“You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Of course. I’ve been very successful at keeping my personal life separate from family. Thankfully I have Charlene upstairs, who would cover for me.”
“But you’re an adult. It’s nobody’s business what you do.”
Sofia laughed. “I’m not sure what your family life is, if you guys are close or anything, but that’s not how the Marcianos function.”
“My brothers say shit, they always have an opinion. I just don’t give a fuck. I’m almost twenty-nine, not twelve. Hell, when I was twelve, I didn’t listen.”
She put her hands on her hips and said, “And look at you now.”
“Successful. Independent. A go-getter.”
“Arrogant. Stubborn. And—”
“I get it. I should’ve listened. But all these things are what make me good in business,” Dylan stated.
“But they don’t work with women. Not in a relationship.” Sofia blushed. “I’m not saying we have one. I know, this is all just an act. But if it weren’t, you couldn’t be all those things. A woman wants to be listened to, heard, and…taken seriously, not blindsided, like you did to me at dinner.”
He’d hurt her and she just wasn’t telling him. How dumb could he be? This little plan of his hadn’t been thought through at all. Like his comment to Sal, it had been blurted out. Dylan wasn’t used to doing that. It was out of character for him. Sofia might not like the fact that he blamed her, but this was all about her. She was the common denominator. She was the one fucking with his mind.
“You’re right. I need to learn to do things…differently. But let me clarify something. This isn’t a game. I like you. I meant what I said. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She stared at him and asked, “Are you saying that…”
“I meant everything at dinner tonight. You are special Sofia, and don’t forget it. And when I’m an asshole, like tonight, feel free to put me in my place. Hell, tell me to take a fucking walk, if you need to. Don’t let anyone, even me, tell you what to do.”
That was probably the most serious talk he’d ever had with a woman, but hopefully it clarified where they stood. She didn’t say anything and just stared. When she did speak, she was back to her normal self.
“So, let me get this straight, when you said you wanted coffee, I could’ve said, ‘You know where the pot is’?” she teased.
Dylan nodded. “And then you would’ve tasted the worst coffee of your life. But yes, that’s what I mean.”
Sofia’s body language relaxed and she turned back to the dark brew. “I think I’m going to like this new arrangement.”
“I’m glad.” He wanted her to feel comfortable with him. Trust him.
“So, since this seems to be fifty-fifty, then I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything,” he said. Dylan usually wanted the details first before agreeing, but she wasn’t one who would take advantage. She turned back with a wicked grin plastered on her face. He couldn’t imagine what she was going to ask for.
“Tomorrow is the first rehearsal and I’m not ready at all. How do you feel about doing a read-through on the lines while we have coffee?”
Dylan raised a brow and said, “I’m not sure I’m the one you want helping you.”
“Oh I am. I’ve witnessed your acting skills firsthand. And actually, at this point, I’m thinking you could be my acting coach.”
She appeared to be serious, which was comical. “Hate to break it to you, but the only live theater I attended was forced upon me when I was young. I’ll be happy to listen to you run through your lines, because it’s you. Other than that, count me out.”
“You never know. Maybe your taste has changed and you might enjoy it now,” Sofia coaxed.
“I hated string beans when I was a kid and I still do today. I don’t have to try something a second time. Like you said, I’m stubborn,” he replied. Dylan might enjoy being with her, but he wasn’t going to change for anyone, not even her.
“Or you just pretend to be stubborn,” Sofia said with a wink as she handed him his mug. “Now you stay right there while I get the script.” He heard her mutter, “This is going to be so much fun.”
It was a good thing she’d made that coffee, because he was running on fumes. Two nights and maybe a total of six hours sleep. If he didn’t stop, he was going to crash and it’d start affecting his work. Sofia wasn’t in any different shape. Although she looked beautiful as always, he hadn’t missed the puffy eyes. If him staying and doing this with her would help, then damn it, he’d do it. Even if it sucks.
When she returned, she asked, “Are you ready?”