Page 8 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

“We’re just excited all our kids are coming around. We should throw a big party when he gets home. I miss having the three of you running around the house.”

“I never ran round the house,” I counter. “I was always the civilized one.”

“Keep saying that until you believe it.” My mom laughs, and I roll my eyes. “You were always the instigator.”

“Are you okay, though?” My dad asks, staring at me knowingly. “Is there a reason why you came home?”

I want to joke and say I came home because I missed them, but my parents are more astute than that. Rather than add to my guilt at being away too long by lying to them, I tell the truth. “Nothing, really. I just needed to get away from some drama,” I explain. “You know life as an actor,” I wave my hand to indicate it’s no big deal. “It’s hard not to get caught in one scandal or another.”

My parents nod like they understand what I’m saying. Maybe they do.

“Are you staying the night?” Dad asks, and I sheepishly shake my head.

“I rented a house in town,” I rush, seeing their disappointed expressions. “It’s close by, and you can come see me anytime you want. I’ll be around often, too, I promise.”

“But you can stay the night and go tomorrow,” Dad insists. “We haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Okay.” I shrug. There’s no harm in staying the night, really. “I’ll stay the night.”

The joy on their faces is enough gratification for me, and I smile in relief. It’s so good to be back home.

Chapter 4

Jessica

“Your excitement is contaminating the air.” I frown at Evelyn as we leave Bake My Day and head to her car. It’s almost nine, and the bakery has finally closed for the night. “Stop smiling like someone who won the lottery.”

“Isn’t this better than winning the lottery?” Evelyn hooks her arm through mine and continues skipping forward, pulling me along. “Sean is back.”

“Personally, I’ll pick winning the lottery.”

Evelyn nudges me, and a reluctant smile curves my mouth. I’m happy for Evelyn, honestly, but the thought of Sean being around makes me uneasy for so many reasons, all of which I’ve avoided dwelling on since he made his surprise visit a few hours ago.

“You and Sean have always fought like cats and dogs. I wonder when it will get better. You are both adults,” she teases.

“He’s two years older; let him be the bigger person, thank you.”

We reach our cars, and Evelyn pulls me into a warm hug. I might not like physical displays of affection, but Evie gives the best hugs.

“Thank you for staying with me today; I appreciate it.”

“Anytime.” I came to see Evie this morning to complain about my terrible bout of writer’s block and find a solution, and although I didn’t find one, it was the perfect distraction. Sometimes taking a break is exactly what one needs to get the creative juices flowing. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Definitely.” Evelyn slips into her car. “I’ll tell Sean you said hi.”

“Don’t you dare!” I wave a finger in front of her face. “I will eat you alive, Evelyn O’Connell.”

She shudders and starts the engine. “Is it weird that I kind of think you can?” She asks, making me laugh.

“I can. Get that into your skull.” I jab a finger into her forehead, and she scowls.

“Ouch.”

Laughing, I get into my car and start the engine. Evie gives me a final wave as she drives away. Now that I’m alone, there’s no escape from the onslaught of thoughts that overwhelm me. The image of Sean in all his gorgeousness is swirling around in my head. His smile, the way he smells, and his teasing tone. I can no longer deny it. I still have a crush on Sean O’Connell.

“Dang it!” I slam my hand against the steering wheel, flinching when I accidentally hit the horn, and it blares.

I’ve always had a crush on Sean, which makes it all the more annoying when he teases me. Growing up, I saw him as something more, but he saw me as his best friend’s sister or his sister’s best friend. There was a time in my life when I was so in love with him that I tried to end my friendship with Evie, thinking he would finally see me. I shudder at the thought. What would I have done if Evelyn was no longer my best friend?

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