Page 2 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

"You'd probably still have a great wedding, but I'm glad I can be a part of it." I give her an exaggerated wink, making her laugh out loud. "So, who's going to be at game night?"

"You know, the usual,” Jess says casually, then looks to Sean as if she’s second-guessing herself. “You did tell our parents, right?"

"I did. You know they would never miss game night," he says, eyes gleaming at his fiancé. A burning sensation runs across my chest, and I raise my hand to my heart. The unexpected feeling takes me by surprise, especially since I am genuinely thrilled for them. They are really too adorable in their love-struck state.

"Woah, earth to love birds!” I wave my hands as they get lost in their own world. With how much time they spend staring into each others’ eyes, I wouldn’t be surprised if they developed the ability to talk to each other telepathically. "Can we try to focus on the task at hand?"

Jessica and Sean both laugh, their faces flushed with amusement. "Sorry, Evie," Jess says playfully as her and Sean rub noses. "We can't help it!"

"Well, just save some of that love for the big day, okay?" I roll my eyes, then tease. “And while you’re in my office, try to focus on the details we’re discussing.”

"I promise we'll have plenty for the wedding," Sean waggles his eyebrows at me, and I groan.

“And the wedding night,” Jess says, looking at Sean as if she can’t wait to devour him. Did I just say that my best friend and brother being together was cute? I was lying.

"Ugh,” I groan. “Please, you two. You’re killing me."

“When did you become such a grinch?!” Jess laughs, “I think that’s my job?"

Sean laughs a booming laugh and I change the subject quickly. I know when I became a grinch, and I don’t want to talk about it with them.

“About this game night, what about Penny and Liam?"

"Oh, they’ll be there too, along with Jamie," Jess adds casually.

My heart skips a beat at the mention of him, and I wonder if he's back in town yet. The last time I spoke to him was when he told me he was taking a new job across the country. He didn’t know how long he would be gone and thought it better if we took a break. I force a smile on my face.

“Oh, that’s great. It's been ages since we all hung out together."

"Evie, you sound like you haven't talked to Jamie since he’s been gone," Jessica's eyebrows pull together and her forehead furrows, and I realize that she’s like a dog on a scent. I inwardly groan. "Did you not know he was coming home today?"

I open my mouth to respond just as Sean's phone rings, and I inwardly thank the universe for the interruption. Since Jamie and I were never officially a thing, I didn’t think it was necessary to talk about what happened when he left. But with him being home, there are bound to be questions about the change in our friendship.

Just as I think we've successfully dodged the conversation, Sean's expression turns into a grin. "Speak of the devil.”

My heart stops before it starts racing. My stomach swirls as my last conversation with Jamie fills my head. I sit there, rooted to the spot, working to school my expression.

In contrast, Sean is completely oblivious to the turmoil swirling within me as he happily chats with his best friend, the man who broke my heart.

"Hey, Jamie!" A smile splits his face. “Perfect timing! I’m sitting here with Jess and Evie, going over some wedding details.”

Without warning, he presses the speaker button, broadcasting Jamie's voice throughout the bakery.

"Jess is talking wedding details?" His gruff voice is exactly how I remember it, making my stomach flutter. “I don’t believe it.”

"Hey! I can’t help it if I’m so in love that I’ve suddenly become a romantic." Jess looks at Sean with tenderness before she leans over to kiss him.

“Ugh,” I groan before I can stop myself.

"Are they kissing again?” Jamie asks, directing his question to me, making my heart drum against my ribcage.

“Always.” A slight bitterness enters my tone as I respond. Sean and Jessica turn toward me with narrowed eyes, and I shrug. “Well, you are!”

“Evie,” Jamie’s voice is hesitant, making Sean and Jess narrow their eyes at the phone this time. “How are you?”

My name on his lips sends a shiver down my spine. As the silence lingers for a moment too long, Sean grimaces and tilts his head to the side, quickly picking up on the tension in the air. "Evie, is everything okay?"

I paste a smile on my face and clear my throat. "Hey, Jamie," I finally manage, my voice sounding strangely formal and distant. "I’m doing well. How are you?"

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