Page 39 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

“What?” I frown. “What do you mean? What’s wrong with that?”

Sean shrugs just as we pull into his driveway. “Don’t worry, I’m simply being overprotective.”

He kills the engine, and the car is plunged into silence. We are parked in front of his house. It’s almost eleven, and I should go home, but neither of us makes any attempt to get out of the car.

“So what’s his name?”

“Rick.” I catch Sean’s gaze. “He says he knows you and—”

“Yes.” Sean nods stiffly. “We went to school together and were in the same class. He was one of my and Jamie’s good friends. He still is.”

“Really?” My interest flares. “Is he a good guy?”

“What was your impression of him?” Sean asks softly, sidelining my question.

I shrug, contemplating the question for a few seconds. “He was really nice. Too nice, actually. That’s why I’m asking you, because I don’t think I’ve ever met a guy who was all around perfect on the first meet, except Rick.”

Sean turns away from me to glance out the window, and I wonder what must be so interesting in the darkness that captured his attention.

“Are you listening to me?”

“Yes.” He says, not turning to me. “I am. Go on.”

“There’s nothing much to say. When Rick and I were talking, conversation just seemed to be easy.” I laugh. “Plus, our shared love for thrillers? Sign me up!”

“That’s great, Jess,” Sean looks at me then, a smile on his face. “So this operation was a successful one, I presume? Are you going to see him again?”

“That’s up to him.” I sigh. “We exchanged numbers, and I really hope he calls.”

Sean nods and turns to look out the window again. Discomfited with the silence, I search for something to say, mainly because I’m not quite ready to return to my empty house.

“What about you?” I ask. “Did you meet anyone interesting?”

Sean is quiet for a moment, then he chuckles. “Yes.”

My heart skips a beat painfully, and I struggle to compose myself. Dang! What is wrong with me?

“That’s great,” I sing, cringing at how high and fake my voice sounds. I hope he doesn’t notice. “Who is she? Do I know her?”

“Probably not,” he answers. “You hardly interact with anyone new. So, I doubt it.”

“Let me be the judge of that.” I pout. “What’s her name? I might know her.”

“No.” Sean firmly shakes his head. “I’m not telling.”

“Why?”

“Because I refuse to shift the focus to me.”

Our gazes catch again, and his eyes are so soft I find myself wanting to lean over and kiss him. My thoughts are interrupted when he says.

“Let’s make this about you until we’re sure you’ve found someone.”

I hate that he’s right, but it’s killing me that I can’t put a face and name to the mystery lady in my head. Who is this woman? Why was Sean interested in her? How did she get his attention? Is she pretty? Prettier than me?

Realizing that my thoughts are starting to derail again, I unlock the car and step outside. Sean immediately follows.

“I’ll walk you to your door,” he says, waiting for me to get to him.

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