Page 33 of About Time You Noticed

"Bro." Damien dropped his towel to the grass. "Don't be the middle guy. He's the competition. Don't help him."

Tommy guzzled half his water bottle and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "He doesn't need my help. She likes him. Or likes the idea of marriage and babies."

His head jerked back. "Huh?"

Tommy dragged a hand over his cheek. "Yeah. She aims to settle down, and Edward is her top prospect."

"What about you?"

Tommy pinched the bridge of his nose. "What about me? I'm the best friend. Maybe she'll ask me to be a bridesmaid." He let out a sarcastic laugh. "Think pink will go with my complexion?" Tommy held a hand under his chin, tilted his head, and fluttered his lashes.

"No way." Damien flapped his shirt from his chest. Sweat beaded his temples. "I can tell you like her. Don't give up so easily."

Tommy shrugged. "I don't know what to do about it. If she liked me, wouldn’t I know by now?"

"You've gone all big brother on her. Show her another side of you." Damien squeezed Tommy's bicep. "Show her these babies."

"Pfftt." Tommy scoffed. "Like that will help. Sarah isn't one to be impressed by a few muscles. She's looking for husband material. Plus, she sees me without a shirt every summer."

"Okay. But you need to get Sarah past seeing you as a big brother or friend. Why don't you kiss her or something?"

Tommy burst out laughing. "You're not a relationship guru, are you? I can't go up and kiss her out of the blue."

"You're right. I'm not the best person for relationship advice. But I'm trying. It would be so good to see you two get together. She's so sweet, and you’re—the complete opposite."

"I'm the sour one, am I?"

"You'd probably punch me if I said you were sweet. Can't you see it? She's made for you. I can't believe you haven't noticed how great you are together."

He had a point. They were great together. And if he didn't act soon, the opportunity to explore a new relationship with Sarah would pass him by. He could try to be more obvious, and if she responded well, perhaps the chance to kiss her would come.

And he'd take the risk. But there would be no looking back. Their friendship would be never the same if he failed.

Chapter Ten

SARAH SCANNED THE ROOM of friends gathered for Jake’s birthday.

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