Her Best Men: A Brother's Best Friends Reverse Harem

by Rye Hart

  “Hold on,” I said with a laugh. “A test drive? Ernie, come on now.”

  “What?” Ernie asked innocently.

  “You want me to send a fifty-thousand-dollar piece of equipment to you?” I asked. “Without any promise of payment? I know we’re friends, Ern, but you and I both know that’s not going to happen.”

  “Hardball?” Ernie asked with a laugh. “Fine. You want to play it that way, let’s play.”

  Ernie and I excused ourselves from the conference call to sort things out privately. We both knew how the conversation would end. Ernie would agree to pay half the price up front, promising to pay the rest after the test drive. I would hem and haw for a few minutes before I agreed. It was all good-natured business, and after working together for over five years, Ernie and I knew how to play each other’s game.

  “I’ll have my guys process the order today,” I said.

  “Sounds great,” Ernie said. “Thanks, Mike.”

  We hung up, and I leaned back in my chair. Now that the conference call was over, the rest of my day was wide open. I had emails to return and orders to oversee, but before any of that could happen, I needed coffee.

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” I told Marcy on my way out. “You want anything from the café?”

  “Small latte?” she asked.

  “You got it.”

  I hurried out of the office. The weather was finally starting to cool off, but it wasn’t yet cold enough for a coat. With the holidays right around the corner, I hoped the temperature would drop any day now. It just didn’t feel like Christmas when it was seventy-five degrees out.

  As I stepped into the café, my eyes immediately roamed around the tiny space. It wasn’t hard to take in the entire room, and it was impossible to miss the familiar face sitting by the window. I grinned and made my way over to her, reaching down to play with her hair.

  She jumped when I touched her.

  I laughed. “It’s just me. Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “Shit.” She laughed and put her hand on her chest. “Warn a girl next time, would you?”

  “Sorry,” I said again.

  She smiled at me, a faint pink hue on her cheeks. We hadn’t spoken since last night and, for a second, I wondered if she regretted what happened between us. Then, her foot found mine beneath the table, and all my worries disappeared.

  “How’d the conference call go?” she asked.

  “It was boring but necessary,” I said, flattered that she remembered to ask about my call. “How’s the job search?”

  Julie’s computer was sitting on the table between us. It was open to yet another online journal. It seemed she, like me, had devoted the early morning to work.

  “I have a Skype interview on Monday,” she said. “It’s with this online journal that specializes in small-town news. I figured it would be perfect. I can keep up with my writing and get to know this town better in the process. That is, if they hire me.”

  “Why wouldn’t they?” I asked.

  She shrugged. “Shit happens.”

  “You’ll get it,” I said confidently. “I’m sure.”

  “It all depends on whether they like my stuff,” she said. “If my writing isn’t what they’re looking for, they’ll pass. And I’ll be back to square one.”

  “Didn’t you work as a journalist up in Dallas?” I asked.

  She nodded. “For three years,” she said. “But still, you never really know.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I said. “So, when do I get to read your stuff?”

  She froze. I thought the question was innocent enough. I smiled playfully and poked her foot with mine beneath the table. And yet, her entire body tensed when the words left my lips. I frowned and sat back.

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “No,” she said quickly. “You didn’t. Not at all.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “Because—”

  “A lot of my old stuff is online,” she said, talking over me. “You can look it up whenever you want.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Julie smiled, but I could tell she was preoccupied by something. Her reaction to my question wasn’t at all what I expected. I wondered if I’d inadvertently crossed some line I didn’t know was there.

  “Listen,” I said. “I have to get back to the office, but when can I see you again? Tomorrow night, maybe?”

  “I’m busy tomorrow,” Julie said. “I have to go to my parents’ house for dinner. My sister is in town with her husband, and Mom wants the whole family together.”

  “Ah,” I said with a nod. “Typical mom stuff.”

  “Exactly.” She smiled and added, “But, I’m free Sunday.”

  “Sunday is perfect.” I grinned, relief flooding my body. “I’ll see you then.”

  I stood up to order my coffee and, when I did, I considered leaning down to kiss her. I don’t know what stopped me. My eyes found her lips, and I was immediately drawn in, but I forced myself to walk away. We’d had an incredible night, with mind-blowing sex, but we didn‘t think we were quite at the intimacy level of a public kiss.

  After I had my coffee and Marcy’s latte in hand, I chanced a glance back at Julie. She had already immersed herself in her laptop, her headphones planted firmly in her ears. I smiled and waved, and she grinned back at me, filling my chest with warmth. Forcing my gaze away from her, I pushed open the café door and left.

  Julie wasn’t like the other women I’d met. She was different, confusing in her own way. From the first time I saw her, I was intrigued, and every time we spoke, she left me wanting to know more.

  CHAPTER 7

  JULIE

  Since I’d moved to Ennis, my parents had barely spoken to me. They weren’t angry about my decision, but they didn’t support it. To them, I’d given up everything I worked for while in college and the years after. I’d built my reputation as a successful reporter, only to leave Dallas for a know-nothing town. They weren’t happy, and as I drove toward their house on Saturday morning, my chest was filled with anxiety.

  Deep down, I knew they’d behave. My sister Bethany was in town with her husband and their daughter. My niece, Layla, was only two and a half. She was the cutest little girl I’d ever seen, and I loved her more than anything. My parents felt the same way, so I hoped her presence would keep them in bright spirits for the duration of my visit.

  Still, as I pulled into the driveway, my heart raced. I took a deep breath and checked my hair in my mirror. I looked fine, but I knew that wouldn’t stop my mother from finding something to comment on. She worried about my health more than anything. I was either too skinny: “Are you eating enough?” Or I was too fat: “Honey, did you get that new workout I sent you? It’s supposed to help tighten your core.”

