Page 59 of Clueless Romeo

"Enjoying marital bliss thanks to you." He settled back in his chair with his hands casually resting on his flat stomach.

After I turned on my computer, I studied him closely. Nate, his posture relaxed and wearing a cocky grin, was at complete ease with himself. Would CJ have been interested in him if the date hadn't been designed to fail?

I pushed the thought away before Nate could pick up on the questions creeping into my mind. I cleared my throat. "What are we doing today?"

"I want to talk about CJ." He cocked his head, and his words hit like a sucker punch. I didn't want him talking about CJ at all, but how the fuck was I supposed to admit that?

Paws off, you egotistical jock. He's mine. Except he's not because I don't know what the fuck I'm doing. I also don't know what I want, much less whathe's thinking after our weekend together.Saying all that didn't sound like a great idea, so I forced a smile.

"Yeah? How'd the date go?" My stomach tightened as I pretended I didn't already know the details.

Nate rolled his lips and narrowed his jade green eyes slightly. "He didn't like the date. You assured me he would, but he left within minutes. So I'm curious what made you suggest the restaurant."

Again, it was probably a bad call to replybecause I wanted it to fail. This was one of the many reasons dating a client was on my don't-fucking-think-about-it list. "He didn't enjoy it? I was sure he would."

Straight up lie, but I furrowed my brow, hopefully appearing genuine.

He hummed as he tilted his head. "Well, he didn't. You were right about one thing, though. CJ's attractive, and I'm definitely into it. I need to find out if he's open to giving us another chance now that I'm more aware of what he likes."

Us. The word soured my gut, and a lump lodged in my throat. I struggled not to ball my hands into fists and beat on the table like a fucking caveman while claiming CJ for myself. What right did I have to make that sort of scene when CJ wasn't really mine? I tapped casually on the glass desktop instead. "I'm sorry the date didn't go well. Is there a chance he may not be interested? Maybe we should move on and find another—"

Nate was already shaking his head. "Trust me, there is plenty of potential between us, even if he doesn't realize it yet. I won't make the same mistake again." Jealousy burned hot in my veins, picturing the two of them together, openly dating. And I wasn't sure I could offer CJ the same. "Have you met with him?" he continued. "I'm curious if he feels the same way."

I hadn't mentioned CJ was my neighbor, and now I hesitated to reveal that fact or confirm I had talked to him. We'd done a hell of a lot more than talking. I bit my tongue to refrain from telling my client that CJ had soaked my sheets with come. Several times.

I grabbed a pen from my cup holder and tapped it hard against my desk to ground myself because my grip on reality was beginning to fray, and Nate frowned at the movement. Would CJ be open to going on another date with Nate if it was something he enjoyed doing? I hoped not because apparently, I was a selfish bastard.

I forced another smile. "I can definitely ask CJ and see what I can do."

"I would appreciate it. The kiss—"

"You two kissed?" I interrupted with more bite in my tone than either of us expected. CJ had said I was the first, and he didn't strike me as a liar. Unlike myself.

Nate's dark eyebrows shot high. "Would that be a problem?"

Fuck yes, it would be. CJ's lips belonged to me. Except they didn't.Fuuuck. I really had to get my head straight. The laugh I set free sounded awkward at best. "Of course not."

He studied me before finally sighing. "No, we didn't. I was going to say the kiss I'd imagined never happened, and I think that's the truest test of a spark. I'd at least like the chance to find out if it exists between us."

I swore if he saidusone more damn time… "I'll see what I can do," I repeated in a strained voice.

He nodded as he pushed out of the chair. I remained seated because I honestly wasn't sure what I'd do if I stood. Nate held his hand out once more over the desk, and I reluctantly shook it.

"I appreciate it and look forward to good news." He winked again and flashed another blinding smile.

I was frustrated that I couldn't immediately shut him down but nodded in agreement. "I'll be in touch."

The second he stepped out the door, I wasn't shocked at all to find Jazmine taking his place. Leaning against the doorframe, she popped her gum. "He wants to see CJ again?"

"Yep." I set down the pen, and turned toward my laptop, pretending to be busy.

"Isn't that going to fuck up whatever you have going on with CJ?"

Her words froze me in place before I slowly turned to look at her. "What are you talking about?"

Jazmine's lips quirked on one side. "Roman.Seriously. I'm your sister, and I know you. The way you watch him isn't just neighborly or friendly. I admit it took me a bit to put together what I was seeing because I didn't know you were into dudes. And I damn sure didn't know we had similar tastes."

I scowled. "Can you please not talk about how hot CJ is? Don't you have a boyfriend?"

---