Page 12 of Dating Her Brother's Best Friend

Apparently, my persistent calls have finally struck a nerve.

I stare at the message, letting its sheer straightforwardness settle in. Instead of discouraging me, it’s like fuel to an already roaring fire. I don’t bother crafting a diplomatic response. This is one of those moments where you play all-in or fold, and I’m not the folding type.

Me

Then help me out or I’ll spend every goddamn last dollar I have finding out who you are.

I press ‘send’ before second-guessing myself can take root. Not my best threat, sure, but I’m working with the stubbornness of a guy who’s put everything on the line.

The pause that follows is interminable, stretching enough to make me sweat. I leave my phone on the table, its silence an editorial on my dubious choices, before pacing around the room like a caged animal searching for an inevitable escape.

As I wait, time slinks by, testing my patience. I imagine the matchmaker somewhere out there, considering whether she’ll throw me a lifeline or leave me flailing in the lovesick waters I’ve managed to navigate myself into.

Finally, my phone buzzes again. I snatch it up, squinting at the screen as anxiety dances a tango in my chest.

Unknown

If you screw this up, I’m going to make sure you suffer in ways you’ve never even imagined possible.

Me

You’re fucking vicious for a love guru. I’ll suffer for all eternity if I don’t win my girl.

Silence unfolds like a shroud, yet this time my apprehension is tempered with an edge of determined hope. Caroline is worth every effort, no matter how grand or small, and I won't let fear or an unhelpful matchmaker deter my path.

Unknown

Here’s what you’re going to do. Take notes.

CHAPTER 5

CAROLINE

"Miss Steele, what's a clueless asshole?"

I lift my head, nearly choking on my tongue, to find Simon standing just inside my office, another note clutched in his hands. "Simon! Miss Riser did not write that!"

Hell, maybe she did. She said pretty much the same thing about Sawyer this morning when I talked to her.

"Nu-uh. Uncle Jeremy did." He blinks big, inquisitive eyes at me. "What's it mean, Miss Steele?" He glances back down at the note in his hands. "And what's a fucking idiot?"

"What? Give me that!" I practically launch myself across my desk to grab the note before he learns anything else he'll surely be repeating on the playground.

Caroline,

I'm a clueless asshole and a fucking idiot. Please, call me.

-J

I'm going to kill Jeremy for giving this to a seven-year-old! He texted me all freaking day and night last night. I should have known he was up to something when the texts just stopped this morning.

He's been radio silent all day. I know because I've been obsessively looking at my phone, checking for new messages.

"Where did you even get this, Simon?" I ask, pinching the bridge of my nose. I need to talk to Jeremy. I know I do. I'm just terrified he's going to break my heart all over again when I do. What if he's only doing all of this because… because what?

I don't know! I haven't worked that part out yet. My fears are completely irrational, but they have a vise around my heart and refuse to dislodge now.

"Uncle Jeremy gave it to me this morning." Simon stares at me. "Is he in trouble, Miss Steele?"

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