Page 2 of Protected By my Brothers Best Friend

“Everything on Main Street has to be shorter than a tree. So, I had to pull back on a few of my design plans. I wanted a huge bear with a canoe on top of the building to draw people in. Apparently, that’s not allowed.” I smile and pull a box of cereal down from the cupboard. I don’t know why, I’m not even hungry. “I’d always wondered why no one had done that. Now I know.”

“That’s okay. It’s an easy fix. I can take a look at the plans for you. What kind of shop is it? You selling sporting goods?”

I nod. “Yeah. I’m going to rent out fishing poles, kayaks, and bikes for tourists to use out at the river. It’ll probably be a big flop, but it’s where my heart is. Dad and I would load us girls into the truck, and we’d ride out to the honey hole behind the house every Sunday. We’d just sit by the river all day eating snacks and talking. I don’t think we caught more than a dozen fish my whole childhood.”

Cooper reaches out for my hand, swallowing it up with warmth. “I’m sorry about your dad. He was a great guy, and he’d have loved the idea of you carrying on the tradition with the town. I hope someday I can be as cool as your dad was.” He clears his throat. “Are you okay with everything? I’ve wanted to reach out, but I didn’t know what to say.”

“Yeah,” I swallow hard, “I haven’t heard from you in a while.”

He crosses his arms over his chest and glances away before turning toward me again. He’s uncomfortable. Maybe I make him uncomfortable. Maybe he doesn’t like me at all. I mean, that makes the most sense. When you like someone, typically you talk to them when big events happen. You don’t run in the opposite direction.

“Sorry. I’ve been so busy. I don’t know my head from my ass most days.” Even he knows his excuse is lame. I can tell by the way he shifts in place and looks away again. “So, how’d you get roped into this weekend? I’m sure you have a lot to do if you’re opening up a store.”

“Everyone else was busy.” I attempt a lighthearted chuckle, but it comes out like a jarring cackle. Could this go any worse right now?

The part about everyone else being busy is partially the truth, partially a lie. Yes, everyone else was busy, but also, I wanted to be trapped in the same space with Cooper so I could force myself to make my move. “It’s not so bad. I need the break, and Shanna really needs help. She’s not giving herself a break at all. They’re both really burned out. I have no idea why they took the girls on a walk without grabbing me first.”

Cooper raises his brow. “They do seem exhausted. It’s good, though. Kids are good.”

I cock my head to the side. I never took Cooper for the kind of guy who felt he was missing out on something. Then again, I haven’t had a real conversation with him in years.

“You want the whole family thing? I didn’t see that coming.”

He laughs and reaches for the box of cereal, tucking his big hand inside for a handful of toasted oats. “I do, but I’m a workaholic. Women don’t appreciate that. They want a man who has time for vacations and romantic dinners and all that shit. I can’t stop myself from working. Successful at business… not so successful personal life.”

“You still have time.”

“Do I? I’m pretty sure when you hit your mid-forties, your window is closing. I think that’s why your brother planned this weekend.”

My brows narrow. “I’m not following.”

“He’s picking up some girl he wants me to get to know. I guess I’m that desperate now.”

My heart sinks, and I swear I see spots. “I thought he was on a walk.”

“They went for a walk this morning, but after that, they left for the train station. She’s coming in from Nashville, I guess. I don’t know. Dating isn’t my thing, and blind dates are the worst.”

I would speak if I had any moisture left in my mouth, but I don’t. I’m clear out. I might be out of air too, because all I want to do is run, but my body is locked in place.

“Are you okay? Your face is pale, like you’re going to be sick.” He moves around the kitchen island and steps toward me, shoving the rest of the cereal into his mouth before landing his hand on the small of my back.

I’ve wanted him to touch me for years. Now that he is, I want him to stop.

“I think I might be. Maybe I should head home. I’m not sure I can—”

“No, don’t go. Please. I don’t think I can get through this weekend without you.” His words have caught me off guard.

“Me? Why me? You’ve gotten along all this time on your own.” My tone is snarky as it escapes my lips and totally out of line.

Damn it!

He brushes his hand down over his beard and looks away as though he’s trying to decide what to say next.

My heart is on edge, pounding against my chest with hard, heavy beats. I want to swallow up that last sentence. It was weird and stupid and childish. He’s a grown man. Grown men don’t talk to their best friend’s little sister on the regular.

The front door opens, and my breath is once again gone. My brother and sister-in-law stand in the doorway, holding my nieces in their arms, while welcoming in a woman who makes me want to vomit. She’s tall and thin. Her hair is long and blond. Her eyes are blue, and her breast to waist ratio is that of a rap song. Even I can’t look away.

Thank God they can’t see Cooper and I from where they’re standing.

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