Page 4 of One Foggy Christmas
“Brother.” His mouth pulls into the most charming smile yet. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”
“He may be my brother, but I’m still not interested.” I step forward with the line.
“Aw, come on.” A small frown appears. “I’m not that bad. You’d go out with me, right?”
I glance up and down his frame like I’m taking inventory. Everything about him passes the physical appearance test, but I still answer, “Nope.”
“Why not?” He backs up, throwing his arms out to the side. “My nose might be a little crooked from when my brother broke it in sixth grade, but other than that, I’m a pretty good catch.”
I study his lifted brows and raised chin. There’s an energy about him too, something more than just cockiness or confidence. Just by his posture and our short conversation, I can tell that he’s laid-back and fun—the type of guy who breathes life into a party. He could probably have any woman he wanted, and the fact that he wants me will put an extra spring in my step for the next week, which is perfect timing since I start my new job on Monday. I need all the confidence boosts I can get.
But that’s where my relationship with this guy stops.
“You’re attractive. I’m sure plenty of women love you, but?—”
“You think I’m attractive?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Actually, you did.”
“I said plenty of women probably love you. Just not me. I’m already in a relationship with someone else.”
“Don’t lie just to get rid of me.”
“I’m not lying.” I laugh. “I really do have a boyfriend.”
“Give me some credit. It’s the classic excuse to let me down gently.”
“It’s not an excuse. His name is Stetson Roeshine?—”
“Sounds made up.”
I laugh again. “He’s not made up. We’ve been together since third grade.”
“I bet he has a really punchable face.” He says it with a smile, letting me know it’s just a joke.
“As long as we’ve known each other, nobody’s ever punched him. So I think you’re wrong about that.”
“I’m available to do the job. I have an excellent right hook.” His expression is so fun-loving I realize I can’t take anything he says seriously.
“Save your right hook for another guy.”
“Alright.” He places his hands on his hips. “Your fake boyfriend was the final blow. I’ll take the hint and leave you alone.”
His head subtly drops in defeat, and I feel bad, but I’m first in line at the counter.
“I can help who’s next,” the woman yells at me.
“I hope you can at least watch the game now,” I say to him before stepping up to order.
“I’ll try my best.” He smiles, andwow!I’m reminded again just how charming it is. I’m madly in love with Stetson, but I tell the truth, and the truth is, this guy has quite a smile. The kind that lights up a room...just not mine.
I order a water and Coke and walk back to Tate.
“Here you go.” I hand him his drink, debating whether or not to tell him about the guy four rows above. I decide not to because he’d probably tell me to go for the Cubs fan. Tate’s a protective older brother, and with all the recent drama between me and Stetson, he’s over that relationship.
The woman behind us taps Tate on the shoulder. “The guy a couple rows up wants you to have this hot dog.”
