Page 29 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

Sean sighs, and I bite back a giggle. I’m pushing him to the wall, but he’s not retreating. He seems hell-bent on helping me find a boyfriend.

“So what would you have us change?”

“I want you to do this with me.”

“What?” His mouth falls open. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s mix things up. We’ll invite some ladies you might be interested in, and we’ll both participate in this speed-dating idea.”

“This is about you, Jess,” Sean says, shaking his head firmly. “There's no reason for me to get involved.”

“Okay.” I twist in my seat to face my laptop, casually dismissing them. “Then I’m not interested.”

The room goes silent, and I pretend to be working on my laptop while trying to discreetly pay attention to what is happening behind me. I can hear whispers, but it’s impossible to decipher what they are saying. Finally, after a long moment of harsh whispers and silence, Sean calls my name.

“Jess?”

“Yes.” I turn to look at him.

“I’ll participate in the event,” he says. “We’ll do this together.”

“Perfect.” I smile, even though my stomach jumps weirdly. I’m excited that Sean is doing this with me, but there’s a weird feeling in my stomach at the thought of seeing him mingle with other women. I can only imagine how uncomfortable that might be, but I’ll sit through it as a reminder that I’m out of my depths with my attraction to Sean.

“We have an event to plan.” Evelyn stands to her feet. “What date are we looking at?”

“We don’t want to waste too much time,” Sean answers, scribbling into his pad. “Two weeks from today is enough. Does that work for you?” He asks his sister.

“Sure.” She nods. “Anything for my best girl.” She winks at me.

“That’s not true. You just love any excuse to throw a party. But by all means, use me as an excuse,” I laugh calling her out.

“Shut up.” She stretches languidly. “I should get back to the bakery. I have a lot of work.”

“I’ll drop you off.” Jamie quickly rises. “I’m sure Sean and Jessica can sort out the rest on their own.”

I immediately freeze, certain that I cannot cope with being alone in the same space with Sean. To my relief, he shakes his head and slips his pad back into his pocket. “Nah, I have to go with you guys. I need to see Evie’s bakery again from a fresh perspective. How many people can it hold?”

“Quite a lot,” Evie replies. “It’s a big space.”

“I’ll see for myself,” he says. “I’ll see you later, Jess.” He waves at me and walks out. To my annoyance, I feel bereft when he’s gone, so I turn to my laptop, ready to throw myself into work.

Chapter 13

Sean

“Do you have space open for an appointment?” I’m on the phone with the local salon, walking briskly toward the next house where the bane of my existence lives.

“Unfortunately not,” Ana, the hairstylist, responds politely. “We usually take bookings ahead of time. I’m sorry.”

“Is there anything you can do to help?” I ask, silently cursing my oversight. Tomorrow is the speed dating event, and in the process of planning, I forgot the makeover I’d planned for Jessica. I must do it today. I’ve been on the phone with several hairstylists, but I’ve been unable to get an appointment. Ana is the fifth stylist, and I’m already at my breaking point.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Ana answers again with a tired sigh. I’ve kept her on the phone for almost ten minutes now, so I understand why she’s frustrated, but she’s my only hope. “I really wish I could help.”

I stop in front of Jessica's door but don’t knock. “What’s the regular price for a haircut and a blowout?” I ask.

Ana responds with what she charges.

“Okay.” I’m not one to bribe, but this is my last option and I’m desperate. “How about I pay double the price?”

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