Page 6 of About Time You Noticed

Sarah laughed and pulled back. "Soon. He hasn't asked me yet."

Emily shot Tommy a side glance. "What's your friend like? Is he worthy of our Sarah?"

Tommy dragged a hand along his cheek. "To be honest, I wouldn't trust anyone when it comes to Sarah, but hey—" his voice faded, and he shrugged. "She's not a little girl anymore." What was he saying? He sounded like he was old enough to be her dad. Five years meant nothing now that they were older.

Ethan gave him a you-weirdo glare.

Emily returned her attention to Sarah. "When the date gets closer, we'll buy a gorgeous dress and matching shoes." She flicked Sarah's ponytail. "And a new hairstyle. Let your hair down for once."

Tommy cleared his throat. "Edward has seen Sarah at the stables and likes her for who she is. She doesn't need to go all out to impress him. He is impressed."

Emily waved a hand. "Oh, Tom. You're not a romantic, are you?"

He scrunched his brows. "What's a dress and heels got to do with romance? Edward likes Sarah for herself—the way she is with the horses and the kids."

"Of course, he does.” Emily tsked. “But that doesn't mean she can’t make herself even more beautiful and take his breath away."

Tommy's stomach dropped as if he'd swallowed bricks. He liked Edward, but he didn't want him checking Sarah out and admiring her. He cringed. Strangely, he didn't like Edward as much as before.

Tommy groaned. "Sarah, don't listen to Emily. You need a man who wants you for you, not because of a hairdo, makeup, or outfit. Be yourself. Sure, dress nice, but don't overdo it."

Ethan rubbed his shoulder. "And who said you didn't have a romantic bone in your body? That there was a beautiful speech."

Tommy nudged him away but grinned. "Thanks for your support. Will you be in trouble with the missus now?"

"No. She loves me despite my ignorance. Maybe one night on the couch, but she'll take me back." He winked at Emily.

She huffed out a laugh before resting her arm over Sarah's shoulder. "I have the perfect dress to show off your long legs."

Tommy nearly choked on his spit.

Sarah blinked. "Oh, I'm not sure about that. Plus, my legs are whiter than the North Pole."

"Buy tanning cream. At the drug store, they have a brand called Eco Tanner. Works in eight hours."

"Lah la la." Tommy covered his ears. "I'm not listening." He’d rather remain an ignorant bachelor. He jogged over to Ethan. "Let's get a milkshake from the snack bar.”

Ethan followed, laughing. "One day, Tommy. One day."

Sure. One day. But right now, a storm cloud hovered over his life. If his closest friend got serious about someone, he'd be kicked to the curb.

Once they were out of earshot, Tommy gripped the edge of the bar and let out a frustrated breath.

Ethan scowled. "You weren't this protective over your sister when she dated Paul."

He shrugged. "I've known Paul forever and would trust him with my life."

The attendant flicked a dish towel to the sink and approached. "What'll it be, Tom? Same as always?"

"Yes, please. Make it two."

Ethan straddled a bar stool. "I don't like mocha." He directed his gaze to Sean. "Make mine strawberry."

Tommy lowered his voice. "I'm ordering for Sarah."

Ethan's brows climbed. "Oh. Sorry, make it two strawberry shakes for me." He winked at Tommy. "Emily would have my hide if you got Sarah one, and I didn't think of her."

Sean nodded and started making the drinks. The blender vibrated beside the tiled backsplash, blitzing ice, milk, and syrup.

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