Page 22 of Falling for my Brother's Best Friend

“You are?” Brooklyn’s surprised tone is to be expected.

“Grandma Dori,” I answer.

“Always the meddler. I’ll go get a head start, Liam. Come down when you’re ready.” Wyatt thumbs behind him toward the back yard.

“First, can I have a word with you?” Brooklyn asks Wyatt.

I shake my head as poor Wyatt’s eyes are already filling with questions as to why he’s being pulled into the house. I set my bag by the door and walk down a few steps in case Brooklyn puts a glass to the front door.

“What’s up?” I force casual into my voice though I feel anything but right now. Liam can be the strong silent type at times, and I don’t feel like staring at each other for an eternity while I wait for him to spit out whatever it is he has to say.

“So… a date?” His arms cross, and he leans back on the railing.

I totally ignore the way that position makes his biceps and his pecs pop. “Yes. A date.”

“It’s funny, don’t you think?” He tilts his head.

“What’s funny about it?”

“That you get sick the night I have a woman who wants to sleep with me, yet here you are, trying to hide the fact that you’re going on a date.” His arms clench tighter, his muscles stretching the thin fabric of his shirt.

“You could’ve gone home with her.”

“And taken her where? You took my bed.” His lips tip up like he loves the memory of the night I had an out-of-body experience and forced myself into his bed.

“I was drunk.”

“That’s the second time.”

I throw my hands in the air. “What do you want from me?”

“If you’re going to date, why hide it?”

“I’m not hiding it.”

He tilts his head again, this time with the same expression my father gave me when I told him they weren’t my cigarettes in junior year.

A deep sigh rolls out of my chest. “It’s uncomfortable.”

“Why? We’re friends. I’m best friends with your brothers. It’s not like anything is going on with us.”

Those blue eyes bore into mine. Testing. Taunting. Almost demanding I admit to something just to prove he’s right. But we both know I’m just a conquest to Liam.

“Exactly. So excuse me so I can go get ready.” I take a step up the stairs.

“Can’t wait to meet him.”

I swivel back around, but he’s right there and my hands land on his biceps. His eyes dip down and I retract my hands.

“Too hot to touch?”

Anger and annoyance hijack my body. “Just worry about the tent.”

“You forget how good I am with my hands already?” He brushes his knuckles down my arm and shivers follow his touch. “Maybe you need a reminder?”

I pluck his hand off my skin. “Just stay out of the way.”

“I once told your dad I’d always look out for you Bailey girls.”

“Well, I release you of any obligation when it comes to this Bailey girl.” I point at my chest. “I can handle myself.”

I stomp up the stairs, grab my bag, and swing open the door.

“I’m not sure you know what kind of man is good for you, so I’ll be quick. A quick hello and a handshake with the guy in question won’t hurt.”

I give him a death glare that should keep him away, but his laughter says he’s going to ambush this date. I wish I cared a bit more.

I growl and slam the door.

“You’re lucky I don’t write Buzz Wheel myself,” Brooklyn says, obviously eavesdropping on our conversation. “Sounds like you guys could have a daily feature.”

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