The Better Brother

“It was amazing,” I said. “I got the job.”

“Congratulations!” Michael said. “That’s fantastic!”

“Thank you.” I beamed into the phone.

“Tomorrow,” he said simply. “You free?”

“I am,” I said.

“Great. We’ll celebrate then.”

CHAPTER 12

Michael

Julie wore a short, tight black dress. She came to the door with her hair curled and her eyes alive with excitement. I tried my best to keep my eyes on her face, but it was impossible. That dress hugged every single curve, and my willpower just wasn’t strong enough. I looked her up and down, my eyes lingering on her bare legs and black high heels.

“Like what you see?” she asked, her voice low and suggestive.

I looked back up at her face. Her eyes were dark and full of that same, familiar hunger. I grinned and stepped forward. My hand slid around her waist, and I pulled her in for a kiss.

I groaned against her soft lips. When we pulled apart, I sighed deeply. “You look incredible.”

“Thank you.” Julie smiled and dipped her hips to the side, showing off her dress even more.

I laughed and held out my arm for her. She took it, and we hurried toward my car. Once inside, I cranked the engine and pointed us out of town.

“Where are we going?” Julie asked.

“Into the city,” I said. “This is a celebration, after all. A fancy restaurant is in order.”

“I don’t need fancy,” Julie said, laughing gently.

“Which is exactly why you deserve it,” I said.

Julie smiled as if she were surprised. From the look on her face, she wasn’t used to being spoiled. I wasn’t normally the type to go over the top for a woman but, with Julie, I couldn’t help myself.

We arrived at the restaurant, and I had the valet park the car. I picked a French bistro for dinner. It was a place I’d been to often, and I knew Julie would love it.

“You really didn’t have to do all this,” Julie said after I ordered us a bottle of champagne. “It’s just a job.”

“I wanted to.” I shrugged, and Julie frowned. I searched her face. She was obviously upset. I wondered if I’d made a mistake. “Did I do something wrong?”

“What?” Julie’s eyes snapped up to meet mine. She softened immediately. “No, no. Not at all.”

“Then, what is it?” I reached across the table to take her hand.

“It’s nothing,” she said. “I just… I know you’re used to this. Going to dinner at fancy restaurants. Spending your money without much thought.”

I laughed. “Ouch.”

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I don’t mean that as an insult. But I’m not used to things like this. My family is much simpler. I just don’t want you to feel like you have to treat me this way. I’m fine with diners and cafes. I don’t need a lot.”

“I don’t feel like I have to,” I said. “I just want to.”

Julie considered me for a few seconds. I knew she was trying to determine whether I was serious or not.

“Look,” I said. “I know we joke around a lot. Banter and flirting are great, but we’ve never had a really serious conversation before.”