Page 35 of Surprised By Love

Josh

Opening the door to the diner, I hear Sam laughing.

I look over to see my brother sitting at the table with his hand on her arm.Oh. Hell no. I just came in to get my morning coffee, not to see my baby brother hitting on my girl.Where did that come from? She’s not my girl. I storm over to the counter, slapping my hand on my brother’s back. “Hey asshat, what’re you doing here?”

Lucas looks up at me with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Came by to introduce myself to the newest town hottie.”

I look over at Sam, and her cheeks are rosy. I don’t like the idea of my brother’s compliment making her blush. Why do I care? It’s not like we’re dating or anything, but I can’t lie to myself and say I’m not a little jealous.

“Are you getting your usual?” Sam grabs a mug and the pot of coffee.

“Sure, but it’s to go.”

“What’re you in such a rush for? Sit down and have breakfast.” Lucas pats the stool beside him.

I look between him and Sam, taking a seat. I don’t like the idea of him flirting with her because I know most women can’t resist his charm, and if she’s going to date a Prescott. It’s going to be me. I mean, if she was to date a Prescott, which she isn’t so it shouldn’t matter. But, dammit. It does.

“I’ll take a sunset slammer,” I say, looking up at Sam, noticing she’s looking back at me. “Okay, coming up.” She turns and heads towards the service window.

I look at my brother sternly. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“What? I was just talking to her.” He smirks and takes a sip of his coffee.

“Bullshit, I know you. You weren’t just talking.”

“Okay, fine. I was offering my service as a guide if she needed one.”

I smack him upside the head. “You’re such a dumbass. She’s from this town, you idiot.”

He rubs the back of his head. “I know, but she hasn’t been here for years. Maybe things have changed.”

I shake my head, looking over at Sam. A few minutes later, she brings our breakfast to the counter. “Here you go, boys. Holler if you need me.” Sam turns and heads towards another customer at the end of the counter.

Lucas and I enjoy our breakfast as we catch up. I haven’t seen him in a few days with him being a firefighter. His schedule is sporadic, so it’s hard to make plans with him or my older brother, Ethan.

He tells me he’s off for two days and will be at family dinner tonight.

I glance over at Sam and hear her laughing with an elderly couple. The Nelsons retired to Sunset Creek two months ago. They were in their twenties when they met at one of our summer festivals, and have been back every year since.

Lucas nudges me with his elbow. “Stop staring at her, bro. I can see you undressing her with your eyes.”

“Fuck off,” I give him a push. “Are you done yet?” I say, looking at his empty plate.

“Yeah, I’m good. You heading out?”

“Right after you,” I say, pulling a fifty from my pocket and placing it on the counter.

“Damn, if you tip like that, I’ll get a job here.” I shove him again, nearly knocking him off the stool.

Sam heads up to the counter. “Heading out?”

“We are. It was nice meeting you,” Lucas says, grabbing his jacket.

“Nice meeting you too.” Sam smiles.

Her smile brightens up the room, but I like it better when she smiles at me like that.

“I’ll call you later. Emily wants to get together with Amelia for a playdate.”

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