Page 73 of My Brother's Forbidden Friend

“I’m right here, next to you. As a friend.”

I frown a bit at the word friend. “And?”

“Let’s just take this slowly.”

I bark out a laugh. “A second ago, you were talking about our life together.”

She kisses my cheek. “I was just saying the type of man I want to be with when I’m ready.”

“Good to know.”

“I thought it was pertinent information. And Cam?”

I run my hands down her hair, studying her face and her features. “What?”

“Thank you. It means a lot to me that you remember the dress I wore and the fact that you named your company after me. More than I can really say.”

I pull her into my chest. “You never have to thank me for loving you, Chevelle.” She stiffens in my arms. “I’m not saying I’m in love with you. I’m saying I’ve loved you since the day of your mom’s wake. All I wanted to do that day was shelter you from the pain and protect you. I’d never felt that for anyone before. That’s when I knew you were someone important in my life.” Her body weakens in my hold, and I kiss her temple. “Hungry?”

“Starved.”

“Let’s eat out here in Winterberry Falls, where no one knows us.”

“Sounds perfect.”

We leave the warehouse, and I lock it up. We drive over to a food truck circle with five different trucks and order something from each one before sitting at a picnic table to enjoy our food.

It’s a little chilly, and it’s getting dark, but the string of lights that hang from tree to tree creates the perfect ambience for a first date. Although I’m not labeling our night together. I’m just happy to be spending time with Chevelle and building on what we have, whether we call it a date or not.

Now I need to tell my dad I’m no longer coming back to work for him. Plus, I have to buy myself a car. Maybe he’ll give me back my jeep if I pay him for it.

“So, does this mean you’re out of the fishing excursion business?” she asks before biting into a taco.

“Yeah. I’ll finish out the reservations I have, but no more competition between us.”

“It was fun though.”

“It was.”

We finish eating and walk back to the car holding hands.

“I forgot to ask you what my brothers said when you went to them. Not that it matters. I just wondered.”

I chuckle. “Well, they didn’t think I stood a chance with you. They’re all betting against me.”

I open the passenger door, and she turns and slides her arms around my neck. “Fools.” She kisses me.

“Definite fools.”

I drive us home, and walking into the house with her feels different this time. Why didn’t I show her that boat a long time ago? But a part of me realizes, with Chevelle, it’s baby steps. We’re not fully there yet, but every day we’re growing closer. Even if I don’t get to call her mine until the last days of my life, she’d be worth it.

22

“DEFINITELY LIKE LIKE.”

Cam

I haven’t ridden the elevator of the marina in well over a month. I debated on making an appointment with my father, but then he would’ve twisted this meeting to suit his own agenda.

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