“You’re welcome,” said Seb. “I didn’t teach her how to do it because of you, though.”

“Yeah, I know you didn’t,” said Alex. There was a beat while they regarded each other – then they both seemed to remember at the same time that Willow was there. Alex saw her watching them with a faintly exasperated look. She shook her head and scrambled to her feet, grabbing up the spark plugs.

“I have to go find a wire brush and clean these off; they’re way too dirty,” she said. “I’ll just be a few minutes.”

She left the room, her short cherry-gold hair gleaming in the light. Alex watched her, taking in her narrow shoulders; the green straps resting on her smooth skin. Then, turning, he saw that Seb’s eyes were following her too. He’d known they would be, but suddenly it felt like the last straw.

As Willow’s footsteps faded away up the stairs, he said in Spanish, “You could give it a rest sometimes. I mean, you don’t have to watch her every move, do you?”

Seb’s voice was mild. “I don’t know. Maybe I do.” He closed his eyes and leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.

Alex picked up a screwdriver, tapped it against the floor. “So how’s that whole unrequited love thing working out for you, anyway? Hasn’t she figured out you two are meant to be yet?”

Seb lifted his head and gave him a long look. “Please tell me that you don’t seriously want to have this conversation. Because, personally, I can’t think of anything I’d rather do less.”

“Yeah, I do want to have it, actually.” Alex tossed the screwdriver aside. “Does Willow know you’re just biding your time, pretending to be her friend?”

Seb’s gaze was cold. “I’m not just biding my time. I am her friend.”

“Oh, sorry. No, I guess it’s never even occurred to you that if you hang around long enough, being the perfect friend, she’ll come to her senses and fall for you. Right?”

Shaking his head in disgust, Seb closed his eyes again and settled back against the wall. “You are so far off base, hombre.”

Remembering his conversation with Willow on the balcony – her pink cheeks as she tried to explain away Seb’s feelings for her – Alex had an insane urge to ask Seb if Willow felt the same way about him. Just having the thought made him feel like an idiot. God, he was glad Willow wasn’t listening to any of this.

“What’s the scar from?” he asked after a pause, nodding at Seb’s arm.

“Dios mío.” Seb gave a soft, snorting laugh. “Have I told you how much I enjoy these conversations of ours? It’s from a sword fight. Or a knife fight, take your pick. The other guy won, if you’re interested.”