Page 32 of Crossing Lines

“She’s off-limits,” I say.

“Why?”

“She’s far too young for me, and we’re at completely different places in our lives.” Also, I doubt Mom would approve. It hasn’t escaped my notice that everyone she tries to set me up with is Turkish. “I bet she wants kids, and at my age, that’s just not something I’m interested in.”

“Hmm, or maybe she’s not, and instead, she’s perfect for you.”

I ignore his words, not entertaining the idea. Sure, Nina’s beautiful, and there’s this attraction between us, but it won’t go anywhere. Sleeping with her is a complication no one needs. “It doesn’t matter.Anneinsists that the next date she sets me up on will be the one.”

“Well, maybe you should just tell her you don’t need to be set up—that you’re perfectly capable of finding someone on your own.”

“It’s not that simple,” I say. And it’s not. Since Dad died from a heart attack, she’s made it her life goal to make sure I don’t end up alone. It started with little comments two years ago, but it didn’t turn into a full-on campaign until I moved us all to the US. She means well, and deep down, I recognize that maybe I do need help to find someone. But all these dates do is remind me just how alone I really am.

The only attractive thing about me is my bank account. My workaholic and blunt nature don’t lend well to a relationship, but I refuse to be with someone who only wants me for my money. “I’m not sure I’m meant to be in a relationship.”

“Never say never,” Zeki says seriously. “Anyone would be lucky to be with you.”

Lucky? That’d be a first. I don’t know a single person who’d say they’re lucky to know the real me, let alone date the real me.

“Hi, I’m Mick.” He sticks his hand out for me to shake. “I promise, I’m only here for the fresh air and to pretend I know what I’m doing. If my golf skills were as good as my ability to dodge work calls, I’d be on the PGA Tour by now.”

“It’s true,” Ben says easily. “He’s horrible.”

Both have thick, wavy, dark hair, bronze skin, and broad noses. It’s easy to tell they’re related since they look a lot alike.

Zeki immediately joins in with jokes, slotting in easily with their playful banter. I remain quiet and study them while Nate scans the course, watching for any threats.

Ben defers to Mick for everything, so clearly Mick is the one with all the control, even if Ben is the CEO. As Mick lines up his shot, he naturally fits the “rich guy” mold without coming across as an arrogant prick. It’s a hard line to balance, but it’s one he appears to do well. He reminds me of the kind of guys who can walk into a room full of power players and instantly make you feel at ease, not because he’s trying, but because that’s simply who he is.

His golf clothes are tailored, but today, he’s sporting neon-orange socks which must be purposely done to clash like that. It’s a calculated choice, and that alone says something—he’s fully leaning into the approachable businessman image he’s got going on.

After we start the game, Mick casually says, “Ben tells me you’re on the lookout for a new sponsor.”

“We are,” I say, lining up my own shot. I suck at golf and hate to play it. But if it’ll help me close this deal, I’ll do it. I swing and the ball barely moves. How long does this game last? “Why don’t you tell me a bit more about Glam Pop and what you’re looking for in a partnership?”

“Glam Pop,” Ben says, “is more than just flavored sparkling water. It’s a celebration of female empowerment. It all started to help my mom. There’s a lot of social pressure to drink alcohol at the events she goes to, but she hates the stuff. So, I designed Glam Pop to be a refreshing and sophisticated alternative. Where she, or any woman, could feel confident, beautiful, and strong while drinking it.”

By the end of Ben’s speech, his face is flush, and his eyes are wide with excitement. His energy and passion are impressive, and not something I see every day. He could be a great partner to work with because he cares, truly cares, about his product.

“As for what I’m looking for,” Ben says. “I know it’s not an obvious choice to sponsor an NFL team, but in my opinion, there’s a huge untapped potential there concerning women.”

“There is,” Mick agrees. “But we can’t alienate our customers. The NFL is typically viewed as a man’s sport.” He shoots Ben a reproachful look, as if annoyed that Ben wants to take this direction with the company. “We’d only be interested in sponsoring your team if you can prove that our brand’s values align with each other.”

I have no idea what he even means by that, but somehow,it’s related to women and a good negotiator never says no. “No problem, I can have a proposal for you soon on what we can do to ensure your customers would be happy and included.”

Mick nods and then throws an easy grin at Ben, who might’ve done something impressive if I knew anything about this game.

“You know,” Mick says to Ben, “now you have to buy everyone drinks, right? Best score on the first hole always does the honors.”

I can’t escape Nina. She’s everywhere. The scent of jasmine lingers in the air like a siren’s song,drawing me in with its intoxicating depths. Every creak of the floorboards,every soft murmur,sends a jolt through me,my mind racing with thoughts of her.

I should be focused on the spreadsheet in front of me, but instead, she’s in the pool and I’m distracted. Her body is like all my fantasies and dreams rolled into one delectable package. She’s all mesmerizing curves and perfection, haunting me whether I’m awake or asleep.

As I drift toward the window, I make a silent deal with myself: just one glance, then I’ll get back to work. Just one. She’s like a drug,a forbidden pleasure,and I’m powerless to resist her intoxicating pull. She doesn’t swim laps and instead splashes about and floats like a starfish with a pool noodle under her arms and head. WhereI use the pool to maintain my physique and manage my stress levels, she uses it for fun.

Is there anything I do in my life that’s fun? That’s not necessary? I don’t even need to think about it before the answer comes. Of course, I don’t.

Hours later, I’m still working on the spreadsheet. After golfing with Mick and Ben, Zeki and I brainstormed proposals on how to include Mick’s condition within the team. Neither of us had any good ideas, but we settled on including something new in our women’s apparel line for his customers. Maybe we could make a special line where we incorporate elements of their slogan within the designs.

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