Page 33 of Just One Silver Fox

“Which is a big clue that I don’t want to talk to you.” Why was it that no one in Sonia’s family ever took ‘no’ for an answer?

“But we’re sisters!” Katia wailed.

“So, now I’ll block Tobias, too, since you’re going to borrow his phone. Have a nice life, Katia.” Sonia ended the call and blocked Tobias’ number. She was angry and agitated, and she resented the change to her mood. There was no doubt about it: her family was toxic.

She hated when she felt shaken up and hated more when someone pushed her in that direction. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, finding her center. Damn Katia anyway. It had been such a great night until she called.

What was Katia trying to warn her about? Sonia put her phone in the charger, trying not to wonder. It wasn’t her problem anymore, she reminded herself. She was done with all of them, forever. They were done.

Was it really epic? Or was Katia just trying to manipulate her?

“All good?” Nate asked, returning to the kitchen.

“All good,” Sonia replied, her tone firm.

“Want to talk about anything?”

He was wary and she knew that meant he wasn’t interested in heartfelt confidences. Fair enough. They were supposed to be having fun tonight, not trying to figure out her crazy sister’s motivation—if there even was one.

“No, thanks. It smells good, don’t you think?”

“The pizza offer stands, just FYI.”

There was no way Sonia was going to order a pizza, not after that call. She wasn’t going to succumb to old habits and get sucked down into that pit. She’d learned and she’d healed. Katia wasn’t going to screw her up.

She would compromise, though. “Do you want a glass of wine?”

Nate looked around, considering that. “Sure. Just one.” He shook a finger at her, his eyes glinting in a way that made her smile. “Otherwise you might take advantage of me.”

“You should be so lucky,” she said as the timer rang and he grinned.

“I was.” He caught her on the way to the stove and stole a kiss that almost persuaded her to let the pastry burn. Then his stomach growled loudly again and she moved out of his embrace.

“Can you open the wine please? There’s a bottle in the rack and glasses there.”

“That’s totally in my wheelhouse.” Nate was already opening her cabinets, pulling out plates. He set two places on the island, and added cutlery and the glasses before reaching for the wine. When it was open, he faced her then raised his hands to invite her verdict.

“Ten out of ten,” she said and he fist-pumped the air. Sonia was trying to ease the pastry out of the pan where it had stuck a bit. “You’re just hungry.”

“I told you I was good in the kitchen when motivated.”

“I’ll have to remember that.”

“Motivate me anytime.”

“I might.” Sonia put down the loaded plates, feeling a little disappointed. “It’s not as pretty as in the picture.”

“But it smells great. That’s the important part, isn’t it?”

“You’re right.” They toasted each other, then dug in.

“This is awesome,” Nate said, saluting her with his fork after his first bite. “I can’t believe you made this.”

It was pretty incredible. Sonia looked down at the plate, amazed herself. “We did it together.”

“Pastry. Conquered.” Nate offered his hand for a high five. “All hail the queen of the meal kit!” Sonia laughed. “Seriously, take credit where it’s due, Sonia.” He pointed a finger at her. “You. Rock. Never doubt it for a minute.” Then he smiled that cocky grin that made her heart go thump and she wanted him all over again.

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