Page 51 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

Me:Hey!

Me:If not a key, then what is it called?

Duncan:A fob.

Me:A fob?

Duncan:Well technically it’s called a key fob.

Me:Wait!

Me:Did you just make fun of me for calling yourkeyfob a key?

My face splits with a wide grin, and I let out a chuckle. This is the silliest conversation, and I am loving every minute of it.

Duncan:Well technically I made fun of you for saying ‘thingamajig’.

I can’t argue with his logic, and a goofy grin takes hold of my face. My cheeks are getting sore from how big my smile is.

Me:Fine. I’ll have thefobfor you when you get here.

Duncan:Thank you. I look forward to it.

I go back through our messages, a smirk still on my face. I love this playful side of Duncan. I didn’t realize how much I missed this banter until seeing him again after all these years.

Another ding comes through.

Duncan:Are you busy tomorrow?

Duncan:Scarlett and I will be baking dog treats for Saturday's Mile High Mutts Rescue fundraiser.

My breath hitches as I read his message. Even if I was busy, which I’m not, I would rearrange my schedule to spend time with him.

Duncan:It’d be nice if you could join us…

My heart stops and then sputters back to life. My mouth is dry and feels like I just swallowed a big wad of cotton.

Did Duncan just ask me to spend time with him?

The smile on my face does the impossible and grows even bigger.

Duncan:I understand if you’re busy and can’t, just thought it might be fun.

Me:I’m not busy.

Me:I’d love to help.

Me:And there is no way I’d miss seeing you in pink again.

Me:

Duncan:Well, I look pretty good in pink, even if I do say so myself…

I throw my head back and laugh. Pink isn’t his color, but even I have to admit he looks good in that apron.

“Aunt Ava,” Scarlett calls from the kitchen. “Dinner is ready! Come and grab some plates to set the table.”

“I’ll be there in a second.”

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