He clears his throat. “We travel, sleep together, and don’t ask for more than great sex. Not even a call or a text.”
“So, we’re not exchanging information?” I smirk because now I’m just sassing him.
“We just communicate with each other when we need companionship. Sexual companionship. If you need someone to change your tire, call AAA. I’m not your boyfriend.”
“Great, so you’ll never expect me to cook for you.” I clap. “That’s incredible. Though, if you want to throw a dish or two my way, I won’t complain.”
He runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t know if you’re mocking me or being serious.”
“Your rules are a little unorthodox, but I’ll adjust to them.”
“I want it to be clear that I won’t discuss personal problems—nor my family’s—with you. They’re off-limits. I’d appreciate it if you avoid sharing anything about your friends and family too.”
My only friend is Nydia. The people in this town are lovely, but I keep to myself. The friends I had in Chicago chose Roland. Family? I don’t have anyone unless I count Anya and Mitchell. They’re off-limits. He shouldn’t worry about me sharing much about them or myself.
“Oh, so this is pretty simple. I can follow through,” I agree and smirk. “Just don’t fall in love with me.”
The muscles on his shoulders relax as the tension of having to deal with a crazy woman who might not get the term fuck buddies is gone. I understand clearly, and even when I doubt it’s just for a few months, I think it’ll be easy to do this for a year.
ChapterFourteen
Iskander
Three years later.
So much for leaving in a few months.
It’s been almost three years since I set foot in Luna Harbor.
They said it would be temporary, but this looks more like a permanent move.
Thankfully, Abuelo and Uncle Gary are slowly coming out of semi-retirement. I don’t pack my things and leave tonight, because next weekend is Manelik’s wedding. What kind of person would I be if I left my brother hanging?
I’m happy for him. He fixed his problems with Nydia, and he’s ready to start a new life with her. They still don’t know how that’s going to look since his band might come back from their hiatus and he’s still working for the damn Organization.
So much for permanently retiring from that gig. As long as Nydia is aware that at some point or another he might come back with a couple of bullet holes or worse, I guess it’s up to him.
“You did good,” Abuelo says, sitting at his desk. “I knew Siobhan and you would work well at the brewery. What are your plans for the expansion?”
I cock a brow. “Me? You’re back, so you should be worrying about it.”
Dad groans before saying, “You can’t possibly think your abuelo is going to undertake that project.”
“As much as I’d like to continue helping, I have my own business to take care of.”
“This is your legacy,” Dad says firmly. “The least you could do is finish what you started.”
Technically the one who came up with the idea is Siobhan and as far as I’m concerned, neither of them were too happy with it. How dare she propose to open a plant in Oregon or Nevada?
“You have four other children. It can be their legacy. Maybe you can convince Mane to finally retire and concentrate on this place.”
Abuelo chuckles. “Mane is worse than Cher. He’ll never retire from either one of those jobs.” He does the sign of the cross. “We’ll just pray that he’s always safe.”
I could argue about his resolution to keep my brother safe, but I’m more concerned about their idea of me taking over this joint. “As much as I’d love to continue playing craft-beer-maker and produce enough beer to export worldwide, I have other more pressing things to do.”
They should ask Efren or even Siobhan to do it. Well, not her. I think she’ll be better suited in the business world. I’ve told her numerous times to leave Luna Harbor and find her dream. Not that I know what that looks like. After our initial conversation a few years back, we kept our relationship the way I like it, casual.
Honestly, I shouldn’t care if she plans on sticking around in town for the rest of her life or following my advice. However, I think a brilliant woman like her should be running a big corporation and planning on taking over the world.