Page 4 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

I shake the thoughts from my head. The purpose of my phone call was to let Sean know when my flight would be getting in, but now, having talked to Evie, I’m completely off-kilter.

With my suitcase in hand, I step out of the apartment building where I’ve spent the past six months. The car I ordered to drive me to the airport is waiting outside, the driver patiently holding the door open for me.

"Good afternoon, sir." He greets me with a smile, holding his hand out to place my luggage in the trunk. "Any other bags?"

His question hits me hard. I only packed for a short stay but ended things with Evie like I was going away forever. What was I thinking?

I was thinking that my new job could potentially be dangerous, and I didn’t want to put her or my family in harm's way. Even after six months, I’m still not entirely convinced it’s safe. My job is to track down people who are occasionally into really dark things.

“Sir?” The driver interrupts my thoughts, bringing me back to the moment.

"No, that’s it,” I smile at him and settle into the back seat. As we pull away from the curb, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for this place. But I'm eager to get home and see everyone, and if I’m honest, especially Evie.

As I wait for my flight, my mind drifts back to the job that brought me to this city in the first place. It was a six-month contract as a cybersecurity expert, with the possibility of a permanent position. The position offered me both a generous paycheck and the opportunity to travel.

At first, the excitement of the job had me buzzing. The work was challenging but satisfying. Not everyone would find the work I do exciting; digging into code is not what most people would call thrilling. But to me, finding the pieces and putting the puzzle together was fascinating.

Despite the satisfaction this job brought me, there was a lingering feeling that something was missing. Today, I realized it wasn’t something but someone.

Now, with my contract fulfilled and my suitcase packed, I can't help but wonder if I made the right choice when I ended things with Evie. In fact, I’m pretty sure I didn’t. Why did I do that? Why didn’t I just talk to her and tell her my concerns? The tightness that’s been in my chest since the phone call earlier becomes a full-blown ache.

I show my boarding pass to the flight attendant and make my way down the aisle to my seat. Lost in my thoughts, I’m surprised when the plane starts to lift off. I rub my chest and then settle in for the long flight. I pass the time reading Jess’ latest book, which is amazing and worthy of its best-selling status.

Before I know it, the plane begins its descent into the nearest major airport to Willow Falls. I retrieve my luggage and make my way to the exit, where the familiar chill of the Northern California air meets me. The tension my shoulders have been holding for the last six months releases, and I take a deep breath, glad to be home.

Outside, I flag down a taxi and give the driver the address of my childhood home. When I pull up in front of my parent’s house, the house looks exactly like it did when I left, with its warm yellow siding and the familiar oak tree in the front yard.

A real smile creeps upon my face for the first time today. I’m home.

The door swings open, and my mother, along with my father, are beaming at me.

"Jamie!” My mom screams. “I've missed you so much!"

She throws her arms around me and squeezes tight. "It's good to be back," I say, wrapping my arms around her and lifting her up. I laugh at her squeal. "I've missed you too."

“Son.” My dad gives me a warm pat on the back and then helps me with my luggage. “Are you hungry? Your mom cooked for an army.”

“John, stop.” My mom smacks him on the arm, then hopefully looks at me. “I thought you’d be hungry!” I smile at my parents and realize how much I’ve missed them, too.

“I’m hungry for a home-cooked meal.” I lean in and kiss my mom on the cheek.

“See, I told you.” My mom cups my cheek as she glowers at my dad.

As I walk through the door, I breathe in the familiar scent of home and allow myself to relax. Despite the nerves that are still swirling in my stomach, there's something comforting about being home.

Chapter 3

Evie

I take a last look at my reflection in the mirror and smile. This sweater is perfect! It’s absolutely hideous. I didn’t think I could find one better than my old one, but I did. I had no intention of getting a new ugly sweater; I mean, no one needs more than one, to be honest, but Sean and Jamie teasing me about wearing the same one again was icing on the cake.

Especially Jamie.

My smile fades, and my eyes roam over my face. The thought of seeing Jamie tonight has my nerves frayed. Hearing his voice for the first time in six months was a surprise. When he said my name, my throat got tight and my heart was off to the races.

I’m still not sure that Jessica and Sean aren’t suspicious. That was not a typical Jamie/Evie conversation, but nothing about Jamie and I is typical at the moment. My stomach drops, and my eyes refocus on my reflection.

My blue eyes stare back at me, uncertainty filling them. I look over my outfit and run my hands down my sweater. My stomach flutters.

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