by Nora Blake
“Whoa! Sarah, calm the hell down. We don’t need to rush into anything, I just needed you to know. I didn’t mean to freak you out. I thought I could keep it in, and why I thought the other night was a good night to let that bit of info slip, I don’t know. I’m confused about a lot of things, but I’m sure of one thing, there’s more to us than just friends. Always has been. It’s not really something I can even put into words. It’s just there screaming at me just like it was when we were in high school.”
My heart fluttered so hard I was sure it’d burst from my chest. “I know what you mean. It’s so damn loud.” I was overcome with nerves. I swiped my sweaty hands on my jeans.
He leaned in closer. “Deafening.”
I felt myself leaning in, tilting my head to kiss him. I snapped out of the trance his lips had me in and took a deep breath and let it out as I ran my fingers through my hair, sitting up straight. “Okay. We’re going to sleep on this and when we wake up tomorrow—”
He chuckled. “I’m going to message you and tell you good morning, and that my mind hasn’t changed.”
I buried my face in my hands. Was this really happening?
Aaron peeled my hands away from my face, laughing. “Would you stop?”
“This isn’t funny! You just ended your marriage. You have kids, Aaron.”
“And that means I can’t move on? I told you her and I were done. Have been a long time now.”
“It means I don’t want this to end up being some rebound shit.”
He leaned his head back against the seat and sighed. “You’re blowing this out of proportion. Again.”
“Am I? What if we screw this all up and go back to never talking again?”
He turned his head to look at me. “That won’t happen.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because we’re fuckin’ adults, Sarah. We are better than that. I shouldn’t have told you. I’m sorry.”
I sighed. “No. It’s okay. I’m glad you did. I’m happy you did. I’m sorry I avoided you after that night; my head is a mess.”
“Forget about all that. My head’s a mess too. Stop freaking out.”
“Just tell me you’re going to really think about this.”
He took my hand in his. “I already have. Actually, I haven’t stopped. Don’t you ever wonder where we’d be if you had never moved?”
“All the time,” I admitted.
“Okay, so stop thinking about my failed marriage, and the fact I have kids, and let’s just pick up where we left off without hiding our feelings. We don’t have to say we’re dating or make anything official. Let’s just be us, but an honest us. I needed you to know how I feel and now knowing you feel the same, we can just let be what is gonna be.”
I nodded.
“Okay, so before you leave this truck, I need you to look at me in the eyes and answer me honestly.”
My nerves came back in full force. I held my breath and looked at him.
“Can I please stare at your ass without you looking at me like you’re going to murder me?”
I burst into laughter and shoved his shoulder. “I’m going inside now.”
He laughed and let go of my hand. “Walk nice and slow for me.”
“I’m going in now.” I chuckled and grabbed the door handle, pulling it open. I noticed him about to get out of the truck. “I can open my own door tonight.”
He frowned. “Okay. Can I at least walk you to your door?”
I nodded.
We both got out, shut our doors, and when he made it to me, he held my hand. I looked toward the living room window that faced us to see if my parents were peeking out the window. They weren’t.
“No talking yourself out of this. Everything is going to work out.”
“It better, or I’m gonna kick your ass,” I warned.
“So, is that a yes? We’re gonna do this thing?”
“It’s a we’ll most definitely try.” I sighed when we made it up the front steps and onto our wraparound porch. I looked at the door and felt myself frown. “I guess this is goodnight then.”
He dipped his head down like he was going to kiss me but kissed my cheek instead.
Noticing my disappointment, he laughed. “You’re the one who wants to take things slow, remember?” He winked and walked off.
“Using my words against me?” I called out before he made it to his truck.
I could hear him laughing before getting into his truck and starting the engine. I ran my fingers through my hair and watched his taillights fade into the distance.
What. The. Hell. Just. Happened.
I finally got what I wanted, and I told him “we’ll see”? But the fact was that this wasn’t about me. Tonight, hanging out with his amazing kids, reminded me of that. Our choices didn’t just affect us, it affected them, too. They were way more important than our selfish desires.
The bell above the front door of the vape shop rang out as someone walked through the door. I glanced over the counter catching Nick before he made it to where I was standing. I walked around the counter and over to him. “What are you doing here?”
“Aaron told me this was where you worked, and it just so happens I’m trying to quit smoking. I hear vaping is much better.”
“I’ll help you, but know I don’t condone this,” I warned as I walked him over to the aisle with everything he’d need. “Have you thought about quitting without picking up a new habit?”
“I have, just not ready yet. So, what’s the best?”
“Wait, before I show you, are you still mad at me?”
He laughed. “Nah. It’s all good. Aaron told me you two are a-okay now. Everything’s cool.
I smiled and pointed to some of the products on the shelf. “I know these sell the best.”
Stacey came from the back office and onto the front floor. She wore her normal bright smile.
“I’ll let you look around. If you need me, let me know.” I left Nick and met Stacey before she made it over to us.
“That’s Nick, Aaron’s younger brother.”
