Page 36 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

When I walked away I could feel his eyes on me making me wonder what David was worried about. Is he concerned about my situation with Nathan? Or was he more concerned about the situation with Duncan?

David had never said anything to me about how Duncan felt all those years ago but Fiona did a time or two. I can’t help but wonder if his concern was for his brother.

“You know he’s in love with you right?” Fi asked, as I was finishing up packing for my flight in a few hours.

“Who?” I innocently asked, trying to play dumb. Putting my hand out without lifting my head, I waited for her to give me the shirt she was holding.

When the shirt didn’t hit my palm I was forced to look over at her. Her eyes were wide and her head tilted. The look thrown my way was loudly saying ‘don’t pretend with me little sister.’ I ripped the shirt out of her hand and quickly looked away trying to act like what happened wasn’t a big deal.

But it was. Duncan is David’s brother. His baby brother. I would never want anything to come between me and David. Breaking his brother’s heart would definitely fall under that category.

“He told me how he felt at your wedding,” I said softly. “I told him there was someone more suited for him out there. That he would meet her one day.”

Silence greeted my words and I looked up to find Fiona’s eyes full of sadness as they searched my face.

Till this day I don’t know what that look was about and we never talked about Duncan or his feelings after that. Especially once I started dating Nathan.

David still hasn’t broached the subject of Duncan being in love with me all those years ago, but if Fiona knew how Duncan felt, it’s guaranteed he did, too.

Once again my thoughts turn back to the feel of Duncan’s lips on mine. It was the first thing I thought of when I woke up; I can’t remember the last time I had this sense of excitement where a man was concerned.

I even powered on my phone early, hoping he would reach out. And when he does, I say, ‘Best fake boyfriend ever’?!

Idiot!

Looking at my phone, I see that there’s still no response from him. I start to type a message but delete it.

What can I say to fix this?

Even if I’m questioning how I feel about Duncan, the reality is that right now our ‘relationship’isfake. But the drama surrounding my life isn’t. I hate dragging Duncan into the chaos, but now that his team is getting involved I feel worse.

My phone buzzes and my heart jumps, then thuds into my stomach when I realize it’s only Caroline.

“Ava!” Caroline declares before I can even say hello. “Are you okay?”

Now both DuncanandCaroline have asked that question. I’m starting to get worried about what Nathan has been saying.

“I was feeling good, but now I’m not so sure,” I say, my throat tight. I’ve been keeping off social media but I’m beginning to wonder if keeping my head in the sand was a bad idea.

“Why just now?” Caroline asks, her voice hesitant.

“Because I got a text from Duncan a little while ago asking the same thing,” I say, rubbing my thumb against my fingers. “He also mentioned that his PR team wanted to talk to him.”

“Well after that kiss is it any surprise?” My face heats at Caroline’s words. “I’m surprised the ice didn’t melt. It washot!”

“Caroline!” I bite the inside of my lip to keep the grin that I’ve been fighting off all morning from my face. “It was just for show.”

“Suure, it was.” Her chuckle sounds through the phone and my stomach flutters as I recall when Duncan’s lips touched mine. “I’ve seen what you playing a part looks like, remember? There wasn’t any of that between the two of you. The only thing I saw were sparks!”

“How did you see this?” I ask, my eyebrows drawing together. I don’t remember anyone around us taking photos, but then again, once my eyes landed on Duncan the entire room blurred.

“Nathan’s team posted a video.” My stomach churns. “Duncan’s team is calling a press conference tomorrow morning before the Wolverines head out for their series against the Hurricanes. They want both of you there.”

“Damage control,” I mumble, shaking my hand through my hair and taking a deep breath as I sink further into the couch. “This is bad.”

“It’s not bad,” Caroline says, her voice dripping with scorn. “It’s Nathan. He always acts like a child when he doesn’t get his way. This temper tantrum is just one of many.”

“How did I not see this?” Shaking my head I think back to all the years I spent with Nathan. How did I miss this huge character flaw?

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