Page 52 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

“No.” I sternly cut off any thoughts he might be having. “I do not need your help planning our first date. I already know what we’re going to do.”

“Great! Tell me, and I’ll coach you.”

“After the drama you just caused with Steve and soon the entire town?” I turn to him with eyes wide, shaking my head. “No. You can find out from Jessica after our date.”

“Dude, that is seriously not cool. You’re going to make your best friend hear about your date from your sister?”

“No.” I smirk, realizing that this arrangement could have its perks. “I’m going to let my girlfriend tell your fiancé about our date, and then your fiancé can tell you.”

He goes to smack me on the back, but I see his hand out of the corner of my eye and duck. I pick up the pace and start to create some distance between us as I listen to Sean try to form words.

“Hey!” He finally yells and stomps. Yup, he stomped. “That is so. Not. Cool. You’re supposed to tell me!”

A grin splits my face from ear to ear.

It’s not often that I get to see Sean O’Connell flustered, but when it happens, it’s pretty hilarious. Being the one who caused it? Priceless.

Chapter 25

Evie

The doorbell chimes, and my heart races. Jamie sent a text five minutes ago saying he was on his way.

I slip on my coat, take one last quick glance at my reflection, and grab my purse before opening the door.

Standing before me in a charcoal gray wool coat and a black scarf is Jamie. When I look up at his face, I notice a small smile lifting from the corner of his lips as his hazel eyes take me in.

My breath hitches, and a matching smile creeps across my face.

“Hi.” His husky voice washes over me.

“Hi,” I echo. My stomach tightens, and I just stand there staring at him.

This isn’t exactly a date; it’s just Jamie picking me up for a tree-trimming party at Jessica’s. It will most likely include a game of Trivial Pursuit if Jess has anything to say about it. It’s nothing we haven’t done before, and yet my mouth is dry, and my pulse is racing.

He leans in and gives me a soft kiss. When his lips touch mine, my knees go a little weak, and my stomach flutters.

“You look beautiful,” he whispers softly against my lips before pressing them to mine again. “Ready to go?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I smile, and I start to walk away from my front door when Jamie’s voice grabs my attention.

“Do I need to lock the door?” I turn to find him with his hand on the doorknob, and a mischievous glint in his eyes as he waits for my response.

I chuckle, realizing that I completely forgot to close the door behind me. “That would be good, wouldn’t it.” I roll my eyes, a bit embarrassed.

He pulls the door closed for me just as I return. I put the key in the lock and turn.

“All ready,” I say, my voice a bit higher pitched than usual.

I start to walk down the steps again when Jamie suddenly comes in front of me, blocking my path. He puts his hands on my arms and my entire body zings from the touch.

“Evie, look at me.” I lift my eyes to his and see a softness there that has my heart wobbling. “Why are you nervous? It’s just me.”

I let out a deep breath and sigh, resting a hand on his arm before laughing. “I don’t know.”

A crooked smile crosses his face as he slides his hand down my arm to capture mine before entwining our fingers together. He turns his body a bit and gently pulls me toward his car.

The tightness in my stomach loosens, and I feel the tension fall from my shoulders.

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