“Is lover-boy with him?”
I laughed. “Stop. And no, he’s not.”
“Damn, I wanted to talk to him about the sponsor stuff you and I talked about this morning. It’d be a great advertisement for my business, and I’d love to help out your friend.”
“I’ll mention it to him. I’m sure he’ll be super excited about it.”
Nick came over to us with several items. I motioned for him to follow me to the counter, and I explained how to use everything before ringing him up. After he paid, I walked him to the door.
“You know, my brother was all smiles when he woke up this morning. Do you have any idea why?”
“He’s officially a free man and had his boys with him this past weekend.”
“And …”
My cheeks burned from grinning so hard.
Nick chuckled. “I think it’s great. I really do. He would mention you over the years, wondering how you were. He never stopped thinking about you.”
“He’s always had a special place in my heart, too. Always.”
“If it works out, be good to him, Sarah. I don’t think he could handle another situation like he just got out of.”
“If it works out, I can promise I would never intentionally hurt him. I just have a lot to consider when it comes to dating your brother.”
“Like what?”
I kept my eyes on his. “That’s a conversation I’m having with him, not you.”
“He’s a great guy.”
I laughed. “Duh. I know that, Nick. We were just learning to be friends again, and now this. It’s just a lot to take in.”
“But you’re leaning toward a yes, right? Because he really, really needs to get laid.”
I died laughing. “Seriously, Nick?”
“Dead serious.”
I rolled my eyes and opened the door. “Bye, Nick.”
He roared with laughter for a moment before calming down. “For r
eal, though. Let him take you on a date.”
“How about you let him ask me, and you mind your business,” I said playfully.
“Deal.”
I shook my head as he left and went back to work.
Last night, before I fell asleep, I was convinced I would take Aaron’s advice and just roll with it. Just see what could happen between us. However, this morning, I remembered my worries about his kids and an ex I didn’t even know. I wouldn’t just be dating my old best friend, I’d be a potential step-mom to his kids. I’d be the new girlfriend for his ex-wife to hate. I was so worried we’d screw this all up and end up hating each other. That was the last thing I wanted. But I also didn’t want to continue to not know where this would go because I was being an idiot.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Aaron
“I don’t like that smile on your face,” I said to Nick as he watched me move a hay bale to my truck bed. “You look like the Cheshire cat.”
I swear all Mr. Jenks paid my brother to do was pester me the whole day. Nick grabbed a hay bale and put it next to the one I had just set down. His smile never left.
“I know something you don’t,” he said in a sing-song voice.
“Well, that’s a first,” I said with a smirk.
“I saw Sarah before heading over here. She was looking pretty fine, if I do say so myself.”
I set the hay bale I had in my arms down in front of me. “Where?”
“Casey’s gas station.”
My lips curled. “Oh, really? Did she say anything about me?”
“Nah, but I think she’s afraid of falling in love with me. I am the more handsome Brown brother, ya know.”
I punched his shoulder. “Shut up, man. Those are fightin’ words right there.”
He rubbed the place my fist just left. “For real, though, I thought she was gonna break her face from smiling so hard when I mentioned you. You both got it bad, brother.”
“You think she’s ready for me to ask her on an actual date?”
“I think the odds are in your favor. I mean, it’s obvious she’s scared, but I don’t think that’s gonna stop her from being with you. She’s unsure about things, but not stupid.” I knew there was still something he wasn’t saying by the playful grin lingering on his face.
“What’s that smile all about?”
He snickered. “I told her you needed to get laid like yesterday.”
“You’ve got to be kidding!” I shoved his shoulder. “You’re such an ass! Total dick move,” I said before laughing.
“She didn’t say no!” He rubbed his shoulder again. “And any more blows to the shoulder, and you’re gonna be funding my shoulder replacement.”
“Why would you tell her that?” I could feel my face heating up. “She’s already freaked out enough!”
“Chill out. She thought it was funny. She knows I like to joke around. So, what are you waiting for? Ask her out on a date.”
“I’ll give it a bit longer. I need to give her time, Nick.”
“Why? You said she said she felt the same way. You need to man up and stop letting her worries dictate your every move.”
“Man-up?” I scoffed. “What the hell do you know about ‘manning-up? You haven’t dated a girl longer than three months. It’s not just me in this relationship, Nick. I have to consider her feelings, too.” I wiped sweat from my brow. “She’s overthinking this to the point of driving herself crazy. I don’t plan on making it worse.”
“So, what if she says no? Keep asking. My brother ain’t no quitter. I understand not pushing her to her breaking point, but someone has to be the confident one in this relationship.” He chuckled to himself. “And I know how to man-up. In bed,” he said, cracking himself up more.
I shook my head at his ignorance and took off my work gloves. I wiped my sweaty hands on my jeans before pulling out my phone and dialing her number.
“Go away, Nick.”
“Oooh, calling her? Not just a famous Facebook message?”
When I flipped him off, he went back to work.
