Page 50 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

Listening to Scarlett excitedly disclose all about the new kid in class is adorable. Her voice is filled with such enthusiasm. It’s obvious that she’s completely smitten, and I love it. “Does your dad know about Steven?”

At that exact moment, David walks into the house carrying a grocery bag. “Who’s Steven?”

I can feel tension fill Scarlett’s shoulders, and in that moment, I understand how hard it is for her not to have her mom around as all of these feelings about boys start to come up.

“Just a new person at Scarlett’s school, right Scar?” I say in a way that lets her know I won’t be the one telling her secret. “She was telling me about how he just moved to town.”

“Oh? Well, that’s cool.” David heads into the kitchen, not grasping that his eight-year-old daughter has her first crush. “Scarlett, when you’re done, will you help me with dinner? I got your favorite.”

“Macaroni and cheese? Yes!” Tying off the braid with a rubber band, Scarlett bounces off the couch, turns and gives me a hug, and whispers in my ear. “Thank you, Aunt Ava.”

Wrapping my arms around her and giving a squeeze, I say, “Of course, darling girl. Your secret, for as long as you want to keep it, is safe with me.”

She kisses me on the cheek before running into the kitchen to help with dinner. While cleaning up the extra hair ties and brush, a ding sounds from my pocket. I pull my phone out to see Duncan’s name. My heart starts hammering through my body. Swallowing hard, I open his text.

Duncan:Hey. Our flight is getting in pretty late. Davidson’s gonna drop me off at home.

My heart sinks, and the amount of disappointment that weighs me down has me feeling heavy.

Me:Oh, okay.

Me:I know Scarlett will be disappointed. She was looking forward to seeing you tonight.

Scarlettwillbe disappointed she won’t see him tonight, but I was talking about me. I’m disappointed.

Duncan:I’ll miss seeing her too.

The corner of my lip lifts as I read his words, and just for a moment, I pretend he’s saying he’s missing seeing me.

Dropping my head in my palm, I shake my head and roll my eyes.

Girl, you’ve got it bad!

Me:I’ll make sure she knows.

Duncan: Thanks. I’ll stop by tomorrow after my run to grab my car.

Me:I’ll be here with your key.

Duncan:Are you sure you still have my car?

Duncan:My car doesn’t have a key.

Me:Huh? What’s that little thingamajig?

Duncan:

Duncan:Did you just say ‘thingamajig’?!

A giggle escapes me at the thought of this grumpy, brooding man laughing hysterically because of me.

Me:Duncan James, are you laughing at me?

Duncan:I would never laugh at you Ava “thingamajig” Norris.

Duncan:

Duncan:

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