Page 41 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

“So, are you going to kiss me this time, or will you chicken out again?” She moves to cup my face, and I sigh, leaning into her touch.

“I was afraid you would be even more angry at me than you already—”

“Jamie?” A mischievous glint appears in her eyes.

“Yes?” I feel my lips pull up at the corners.

“Shut up and kiss me.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I would've saluted her if she wasn’t in my arms already.

Evie’s other hand raises to my face, and I gently move toward her. Right before my mouth captures hers, I stop and look at her. She opens her eyes in surprise, and a smile breaks across her face.

“You are going to—”

My lips capture hers before she can finish the words falling from her mouth. Her lips are soft beneath mine, and I can feel her sigh. Her one arm moves to wrap around my neck, pulling me closer to her. Our bodies are flush against each other, and the heat from her travels from my head to my toes, leaving me warm all over.

My heart is pounding against my rib cage, and I am positive that there isn’t any way she can’t feel it.

I slowly pull away and look into her eyes. They are shining with love, and I can feel myself melting. I lean in and give her two quick kisses before slowly pulling us both up to a standing position. Unwilling to let her go completely, I keep my hand around her waist.

Her face starts to turn a charming shade of pink as she leans her forehead against my chest. I begin to worry that she regrets me kissing her when the hooting and hollering breaks through my haze.

I completely forgot the entire town was here. For a moment, it was just the two of us. I feel my face start to heat as I look at everyone.

“Nothing to see here, folks. Everyone move on their way.” I wave my hand to try and dismiss them.

“Not anymore,” someone says, and everyone laughs, including me. Evie is still tucked into my chest, not looking at anyone.

I put my finger under her chin and lift her face. When I can finally see it, it is the brightest shade of red I’ve ever seen her wear, and I throw my head back and laugh, which has her instantly tucking her head back against my chest.

“I can’t stand how precious you are.” I pull her body in closer to me and whisper in her ear. “You were egging me on, and now you’re embarrassed.”

“I forgot the entire town was here,” she squeaks but wraps her arms around me, pulling us closer.

I rest my cheek on the top of her head, the smile I’m wearing is threatening to crack my face. I’m content to stand here for the rest of my life with Evie in my arms, whole town watching orr not. But my feet are getting cold.

I kiss the top of her head and then rest my cheek back on it. “Ready to head to a fire pit? My feet are getting cold.”

She pulls her head back and looks up at me with a grin. “You’re already getting cold feet? This isn’t going to end well.”

I lift her chin and look directly into her eyes. “Is this what our life together is going to look like? You constantly teasing me?”

Her blue eyes turn serious. “Every day.”

My heart stutters, and I cup her face with my hands. “I love you so much, Evelyn O’Connell.”

“You better, Jamie Stewart.” A mischievous look passes over her face. “Otherwise, my brothers will beat you up.”

A smile slides across my face, and I move my hand from her cheek to her hair, pulling her head toward me. I lean in, but right before my lips touch hers, I stop and narrow my eyes at her.

“What’s the matter?”

“You didn’t say it back,” I growl at her.

Her eyes light up, and a wry grin stretches my face.

“You’re a cruel woman, Evelyn O’Connell.”

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