“Hey, Aaron,” she answered cheerfully.
“Hey, do you have time for a quick question?”
“I do. What’s up?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to go out on a date with me? Like an actual date. Say no if it’s too soon, but I wanted to ask.”
When I looked over at Nick he was pretending to hump a hay bale. I chucked a glove at him, nailing him right in the face. He started laughing so hard he fell back onto the hay.
“When do you want to take me on this actual date?”
“Two days from now. I was thinking Friday night.”
“Are you picking me up for this date or do I need to meet you somewhere?”
“It’s a real date. The guy usually picks the girl up,” I chuckled.
“Ha-ha. What time will you be picking me up for this real date?” Her smile was evident just by her tone. I just wished I could see it.
“Seven?”
“Seven sounds good.”
“Okay. You sure? You’re not gonna back out on me?” I gave Nick a thumbs up and he started licking his lips and rubbing his nipples with his fingertips. I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing.
“I’ll try not to.”
“Better not. Where do you want to eat?”
“This is going to sound silly, but lately I’ve been craving Arby’s. I know it’s kind of a long drive, and it’s nothing special, but I don’t need a fancy dinner. I just want to be with you.”
“All right.” Nick now had his back to me with his arms wrapped around himself, fake making out. I had to get off the phone before I lost it. “I should get back to work.”
“Okay, and Aaron?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really excited, but there are some things we need to talk about.”
“Me too, and I know. We can talk about whatever you want.”
“See you Friday.” She hung up.
I went over to Nick, smacked the back of his head, and cracked up laughing. “She said yes!” I fist bumped the air.
“Hell yeah!” I knew she would!” He high-fived me. “It’s good to see you smile like that again.”
“It’s good to feel like this again.” I put my gloves on.
“Just imagine how good it’ll feel when you finally—”
I picked up a hay bale, and on my way past him, I nudged him hard enough to cause him to fall back into the grass. I laughed all the way to the truck.
I was a nervous wreck as I pulled into Sarah’s driveway. I wasn’t nervous because I was taking her out—spending time with her was easy. I was nervous because this was new territory for us, and I didn’t want to fuck anything up.
I got out of the truck and walked to the front door, hesitating for only a moment before knocking. Sarah flung open the door with a bright smile but was quickly moved out of the way by her dad. She was laughing and trying to look at me over his shoulder.
He held his hand out to me. “I hear you’re here to take Sarah out on a date. I need to lay down some ground rules. Don’t think I’m going to let you slip just because I’ve known you my whole life.”
“Dad! We aren’t kids anymore!” Sarah tried to walk around him, but he put his arm up to create a barrier between the space between me and her.
He looked at her. “Adult or not you’re still my baby.” He looked at me again as I shook his hand. “Make sure she wears her seatbelt.”
“Of course, sir. I’ll make sure she’s safe and sound.”
“Home by ten.”
“Dad! Move!” Sarah said through laughter.
He moved his arm so Sarah could make her way out the door.
“Bye, Dad.”
He waved at us before closing the door.
“Sorry about that. I swear I’m a real adult.”
I laughed as we walked and opened the passenger door when we made it to my truck. “He has the right as a father to protect his daughter.”
>
She got in and turned to me. “Yeah, but he knows you.”
“In a way, yes. But I’m no longer just the best friend, I’m the guy who’s taking his daughter out on a date.” I grinned at her before shutting the door and walking over to the driver’s side. I climbed in and smiled at her. “Buckle up,” I teased as I fastened my own seatbelt.
She set her purse on the floorboard next to her feet, then put her seatbelt on. “Are we still going to Arby’s?”
“Of course.”
She laughed. “You know, if you spoil me already by giving me my way, you may have a mess on your hands.”
“Well, if the queen wants Arby’s, then I’ll be happy to get it for her.”
She started messing with the console, trying to get it to fold up but was having trouble.
I grinned at her adorable struggle and pushed it up as she unbuckled her seatbelt. “That console is tricky. You have to lift it just right.”
She scooted over to the middle seat, shocking me a little. I expected distance from her tonight. Her nervousness always made her more apprehensive
“Is it okay if I sit here?”
I put my arm around her shoulders. “Completely okay. Is it okay if my arm is around you?”
“For now, but if you start getting handsy, I’ll murder you.” She smiled up at me with a grin that could make any man question her seriousness, then started flipping through stations on the radio.
I cracked up laughing. “Remember that time you bit me?”
She found my favorite country station and turned it up just a little. “You took the last brownie. You had it comin’.”
I chuckled. “I did. Then you ended up splitting it with me because you felt bad for biting me and tackling me to the ground to get it back.”
“Just be warned, I can bite harder now … and brownies are still my favorite.”
I smiled and kissed the side of her head. “Duly noted.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Sarah
It didn’t surprise me that we ended up getting our food to go and headed back to his place. All we could talk about was his race car and all his plans for it. It was inevitable we’d be eating curly fries while getting our hands dirty. Grease was better than ketchup anyway.
