Chapter 18
Morgan
I was worried about Reina and her ability to be in the bakery after the fire. I had no intention of inviting her to the space until the walls were closed and painted. I didn't want any bad memories of the fire to surface.
Instead, she was brave enough to come inside on her own. I was proud of her. She was tense at first but relaxed as I explained the timeline. She seemed interested in the renovations and progress without any worries creeping in.
The only concerning thing was that she wasn't in the kitchen when the fire broke out. She was sleeping in her apartment. I wasn't sure how she'd feel about moving back in. I didn't even want to broach the subject yet.
She might be okay working in the bakery, but upstairs was another thing. I didn't want to push her or make her feel like she should be further along in her healing process than she was. She was exactly where she needed to be, and I was proud of her progress.
I was more confident that she'd be able to get back into her kitchen and work again. I wanted her to focus on ordering the materials so that she didn't have time to ruminate on what happened.
I was looking forward to spending the evenings with her at my house. I wasn't sure how much longer we'd be living together, and I wanted to take advantage of the time I had. Everything would change once the renovation was complete.
She'd be able to move into her apartment, and we wouldn't be as close. I wouldn't be coming home to her anymore. There would be physical distance between us, and I wasn't sure what that meant for our relationship.
Were we a fling that would fizzle out as soon as she moved out, or was it something more? Did I even want anything else?
I'd told everyone that I wasn't looking for a relationship. I was focused on my business. But was that even true anymore?
These last few weeks had been amazing. I enjoyed coming home to Reina and spending our evenings and nights wrapped up in each other. But was that enough to prove that we had something worth preserving?
How did you know when you met the one? And did I even want that? I was so mixed up in my head.
Later that day, Cooper came on site to see the progress. He scanned the space. "How are things going?"
"We're working on the electrical. After the inspection, we'll get the drywall up.
" This part of the project was routine and something I loved doing.
It was so much easier to work with the studs exposed than to run electrical with walls intact.
This was my favorite kind of project. I could do whatever I wanted without restriction.
I'd ensure that there was more than enough capacity to handle any appliance that Reina wanted to install. I'd go above and beyond for her.
He raised a brow. "Are we on time for this one?"
"We should be, but we need Reina to pick out paint colors, flooring, and her appliances sooner rather than later."
Cooper scrutinized me. "You want me to handle that part of it?"
"That would be great actually. She was in here earlier, so I know she can handle being in the space. She should be ready to pick out what she wants."
"Why can't you do it with her?"
That was a good question. There was a part of me that felt like I was getting too close to her. That I needed to create distance somewhere. "I don't want to influence her decisions. I want her to have the bakery she's always wanted."
He crossed his arms over his chest. "Is something going on between you two yet?"
My throat tightened. I wasn't sure how much I should share. "We've gotten close."
He arched a brow. "You got out of the friend zone, didn't you?"
I swallowed hard. "I did."
"You're not worried about what Tom is going to think or how he'll react?"
My stomach felt like it had lead in it whenever I thought about Tom. "No. I am."
"But you're pretending it doesn't matter? That he'll either be okay with it or it will end before he ever finds out."
I swallowed over the lump in my throat. "It's a little bit of both, I think."
He narrowed his gaze. "You're playing with fire."
I sighed. "I know I am. But I can't seem to stop."
"I don't understand you Sterlings. You fall hard and fast."
I cleared my throat, a little uncomfortable with that assessment. "Who said anything about falling for anyone?"
His forehead wrinkled. "Isn't that what you're talking about? Not worrying about her brother because you're so into her that his opinion doesn't matter?"
"I'm pretty sure I didn't say anything like that."
"It was implied."
"You're assuming a lot." And I wasn't sure he was wrong.
"You like her or you wouldn't be taking this risk. She's your client and your roommate, your best friend's younger sister, and now your girlfriend?"
I shook my head. "We haven't talked about labels or what it means."
Cooper sighed. "Of course you haven't."
"I'll figure it out."
"I hope you will and that there won't be any fallout to the business."
"Why would there be?" I asked as the front door opened. Aspen walked in.
She clapped her hands together. "I wanted to see the progress."
