Page 16 of About Time You Noticed

She laughed, and heat flushed her cheeks. Sarah tugged him inside. "Come on. You'll let the flies in."

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TOMMY STEPPED PAST Sarah, taking in her floral perfume. She'd gone all out to impress Edward. Seeing her before her date might have been a mistake. Now he'd worry even more. Sarah looked amazing.

"As you can see, I'm going out soon. You knew it was tonight, didn't you?" She raised a brow as she brushed her hand over her satin dress.

He dug a hand into one pocket. "I wanted to wish you luck." He rubbed the back of his neck. "And to see Emily's transformation for myself." He nodded his approval. "Nice. I like what you've done with your hair." He twirled a finger mimicking the loops of curls loosely gathered on top of her head. A few strands danced next to long earrings. His gaze darted to her black pantyhose. "No tan creme?"

Sarah fidgeted, and her knees angled inward. "I failed chemistry and shouldn’t have experimented. This date is too important."

He crossed one arm and held the other. "You've really got your hopes set on Edward? It's okay to keep your options open. Date other men." He cleared his throat. "I don't mean kissing them all." His neck burned, and he choked out a laugh. He and Sarah didn't talk about relationships, but as a big brother, hypothetically speaking, he could give a guy's point of view. "I mean, Edward might go on dates regularly, so my advice is not to rush. Get to know him first."

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Sure. Look, he'll be here soon, but your timing is perfect. I have a problem with my dress."

His gaze swept over her. Thin straps graced her smooth shoulders, black satin hugged her gentle curves, and the hem hung above her knee. Long legs covered in see-through stockings caused his mouth to dry. She wore pink lipstick which matched her nail polish. He'd never seen her in any shade of pink. It clashed with her red hair, but a dash of hot pink looked good on her and made her seem more feminine. Sarah was no longer the little sister. She hadn't been for a long while. She was taller than most women he knew, and he'd only have to dip his head slightly to reach her lips.

What the heck? Send that random thought back. He shook his head. "What’s the question again?"

She giggled. "I haven't asked you yet. But I need a hand with my zipper." She turned her back to him and looked over her shoulder. "I can't reach it."

His heart tripled in speed. If it had been any other woman, he'd conclude she was coming on to him. But this was Sarah, about to go on a date with Edward. A date he'd helped make happen. Idiot.

He stepped forward, faking a confidence he didn’t have. "Sure." He cringed at his whisper. Not weird. Just Sarah. Best friend. Best friend.

She faced the kitchen, and he stared at her half-exposed back brushed with delicate freckles. Porcelain skin glowed under the ceiling light.

Focus. Try not to touch her skin.

Boundaries.

His oversized fingers managed to pinch the zipper, and he tugged it upward.

Nope. Wouldn't budge.

Sarah turned her head, looking through her lashes. "There's a little hook at the top. Try fastening that first, then pull the zipper."

He got lost in her eyes, but she glanced away.

"Okay," he croaked. Sweat beads broke out across his forehead. His fingers were too large to avoid her skin. He jiggled the hook, squinting at the minuscule piece of metal. He ignored the softness of her neck and the strands of hair brushing his hands. He swept the hair back over her shoulder, and Sarah shivered.

"Sorry," he mumbled.

"No. No. It's fine. How are you doing back there?"

"I'm not qualified for this kind of work." He attempted a snicker, but it exited his mouth as a groan. "I need a magnifying glass and a flashlight."

"You'll work it out, MacGyver."

"Now that you mention it—a cable tie would come in handy about now."

She giggled, and waves of pleasure shot through him.

He let out a long breath, and her shoulder raised. Oops. He'd breathed on her. Good thing he'd chewed a piece of gum before he'd arrived.

"Nearly done." His voice came out husky. What was wrong with him? He was making a fool of himself. Why couldn't he get the darn thing to work?

Finally, the hook fastened at her shoulder blades. His knuckle trailed six inches to the zipper at her lower back. Holding the top at the same time, he slowly raised it. An urge to kiss her neck shocked him. Whoa. Too weird. He jumped back like an invisible force had zapped him.

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