She’d spent an entire afternoon on my laptop one weekend, researching phones, until she’d come to a final decision. Once she’d had that baby in her hands, she’d pulled it out of the box and fired it right up, telling me everything about it, from the high-speed camera to the storage space.

But, in all her research, she never quite figured out how to use it, and somehow, she couldn’t manage to lock it.

Or unlock it.

Or use it at all.

In her frustration, she’d ended up pocket-dialing me, while she was shopping for lingerie, and I’d gotten to hear her very embarrassing conversation with the salesclerk that started out with her asking if they had anything sexy but cute.

When the salesclerk had asked for clarification, Cara had said, “You know… maybe some lace with candy hearts?”

God, I loved this woman.

“Roman?” Jude said, bringing me back to earth.

“Yep. So, I’ll fax you the information once I get the final paperwork typed up. Once you go over it and suggest changes, I’ll send it to HR and present it to the board.”

“Sounds great, brother. I’m looking forward to hearing the announcement.”

I hesitated briefly. “I want you to announce it.”

There was silence on the other end.

“Don’t do this, Roman,” he responded, his voice low and ragged.

“Do what?”

“Sell yourself short.”

“What? I’m not—”

“You are. Why do you think I kept warning you about messing up with Cara?”

“Because I’m a jackass,” I joked.

“True,” he agreed. “But seriously, you’ve got this self-destruct switch. You purposely sabotage your life, never allowing yourself to have the recognition you deserve or the happiness you need. Make the announcement, Roman. Let our employees know who has their backs. Stop hiding in that office, and show them you’re working for them, not against them.”

“You sound a lot like Cara,” I huffed.

“Well, she seemed like an incredibly smart woman when I met her,” he replied in jest.

“She is.”

“I know she is, Roman. Don’t screw this up. You deserve this and more. But it doesn’t mean shit if you don’t believe it. You’ve got to believe it.”

We said our good-byes, and I leaned back in my chair once again, letting the cool leather melt into the curves of my back. I let my eyes close for a brief moment and thought about the words my brother had just said.

Did I sabotage everything in my life?

I was in love… something I’d sworn I’d never do.

That certainly didn’t sound like a man who was about to self-destruct.

Sorry, Jude, but this time, you’re wrong.

One month.

That was how long Cara had been mine.