Page 28 of Love Never Happens with your Brother’s Best Friend

“Your love life is splattered all over the internet and you are only here avoiding the fallout of some kind of scandal with a senator’s daughter.”

“Okay. Yes. I see what you mean. But, Rita, I know you’re probably rolling your eyes this minute. I am not that person.” I hear Rita huff. “Really. I’m not. I’ve been stamped with a persona that is not who I am. Trial by media. And, I admit, I look guilty as charged. But…”

I realize that it’s probably not the ideal time to plead my case. I need Rita to believe me, but I don’t want to sound desperate. With a backpack in each hand, I stomp over to the shelter. Something scuttles across the roof which squeaks and squeals. More rats, I guess. Using the straps on the backpacks, I do a pretty decent job of hanging them from supporting beams under the roof. It’ll keep them dry if it rains and off the ground, away from inquisitive noses and gnawing teeth.

I make my way back to the tent. The fire is nothing more than a small collection of glowing red embers.

I kick off my boots and shove each one under the tent’s fly sheet.

“Ready?”

“Yes,” says Rita stoically. “Your bed roll is here with your sleeping bag.”

“Thank you for not making me sleep with the rats.”

“You’re welcome.”

I slide my feet in first. It takes a little maneuvering, but I wriggle down into my sleeping bag beside Rita.

“My. Isn’t this cozy?”

“That’s one way of describing it,” Rita says dryly as she zips up the tent flap. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Rita.”

Chapter 15

Rita

Ican’t sleep. Being so close to Brodie is an extreme test of keeping my hands to myself. I lie on my back rigid for most of the night trying not to think about the sexy man lying beside me and how it would be so easy to... The rhythmic sounds of his breathing are punctuated by owl hoots and nocturnal rustlings. I can’t be sure, but I don’t think Brodie is sleeping either.

“What’s that?” Brodie whispers loudly.

“What?”

“That noise. Sounds like a lion walking around out there.”

“It’s probably a raccoon or a fox. Don’t worry. Sounds are deceptively loud at night. The slightest noise is amplified. And also, there aren’t any lions.”

“Mountain lions? Cougars?”

“No. Go to sleep.”

“Rita.”

“Yes, Brodie.”

“Thanks for letting me share your tent.”

“You’re welcome. Go to sleep.”

It’s morning. A soft green light permeates the tent fabric. As I slowly wake up and open my eyes, I’m surprised to find myself snuggled up in Brodie’s arms. My head is on his broad chest which moves up and down with each breath. I hear his heartbeat and feel so warm and safe I don’t want to disturb him. But I don’t want him to think I’m enjoying this. I stay as still as possible, breathing in time with my hunky roommate. His fingers begin to caress my upper arm sending tingles of warmth running throughout my body. He pulls me in tight and kisses the top of my head then lets out a long, contented sigh. I can’t contain myself any longer. The closeness of the man I’ve been in love with since we were children is too much to bear. I pull away and sit up.

“Good morning, princess,” says Brodie in a deep husky tone. “How about you ring for room service.”

I open the tent flap to let in the cool morning air. Then unzip and wriggle out of my sleeping bag. There’s dew on the grass and mist rising from the treetops where the sun hits. Brodie rolls over and wraps an arm around my waist gently halting my exit.

“Where are you going? Stay here. Five minutes more.” Brodie breathes into my hair causing another surge of tingly excitement to charge down to my toes and back again. “How can you smell this good, Rita? Your hair is amazing. Mmmm.”

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