Page 80 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

Liam is different now. He’s always been a bit of a wallflower, but now I feel like he’s even more withdrawn. It feels like he’s closed himself off to the world.

“It’s Sean,” I sigh, sipping my juice. “He’s not here yet and I’m having a hard time enjoying everyone’s fun.”

“That’s why you’re worried?” Liam arches his brows.

“Yes. We spoke last night, and he should be here by now,” I groan. “To boot, he hasn’t responded to any of my messages. I don’t know what’s going on. I’m worried, annoyed, and anxious all at the same time.”

“He’ll be here,” Liam says. “Don’t fret it. Sean keeps his word. If he says he’ll be here, then he will be.”

“I know. Thanks, Liam.”

Liam looks back to his drink and stares into his glass. “Liam, are you okay?” I blurt out

“Don’t I look okay?” He smirks at me.

“Yes,” I sigh. “But you seem different and I just want to make sure that everything is okay. You know you can always talk to me, right?”

Liam sighs and finishes the last of his drink. “I am fine,” he says. “Don’t worry about me. And thank you Jess, I appreciate that more than you know.”

“Any girlfriend?” I ask to try and lighten the mood. It works because he bursts into laughter.

“Girlfriend?” He echoes. “Nah.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve been in the military, Jess,” he says with a hint of sadness. “There’s no time for that.”

“What about now that you’re out?” I ask, and he stares into his empty glass for a moment.

“For now, I don’t think I need a girlfriend. I need time to myself.”

I want to ask why, but it’s clear that Liam isn’t going to say anymore. I let him be for now. He knows that we all love him and we’re all here to support him. It’s the best we can do for him right now.

The commotion in the living room grabs my attention, and when I turn to look toward the kitchen door I freeze. Sean is standing in the doorway with a smile from ear to ear. He’s glancing between Liam and me, although Liam hasn’t noticed him yet.

“Sean!” I fly off the stool and race across the kitchen into his arms. Sean catches me as I leap at him and wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls me close only to kiss me. His lips pressed on mine has every nerve ending in my body standing at attention, and sends tingles running down my spine. Tears sting my eyes, and I blink them back. He’s here now, everything is alright.

Grinning, Liam walks toward us. “Hi, bro,” he says. “It’s been a long time.” He extends his hand for a shake, but Sean swats it away and pulls him into a hug. The emotions that come up from watching the two brothers unite after so many years makes my eyes watery, and I blink back tears again.

“Oh, I missed you so much,” Sean whispers. “I missed you.”

Liam shuts his eyes briefly, and I can tell he’s trying not to cry. “I missed you too, brother. It’s so good to see you.” The brothers pull away, but both keep a hand on the other’s arm. “You look good,” Liam adds.

“Thank you.” Sean searches Liam’s face. “We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

“Okay.” Liam nods. “Now talk to your woman. She’s been worried about you.”

I roll my eyes as Liam winks at me and leaves the kitchen. Sean turns to me with an apologetic smile. “I had to get something done before heading here,” he says. “And I was trying to surprise you. Were you surprised?”

“No!” I swat his arm. “I was worried. And angry.”

Sean laughs and pecks my cheek. “My little spitfire,” he says. “Come on, the table is set. Let’s eat.”

When we reach the living room, Evelyn and Jamie are bickering about something while Liam is already at the table, waiting for the chaos to cease so we can all eat. When we walk past Evelyn to the table, she pauses her argument with Jamie and winks at me.

“You can smile now, can’t you?” She teases. “I told you he was going to be here.”

“I’ve not forgiven him for being late yet,” I mumble. “Maybe I will when he tells me why he was late.”

---