Page 23 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

We walked silently for a moment, the weight of our words settling between us. It felt like progress, though—the kind that comes with growth and understanding.

As we approached the shop, Trevor turned to me, his eyes searching mine. "Thank you for giving me another chance, Amelia. For believing in me, even when I don't always deserve it."

I smiled, reaching up to cup his cheek. "We all deserve second chances, Trevor, as long as we're willing to learn from our mistakes and keep trying. Besides, if I gave up every time someone made a mistake, I'd have fired myself from my shop ages ago."

He chuckled softly, leaning into my touch. When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with a tenderness that made my heart do a little flip.

"Goodnight, Amelia," he murmured, gently kissing my palm.

"Goodnight, Trevor," I whispered back, watching as he and Hero headed up to their apartment.

Alone in the shop, I leaned against the counter, my mind reeling from the day's events. The Great Hero Hunt, the kiss, the conversation with Trevor—it was a lot to process.

But as I thought about it all, one thing became clear as day. My feelings for Trevor had deepened like a weed in miracle-gro. What had started as a spark of attraction had blossomed into something more substantial.

I knew there would be challenges ahead. We were both stubborn, and we each had our own baggage. But I also knew that what we had was worth fighting for, even if it meant occasionally butting heads like two very determined goats.

I set about closing the shop for the night. Tomorrow was a new day, full of promise and possibility—and, knowing Rivermint Cove, probably a healthy dose of small-town drama, too.

Chapter twelve

Trevor

My phone buzzed incessantly on the nightstand, jolting me awake. I blinked groggily and grabbed it, my eyes widening as I scrolled through the notifications. Frances's blog post had gone viral overnight, and there, front and center, was a photo of Amelia and me locked in a passionate kiss, Hero cradled between us.

I smirked, amused by the town's predictable gossip mill. Let them talk. Amelia was a fantastic woman, and I was darn lucky to be with her.

I fired off a text. Morning, beautiful. Looks like we're the talk of the town.

Oh no, I'm afraid to check... Is it bad? she texted back.

No, just expect some extra business at the flower shop from all your new fans. Or should I say nosy townspeople. ;)

I can handle it as long as you're my #1 fan. <3

I grinned. Amelia always knew just what to say. My smile faded slightly as I thought of the one person who wasn't a fan—her overprotective brother Kevin.

I'd texted him yesterday, suggesting we meet to talk. Time to face this head-on. Hopping out of bed, I threw on some clothes and whistled for Hero. "C'mon buddy, we've got a mission today."

His ears perked up, and he scampered over, tail wagging madly. I clipped on his leash, took a deep breath, and headed out the door—no backing out now.

I mounted my motorcycle, Hero nestled securely in his carrier. The park was just a few blocks away, but I decided to take the long way around, needing the open road to clear my thoughts.

Revving the engine, I sped down the winding roads, the cool morning air whipping past me. The trees and houses of Rivermint Cove blurred into a picturesque watercolor painting as I raced by.

I pulled up to the park, unclipped Hero from his carrier, and put him on his leash. I scanned the park and spotted Kevin by a bench, looking stern.

"Kevin," I greeted with a firm nod, unclipping Hero's leash. With a swift motion, I tossed a tennis ball across the yard, setting off Hero in a wild chase after it.

"Trevor." Kevin nodded back, eyeing Hero warily. "What did you want to discuss?"

I met his gaze steadily. "It's about Amelia and me."

"What about you and Amelia?"

I didn't flinch. "I know you have reservations about me, and I get it. But I care about her, Kevin. A lot."

He crossed his arms, jaw tightening. "Yeah, well, I heard about you in high school. She needs stability. She deserves someone who can be everything she needs, and Trevor...I'm not convinced that's you."

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