Page 30 of Beyond Friendship

She chuckles hearing me call her by her new surname. “See you later, Brown.”

I smile as I hang up. I’m so lucky to have her work for me. The day Alisha entered the store looking for a job, I was dumbstruck by the fire in her green eyes and the vibrancy of her hibiscus lips. Within moments of our first conversation, I knew I had to hire her. Our friendship developed quickly and strengthened further when we realized that my brother Nick had fallen for her best friend Emma. And now she’s married to Cole, who is Nick’s best friend. After tossing the phone on the bed, I get dressed in record time. Once downstairs, I seize my bag and throw my phone inside. With one last glimpse at myself in the mirror, I leave my house and rush to the car.

My foot slams onto the accelerator as my mind returns to the thought that maybe Brian’s illness is what’s been driving him to deny our chemistry and sticking to fleeing flings. But before addressing that, let’s focus on getting him home so he can start his recovery before coming up with an idea on how to make him realize that even with his condition, I’d like to be with him.

9

BRIAN

Dark clouds pass by as leaves whirl, dancing as they’re blown off the tree branches by the strong wind.

What the hell is keeping Brown?I want to go home.

I let out a yawn. The last two days, I slept like shit because my mind keeps ping-ponging between the last conversation with Amanda and worrying about Six-Pack. Darius is doing a fantastic job, but that place is my heart and soul. Not being there every day feels unnatural.

“Someone’s ready to leave.”

My lips curl as I peek over my shoulder to find the friendly nurse standing in the doorway, pointing to my bag.

“I was ready to leave the moment I woke up, Akito.”

“One more blood pressure check and you’re good to go.”

I nod, rolling up my sleeve while sitting on the edge of my bed.

Akito’s dark brown eyes meet mine as she stops next to me. “Don’t forget that you entered your recovery phase, Brian.”

I let out a huff, and she chuckles while wrapping the band around my upper arm. “I get you’re impatient, but do me a favor and give yourself time. You’ve been through a traumatic experience. The emotional impact of having to live with your condition is real. So if there comes a time when you need to talk, do it. And if you can’t find anyone, come and see me.”

I press my lips together. “What makes you an expert?”

She smiles and places a hand on my shoulder. “Next to working as a nurse in the cardiology ward, my husband has Brugada like you. You remind me of him.”

I send her a playful wink. “So your husband is a blond god as well?”

“Oh no.” She chuckles. “He’s Japanese like me, but he has the same stubborn personality. He got diagnosed five years ago, after having a cardiac arrest at home while watching television. As soon as he woke up, he wanted to leave.”

I smirk. “I like him already.”

“I’m guessing like him, you present yourself to the outside world as a strong, confident person—which you are—but you keep your deepest thoughts bottled up.”

My muscles tense under her words.

“Just remember this. Even a courageous person has moments of vulnerability, and that’s okay.”

I twist my head at the sound of footsteps coming from behind me.That must be Nick.A flare of energy ignites my system at the sight of not my best friend, but his stunning sister, standing on the threshold and leaning against the doorframe. I brush my palm over my pants, seeing the pinched expression on her face as she inspects me and Akito.

Akito pats me on my shoulder. “Take my words with you and have a good recovery, Brian.”

“Thank you, and if you ever find yourself at Six-Pack, ask for me, and I’ll give you a drink on the house.”

Akito leaves, passing Amanda, who walks in and stops beside the bed. I can’t help but feel a stirring inside me at the sight of her.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“I’m here to bring you home. Liam is sick, so Nick called and asked me to help out.” She turns and strolls to the door. “Is that your bag?”

I swallow as her round derriere teases me. Sinking my teeth into those buns would—

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