The first things I see are the lines of large arched windows along the long wall in the distance in front of me. They are all framed in a black iron material that gives it a sleek, modern look.
The walls in the foyer are wooden. One of them has a massive abstract painting hanging on it.
I see some of the guys chilling out on the couch off to the far right of the room. To the left is the kitchen, which has white countertops with black cabinets.
The place is decorated in a mix of dark and light colors, but they play off each other well. There is gold accent pieces scattered throughout that make it trendy and upscale.
Of course, the designer in me has to analyze any space that I walk into.
“There she is.” Walker’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I look over at everybody sitting on the large white sofas. The big screen is playing a baseball game. Everybody is holding a beer and dressed casually.
I spot Roman, sitting on the end of one of the sofas, dressed in black athletic shorts and a crisp, clean white cotton shirt. He has on a black baseball hat and looks even sexier than he does in a suit.
“Eva! Come sit next to me,” one of the guy’s shouts with a big grin on his face.
“Sawyer, fucking watch it,” Walker warns with a scowl on his face.
I roll my eyes at him. His protective nature is a little much.
I take a seat next to the handsome stranger. “Loosen up, bro. I can sit next to a boy. I’m not eleven anymore.”
“I’d be careful. You sit too close to that one, he’ll get the wrong idea,” another one says. He extends his hand, and I lean across Sawyer to shake it. “I’m Colton.”
“Colton.” I smile. “I’ve heard of you. The doctor.”
“That’s me. Hopefully, you’ve only heard good things.”
“Of course. I didn’t hear anything about the time you thought the oysters were sitting on a bed of mashed potatoes and ate an entire spoonful of salt, then shit your pants.”
The entire room erupts into a fit of laughter. I even spot Roman trying to cover his grin, but it disappears the moment his eyes meet mine. He looks away quickly.
“Dude, what are you doing, going around and telling that story?” Colton eyes Walker, who’s sitting on the other couch with Roman.
Walker shrugs his shoulder. “Sorry, man. The story’s too good not to share with the world.”
Then Walker asks me, “You good with your wine, sis?”
I glance down at my glass, which is still filled halfway. “I’m good. Thanks.”
“Just let us know if you need a refill. Roman here’s got a cellar filled with wine. We all went for beers tonight, but this one claimed he had a rough day at work and needed a stiff drink.” He points at Roman, who is holding a crystal glass with amber liquid in it.
Wait a minute. He had a rough day at work. But he and I spent the day together. I look from his glass up to his face, where his eyes are studying me intently. I glare at him with burning, reproachful eyes. He had the hard day at work. He’s the one who makes things unnecessarily tense. Has he ever tried smiling?
“Are you liking the city so far?” Colton asks.
I smile at him. “I do. It’s a lot different from Chicago, but I love it. And I get to live by my best friend, so that’s a plus.”
Walker rolls his eyes. “Ugh, Jessie. I can’t believe you still call that girl your best friend.”
Sawyer’s eyebrows raise. “Someone have some strong feelings for this girl?”
Walker laughs. “Yeah. I feel strongly that she is extremely annoying.”
“Well, the feeling’s mutual,” I say to the group.
I think I detect a flash of sadness in my brother’s eyes, but it’s gone before I can be sure.