Page 1 of My Best Friend's Grump Brother

Chapter one

Prologue

ClaireandSebastian’swedding

Selena

“I swear my boobs look like they doubled in size overnight.” Amelia fidgeted with the sweetheart neckline of her bridesmaid dress. “This dress fit perfectly two weeks ago.”

“Well, you are nursing so...” Nate, her husband, said from beside her.

“Can you not look at me like that? I look like a hooker, and I feel like a whale.”

Nate let out a low snort and drew her toward him. He placed the gentlest kiss on her head and breathed in her scent. “You are beautiful, Lia. And besides, those hooker boobs are what feed our little girl.”

Amelia stared up at her husband with shining eyes that glistened at the mention of their daughter. Marriage and motherhood looked great on her. She was born for this life, and I knew just how complete the two of them made her.

After all she had been through, she deserved gentle and true love. Amelia had always been the one to give to others, and it often drained her of her own light. So, seeing her with Nate made my heart at ease. But I also couldn’t ignore the small ache in the middle of my chest. I had thought I had found that once upon a time, but sadly, not all stories were fairy tales. Some, like mine, were coated in tragedy and heartache.

I shook off the negative emotions and focused on the here and the now. He was gone, and there was no way that he would ever come back into my life. I was safe. I was free.

I was at Claire, my other best friend’s wedding. I was ready to witness yet another love story come to life. Claire and Sebastian took a while to get here, like 12 years. They had a secret fling in high school and came together again later in life after a long journey. Both had lost spouses and were single parents, but now they are the most beautiful, blended family.

I heard a little girl's tiny little squeals and a baby's gurgles from the other room. A few seconds later, I felt the air shift slightly, and I knew that Daniel Sinclair, Claire's big brother, had entered the living room that led to the backyard of the Sinclair estate where the wedding was taking place.

I turned to find him standing in the archway looking devastatingly handsome with his nephew in his arms and his niece at his feet with a small basket of petals.

“How adorable,” I chimed in as I walked toward them. I beamed at Claire and Sebastian’s kids. I couldn't help but pick up little Ella. “Sammy, you look so handsome. And Miss Ella, you look like…”

“A princess?” She showed off her missing tooth smile. “I’m a princess?”

“Yes, the most beautiful princess of all,” I bounced her a little in my arms, careful not to drop the petals. “And I love your flower crown.”

“Mommy made it.” She beamed even more. “Uncle Danny, I look nice?”

The scowl on Daniel’s face eased, and a soft smile formed on his perfect face. “You look beautiful, sweetie.” He took a step toward us and placed a kiss on top of her head. He got so close that I could smell his delectable and expensive spice and leather scent.

I couldn’t help how my breath hitched, and my senses vibrated to his closeness. I was always somehow aware of this man. It was as if my body was hardwired to recognize his presence, his scent, even his freaking breath. I was hyper-aware of it all. I leaned in and closed my eyes to take in the smell of him. When I opened them, Daniel was staring at me like I had two heads. Damn. He caught me. I pulled back slowly with a look on my face that feigned innocence.

“Awww, don’t you look handsome, Daniel,” Amelia said from her husband's arms. “I can’t believe your sister got you to wear a pink bow tie.”

Daniel’s permanent frown deepened, “as soon as this ceremony is over, I’m taking it off.”

I rolled my eyes at his dramatics. “Well, real men wear pink, Danny. Are you not a real man?”

His eyebrows pulled together into a frown. “Cute.”

“Only for you,” I winked at him, knowing that it would get under his skin. “What would your life be like without me, Daniel Sinclair?”

“Far better, I’m sure.” He grumbled, walking toward the door and taking his place.

I laughed under my breath, loving how easily I could rile him up. Perhaps nothing would become of Daniel and me, but I would enjoy the little flutters and vibrations his sheer presence afflicted my body.

***

Claire and Seb’s wedding reception

Daniel

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