Page 25 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

I’ve never done things loudly like Sean or Jess, but I’ve always gone after what I wanted.

I want Evie. I want her to be mine more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my entire life.

If that means putting it all on display for everyone to see, so be it. It’s not the time to be reserved. It’s not the time to worry or care what other people think is happening. It’s all about letting Evie know what I want to happen.

I wring my hands and give myself a mental shake. My stomach swirls as I realize what I’m committing myself to and how vulnerable I need to be. A chill runs through my body at the thought of being exposed.

Evie’s face flashes across my mind. My lips curve up, and my body relaxes. She has a way of putting me at ease. I can be myself with Evie; I don’t have to be this perfect man. I just have to be honest and sincere.

I breathe deeply and rub my hands up and down my face. “Why can’t relationships be like work?”

Striving for a work goal is easy. I know what I need to do, and I just do it. Simple.

This thing with Evie isn’t simple, which is strange because she’s the one person, besides Sean, for whom it’s always been easy. Granted, we were just friends, but our personalities were similar enough to always fall into an easy routine.

I shake my head and get out of the car. Cold snow falls on my face, and I think of last winter. I was falling head over heels for Evie, and I didn’t even know it. When I realized it, I started to doubt that I was the right man for her.

I don’t date women of Evie’s caliber; I date people with names like Barbie. I know, I know. Don’t judge me. I wasn’t looking for something of substance. I didn’t even know I wanted it.

Until now.

I want it now. And I want it with Evie.

I put my keys down just as my phone beeps, and I look to see a text from my boss.

I immediately call the office. I’m still working as a government contractor but I can now work anywhere I want. The last six months were all about security clearance, training, and testing my skills. I passed with flying colors, just as I expected.

I haven’t told anyone yet, not because I’m hiding anything, but because I’ve just been distracted with everything going on since I got back. Well, mainly everything going on with Evie.

“Stewart,” Scott Lewis says as he picks up. “The security team has everything for you to begin working from your home office. I have an assignment if you’re ready?”

The security team stopped over and set up my office today, ensuring everything was completely secure so I could work here in Willow Falls.

“Ready and at your service. What do you need?”

I listen to his instructions as I head into the kitchen to grab a few protein shakes and bars. I walk into my office, turn on my computer and grab my headphones. It’s gonna be a long Bach kind of night.

It was a Bach, Vivaldi, and Beethoven kind of night. I take my headphones off and roll my neck, working to ease some of the stiffness. The sun is shining brightly through the windows and I’m ready to pass out.

Tracking the source took much longer than I had anticipated. They were good at hiding. Luckily, I was better. But they did lead me on a wild goose chase before they made one little mistake that led to me easily tracking them.

I sent over the information to Lewis. Hopefully the authorities will take it from here.

The nagging fear that I’m as anonymous as I believe pops into my head for a second, and once again, I question the safety of my job. But I push it aside.

I get up from my chair and stretch. Now that my mind is no longer occupied with work, thoughts of Evie rush in like a flood. I can’t stop the flutter in my belly and the smile that crawls along my lips. She looked adorable yesterday. I love that I got to spend time with her planning a skating event for Sean and Jessica.

Everything about it was perfect, even her annoyance. I love getting to see all these new sides of her. She’s a complex woman, and I love her more with every aspect I encounter.

I guess I'm not angry because I’m in on the matchmaking plan; otherwise, I might be as annoyed as Evie with us being shoved together.

Nah, I wouldn’t be upset at all. Unlike her, I’m mad at myself, not her.

I don’t blame her for being hesitant or upset with what’s happening. My heart races as an image of her standing under the mistletoe runs through my thoughts.

Her face was soft, her lips slightly parted, her eyes closing. I slap my forehead, groan and pull my hand down my face blowing out a breath.

I regret not kissing her. I wanted to press my lips to hers so badly, but restraint was wise, despite Sean’s comment to the contrary. I can only hope that I’m given more chances in the future. Unlimited chances in the future. If I have it my way, I will get to kiss her every day for the rest of my life.

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