The Better Brother

“No?”

“No, I never thought I’d live in a small town,” Julie said. “I always pictured myself in a big city. Dallas, where I lived for years, or New York. Somewhere like that.”

“So, what made you come here?” I asked with a frown.

“Remember the ex I told you about?” Julie asked.

I nodded, my stomach tightening uncomfortably.

“Well,” Julie said. “After he ended things, I just felt like I needed a fresh start. My best friend found this house and told me about it. I wasn’t sure at first, but it just felt like the right thing. So, I moved, and now, here I am.”

“No complaints here.” I grinned and walked over to her.

She smiled at me and wrapped her arms around my neck. When we kissed, she melted into me. Her body curved forward as she pressed herself against me. We fell onto the couch, and suddenly, our hangovers were nothing more than a distant memory.

By the time we were finished, the tree lighting festival had already begun. We got dressed quickly and walked into town.

The town square was full of people, everyone crowding around the giant tree in the center of the square.

“It’s starting,” I said.

I grabbed Julie’s hand and pulled her quickly through the crowd. We pushed our way toward the front.

“This is a really big deal here, huh?” Julie looked around with surprise. “I didn’t even know this many people lived in town.”

I grinned. “It’s the biggest party of the year.”

Julie just smiled and turned her attention to the tree. Seconds later, the whole thing was lit with sparkling Christmas lights. The colors lit up Julie’s face, making her pale blue eyes dance. I grinned and pulled her to me.

“I like you,” I said simply.

“Well,” she said. “It would be awkward if you didn’t.”

“I’m serious,” I said softly. “I really like you.”

Julie kissed me slowly, sighing and letting her tongue slide over mine. We lost ourselves in the feel of each other, forgetting that people were all around us.

“I like you too,” she whispered.

CHAPTER 17

Julie

The idea of meeting Michael’s brother had my nerves tied in knots. I spent most of the morning on my couch, sipping my coffee and trying not to overthink things. I couldn’t stop my brain from spinning, so I tried to work. My computer was open to my assignment, and I quickly began typing away. After five minutes, I knew it was useless.

I grabbed my phone off my desk and moved back to the couch, falling into the cushions as I dialed Andrea’s number.

“Hey,” Andrea said. “What’s up?”

“I’m freaking out,” I said bluntly. “Michael invited me to meet his brother tonight. We’re all going to dinner.”

“Oh, wow,” Andrea said. “That’s kind of…”

“Fast?” I finished for her.

“Yes,” Andrea said. “But that’s not why you’re freaking out.”

I blinked. “It’s not?”