Page 17 of Never Kiss Your Brother's Best Friend

"Actually, yes," she says, her eyes lighting up. "I've been wanting to try it. I have a lot of customers who come in with their dogs. I was thinking of going for a granola mix with peanut butter, but maybe there's a healthier option. Maybe even a turkey and chicken mixture."

"I bet Sterling would sell some for you at his clinic," I tell her. "Plus, he's talking about opening up a second shelter."

Zoe laughs. "You can’t go thirty seconds without mentioning his name. I thought we weren't talking about Sterling."

My cheeks grow warm again, and Mia pokes my shoulder. "Okay, okay, fine. No more talking about Sterling."

I can't help but think that Mia and Zoe are right. There's definitely a spark between us. It's something I've always wanted to be there... But I wasn’t sure that it was and I never acted on my feelings in any way.

It's confusing and complicated, and I'm not sure where I'd even begin. Sterling is a good friend, and a good friend is exactly what I need right now.

"So, what else have you two been up to lately?" I ask.

"The usual," Mia says. "Baking, baking and more baking. No social life to speak of. But ask Zoe about what's going on with her new man."

Zoe's cheeks flush. "Mia! I've only been dating him for a few weeks. Don't tell her that. I just... I like him. I think he's a good guy. He's cute, and kind, and he's a total gentleman."

"But?"

"But, I don't know if he's a permanent fixture," Zoe admits. "We've only been dating a short time, and we've both got a lot going on. Still, we're having a great time."

"Do you want him to be a permanent fixture?" I ask.

Zoe glances at her empty glass, swirling the ice cubes around with her straw. "I'm not sure. We're only just getting to know each other. I'm really focused on my career, and he just started a new job in town. Plus, there's my mom. She's not well. If things get serious, we're going to have a lot to consider."

"What's going on with your mom?"

"She had a heart attack a few months ago," Zoe explains, her eyes misting. "I thought I was going to lose her. She made it through, but the recovery has been slow. She’s really needed me the last few weeks because my brothers have been swamped at work."

"I'm so sorry, Zoe. Why didn't you tell me? I would've come by."

"There's nothing you could do, Em. Besides, I'm okay. It's just hard to see her this way. She’s always been the strength of our family.”

"What can I do? Do you need anything?”

Zoe shakes her head. "Thanks, but no. Right now what she needs is her family around her. She's a tough cookie, but she's still my mom. The worst part is having to drive all the way to Asheville for her doctor."

I sit back on the sofa, running a hand through my hair. This really drives their point home about life being too short.

Could Sterling really care about me? Or does he still see me as Peter’s little sister?

Maybe my friends are right.

I can't live my life in what ifs.

And maybe, just maybe, it's time for me to take a chance on him.

Chapter eight

STERLING

The end of the day at the clinic is always a flurry of paperwork and last-minute appointments. Today is no different. I'm hunched over my desk, surrounded by medical records and schedules, trying to wrap up before the sun dips below the horizon. My staff is buzzing around, finishing up their tasks and preparing for tomorrow. The usual routine.

"Dr. Cole, I wanted to discuss the treatment plan for Mrs. Jenkins' cat,” says my vet tech, Sarah, from the doorway. "The antibiotics we prescribed don't seem to be improving the condition, and I was thinking we should consider an alternative—"

I cut her off, irritation creeping into my voice. "Sarah, we've been over this. Stick to the treatment plan unless there's a significant reason to deviate from it. Changing medications without proper cause can do more harm than good."

Sarah looks frustrated by my response, but then she leans against the doorframe in a move I've seen many times before. She tilts her head to the side, her fingers gently tracing the contours of the wood, "I just thought—"

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