Page 12 of Never Kiss Your Brother's Best Friend

That's not surprising, though. Small towns are always trying to get bigger. It's just the way things are. My favorite part of our town has to be the live oaks on each side of the street. The canopies they form are like giant hands reaching for each other to protect people from the blazing sun above.

"It's funny, a lot has changed around here, but it still feels the same," I comment. "I miss this place, Sterling. It's good to be back."

He gives me a side-eyed glance. "That old water tower we climbed when we were kids has been taken down."

I laugh. "Of course, it has. That thing was a death trap. What about the abandoned factory behind the town center? Has anyone bought it?"

"Nope," he replies. "Still abandoned. Nobody wants to mess with it."

"But,” he adds, and then hesitates, “I've actually been considering buying it myself. The price is really reasonable. I could move my clinic over there. There's enough room that I could add a new animal shelter wing."

"Sterling, that's an amazing idea. Do you think you can afford it?"

"I can afford the building and get started on the renovations, but I won’t have enough for the shelter wing quite yet. Don't get me wrong, my business has been doing well," he replies. "But I want to do things right, and I’m just not there at this point."

"That's a shame," I say, pursing my lips. "I think you should go for it."

"I was thinking that I could maybe get a few more vets from surrounding areas to help out once it's opened. With the animal shelter, we could offer more services and help more animals."

"It sounds amazing, Sterling," I say. "I know I've been away for a while, but I'd love to help as much as I can while I'm here, to help make your vision a reality.”

He gives me a smile. "Thanks, Emma. I’m grateful."

"Anything for the cause," I say with a grin. "Let's get this thing started."

"Don't get too excited. I still have no idea how I'm going to get it off the ground. That's going to be the hard part."

"We'll figure it out," I reply. I reach out and place my hand on his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I believe in you."

He glances at me, and the look he gives me makes me feel all warm and tingly. There's something in his eyes that I can't quite decipher. Something about him is different than when we were younger, and I'm not sure what it is.

To me, he’s always been the same Sterling—I’ve had the privilege of seeing his true character. Deep down, he’s a compassionate soul who loves animals and wants to help them. It’s unfortunate that others perceive him as grump, because he’s anything but.

He was always my friend but by way of my brother Peter. Now, I’m feeling a connection that’s just ours, that my brother has nothing to do with.

There’s no doubt he’s gone from being adorable as a teenager to striking as a man. But it’s more than that. Being around him lifts my spirit; I feel drawn to him.

And that might become a problem.

Chapter six

STERLING

The sun hangs low in the sky as Emma and I arrive at my parents' house. It's a quaint, welcoming place with a white picket fence and a well-manicured garden. The familiar aroma of blooming flowers covers the space, and I breathe it in.

It smells like home.

Emma holds Buddy in her arms. He seems to have taken quite a liking to her. His tail wags happily, and his eyes reflect an easy trust only animals seem to hold.

Mom opens the door before we even have a chance to knock. Her eyes light up, and she rushes forward to envelop me in a tight hug. "Sterling, sweetheart! It's been too long. You're late. I wasn't sure you were coming."

"Sorry, Mom. I found a girl and a stray dog," I joke, gesturing to Emma and Buddy.

Her smile grows even wider. "Well, well, well. Emma, my dear, I haven't seen you in ages. How have you been?" My mother launches herself at my childhood friend, who is standing there with Buddy in her arms and wraps her in a hug.

"I'm doing well, Mrs. Cole. It's good to see you," Emma says.

"And who is this little guy? Isn't he a cutie!" she exclaims, leaning down to pet the puppy.

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