Page 14 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

When the door swung open, she looked like something out of a dream in a bright yellow floral sundress. Her hair was perfectly styled. She was breathtaking, even with the slight shadows under her eyes.

"Morning, beautiful," I managed to say, hoping I didn't sound as breathless as I felt.

"Good morning, Mr. Human Alarm Clock." She sounded upbeat, but I could see tiredness in her eyes. "I'm thinking of renaming your apartment 'The Thunder Dome.'"

I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. "Sorry about that. How about I make it up to you with some of Rosewood Cafe's delicious pancakes?"

Amelia tapped her chin, pretending to consider. "Throw in a large latte, and you're forgiven. For now."

As we headed out, Hero dancing around our feet, I couldn't help but grin. I'd gladly adapt my morning routine for more moments like these, this playful banter, the easy back-and-forth.

The bell jingled as we stepped into Rosewood Café. I scanned the room instinctively, noting exits and potential cover spots—old habits die hard. We slid into a cozy booth, our knees accidentally brushing under the table. I felt like a teenager again, hyper-aware of every touch.

Amelia perused the menu, biting her lower lip in concentration. "Sweet or savory? It's the eternal breakfast dilemma."

I grinned, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Why not both? Live a little, Amelia."

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Trevor Phillips, are you trying to corrupt me with the decadence of pancakes and bacon?"

"Absolutely." I winked. "But you'll have to fight Hero for the bacon. He's got a nose for these things."

Hero whined dramatically from under the table, his tiny paws scratching at my leg.

Amelia decided on pancakes, and I ordered an omelet with a side of fruit. I figured I could share a few blueberries with Hero. We fell into easy conversation. Amelia regaled me with tales of her latest floral creations, her eyes lighting up as she described the intricacies of each arrangement. I found myself getting lost in the cadence of her voice, the way her hands danced through the air as she spoke. It reminded me of how my squad mates would light up talking about their families back home.

Time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, we were stepping out into the sunny street, Hero trotting ahead of us. As we walked towards the park, our hands brushed against each other. I debated taking her hand, my heart racing like I was about to run into a burning building.

Just do it, Trevor. I psyched myself up, reaching for her hand, only to chicken out at the last second. Hero glanced back at me, and I swore he was giving me an exasperated look as if to say, "Come on, man. Just go for it!"

We arrived at the park to find everyone already gathered, a vibrant array of picnic blankets, laughter, and delighted shrieks from the kids. Hero and I stood, taking it all in, when I noticed Kevin's icy stare directed at me. Did he know about my growing feelings for Amelia? Was he going to give me the big brother talk?

Before I could dwell on it, a high-pitched squeal pierced the air. "Auntie Amelia! Trevor!" Addy came barreling towards us. She skidded to a halt in front of Hero, her eyes wide with excitement. "Is this your dog? What's his name? Can I pet him? Can I hold his leash?"

Amelia laughed, kneeling to Addy's level. "Whoa there, sweet pea. One question at a time." She looked up at me, and I felt my heart skip a beat. "This is Trevor's dog, Hero. And I'm sure he will let you help in a little while. Let us go over and see how he does with the other dogs first."

Addy seemed content with her answer and ran off toward the playground.

We made our way over to the group, Hero trotting beside me, his tail wagging in anticipation. But as we got closer, the excitement of being around Baxter and Lady Oreo must have been too much for him. He started darting around, his leash tangling around everything in his path.

"Hero, no! Stop!" I lunged for him, but it was too late. The leash wrapped around my legs, then Amelia's, and before I knew it, we were stumbling into each other.

Instinctively, I reached out to catch Amelia. We collided, my arms wrapping around her waist as she grabbed my shoulders. Time slowed as I stared into her eyes, our faces inches apart. Her breath hitched, a soft gasp escaping her lips. I could kiss her, I realized. Just lean in and...

Hero's insistent barking shattered the moment. We jumped apart, laughing nervously as we untangled ourselves from the leash. I was keenly aware of the amused looks we were getting.

And then there was Kevin's stare, a mixture of warning and assessment. A shiver ran down my spine, like when I'd face a particularly challenging obstacle course.

Amelia brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well, that was... something."

"Yeah..." I swallowed hard, trying to calm my racing heart. "Never a dull moment with Hero around, huh?"

She laughed, which was like music to my ears. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Nate asked us if we wanted to join in throwing the frisbee, and I was thankful for the distraction. But as we played, I couldn't help but steal glances at Amelia.

I was falling for her, hard and fast. And I had no idea what to do about it. It was scarier than any fire I'd ever faced.

"Heads up, Trev!" Nate's shout pulled me from my thoughts just in time to see a frisbee hurtling towards my face. I lunged to the side, narrowly avoiding a broken nose, and snatched the disc out of the air.

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