Theo grunted noncommittally. Oh he’d been watching her, all right. He’d watched her orgasm less than twelve hours ago. Theo slumped in his chair. And if Ethan knew what Theo had gotten up to with his sister, his best friend would be madder than a cut snake.
“So, what’s the news?” Ethan asked like he was Perez Hilton on the lookout for the next scoop. “Who’s she hanging out with? What’s she doing?”
Well, he couldn’t rightly answer those questions, now could he? She’d been asking him on dates and practicallydoinghim. Wouldn’t that go over like a cement helicopter? “You need to talk to her, not me.”
“Why? I’ve asked you to keep an eye on her.”
Time to bite the bullet. “And I’m not doing it anymore. She’s old enough to watch out for herself, and she’s fine.” Theo paused, debating with himself. Should he tell his best friend that his sister was on to his game, or should he let him discover that for himself? Decisions, decisions. Deciding that he still wanted to be friends with Ethan, he said, “As a sign of our friendship, you should know that she knows what you’ve asked of me.” And wasn’t that a confusing statement if ever there was one?
There was a clattering sound from the other end of the line before Ethan came back with, “Shit, you told her?”
“I had to.” Theo massaged the back of his neck. “She knew something was up. I couldn’t keep a secret that damning from her. It was you or me, mate, and you were volunteered as tribute.”
“I’m surprised she didn’t call me and blast my arse.”
“She wanted to; I calmed her down. It was the least I could do.”
Ethan chuckled. “Damn right, considering you threw me under the bus to begin with.”
“You’re the one who asked me to spy on her.”
“And you said yes,” Ethan pointed out.
“Well, I’m unsaying it. Count me out. I’m done.”
He could practically hear Ethan frowning at the phone. “Well, I’d appreciate it if you’d still watch out for her. For your best friend’s sake.”
“No, I’m through playing babysitter.” Spending time with Chloe had almost killed him, and if Ethan knew he wanted to get Chloe into his bed, he’d destroy their friendship entirely.
But much like his sister, Ethan wouldn’t let it go. Once any of the Doyle siblings got an idea into their head, they wouldn’t let it go. It was infuriating. “Come on, mate, just for a few more weeks. Take her out on the town. Show her the sights. Help her settle in.”
“No, she’s settled in just fine. She doesn’t need my help. She’s got three good friends she hangs out with and is dat—” He slammed his lips shut.
“Were you about to say ‘she’s dating’?” Oh no, Ethan sounded way too interested in that. If Ethan had worried about Chloe living in New York on her own, Theo didn’t think he’d react well to finding out about his sister dating. Especially not from him.
“Look, talk to Chloe. I’m not getting involved anymore. I’ve gotta go; I’ve got my seven thirty waiting for me,” he lied. No one was waiting. He just wanted to get out of the hole he’d dug for himself. Throwing a bone to politeness, he said, “We’ll catch up some other time.” He hung up the phone before Ethan could protest.
He knew Chloe would get a call from her brother. But he didn’t care, it wasn’t Theo’s problem anymore. Although…
He tapped out a quick message:
Hey, heads up. I’ve told Ethan I’m not spying on you anymore. I’m sorry I ever said I’d help him. He should be calling you soon. I accidentally let slip that you had a date. I just thought you should know.
There. He’d done the right thing, and now he could move on with his life. His lonely life without Chloe.
If things were different, then maybe…
No, there was no point imagining the impossible. He’d never put another woman through what Layla had gone through with his infertility. Failing to give her what she wanted—a baby, his baby—had been a bitter pill to swallow.
He wasn’t going down that path again.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Thenextevening,Chloewas about to walk into the restaurant to meet Owen when her phone rang. Digging it out of her purse, Ethan’s name lit up the screen. Well, Theo had warned her this might happen. She wanted to ignore his call, but he’d probably call again later and interrupt her dinner. Thank goodness she’d arrived a little early so she had time to answer the call.
“Hi, Ethan. This is a bad time. I’m about to meet someone for dinner.”
“Who are you meeting?” he asked in a singsong tone like he already knew what was up. Which, to be fair, he did.