Page 1 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter one

Amelia

The relentless thumping of Trevor's jumping jacks pounded through my ceiling like a herd of elephants doing the cha-cha. I pressed my pillow tighter against my ears, wishing it could muffle the rhythmic clinking of weights that joined the symphony of my shattered peace.

In my groggy haze, I imagined Trevor in all his rugged glory—probably shirtless, flexing his muscles and dripping with sweat. Ugh, that didn't make me any less annoyed with him right now. Curse my vivid imagination!

As if that weren't bad enough, Hero’s excited barks echoed through my bedroom. I groaned, clutching my pillow tighter, wishing I could teleport myself to a deserted island—preferably one without morning people or hyperactive puppies.

Or perhaps I could fashion my pillow into some sort of weapon. I could visualize it—me, storming upstairs in my bunny slippers and oversized nightshirt, brandishing a pillow like some sleep-deprived Amazonian queen. The intimidating image of Hello Kitty emblazoned on my chest was bound to strike fear into my enemy.

Giving up on rest, I dragged myself out of bed with a heavy sigh. The cool wooden floor was a small relief under my feet as I walked half asleep to the bathroom. I splashed icy water on my face, hoping the shock would jolt me awake and clear the fog of irritation swirling in my mind.

Better yet, maybe it would erase the memory of the fateful conversation with Susan that led to this ill-advised decision. "Come on, Amelia, he's changed. Plus, you need the income." Changed, my foot. The only thing that seemed to have changed was the intensity of his workouts.

As I patted my face dry with a towel, I recalled the dreadful day when Susan and Emily convinced me to tell Trevor that I had a crush on him. Trevor was a senior and Susan’s brother. I moved to Rivermint Cove right before freshman year, and of course, I was instantly smitten. I found myself doodling "Mrs. Amelia Phillips" with hearts above all the 'i's on any piece of paper I could find.

I worked up the courage to tell him after baseball practice, behind the bleachers by the field. We had the most magical kiss—my first real kiss. I was on cloud nine—until he blew me off the next day. Then, a week later, he took off to basic training for the military without so much as a goodbye.

I remembered fighting back tears in front of him. I spent the rest of the weekend crying on Susan's shoulder while Emily supplied endless amounts of ice cream and sappy romantic movies.

That was back when I was young, sweet Amelia with wide-eyed dreams of love. Right then, I was grumpy Amelia, with bags under my eyes and bunny slippers on my feet.

I took several deep breaths and reminded myself that people can change and grow up. With that thought, I resolved not to let his disruptive presence ruin my day. No matter how many weights he clanged.

I threw on a cute floral summer dress and brushed through my tangled hair. Emily would help cheer me up over coffee.

I made my way through my home slash-flower shop, a charming old Victorian nestled on Rivermint Cove's main street. The honey-colored façade held a certain charm, and its large bay windows showcased a rainbow of floral displays.

After working in a local nursery while getting my business degree, I decided to become a florist instead. I loved the way flowers could express such deep emotions—true love, friendship, hope, sympathy.

I couldn’t believe it when this place came up for sale. It was such a rare find—almost an acre in downtown Rivermint Cove, with an old home on it. It was perfect. I had space for gardening, my home, and my shop all in one spot. I converted the living and dining area into a retail shop, ‘Petals and Blooms’.

The backside of the house became my private quarters. It had a cozy kitchen, a small dining area, a living space, and two bedrooms. But my favorite spot was the tiny sunroom facing the extensive garden. It was where I got my best ideas for the arrangements I sold. The flowers in the garden whispered sweet, fragrant secrets to me while I enjoyed my morning coffee.

Well, that was three days ago before Trevor started monopolizing my mornings—if I could even call them mornings! Who in their right mind wakes up at 5:30 a.m. and makes enough noise to wake the dead? My mornings typically don't start until a more human 7 a.m.

I made sure the shop was customer-ready and headed out to meet Emily. The crisp morning air helped clear my head as I walked. When I arrived, Emily was already at our usual table, sipping a double espresso like it was the elixir of life.

As I slumped into the chair across from her, she greeted me with a smile and a teasing "Morning, sunshine."

“Ugh, morning.” I groaned in response, my voice laced with irritation. "Trevor is so freaking loud. It's like living under a marching band of caffeinated rhinos."

Emily choked on her espresso, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of laughter. "Trevor? As in Trevor Phillips? The one you used to daydream about freshman year. The one you forbid us to talk about, even though he’s Susan’s brother!"

I groaned again, burying my face in my hands. "Yes, that Trevor. Susan practically begged me to let him rent the apartment. 'He's changed, Amelia. Mom sold her house. He needs a place.' And you know me, I'm like a daisy that can't stop turning towards the sun, even when it's scorching hot. I can't say no!"

Emily leaned forward, elbows on the table and a devilish look in her eyes. "Oh, I bet you said yes for far more interesting reasons than being unable to say no."

I shot her a glare that could wilt a cactus. "Keep dreaming, Emily. And no, I did not say yes because of his gorgeous eyes or that ridiculous six-pack he parades around."

Emily's laughter rang out, her hands fluttering dramatically to her chest. "Oh, do say more about the parading six-pack!"

I couldn't help but crack a smile. Emily always knew how to lighten my mood. "Stop it. It's not like I actually see his six-pack." Unbidden visions of Trevor's toned arms and muscular frame flashed through my mind. I shook my head, trying to scatter the images. "And you're married to my brother, you shameless gossip!"

"All the more reason to live vicariously through you," Emily beamed, unrepentant.

As Emily's giggles subsided, her expression softened. "I get that his noise is driving you nuts. But have you thought about talking to him about it? Maybe he really has changed."

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