Page 37 of Never Kiss Your Brother's Best Friend

“You did what?” I smack him on the shoulder. “He asked to date me?”

“Kind of, but who cares? It was a long time ago.” Peter is clearly oblivious to how I felt about Sterling.

“I did!” It comes out a little harsher than I want it to.

He’s scrunching his face up like he has no idea what’s going on. Men.

“Peter, really? You had no idea that I’ve had a crush on him for like…. ever?”

“Um, no, I didn’t.”

I pull my legs up to my chest and rest my head on my knees. This is all kind of overwhelming. I can’t be mad at Peter for what happened back then. But it’s also impossible not to wonder what could have been.

Peter puts an arm around my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Emma. I really had no idea.”

I nod slowly. “I know.”

“I just don’t want you to be the test relationship for Sterling, the one he uses to see if he’s ready again. I would never forgive him if he hurt you. Plus, you’ve just been through a breakup. I’m worried you might be moving too quickly with him.”

I know he only wants what’s best for me, but now he’s got me all conflicted. I nod again. “I get it. I do. It’s getting late. Let’s just head to the hotel.”

My mind races with worries and doubts as we make our way to the front steps of my hotel. I give Peter a hug and thank him for walking me back. Then I head inside.

Later that night, I get a text from Sterling telling me what a good time he had tonight with a winking emoji. It’s very cute and instantly makes me smile when I see it. But I don’t know how to respond to Sterling now, given the information I just got from my brother.

Maybe he is right, maybe I am moving too quickly. But at the same time, it feels like I’m moving too slowly. I’ve waited more a decade for that kiss, and I don’t regret it. In fact, I can’t stop thinking about it, imagining the weight of his lips on mine.

But it’s too complicated now with all that I know. Why didn’t he tell me about his fiancée? It seems like something I should know if he wants to get involved with me. I’m not sure I can fully trust him if he’s not gonna be honest about his past.

My body feels heavy with the weight of the day. As hard as it is to do, I make a silent vow to take my brother’s advice and back off of from whatever is budding between Sterling and me. This project takes precedence, and I don’t want anything getting in the way of its success. So that’s where I’m going to put my focus.

I try to clear my head and get some sleep, but every time I close my eyes, all I see is him. I should respond to his text, tell him I enjoyed today just as much as he did, but I don’t. Because the more I let myself feel, the harder it will be to walk away.

Chapter sixteen

STERLING

It’s extremely busy at the clinic today. Once a month, I offer free spays and neuters, and people come from all the neighboring towns to participate. We get a lot of barn cats that farmers ask animal control to bring in from their property. Cats are certainly helpful for catching mice, but at times the population gets out of control.

Lots of people also bring their dogs. It always feels great to give back to the area. The farmers really love me, which is great, but I find myself with more ears of corn than a man could ever eat by the end of the day.

I haven’t had a break in hours, and my mind races with thoughts of Emma. Every time I walk past the front door, my eyes are glued to the wall. I will never look at it in the same way ever again.

Emma seemed to enjoy our kiss just as much as I did, but she hasn’t responded to the text I sent her last night and that worries me. It’s not like her. Not knowing what her and Peter talked about is driving me crazy. Did he actually tell her not to speak to me? That would be kind of ridiculous. We’re working together on this shelter project, so it’s not even possible.

“Dr. Cole. Dr. Cole.”

“Sorry, yes?” My vet tech Sarah clears her throat. I’m staring at the wall again. This may become a problem.

“Sorry to interrupt… whatever it is you were doing, but we’re ready for you in the operating room.”

“Be right there.”

Sarah gently squeezes my shoulder, then lets her fingers trail down my arm as she walks away. I really need to talk to her about that. No matter how gruff I get with her sometimes, she always makes a point to flirt with me at some point in the day. She’s an attractive woman, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not interested. And this isn’t the type of thing I want to encourage.

I’ve never been anything but professional, but she doesn’t seem to get the hint. I’ll have to figure that out later. I don’t have time for it right now. I check my phone one more time before heading to the operating room for a response from Emma.

Nothing.

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