Page 12 of Accidental Baby With My Brother's Best Friend

She huffs again, seems like a habit of hers. “Nope. Not at all.”

“ORDER UP!” I hear Brandon’s gruff voice shout from the back and in a few seconds, my order is delivered to me. I give Betty one last appreciative look before reaching for it. But before I can, someone shoves me from behind and grabs the takeout bag from off the counter.

“Thanks!” She says, quickly turning on her heels and sprinting away.

“HEY! THAT’S MY ORDER!” I yell after her, my shoulder still hurting from my collision with the counter earlier.

“Have fun exercising patience while you wait for another!” She returns, her voice and giggles filling the air as I watch her fleeting form disappear.

Chapter6

Liam

“Thank you so much.”

That must be the one millionth time I’ve used that phrase tonight. I’ve shook so many hands and forced so many smiles, that the muscles on my cheeks and arms are starting to hurt but damn I love parties. I mean who doesn't? It’s the grand opening of my art gallery. Soft, classical music flows from speakers in the corner and the room is bathed in warm, flickering light.

The room is packed full of guests, dressed to the nines in designer clothes and jewelry with greetings, congratulations and handshakes flying in my direction as I move between the crowd. My eyes settle on one of the more prominent guests standing in a group off to the side. I stop dead in my tracks and smile. She's stunning. Long hair, deep blue dress and flawless makeup, but even without makeup her beauty rivals that of some of the most beautiful women I've ever seen in person. My grin only widens when she notices me looking at her and offers an inviting, if slightly awkward wave. I make my way through the crowd towards her.

She smiles and extends a hand to shake my own. "Hello, pleased to meet you." Her voice is soft, yet smooth. A perfect match for her body. There's a hint of southern drawl there that makes it even more appealing. I'm already captivated by her.

“The pleasure is all mine," I say, "I'm Liam Denver. And you must be Miss...?" I trail off and take her hand.

Reason number one why I love parties and I live for them. The ladies. Tonight’s party has so many of them and I think I’ve hit the jackpot.

“Charlotte.” She replies, “Charlotte James. I’m one of the biggest fans of your art.”

Definitely hit the jackpot here. Damn she’s beautiful. Her short, cocktail dress hugs every curve beautifully showing her hot, long legs in all of their glory.

“Well Charlotte James. Can I show you around? A personal tour with the artist himself then a dance. What do you say?”

The smile on Charlotte's face could kill, “It would be my absolute pleasure, Liam.” Her eyes dart past my shoulder and I spin around, spotting a long time acquaintance of mine.

“Dean!” I exclaim as I pull him into a bear hug. “I didn’t think you’d make it.”

He gives me a quick pat on the back before releasing me, “Why not? I wouldn’t miss the grand opening of your art gallery for anything man.”

He pauses and looks at Charlotte appreciatively. “I see you haven’t changed much?” He says.

I cock a brow. “Huh?”

“Hitting on my date? Not cool, man.”

My jaw nearly hits the floor and I feel myself turn bright red as Charlotte laughs. Dean looks like he might laugh too, if his smirk wasn't threatening to split his face. He doesn't say anything further and turns his attention back to me as I try to gather myself.

“Wow.” I stammer, shaking my head. “That was… unexpected.” I raise my hands in mock surrender. “I won’t be breaking the bro code tonight. She’s all yours.”

“I see you two have already acquainted yourselves but I’ll still do the honors anyway. Charlotte, this is Liam Denver. My best friend from the Navy.”

“Liam, meet my date. Charlotte James.”

We both extend our hands for shakes. Her handshake is firm and warm. Her skin is smooth as silk against mine. I almost get lost for a second before Dean clears his throat loudly, effectively snapping me out of the moment.

Dean grins, gesturing at a waiter with a couple of champagne flutes in hand. He hands me a glass and passes one to Charlotte who I still can’t believe is his date. “Here’s to new beginnings.”

He raises his glass up and we clink them together, Charlotte following suit with hers. He leans in and whispers something in Charlotte’s ear while I stare at them with jealousy and curiosity bubbling up inside me. Dean’s got some explaining to do.

“Got somewhere we can talk? The noise in here is deafening, and we’ve got some catching up to do.” Dean asks.

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