"Not much to see. Just a bunch of open walls," I said, watching her move around the room. "You just missed Reina."
Aspen raised a brow. "What does she think of the place?"
"It's not that impressive to look at, even if it's the most important part of the renovation." I wanted Reina to rest easy knowing that her electrical was up to code and safe. Plus, we were adding more safety features, like additional fire detectors and sprinklers, to ease her mind.
"You always stop by the job sites to check out the progress?" Cooper asked dryly, and Aspen's face screwed up.
These two had always irritated each other. I wasn't sure if it was because Aspen resented another man being around the house. Maybe she didn't want yet another brother figure or one more person to divide our parents' attention. But I wasn't positive.
"I'm friends with Reina," Aspen said calmly. "And the other shop owners."
"But you aren't a shop owner," Cooper said, and I felt the tension between them.
"I don't have to own a shop to be her friend. We bonded over coffee, and she's coming with me to a yoga class at the inn," she said defiantly, lifting her nose.
"That's good," I said to her. I wanted Reina to do things besides worrying about her business. She needed to relax, and having a new friend who'd go with her to yoga would be good for her.
Aspen looped her arm through mine. "That's why you're my favorite brother. You never give me a hard time."
I chuckled. "I'm sure that's not true."
She gave me a look. "I think it's because you're the middle child. You've always been so chill and easy going."
Was I easy going? I hadn't really thought about it before.
"You're just secure in your place in the world. Another Sterling with a successful business," Cooper said, and I couldn't tell if his comment had a bitter tone to it.
"I asked Cooper if he could help Reina pick out her fixtures. Maybe you could go along too? I'm a little worried about Reina working here after the fire. I want her to be comfortable." And Aspen had a way of calming other people.
"I'd love to help. I'm really good at picking design features. I know this is a business, but still it could be fun. Is she doing the upstairs or just the bakery itself?"
"The business. I'm not sure she's ready to even be upstairs, much less move back in."
"We're contracted to renovate the second floor too," Cooper reminded me.
"Let's get the bakery done first. Eve would want that."
Cooper nodded. "You got it."
"You think you two can work together?" I looked from him to Aspen.
She nodded. "Of course. Why wouldn't we be able to? Cooper's like a brother to me."
He raised a brow. "You think of me like a brother?"
She rolled her eyes. "I've always treated you like a Sterling. You don't get any special treatment."
He nodded seriously. "That's probably true."
I looked between them. "But you two fight like cats and dogs. Can you get along? I don't want you to upset Reina."
Aspen waggled her brows. "Why not? Is something going on between you two?"
My jaw tightened. "That's none of your business."
Aspen looked at Cooper, and he dropped his head to hide a smile.
I glared at him. "I can't wait until you're interested in someone. I'm going to be in your business all day, every day."
Cooper raised his head, his expression amused. "That's all you got? When I get a girl, you're going to bug me about it?"
Aspen laughed.
I hoped that he was in the same situation, but that would mean that he was interested in my younger sister, and I was not wishing that situation into existence.
I'd be angry if one of our friends had harbored a crush on our sister.
None of my brothers would be okay with that.
At least Reina only had one brother I had to contend with.
But thinking about Cooper wanting Aspen had my head spinning. I could see why Tom would be upset with me. It would be a betrayal to our friendship. I wasn't sure I could forgive Cooper for doing something like that.
"It's only a matter of time for you two," I said to them.
Aspen raised a brow. "Now you're wishing a boyfriend on me?"
"Yes. Wait. No." I didn't want my sister dating anyone, especially not a close friend. "Stop talking about boyfriends and girlfriends. We have a job to do."
Cooper mock saluted me. "Yes, boss."
"You're the boss, and you know it." None of us wanted to organize the schedule or deal with ordering supplies. That's why Cooper was in charge.
"I'll be happy to help Reina pick out everything she needs for the bakery. Just let me know when you're meeting up."
Cooper nodded. "Will do."
"I'm off to get coffee. See you later." Aspen practically bounced out of the shop.
I walked over to where I'd been working before I saw Reina on the sidewalk. "You know, I compared you dating Aspen to me hooking up with Tom's sister, and I didn't like the way it made me feel."
