Abel (5th Street 4)

“I don’t think it’s the color but the intensity that gets me,” Charlee said, her own big blue eyes sparkling as she smiled, looking lovesick and glancing in Hector’s direction.

“I agree,” Roni smiled big. “It’s what you feel when he looks at you so deeply and profoundly. It’s what ultimately did me in with Noah. I’d never felt like that with anyone else.” She turned to Nellie, smiling silly. “So was it like that with Sam?”

Glancing quickly in Abel’s direction, hoping he hadn’t heard anything because Roni wasn’t quite as hushed as Bianca, Nellie was relieved to see he was engrossed in the fight. “No, I didn’t feel anything like that.” Nellie sighed. Not from him anyway. “They were just so light. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like them.” She turned to Charlee. “Your eyes are amazing, but they’re deep blue. His were,” she stopped to think about it, “almost clear at times. They were so light but still blue.”

It was just distracting, but she’d felt nothing. The only thing she could think of was that he’d probably be a good distraction from Abel. He certainly was nice to look at. Roni probed for more as she’d expected, and Nellie told her everything she knew so far about Sam. “He’s does news commentary for a cable channel out of Detroit where he’s from. He’s only out here visiting family for the week.”

Roni frowned, crinkling her nose, and Nellie wasn’t sure if Roni was disappointed that he wasn’t from around here or that his career was too similar to her ex-husband’s.

“He said he travels a lot,” she said, immediately regretting saying it so loudly as Hector walked up from behind Charlee, placing his hand on her shoulder then kissing her temple.

“Who travels a lot?” he asked, smiling curiously.

“The guy she met last night.” Roni grinned widely. “He has sparkling blue eyes, too, that completely captivated Nellie.” She continued to grin as she lifted her empty plate from in front of her and stood up. “Who wants cheesecake?” she asked as she walked into the kitchen.

Nellie was nearly caught in Hector’s stare as he lifted a brow and his smile virtually vanished. Taking Roni’s cue, she stood up, looking away from Hector’s prying eyes. Were both Abel and Hector this territorial even over each other’s girls? Then she remembered the cruise. It was the only time she’d been around Abel, Hector, and Charlee for that long of a period. On more than one instance when Hector had stepped away from Charlee, who was such a head turner with her eye-catching, bright red locks, Abel had stepped up and stood next to her. It was all he had to do. His big, ominous presence next to Charlee was enough to deter even the most courageous admirers. Noah had even teased that Charlee didn’t just have a boyfriend she had an entourage.

Abel had played it down, saying he knew his hothead brother and that he was just controlling any sparks before his brother came back and it turned into an all-out blaze. He said he didn’t want them all getting kicked off the ship. But Nellie saw more in his eyes than just a protective big brother keeping his little brother out of trouble. It was what she’d seen in Hector’s eyes tonight. They were watching out for each other’s property.

The way Charlee explained it was far more romantic than this theory sounded. Charlee said that she and Hector owned each other’s hearts. She’d long ago assured him she was completely his because he so often told her she owned his heart.

Nellie’s own heart suddenly skipped a beat. Was it possible that Abel had said something to Hector about his feelings for her? Could Hector be getting all hardnosed about her meeting a guy last night because he was feeling protective over Abel’s feelings?

She cleared her throat, glancing back, and making sure Hector was far enough away. Abel was still sitting where he had been when she walked in. Roni turned from the kitchen counter where she was slicing the cheesecake and smiled at her.

“Listen,” Nellie said, knowing this might get Roni all riled up, but she had no choice. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about my date last night in front of Hector and Abel.” She lifted her hand at the sight of Roni’s raised brows. “Not that I’m afraid he’ll be upset or anything because I’m absolutely certain he won’t. I just don’t want him thinking I’m trying to rub it in to get a reaction or anything.”

Roni stared at her for a moment very straight-faced before licking the cheese cake she’d smeared on her finger and turning back to face the counter. “Maybe I was trying to rub it in.”

This alarmed Nellie. She was not going to start playing those games. “Why?”

Roni turned back to her, looking a little worried now. “Okay, you still promise there are no feelings involved and you’re not expecting anything more from this except letting your free spirit loose, right?”

“Yes,” Nellie said in the most assuring voice she could gather. It was far from the truth now, but she had to keep up the front.

“I guess Noah was beginning to worry like me that maybe Abel was going to start changing his mind and that he might even get upset when he heard about your date, so he asked him straight out, and Abel assured him he’s only in this for your free spirit, insisting you take care of his needs and that he doesn’t have to worry about any drama or demands. And then those photos of him in New York and the stories of him and juice bar girl he’s doing just after you got back from that trip were all over the Internet and TV.” She stopped and exhaled exasperatingly. “I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t bother you, but it pisses me off. I love you, and I just want him to know he’s not doing you any favors, helping you unload your free spirit. There are plenty of others out there who’d be willing to help out.”