“We’re not doing anything naked, anywhere, Emilio. We’re friends. Cousins. That’s it.”
“Cousins don’t come to my door and kiss me the way you did this afternoon, Frankie. Cousins don’t look at me with longing in their eyes. And cousins sure as fuck don’t make…” I lean into her space, my mouth right next to her ear. “…my dick hard.”
“This might be difficult for you to understand, being the spoiled brat that you are and all. But just because you want something doesn’t mean you should have it.” She leans backwards, trying to put space between us.
I straighten against my seat and close my eyes. “You know what? You’re right. I am a spoiled brat, and when I want something, I don’t stop until I get it. I’ve waited, Frankie. I’ve given you the space you wanted. I even thought maybe it would fade away, this thing between us. But it hasn’t. I’m done waiting. Whatever it is that’s stopping you from jumping into this with me, we need to eliminate it.”
“You can’t eliminate our families, Emilio.”
“What if we just don’t tell them?” I suggest.
“What do you mean?”
“What if we give it a shot, just you and me, and we don’t tell anyone until we’re ready? Who knows? We could decide in a week that we can’t stand each other. So let’s just not tell anyone.”
“Okay.”
My eyes widen. Did she really just agree to my plan? To having a secret relationship with me? “Okay?” I parrot.
“Okay, we can try, in secret. I’ll let you wine and dine me, Emilio. Give it your best shot to make me fall madly, head-over-heels in love with you.” She smiles.
“I’m going to wine and dine the fuck out of you. You’re not going to know what hit ya,” I tell her.
“Can’t wait.” Frankie shakes her head. “Are you actually going to be able to keep this a secret? What if someone asks you? You’re not a good liar, Emilio.”
“I’m a great liar. I choose not to be one. There’s a difference. If someone asks, I’ll skirt around the question like I have been doing for years.”
“People ask you about us? Who?”
“My mom, your mom. They’re both dead set on sharing grandbabies or some shit like that.” I shrug. “My dad asks too.”
“My mom knows that I’ve had a crush on you,” she says. “She also knows I’m not planning on acting on that crush.”
“Just a crush, huh?”
“Just a crush. I might be able to fuck you right out of my system, Emilio. For all I know, you’re not even that good in the bedroom.”
I try my best not to laugh at her. “You are more than welcome to use me to try to fuck me out of your system, babe.”
“Mhmm, we’ll see how the wine and dine part goes first. I have a three-date rule.”
“What?”
“A three-date rule. I don’t sleep with a guy unless I’ve been on at least three dates with him.”
Every lesson in keeping my composure under duress is being put into practice right now. She has a what? I know, logically, Frankie has dates with other people. Logic doesn’t have anything to do with my insane jealousy at the thought of her fucking other men, though.
I can’t even open my mouth to say anything, because I’m certain whatever will come out will only piss her off. Which I’m trying really hard not to do.
“Are you okay?” Frankie asks after a while.
“Mhmm, I just need a moment.” I continue staring out the window.
“What did I say?”
“Nothing,” I grunt.
“Sure.”