Page 11 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

I nod. “How’s that going?”

There’s a pause before she answers. “Good.”

“Always is.” I smile. “Can’t wait to read it when it’s released.”

She narrows her eyes at me, and this time, there’s no ire or annoyance, just plain curiosity. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’re very talented, Jess. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for your next story.”

She bites her lips as she stares at me, and my body reacts in a way that’s so foreign to me that I almost jump over the fence and run into my house. “You read my books?”

“Yep.” I nod. “Ever since Evelyn told me you were a writer some years back. I checked you out and stocked up on all of your books, I’ve been a fan ever since. I never miss a new release.”

Jessica’s mouth falls open in shock, which is a feat. She hardly gets out of character. As if remembering herself, she snaps her mouth closed and clears her throat.

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you. They are really great,” I say. “When’s the new one coming out?”

“It should be out next September, as long as I meet my deadline.”

“I’m sure you will. Let me know how I can help.”

She flashes me a small smile, and I swear my day is made. “Thank you, Sean.”

The atmosphere between us cracks with tension, and I balk at the change. This isn’t me and Jessica. She cannot be thanking me with a smile. I turn to leave.

“You’re welcome, Jess. I’ll see you later.” I approach the fence. “I think your hair needs a good conditioner. It’s all over the place.”

I glance behind me to see her face darken again, and a chuckle escapes my lips as I cross over to my side of the property.

“Stay on your side from now on,” she shouts at me. “Or I swear I’ll have you arrested for trespassing.”

Knowing Jessica, she probably will, but I wouldn’t be Sean if I didn’t test that out, would I? I plan to, although later. I’m still laughing when I let myself into the house and head straight for the fridge. My body is sticky from dried sweat, but I need to take care of this thirst first. I didn’t feel any pain when I was outside with Jessica, but now that I’m alone, my muscles ache and I can tell I’m going to be sore.

I chug down a bottle of water in two gulps and chuck the empty plastic into the trash before jogging upstairs. My phone vibrates in my pocket. I take it out and see Jamie’s name across the screen. Very convenient.

“What’s up?” I answer.

“What are we doing today?” He asks immediately. “Ready to roll?”

“Uhh…in a few minutes,” I answer, shedding my clothes. “I went for a run. I want to shower first.”

“Any idea what you want to do? Or you’ll leave it to me?” He asks excitedly.

“I’ll leave it to you, for now, impress me.”

He laughs. “I’ll call you in an hour. Okay?”

“Jamie?” I hold his attention. “Why the heck is your sister my next-door neighbor?”

“Really?” Jamie gasps. “What a divine coincidence.”

“Shut up,” I say in disbelief. “This is too much to be a coincidence.”

“Well…” Jamie drags. “I was mad at Jess when we made the booking, so when I saw a vacancy, I decided to take it for you.”

“Okay.” I knead the space between my eyes as I walk into the bathroom. “Were you also mad at me?”

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