Page 42 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

“Okay.” The line goes dead, and I slip off of the stool. Before I realize what I’m doing, I’m halfway across the living room, on my way to the door and heading over to Sean’s house. It dawns on me that Evelyn is usually the first person I’d be calling about this, but right now, Sean is the person I want to talk to. As I cross over the lawn to his front door, I convince myself that it’s because Sean is the one who came up with this idea. He’s the one who deserves to know first. That’s all, no other reason.

I knock on his front door. “Sean?”

When there’s no response, I raise my fist to knock again. Still no response. His car is in the driveway, so I’m sure he’s home. I’m about to knock a third time when the door swings open, and Sean appears in the doorway. My breath catches in my throat. He’s shirtless, and I can’t stop from noticing his strong muscular chest and abs of steel. I didn’t think it was possible for someone to have abs like that in real life.

“Take a picture, Jess.” He chuckles with a smirk as he folds his muscled arms across his chest. “It will last longer.”

I feel a blush creeping up my face. I gather my wits and then push my way into his house like he always does to me.

“Put on a shirt, weirdo.” I look around the living room, mainly to keep my eyes busy instead of straying back to him.

“Well, sure, just come on in.” Sean sweeps an arm out like he’s inviting me in. He closes the door and throws on a t-shirt hanging from the back of a chair. “Is there something I can help you with?”

I take my time admiring the furniture setup and design of the room since I’ve never been here before. I want to leave a cutting remark, but everything is so tastefully furnished there’s nothing to say. This space probably costs ten times more than mine.

“I know you’re dying to say something silly about my home, but there’s nothing out of place.” Sean smirks. It’s like he read my mind. I snap my head to him in irritation.

“You rented this place, so you didn’t do any of the decorating. You can’t claim it.”

He walks toward the couch and sits down. He hooks one arm over the back and turns his eyes to me. “What do you want, ma’am?”

“So…” I lower myself onto the space beside him. “Rick just called me.”

His eyes widen for a few seconds, then he shutters them. “Oh, really? What did he say?”

“He wants to take me out on a date.” I clap my hands excitedly. “I thought he was never going to call.”

“You seem to like this guy a lot,” Sean says. If he hadn’t arranged the event, I would’ve said that he sounded disappointed. I narrow my eyes before nudging him.

“Thanks to you. You planned the whole thing.”

Sean doesn’t laugh, and the smile he gives me doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Are you okay?” I ask, reaching out to feel his forehead with the back of my hand. “You’re acting very unlike you. A bit laid back. Lethargic, even.”

“I’m just tired,” he answers. “But let’s talk about Rick. From what you’ve told me, you’re interested in going out with this guy, right?”

“Yes.” I nod my head. “He’s a sweet guy and he gets my sense of humor.”

“You can never tell who he is until you’ve spent some more time with him. I’d hate for you to get carried away by his sweetness until you know him a little more.”

“Good point. You’re right.”

“Great.” Sean pushes himself to his feet and stretches. For a moment, my attention is held by the flex of his back muscles underneath his t-shirt. I snap my eyes away from his as he turns to me.

“So when are you going on this date?” He asks.

“I told him I’ll give him a call back. I don’t think I’m prepared. I’m a little rusty, to be honest.”

“So you need my help?”

“Yes, Coach.”

He seems thoughtful for a moment; then, a slow smile crosses his face. “First, let’s celebrate the success of our operation,” he says.

“What operation?”

“Operation Get Jessica A Man.”

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