Page 40 of My Trainer Neighbor
Chapter Ten
Nicole
Two weeks later
When Shawn had gotten the call three days ago that Justin was coming home early, I'd tried to play it cool.
"That's great," I'd said, forcing a smile while my stomach dropped."You must be excited."
And he was.I could see it in his eyes, the relief and joy at knowing his little brother was coming home safe.Could hear it in his voice when he'd talked to Justin on the phone, the easy banter between them that spoke to years of history I'd never be part of.
Which was fine.I wanted Shawn to be happy.Wanted him to have his brother back.
I just also happened to be terrified that Justin would take one look at me and think I was the reason his responsible, career-military brother had suddenly decided to play house in New York.
Now, standing in the apartment that had been Shawn's temporary home for months but would soon belong to Justin again, I was going to throw up.
"Stop fidgeting," Shawn said, catching my hand as I smoothed my dress for the third time in as many minutes."You look beautiful."
"I look like I'm trying too hard."I glanced down at the navy dress I'd chosen specifically because it was approachable but professional.Not too formal.Not too casual.Exactly the kind of outfit you wore to meet your boyfriend's brother for the first time when said brother was a decorated soldier who'd just spent eight months deployed and probably thought his older brother had lost his mind.
"You look like Nicole.That's all that matters."Shawn pressed a kiss to my temple."He's going to love you."
"You don't know that."
"I know my brother.And I know you.Trust me."
The thing was, I did trust him.Over the past two weeks, Shawn had proven himself in ways I hadn't thought possible.He'd signed a lease on that tiny SoHo apartment.Started his new job at Elite Fitness.Helped me set up my consulting business's website and LLC paperwork.Been there every night when the panic hit about leaving my stable career for the unknown.
He'd shown up.Consistently.Without hesitation.
And now I was about to meet the brother whose homecoming had nearly destroyed us before we'd really begun.
"Flight just landed," Shawn said, checking his phone."We've got about forty-five minutes."
We were waiting at his old apartment, the one that technically belonged to Justin.Shawn had moved most of his stuff out over the past week, but we'd come back today so Justin would have a familiar place to land after eight months overseas.
I walked to the window, looking out at the street below."What if he thinks I'm the reason you gave up his apartment?"
"He'll think I'm a grown man who got my own place.Which is true."Shawn came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist."Stop catastrophizing."
"I'm not catastrophizing.I'm being realistic."
"You're spiraling."His mouth found that spot behind my ear that made me shiver."Want me to distract you?"
"Shawn."I tried to sound stern, but it came out breathy."Your brother will be here in less than an hour."
"So we'll be quick."His hands were already sliding up my sides.
"We are not having sex in your brother's apartment right before he gets home."
