Page 12 of Catching Feelings

“I guess so.”

“You two enjoy your meal. I look forward to seeing you around more often.” She kisses Miles on the cheek before heading back to the kitchen.

“Sorry about that.”

“What are you apologizing for?” I ask as I pick up one half of my sandwich and take a bite. It’s the perfect amount of homemade bread, bacon, avocado, and turkey. The mayonnaise has a tang of seasoning that I can’t place. It’s delicious.

“What the fuck, Miles? You brought a woman here?” An attractive brunette with stunning blue eyes who just entered the deli glances between Miles and me. “Who are you?”

I set my sandwich down and wipe my mouth. Just because I’ve never seen Miles with another woman on his arm doesn’t mean he’s single. Not that we’re anything but friends. If I was this woman, I’d be jealous too.

I give her a smile and hold out my hand. “Hi. I’m Rowan. We’re just friends. Promise. There’s absolutely nothing nefarious going on between us.”

The woman’s brow lifts to her hairline as she glances down at my hand. Instead of taking it, she tilts her head toward Miles.

“Bro. The fuck? A woman with a vocabulary and manners and who isn’t flaunting her goods? You sick or something?”

“Fuck, Julia. Find a censor button every now and then.” Miles runs a hand through his hair.

“You mean like the one my big brother uses?”

Big brother? Miles? Or is she referring to someone else? I lower my hand and tuck it under my leg as I watch them squabble.

“One of these days your mouth is going to get you in trouble.”

Julia crosses her arms and deadpans. “You talking to a mirror?”

“Might as well be,” Miles mumbles.

“She serious?” Julia turns her attention toward me and gives me a slow, territorial perusal. “Doesn’t seem your type. Too simple and uncomplicated.”

Simple and uncomplicated are what I aim to be, but how she says the words makes them sound insulting.

“Julia Rose,” Lynn calls from the kitchen. “Leave your brother and his lady friend alone.”

I glance between the two, looking for a resemblance.

“Rowan, meet my annoying little sister, Julia.”

I start to lift my hand to shake hers, but after she left me hanging a few minutes ago, I wait and follow her lead.

“Rowan,” she says, still eyeing me with skepticism.

“Christ, Jules. Lower the claws. Row is a friend.”

“Row?” Julia rolls her shoulders back and gives me a curt nod. “Don’t dick my brother over.” She doesn’t wait for a response before heading to the kitchen.

“Sorry about that.” Miles rubs his chin. “My sister can be a little intense.”

I snort. “You think? She’s quite protective of you.”

“It’s payback for me looking out for her all these years.”

I want to ask him about his childhood, but I respect his privacy.

“She’s a good kid under all the gruff.”

We eat in companionable silence for a few minutes before Julia returns with a sandwich wrapped to go. “Here’s your key. Don’t come by unannounced though.” She drops a key on the table.

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