Page 76 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

I laugh with them, my heart rate slowing to its normal rate. “Better late than never, I always say. I couldn’t hope for a better person to love my little girl than you, Sean.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“That’s my baby girl,” he continues seriously. “Please, don’t hurt her. She’s already been through so much.”

“I promise.” I tell John. “I love her so much.”

Lenny sighs. “You’re so cute. We’ve been waiting forever for the two of you to figure it out.”

“It definitely took me long enough.” I shake my head and run my hands through my hair.

“You have my full support,” she says. “Now the only thing you need to do is go and ask Jessica.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” I turn to John, looking for his support. He holds my stare for a few seconds before nodding.

“You have my support too.”

“Thank you, sir.” I walk over to them, shaking John’s hand and hugging Lenny. “I won’t let you down. I promise you.”

“I trust you, son.” John pats my shoulder and walks me toward the door. My body is vibrating with the need to be with Jessica and to let her know how I feel. I wave goodbye to the couple and run to my car like I’m in a race.

On my ride back home, I feel excitement, fear and determination. I experience each one as it comes, but none are as strong as hope. From Jamie to Lenny and John, everyone has shown support. They all affirmed that Jessica loves me too. I can’t help but wonder how I missed the signs.

I park in my driveway and the anticipation gives way to fear and anxiety. I turn off the ignition and put my hands on the steering wheel. I blow out a breath and work to gather my composure. I feel a smile creep across my face and my heart leaps. I get out of the car and head over to Jessica’s house.

When I stand in front of her door, my heart pounds. I lift my hand up to knock, but pause a moment. This is the day that I let Jessica Stewart know there is no one else for me. I knock on the door unable to contain the smile spread from ear to ear.

Chapter 29

Jessica

Sean hasn’t been gone five minutes and I feel an ache in my chest. How is it possible that I actually do miss the man when I just saw him?

I may have teased him this morning about missing him, but what he doesn’t know is that anytime I’m not with him I find myself wanting to be with him. There is no one that I want to spend my time with, in spite of the fact that all we seem to do is bicker.

I smile at the thought of us bickering. It’s never been serious, but more like constant teasing. I never have more fun than when I’m going back and forth with him.

I know that I’m in love with Sean. I’ve admitted my feelings to myself, and only myself. Maybe I’ve loved him all my life. Now it makes perfect sense why no other relationship has worked out. They could never measure up to Sean.

Every time I see Sean I have butterflies in my stomach. They take flight with just a smile or the teasing glint that he gets in his eyes. Being around him sets my heart ablaze. Something about him makes me feel the way no man ever has before, and I can’t imagine myself with anyone else.

I think about what Evelyn said to me this morning and I want nothing more than to believe it. There is a part of me that can’t let go of the thought that I’m setting myself up for heartbreak.

A knock at the door startles me and I almost knock over the coffee cup in front of me. My laptop is open but I haven’t typed anything. I’ve spent the past few minutes daydreaming about Sean. I really am hopeless.

I right the cup while turning to glare at the door, even though the person on the other end can’t see me.

“Who is it?” I call out.

No one answers, and I slip from the stool and walk toward the door. I feel annoyance at being interrupted from my daydreaming.

“Who’s there?” I ask again, feeling my annoyance double over as the person outside remains silent.

I peek through the peephole. When I see Sean standing outside with a silly smile stretched across his face, my annoyance dissipates. My stomach swoops and my heart flutters.

“Cat got your tongue?” I smirk, as I open the door for him. “Didn’t you hear me asking who was at the door?”

“I heard you,” he responds, kissing me on the cheek as he walks past me into the house. “You look beautiful with that frown on your face.”

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