Page 34 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

“I’m great. How are you?”

At the sound of Jamie’s voice, my knees buckle slightly. I turn to see him, grinning from ear to ear, and my body heats at the sight of him. My eyes, of their own volition, travel slowly from the tips of his toes to his clean-shaven face. They pause at his lips before moving up to his dancing hazel eyes.

“Evie.” His smile makes my heart stutter, and I almost raise my hand to fan my face but catch myself in time.

The timber of his voice runs through my body, setting every nerve ending alight. The grin stays on his face as his eyes slowly move across my face before landing on my lips. When he meets my gaze, I’m struck by the affection I see there, and my breath catches.

“Ah-hem.” I snap my head over to Jacob, and my face gets even hotter. I forgot we had an audience. His smile is a bit brighter than before, and, unless I’m mistaken, there is laughter in his eyes. “Are you ready to take a closer look?”

I shyly glance back at Jamie to find his gaze is still watching me. “Ready?”

“After you.” He nods and puts his hand out.

I step forward and follow Jacob but feel Jamie step beside me. “You look breathtaking.” He leans in close and says for my ears only.

My lips slowly lift at the corners, and my heart continues its sprint. “So do you,” I whisper.

I don’t look at him, but I can feel the heat of his eyes on the side of my face, followed by the heat of his hand as he hovers it over my lower back. Instead of pulling away, I slow down to lean into his hand.

Jacob is talking and showing us each station, introducing us to the people staffing them, but I don’t hear a word. I can’t focus on anything except the man walking next to me. His scent fills my senses, and the heat of his touch has my body humming.

I hear Jamie responding to Jacob and saying hello while I just smile at everyone.

“Right, Evie?” My eyes widen as I whip my head toward Jacob, who is obviously asking me a question, and then over to Jamie.

“I’m sorry?” My face heats again as I run my hands down my coat.

“I was just saying that you thought it was magical.” The gleam in his eyes and the smile crossing his face tell me he knows exactly why I was distracted, but thankfully, he doesn’t say anything else.

“Ah yes.” I smile back at him, regaining my composure. “It’s better than I could’ve possibly imagined. Everyone is going to have a wonderful time. Thank you so much, Jacob, for going above and beyond what we could’ve ever dreamed of.”

“It’s what I live for. Besides hockey, that is.” He chuckles and then walks toward the office. “I’ll be just over here if you need anything, but honestly, anyone at any of the stations can help you, too.”

“Thank you, Jacob. I’m sure everything will be perfect.” With a small smile, I watch him walk away and then look around at every little station to avoid looking at the man next to me.

My heart is racing, my mouth is dry, and my mind is blank. I always know what to say in almost any situation, but here and now, I am entirely at a loss for words. Thankfully, he speaks first.

“This is really amazing.”

“It is,” I agree. I can still feel his eyes on me, and I swallow hard before I meet his gaze. My heart melts at the warmth I find in his eyes. “You look…”

“Good?” His lips curve up in a smile, and his eyes dance at me. I can’t stop the laugh that bubbles up.

“Yes. But,” I narrow my eyes at him and tilt my head as I take him in. “There’s something different about you. I just can’t put my finger on it.”

“Maybe you're just imagining things.” He chuckles and then looks at the car pulling into the parking lot. “Jess and Sean are here.”

I turn to smile at my brother and best friend. Jessica’s face is glowing as she looks over the entire setup, and my heart expands. I can see her clapping her hands and bouncing on her feet as she throws her arms around Sean, squealing with delight.

“Wait a second.” I put my hand on Jamie’s arm before he can walk up to Jess and Sean. “Sean didn’t give you something to announce you as the best man?”

Jamie puts his hand over mine, and I can feel his warmth radiating through my gloves. Jamie’s eyes stray to my head, and for the first time, he notices my hat. The smirk that appears makes my stomach feel as if a swarm of butterflies are attempting to take flight all at once.

“Oh, he did. But I’m not wearing it.”

“What?! Why not?”

“Because top hats are ridiculous.” I burst out laughing, and a crooked grin crosses his face. “My point exactly.”

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