Page 25 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

After we ordered, I gazed at Susan over the flickering candle between us. The glow lit up her delicate features and brought out the flecks of green in her blue eyes, which sometimes made her eyes change colors. She looked so beautiful at that moment that it made my heart ache.

"You know, you've been my rock these past few days," I said. "I don't know how I would have handled this case without you."

Susan blushed. "You give me too much credit."

"No, you went above and beyond. And I know you’ve been busy preparing for the Library Fundraiser." I hesitated, then continued softly. "I don't know if I've ever met someone so genuinely kind and caring."

Susan's intense gaze held me captive, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. We sat there in silence, the tension building. I couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same pull toward me.

But before I could speak, the waiter brought our food, and the moment was lost. We enjoyed our meals, and the conversation turned to lighter topics.

We finished eating and decided to order dessert. While we waited, I worked up the courage to share a dream of mine.

"I've been thinking a lot lately about starting a low-cost clinic here in Rivermint Cove," I said. "A place that provides quality care for families and their kids."

Susan's eyes lit up. "That's such an amazing idea, Nate. It would fill a huge need in our community."

I nodded, encouraged by her enthusiasm. "I think I could make it work with the hospital's resources. But it won't be easy. I'll need to find funding and hire staff."

"If anyone can do it, you can," Susan said, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. Her faith in me meant everything.

We talked animatedly about the clinic over dessert, brainstorming ideas. As the evening wound down, I realized how perfectly Susan understood my passions and supported my dreams in a way no one else had. Staring into her vibrant, intelligent eyes, I felt myself falling, unable to resist the growing pull between us.

I made up my mind to tell her when I dropped her off. I knew my feelings for her were growing far beyond friendship, and I had to see if she felt the same way.

Susan and I walked to my truck, still laughing and talking. I held the door open for her, catching a whiff of her floral shampoo as she slid into the passenger seat. This whole fake relationship was a dumb idea. Now, here I was, barely able to resist throwing myself at my little sister’s best friend.

After starting the engine, I turned on the radio, keeping the volume low. As we drove through the lamp-lit streets of Rivermint Cove, I glanced at Susan.

I felt the urge to reach over and tuck back a lock of loose hair, but I kept both hands on the wheel.

That last week had shown me how perfectly Susan fit into my life. Her playful spirit balanced my tendency to overthink. Being with her felt natural and easy. I wanted more moments like these without the pretense between us.

As we pulled up to her house, I almost lost my nerve, but I knew I had to confess my feelings. "Susan, can we talk for a minute? There's something I want to tell you."

She turned to me with a curious look on her face. My pulse quickened. Just say it, I told myself—no more hiding from how you feel.

"I just wanted to say that I-"

Suddenly, a sharp rap on Susan's window made us both jump. It was Mrs. Chandler, Susan's elderly neighbor.

"Oh, sorry, dears! I didn't mean to startle you," she called out. “Susan, have you seen my cat, Archie? I'm worried about him because he didn’t come home this evening."

Susan shot me an apologetic smile before opening the door. "I had a great time tonight, but I should help Mrs. Chandler look for Archie. Text me tomorrow." She jumped out to assist Mrs. Chandler in her search, leaving me alone with my unsaid confession.

I drove home, replaying the interrupted conversation in my mind. I'd been so close to telling her how I felt, but perhaps it was better left unsaid.

If I admitted how I truly felt, where would we go from there? What if Susan didn’t feel the same? How would Emily take it? I sighed, more confused than ever about our relationship. But one thing was sure—I couldn't imagine my life without Susan in it.

Chapter eleven

Susan

Ipushed through the community center's double doors, arms overflowing with cardboard boxes crammed with posters and metallic balloons. I'd arrived extra early, eager to get a head start on transforming the space.

With a huff, I set down the boxes, my thoughts drifting to Nate. He had encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.

Two months ago, if someone had asked me to speak at the library fundraiser for literacy, there is no way I would have done it. Public speaking ranked right up there with root canals and IRS audits on my list of fears, yet today, I'd embrace that microphone with poise.

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