Page 42 of Simply Irresistible
“It’s like an immersion experience...she’s been dropped right in the center of the fashion universe. Must be nerve-wracking.”
“Yeah, sounds about right...she eats that shit up, though. She’s fearless. She dives into every opportunity headfirst.” A quality I really, really wish I possessed. Maybe if I had even half the courage she had, I’d be doing something different with my life.
Hannah smiled a dreamy smile at me. “You really do love her.”
Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.
“Seriously, though,” she said, taking a sip of her wine.
It was a Cabernet Sauvignon I chose from their cellar to pair with the filets. That was another feature I thought to add to the grilling column, wine pairings for those who wanted to add an upscale aspect to their grilling.
“I see the look in your eyes when you think about her. You get all cloudy and dreamy. You’re totally in love with her.”
“What’s your point?” I asked, trying not to bark at my sister but losing my patience. I knew I loved Melanie. I didn’t need Hannah droning on and on about it.
“It’s just nice to see you happy, little brother. That’s all.” She took another sip of wine and started to get up from her chair. I went and scared her out of her own kitchen with my grizzliness.
“It’s nice to be happy,” I offered. “In a relationship, that is.” Hannah paused and sat back down, seeming to sense I wasn’t finished.
I wasn’t sure what else I wanted to say, but I thought back to the conversation we’d had over lunch in Central Park months ago. I’d ‘fessed up to Melanie about self-sabotaging my previous relationships, but I hadn’t admitted it to Hannah. I didn’t know why it was easier to admit that to Melanie, but not to my sister.
I let out a deep sigh. “You were right...I did sabotage my previous relationships. I left them—or got them to leave me—before they decided to leave me. Before you say anything, I know it’s a Mommy and Daddy issue of mine, and I’m working on it. I don’t know why Melanie is different, but she just is.”
“Does she know about all this?”
“Yes. We’ve talked about my dating history and my...issues.”
Hannah’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yes, Han. This is the real deal with Melanie. I don’t want to screw it up. I told her as much.”
“That’s really great, Ty.” She got up from the table and wrapped her thin arms around me and squeezed. She smelled of something floral, just like our Mom used to. I always wondered if the connection was just in my head, or if Hannah had taken to Mom’s perfume, but I never asked. I figured if Hannah was using the same perfume as Mom, it was her personal choice to do so and none of my business. It was a familiar and comfortable scent, though, so I liked it.
“Thanks for letting me do all this over here tonight,” I said, squeezing her back.
“No problem. Gonna tell me what you’re up to?”
“Not yet.”
“Okay,” she said, pulling away. “You’re welcome here any time, as long as you feed me and clean up after yourself.”
“Deal,” I agreed, then I got to work clearing the table.
23
Melanie
“Oh, Ty,” I moaned, licking my lips. “This is amazing.”
“We haven’t even gotten to the best part,” he said, sliding another plate across the marble counter.
We were sitting at the counter in his sister’s kitchen. She and Preston were out for the night and had given Tyler permission to wine and dine me at their house. Apparently, Tyler had been a busy boy while I was away, testing—and mastering—a bunch of different recipes on the grill.
“What’s this?” I asked, rubbing my hands together in preparation.
“These are grilled bananas smothered in chocolate sauce and covered with crushed, grilled almonds.”
“Oh. My. God. You grilled dessert?” I asked, wowed.
