“Good, I’m starving.” He takes my hand in his and leads me out of the loft and down the street.

“So, who was the lucky lady this time?” I ask, as we stroll hand in hand into the heart of the Quarter.

“Clarice,” he replies, and a slow grin spreads over his lips. “She’s a dancer.”

“Oh, God. Clarice? Seriously?” I giggle and lean my forehead on his strong bicep, then glance up into his handsome, frowning face. “Does she hear the lambs screaming?”

“Stop it right now. You know that movie scared the hell out of me.”

I laugh loudly and shake my head. This is too good to pass up.

“Did you drink chianti?”

“Kate—”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” I try to school my features, but it’s no use. I dissolve into laughter again.

“I’m never going to be able to see her again after this,” he complains. “Do you know how flexible dancers are?”

“Does she also have a moth collection?”

He glares at me as he holds the door to the restaurant open for me, making me laugh all the louder. We’re seated quickly, not many people are out at this time of day, and I chuckle all the way to the table.

“Damn it. She was fun.”

“Oh, come on. You had to know it was doomed from the beginning with a name like Clarice. You had nightmares about that movie for months. The only thing that would have made it worse is if you swung for the other team and went for someone named Hannibal.”

“You got mean,” he replies, glaring at me over his menu.

“You know I love you,” I reply, and blow him a kiss. “I forgot how much fun it is to rile you up.”

The waitress arrives and takes our order. When she leaves, I lean back in my chair and study my friend. “You look tired.”

“I am tired.”

“So, why are we out to breakfast?”

“Because I miss you.”

I narrow my eyes and feel my heart catch. I love this man with my whole heart. He and Savannah are like siblings to me. But I can also tell when he’s not telling me the whole truth.

“You just saw me on Tuesday when you and Van took me out for drinks after work.”

He shrugs a shoulder and sips his coffee. “Eli’s due home tomorrow.”

Ah, there it is.

“Yes, that’s what I heard.” I sip my orange juice and study the little placard on the table, announcing the daily lunch specials.

“Okay, I’m not Van.” He leans forward, getting right to the point, which is his usual M.O. “You’re a grown woman, and my brother is a good man, so if y’all want to bounce on each other, who am I to say you shouldn’t?”

I roll my eyes at the bounce word, but he keeps going.

“But I want you to be careful, and if he hurts you, I’ll kill him. Brother or not.”

“That’s so sweet,” I reply sarcastically, and fake a tear rolling down my cheek.

“I’m fucking serious, Kate.”

“I love you, too,” I reply, serious now. “Eli and me, well, it’s been confusing and exhilarating at the same time. But I haven’t even spoken to him since Sunday night.”

I shrug, but I can’t help the stab of pain in my chest. I miss his voice.

“He’s working. He rarely calls home when he’s working.”

I nod and sip my juice, just as Dec’s phone rings.

“Hello, Clarice,” I whisper in a creepy voice. Dec flips me off as he answers his phone.

“Hello, big brother.”

I still as my eyes whip up to find his. He simply nods.

It’s Eli.

“Yes, I spoke with her. Beau is taking care of it today.” He pauses. “I’m having breakfast right now with Kate.”

I raise a brow and inwardly cringe as Eli’s words from the other night fill my head. It seems I’m jealous of my own fucking brother when it comes to you.

“I’ll tell her. Safe travels.” He clicks off and sends me an apologetic smile. “He’s heading into a meeting.”

The waitress arrives with our food and I simply nod.

“If it helps, he didn’t sound pleased that I’m here with you.”

I laugh and wave him off. “I’m sure he doesn’t care.”

“Oh, I’m sure he does. He’s been glaring at me since you came to town. I’m just too easygoing to call him out on it.”

“I don’t want to cause any issues in your family, Dec.”

“Now, that’s funny.” He laughs and covers my hand with his. “Trust me, you haven’t caused any issues. You’re helping us fix some issues, and well, Eli just has issues. Mostly asshole issues.” He smiles fondly, then looks at me and sobers. “I mean that in the best brotherly way possible. He’s not really an asshole.”

“I know.” I chuckle and decide that we’ve talked about this long enough. “So, tell me more about the lovely and flexible Clarice.”

“Damn it. I liked her.”

***

I am sick of my own company. I check my phone for the hundredth time since I got home from work three hours ago and blow out a disgusted breath.

Nothing from Eli.

What in the world is wrong with me? I’m not this needy woman. So what if I haven’t heard from him in three days? He gets home tomorrow.

It’s not like we’re sleeping together. We’ve only been out together a few times and shared some kisses.