Page 23 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

Sean and I stare at each other for a brief moment. “I’m not scared, Sean. Just uninterested.”

“Hmph!” He snorts. “If that’s what makes you sleep at night.”

I glance at my laptop and wish Sean would leave so I can continue writing. He’s crowding my space, filling everywhere with his presence, his scent. He’s putting crazy thoughts in my head. I want him to leave so I can breathe and get back to the way my life was before he walked in my door.

Sean is about to say something, but I raise my finger. “You know what? You might be right.”

“What do you mean?” He narrows his eyes.

“This idea might be a good one; I shouldn’t completely dismiss it just yet.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” I grab his arm and walk him toward the door. “Why don’t you give me time to think about it and I’ll get back to you.”

“You’re lying,” he says. “You’re kicking me out.”

“No. Of course not.” I stop by the door and hold it open. “I just need some time to think.” I wear a thoughtful expression and look into his eyes. “Give me some time and I’ll get back to you. Okay?”

He’s silent for a moment before nodding. “Okay.” He steps out the door. “I’ll stop by later.”

“Sounds good. Bye.”

Before he can respond, I shut the door and let out a deep breath. Whew! A few more minutes with Sean, and I’d have thrown myself at him. How does one person have the right to look that good? With another groan, I stalk toward the island and open my laptop, ready to get back to work. I just told Sean I’d consider his offer to get him off my back. There’s nothing to think about. My answer is no, and there’s no changing it. I don’t need a dating coach. What I do need, though, is more people in my life to mind their darn business.

Chapter 11

Sean

I’ve been with different types of women in my life. Models. Actresses. Singers. Entrepreneurs. Even Princesses. But never have these women made me feel strung like a cord. Never have these women brought me to my knees with a single stare. None of them has ever made me feel the way Jessica does.

I’m so powerless when it comes to her, and it’s ironic because being in her presence fills me with strength and excitement. It’s a paradox. One that I have no intention of dissecting because very soon, I’ll find her a good man. The perfect man for her. I’m doing this for myself, as much as her. I need to prove that whatever is happening when I’m around her isn’t me having feelings for her. I need this just as much as she does.

I park my car in front of Evelyn’s bakery and remain in the vehicle to gather my composure. Jessica was wearing a pair of jeans with a cotton shirt and tank top underneath. Just your average girl next door outfit, but she still was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Everything is a novelty with her, and this makes me want to seek her out.

Sighing, I push the door open and step out of the car. Jessica will be the end of me if I don’t do something about it. I walk into Bake My Day, wave, and smile at one of the employees before using the back door that leads me into the hall. Evie’s office is at the end of the hallway. My sister is on the phone when I reach her, and she immediately hangs up when I walk in.

“Sean.” She stands to her feet and walks around the table to hug me. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.” I kiss her cheek and settle into the chair across from her. “How are you?”

“I’m good.” She narrows her eyes at me. “I didn’t know you were stopping by today,” she says. “Is everything alright?”

“I have a proposition for you,” I tell her. “Have a seat.”

She stares at me for a moment before walking back to her chair. “What is it? You’re making me anxious.”

“Don’t be.” I smile. “It’s about Jessica.”

She relaxes against the chair. “Just the other day, Jessica was sitting right where you are and ranting about you.”

“She was?” I ask distractedly.

“What’s with you two?” She sighs. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think that you each have a thing for the other.”

“Jessica?!” I glare at her like she’s far from the truth. “Shut up. Okay?”

“Fine, fine.” She giggles. “What is it this time?”

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