Page 36 of Something Blue

He pulls the chair out and sits himself down.

Dalila rolls her eyes. “I didn’t invite you to sit. What are you doing here anyway - you hate this place? You said it wasn’t Italian enough.” She snickers.

Celso ignores his sister’s taunts and reaches out to gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You look as beautiful as ever.”

My cheeks flush bright pink and I turn my face away from him, knowing I can’t hide it, but trying to. I lift my wine glass and sip it because I desperately need something to do.

My heart is racing at his touch, my eyes wanting to roam over his shapely lips and stare into those perfect blue eyes.

“What the hell?” Dalila mutters, her brows knotted.

Celso sits back, his legs spread wide as he relaxes in the chair. “What did you guys order? The Risotto is the best thing on the menu.”

“You’re not invited Celso.”

“Don’t be mean, Dalila.” He chuckles.

“But seriously, what are you doing here?” she demands.

I stare at him, watching the dimples form on his cheeks when he smiles, and the sculpted shape of his jaw. He looks calm and confident as he rolls the sleeves of his shirt up over his taunt, muscular forearms. My eyes trace across his broad shoulders and now all I’m thinking about is that kiss -

“Neve?” Dalila says in frustration. “Are you on planet earth?”

“Sorry, I’m exhausted - I spaced out for a second.”

“Yeah, you were staring at my brother like he was a chunk of birthday cake.” She huffs.

I chuckle. I could eat him up.

What the hell, Neve. He’s a dangerous, possibly murderous arrogant asshole. No one is eating anyone up. Get a grip.

“I was telling my brother that it’s agirlslunch.”

I bite my lip. I want him to stay - but that is the exact reason he needs to leave.

“Yip, sorry, no boys allowed.” I say, sassy and full of attitude. Someone needs to bring him down a notch or two, anyway.

Celso chuckles. But I can see the rejection in his face. It bothers me I made him feel that way - which is crazy - but he stands up and nods towards the food the server is busy setting down in front of us.

“I’m sure you ladies will enjoy it.”

He leans over and kisses Dalila on the cheek and she pulls a face.

He leans over and kisses me on the cheek, and I freeze, my face flushing red again as the dark delicious scent of his cologne washes over me. “Neve.” He whispers.

Then he leaves and Dalila is staring at me like I have a lobster on my head.

“What the hell was that?” She snaps.

“What?” I mutter.

“Is there something going on between you and my brother?” she demands.

“No. Eew. Celso is too - creepy.” I say, trying to sound like I mean it. “I know the rules, Dalila. I wouldn’t do that to you. I wouldn’t risk our friendship like that.”

She nods, satisfied with my answer.

I wouldn’t do it.I tell myself.

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