Page 5 of Marrying My Brother's Best Friend

She shakes her head as my regret overshadows every other feeling and leaves me with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Gracie will not believe this, but I spent many nights thinking about why I lied to her that night. I’ve also wondered if my life would have turned out differently with her. But these were mere thoughts because I could not let myself want her.

Do I regret it? No! I would do it again to protect her from a man like me. Gracie deserves sunshine and happiness. The kind of man who would love her and never feel guilty about it.

The kind of man not damaged by his past demons.

I can’t give Gracie the life she wants, and seeing the flicker of hurt in her eyes reminds me of that. My heart is a battleground of sorrow and remorse. The turbulent storms deep within leave me with an unsettling prick in my heart.

Deep down, I know using Gracie will end whatever affection she has for me once she finds out. But I’m doing it, anyway. Because that’s the kind of man I am. She definitely deserves better.

Chapter 3

Gracie

I try to focus on my book this morning, but Trevor’s presence is as distracting as ever. He’s reading a magazine on the table facing mine, his right leg crossed over the left as he taps one foot lightly on the ground.

A half cup of latte is in front of him, and his attention shifts from his magazine to me, periodically. Each time our eyes meet, a tremor spikes over my nerves and rattles me.

There’s something about the heat in his eyes. The unspoken layers of passion keep drawing me in. My outburst yesterday proves there’s still a spark between us. No matter how hard I try denying it, Trevor’s return leaves a tender sprout of tingles in the base of my heart. I’m trying not to focus on that either, but he keeps looking at me.

I notice how he slicks his fingers through his hair and rolls his sleeves up. All that and the burning feeling of his eyes make it impossible for me to focus.

Why is he looking at me? Trevor’s words keep coming to mind. I came back for you, Gracie. I know I shouldn’t believe a word he says. The man will say anything to get what he wants. I should focus on figuring out what his end goal is.

Returning to Golden Bay, buying Espresso Books. Jace is his best friend, and he should know better, but Jace has never been one to talk about Trevor’s personal life with anyone, including me.

Just focus on your work, Gracie. With a deep sigh, I focus on my laptop’s screen again and try processing the first words that come to mind so I can type them down.

I’ve been stuck at the third chapter of my romance novel for weeks now. I close my eyes and try to focus on my thoughts. Trevor’s no longer in his seat when I re-open them, and that’s a relief.

I heave a deep breath, rub my shoulders to ease the kinks there, and start typing the words in my head. A little time passes till Trevor walks into the café and takes his seat again.

My mind’s completely buried in my book, so I don’t notice when he gets up again, walks to me, and pulls out the chair opposite mine.

“What are you doing?”

I nearly jump out of my skin from the shock of him speaking next to me. Trevor’s brow spikes up, and he tries steering my laptop towards him so he can look at my screen.

“What are you doing?” My hand brushes over his as I stop him from taking my laptop.

“Are you writing a book?” he asks. “You always talked about writing one. I remember you started a few times but never made it past the first three chapters.” He smiles easily, and the twinkle in his eyes makes me squirm in my seat.

“Yes, I’m writing a book,” I answer and close my laptop. “I’ll make it past the first three chapters this time.”

“What’s it about?” he asks almost immediately.

“It’s not your business.” My lips form a pout, and I try getting up, but Trevor clamps a hand over mine on the table and I freeze.

His hand is warm over mine, and the heat spirals through me, ruffling my nerves till I feel the tension in me rise higher. I’m speechless, but I try controlling my flush.

“Sorry,” he whispers when he realizes his hand is on mine. “I just…” Trevor rubs a hand over his chin and relaxes in his chair again. I do the same. The tip of my tongue swats over my lower lip, and I clear my throat to get rid of the awkwardness in the air.

“You shouldn’t stop working because of me,” he says. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. I just thought…It’s okay if you don’t want me here,” he stammers, then moves to leave his seat.

“No,” I call out without thinking. “I mean…I…”

Why do I always blabber when he is close?

The onslaught of heat sizzling through me makes me shake my head and laugh a little. “It’s fine. I was heading back to the counter soon, anyway. Friday evenings are our book sales day. We will have lots of book lovers trooping in here soon.”

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