He raised a brow as he fed me wire. "And how's that?"
I paused for a second, examining how I felt inside.
"I felt betrayed. But we've been friends since we were kids.
You practically lived at our house. You're like another brother to me.
" Then I shook my head and laughed. "It's so ridiculous though.
I'm sure you feel the same way I do about Aspen.
She's annoying." They'd always hated each other, so it wasn't the same situation as Reina and me.
"Yeah, that would be awkward. I can't imagine liking Aspen. I can barely stand to be in the same room with her."
"Thinking about you two together made me wonder if I'm doing the right thing with Reina."
"If Tom finds out, he's going to feel betrayed. It might ruin your friendship."
"It's something to think about." I just wasn't sure the fear of the consequences was enough for me to step away from Reina.
Tom hadn't mentioned coming home, so there was nothing to worry about.
I'd think about it when he was scheduled to visit.
For now, we were in our own world, and nothing could penetrate it.
At least that's what I was telling myself. There was no point in worrying about Tom unless we were going to be more than a fling. It didn't feel right to think about my relationship with Reina that way. But I wasn't prepared to call her my girlfriend either. That didn't sit right with me.
Then I had an uncomfortable thought. Was she my dirty little secret? We hooked up at my house, never went out on dates, and the only people who knew about us were my family and Cooper.
Maybe I should take her out and make her feel special. Wouldn't she think we were in a relationship? My head was starting to hurt.
"Why do you want Aspen to help Reina make design choices?"
I sighed and looked at him. "She's still messed up over that fire. She had a hard time coming inside a few weeks ago when the place still looked wrecked and smelled like smoke."
"And now?"
"She did better today, but there're no reminders.
It's down to the studs. Her upstairs apartment is another story entirely.
She was sleeping when the fire broke out.
I don't think you just get over that and move back in like nothing happened.
" She'd even mentioned that she didn't want to go upstairs.
"It will be like a new place when we're done with it."
"We'll see how she is."
"Are you offering her a place to stay permanently?"
I paused, not realizing that's how he took my comment. "How would that work? Tom stays with me on leave."
"Just checking."
"I appreciate your help. But maybe you could talk less."
Cooper punched me in the arm, but I just laughed. This was the relationship with Cooper and my brothers that I enjoyed. We didn't take things too seriously, or at least we hadn't until we started our businesses. Then my brothers started pairing off one by one.
"We're the last single Sterlings," I said as we worked.
"I'm not a Sterling."
"You kind of are," I said absentmindedly. "And if you're not, that means I'm the last guy standing, and that's not good." I didn't want the pressure, and at the same time, I didn't want everyone focused on me. "Can you do me a favor and not tell my brothers about this?"
"You don't think Aspen will?"
"I hope not. I need more time to figure this thing out."
"You know your mom will be thrilled."
"She wants us to be settled, but Tom's my friend. There's no way he'd be okay with what's going on between us."
"You either need to step away or step up. You can't stay in this limbo for long. It's not fair to anyone."
I let out a breath. "You're probably right."
He shook his head. "I'm just glad I'm not in your position. Never date a friend's sister."
"It isn't like I intended for this to happen. I rescued her from the fire and then offered her a place to stay. I was protecting her like I promised Tom."
"Is that the only reason? Or did you see something else there?"
"That's what I've been wondering. Did I harbor a secret crush on her all these years? Or is it something that developed after the fire? Some kind of white-knight-in-shining-armor syndrome?"
"I don't think it matters how you started. But is she the girl you can see yourself with long-term? Or is it just a hookup."
"I don't even like using that word around Reina. She's so much more."
Joe came into the front room. "You two gossip like old men, or are you actually going to do some work?"
"I'm here to work." I bumped shoulders with Cooper. "I don't know about this guy."
He dropped the wire and moved toward the door. "I got better things to do."
I laughed as he walked out. Cooper was a good friend. This wasn't something I wanted to talk to my brothers about. They wouldn't understand. They'd say I crossed a line and needed to get back over it before Tom found out. But I needed time to think about what I really wanted.