”

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