Page 60 of Accidentally Checked By My Brother's Best Friend

Crossing his arms over his chest, he puts on his best glower. I might believe he was bothered if not for the gleam in his eyes. “Yeah, that one went around the locker room for a few days, which is a short time for my teammates. Luckily for me, there was something else that caught their attention.”

His gaze pins mine and his meaning takes hold, making my stomach flutter. What distracted them was the news of the two of us ‘dating’.

“I’m glad that I was able to help… Dunky.” Biting my bottom lip I grin. He narrows his eyes at me and tilts his head before inhaling and exhaling slowly. The entire reaction has me covering my mouth to keep from laughing again.

His eyes suddenly turn roguish as he gently pulls my hand away from my mouth, and looks at my lips. My heart stops and thuds to my stomach as his gaze lingers there. I push past the tightness in my throat and try to breathe.

It takes me a moment to realize he asked me a question and by then, it’s too late as he starts to tickle me.

“No! No! Nooooo!” I squeal, only to have him laugh uproariously at me.

After what seems like an eternity of torture I finally escape by rolling off the couch onto the floor. Gasping for breath, I look up to find Duncan resting his head on his hand, looking down at me with a glint in his eye.

“How did you know I was ticklish?” I ask, still trying to catch my breath—a smile on my face.

“Fiona,” Duncan grins. “I used to tickle Scarlett all the time and Fi would laugh saying she was just like you.”

I close my eyes and think of my sister, a longing so intense comes over me. Blowing out a big breath, I open my eyes.

Duncan is watching me. The warmth in his eyes has my heart ping-ponging around my chest. He extends his hand and I tilt my head at him giving him a skeptical look.

“Just trying to help you up from the floor.” His hands are raised, but I give him a questioning glance. He throws his head back and laughs before extending his hand again. Then he says softly, “I promise. No more tickling.”

Staring at his hand, then glancing back at him, I place my hand in his and a jolt of energy moves through me from the contact.

Did he feel that, too?

He gently pulls me back on the couch, holding my hand for a moment before reluctantly letting it go. Watching his hand as he pulls it back, I swallow and shift my gaze. My eyes stop at his lips, before moving up to his eyes.

He swallows hard before a lopsided grin slides across his face. “Do you want to watch a movie?”

Glancing at my fitbit I notice it’s after nine. Not wanting to leave yet, I nod. “Which movie did you want to watch?”

“How aboutThe Zamboni Kiss?” My eyes nearly pop out of my head and a giggle escapes. “I told you, Scarlett made me watch it nearly every day. I had to buy a digital copy.”

“If you really want to,” I say shyly. “I haven’t seen it since the screening.”

Duncan reaches out to the coffee table, grabs the remote control, and deftly pulls up the correct app before selecting the movie. When he turns back toward me, I quickly look away and adjust myself on the couch to get comfortable.

“Come here.” Duncan’s raspy voice sends a shiver through me. Looking over, I find him with his arm up, inviting me to sit closer. Without hesitation, I slide up beside him and rest my head on his chest letting the warmth of his body seep through every inch of me. His arm falls over my shoulder and tucks me into his side.

I hear the steady beat of his heart as it pounds against his chest. Being wrapped in his warmth, an overwhelming sense of peace settles deep in my belly…along with the realization that I’m sleepy.

Duncan hits play and the opening credits roll.

I yawn and feel Duncan’s lips press against the crown of my head. A contented smile creeps on my face and I let my eyes drift close.

Duncan gently pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, and the rise and fall of his chest under my face relaxes me even more.

Sighing, I wrap my arm around his waist and snuggle closer, his scent making me certain I could stay in his arms forever. The last thing I feel before drifting to sleep is the weight of his cheek on my head.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Duncan

Shifting,Ifeelatightness in my neck and a heaviness on my side. Taking a deep breath, I slowly open my eyes. When I look down, I find Ava’s body resting against me. I inhale deeply and let the scent of sandalwood permeate my senses.

My lip lifts and a lightness fills my chest. Waking up with her in my arms is something I haven’t let myself want for a very long time. Honestly, this is better than my imagination could have concocted.

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