"And just who were you talking to Red?" Howie asked.
"I bet she's found another man to take our place while we are on stage," AJ joked, cocking an eyebrow in her direction as he looked over the rim of his signature sunglasses.
"Dream on bad boy," she rolled her eyes. "I don't think anyone could come within inches of you two jokers," she giggled. "Who wants food? I'm famished," she said, setting her writing aside and swinging her legs over the edge of the bunk.
"Count me in," AJ chimed back, seeing his friend's eyes follow the length of Rachel's long legs clad in denim shorts.
"Cool. No McDonalds though," she groaned. "Howie?" she looked to him hopefully.
"Damn Rach, I can't. John's in town. We've got to discuss some real estate business stuff," he sighed. Damn. Just what he didn't want - AJ having time with her alone. "Bring me something back?" he asked as he stripped off his sweat-drenched shirt from the show.
Rachel tried not to stare, but didn't have much luck. The guys had gotten more comfortable with her around each day, and now here they were getting half-naked in front of her. Her gaze traveled over Howie's well-toned and bronzed skin as he stood there rummaging for something to change into.
"Sure thing boss-man," she teased him with a mock military salute.
"God Red, don't call me that," he grumbled. "You know I hate that."
"I'm sorry," she smiled apologetically. "Of course I'll bring you something back. And we'll take a break from writing tonight. You look bushed," she observed, straightening her things and grabbing a light jacket before heading towards AJ, who playfully swung her around.
"Come on woman, let's go chow so my bud here can have some quiet space with his brother," AJ sang.
Rachel laughed, then looked over at Howie. "I'll miss you tonight..."
"Nah, ya won't red. You'll be having too much fun being dazzled and seduced by the bone. Hey, I could go for some ribs. Yours, preferably." AJ began to tickle Rach and she erupted into a fit of giggles.
"OK, ok, wildman, let's go."
Howie felt a twinge of... what, regret? Anger? Jealousy? Sort of a mixed up combination of all three. He knew that Rachel was there to help him with his book, but there was no denying that he felt deeply for her. There was a special connection.. had been from the moment sweetloned had been whispered by flamegirl. flamegirl. She was indeed. It rankled that she was out with AJ that self described hound for beautiful women.
With a sigh he called John and arranged to meet him for their business meeting. Maybe he'd tell John about what was happening and all of these contradictory feelings. John was always good for insight... for seeing things that wouldn't occur to Howie himself.
Howie sat quietly at the table, listening to John talk about the standing of all the real estate development back home. He tried to keep his focus, but his mind kept wandering, imagining what might be going on with AJ and Rachel. John noticed his brother's lack of attention. "Oh yeah, and the foundation for the new building just sank into the swampland," he trailed off.
"Ok, fine. Whatever we need to do to fix it," Howie replied blankly.
John rolled his eyes. "Good lord Howie! You aren't listening to a word I tell you! What's gotten into you?" he asked, wondering what could possibly have Howie so off keel when he was usually so determined where business was concerned. "Is it the guys?"
"No, everything's fine with the guys," he sighed. "Can I ask your advice on something?"
"Sure. What are big brothers for? Shoot," he urged him.
Howie took a deep breath and explained the situation to his brother. When it was done, he sighed. "It all comes down to the simple fact that I don't know what to do! I'm totally confused," he groaned.
"Sounds pretty cut and dry to me," John stated simply. "You're attracted to this woman, and not just physically, but emotionally. Now you have to decide whether you can act on it and still work with her or not. Sounds easier said than done, I know, but you have to. And if YOU decide not to, you can't expect AJ not to. You can't decide that you don't want something, but then not want anyone else to have it either. That's not fair to anyone, especially her. And knowing AJ like I do, I don't think he's going to wait around long for you to decide what you want," he said with raised eyebrows.
Howie fussed with the napkin in his lap. "I know you're right. I just... don't want to take advantage of her, you know?"
"Has she given any indication that she likes you in that way?"
"I don't know," said Howie, "There are times when I think she does, and then she's just completely professional."
"Well, I would hope so." John said, pushing back his empty plate. 'Little Bro, she sounds wonderful. She sounds worth going after if you ask me. The fact that she's helping you with this project about Caro... that says a lot to me."
"She really cares." nodded Howie. "I want you to meet her, John. Maybe you can tell her your impressions of Caroline."
"I'd be honored to meet her. But, remember what I said. If you are interested in her, let her know. If you are not, then no sour grapes about AJ. AJ's a scamp, but he's a good scamp."
Hugging, the bothers went their separate ways.
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