  She always meant well and, yet, I found myself dreading the visit as I pushed open my car door. Glancing at the house next door, I wondered if Andrea would be home for the holidays. Her parents still lived beside mine. I made a mental note to stop by and see them on my way out later that night.

  I stepped up to the front door and shook myself. It was insane that I felt so nervous. My parents would be fine. My sister would be amazing, as always. My brother-in-law would keep everyone laughing, and Layla would make sure the conversation never got too serious.

  I told myself everything would be okay as I grabbed the door handle and turned it slowly.

  “You’re here!” a shrill voice chimed from the living room. I lifted my eyes to see Bethany running toward me with her arms outstretched. I grinned and met her halfway.

  “Hey, sis,” I said as she caught me in a bone-crushing hug.

  “Ugh! I missed you so much!” She giggled and held me tighter, smoothing my hair down as she did so.

  Bethany and I were almost ten years apart in age. My parents had tried for years to have another baby, but after being disappointed enough times, they gave up. A month before Bethany’s tenth birthday,
I appeared on the scene.

  “There she is!” My dad’s voice rang out from behind Bethany.

  I pulled away from my sister and hurried over to hug my dad. He gripped me tightly and then ushered me farther inside.

  “Julie!” Bryan said when he saw me. He gave me a quick, one-armed hug and ruffled my hair. “How you been, kid?”

  “Not a kid anymore, Bry,” I said with a roll of my eyes.

  “You always will be to me,” he replied.

  Bethany and Bryan had started dating when they were sixteen. I was in kindergarten at the time. Bryan had been around ever since. He was just as much my big brother as Bethany was my sister.

  “How’s work?” Bryan asked. “Any new scoops for me?”

  “Not yet,” I said. “I have a Skype interview on Monday morning with this new online journal. Keep your fingers crossed for me.”

  “You’ll get it,” my dad said brightly.

  “I hope so.” My stomach twitched again. The last thing I wanted to do was focus on work right now.

  “You will,” Bethany said confidently. “You’re the ultimate success story. You’ve never failed at anything in your life.”

  I rolled my eyes but didn’t say anything. Bethany, more than anyone, knew that wasn’t true. Still, it was nice of her to say so.

  “Don’t get her hopes up,” my mother said from the kitchen. I jerked my head up to see her watching me with reproachful eyes. “If she doesn’t get it, she’ll only be more disappointed.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said without thinking.

  “I’m just being realistic, honey,” Mom said. “Someone has to be.”

  I nodded and looked down at my shoes. I’d only been in the house five minutes, and already, my mom was on my case.

  “Anyway,” Bethany said loudly. “How’s Ennis? I need to get down there and see your new house!”

  “You do,” I said, grateful for the subject change. “But before we talk about that, where’s my niece?”

  “She’s napping,” Bryan said. “She should be up soon, though.”

  “Ugh, can’t we wake her?” I begged.

  “Only if you want to deal with the tantrum that will ensue,” Bethany said with a laugh.

  “I’d rather not,” I said, laughing along with her. Bryan and Dad joined in easily, but Mom barely cracked a smile.

  “Can I help with anything?” Bethany asked. She hurried into the kitchen, but Mom shooed her away quickly.

  “Go entertain your sister,” Mom said. “Your dad can help me.”

  “I suppose I can,” Dad said. He squeezed my shoulder as he passed by.

  Bethany raised her eyebrows at me and linked her arm with mine. Without a word, she led me outside to the backyard. Bryan followed close behind.

  We stepped into the backyard and, immediately, my entire body sank. I sighed deeply and practically collapsed onto a patio chair.

  “What the hell was that about?” Bethany demanded, pulling up a chair beside me. Bryan followed suit.

  “Mom’s still pissed about my move to Ennis,” I said. “She thinks it was a mistake.”

  “Well,” Bethany said. “Screw her. You have to do what’s best for you, right?”

  I met my sister’s eyes. Her expression was a little too understanding. She knew all about my breakup with Joshua. Other than Andrea, Beth was my biggest advocate when it came to leaving Dallas. She knew just how much the breakup had torn me apart.

  Still, Joshua was the last person I wanted to talk about. I quickly changed the subject, asking questions about Layla until her sweet cry rang through the baby monitor.

  “She’s up!” Bryan announced, unnecessarily.

  He and Bethany both jumped to their feet, but I was faster. I shook my head and gestured for them to sit back down.

  “Let me,” I said. Bethany smiled gratefully as I hurried inside.

  I passed my parents quickly, not saying a word until I reached the back bedroom where Layla’s crib was set up. The lights were dim when I walked in, but I could still see her little face smiling at me from behind the crib bars.

  “Hey, you,” I said, brightly. I scooped Layla out of the crib and hugged her.

  “Aunt Juwee,” she said. Her hands went to my face. The smile that spread across her tiny toddler face melted my heart.

  This was exactly what I needed. I hugged her tightly again and rocked her back and forth. She was adjusting to being awake, and I wasn’t yet ready to return to the lion’s den. It wasn’t until I heard Bethany and Bryan come back inside that I knew it was time to rejoin the crowd.

  “Mommy!” Layla said when she saw Bethany.

  She wiggled to get out of my arms. I set her on her feet and watched her sprint across the room to where Bethany stood. My sister bent down to grab her daughter, a radiant smile on her face. In all my life, I’d never seen anything suit Bethany better than being a mother. She was amazing with Layla. I envied her so much.

  The rest of the day passed by easily. With Layla awake, everyone stayed distracted. My mother even forgot to comment on my appearance. By the time I left that night, she was in such high spirits that she actually wished me luck on my interview.

  “I’m sure you’ll do great,” Mom said with a smile.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  I was surprised, but I’d take it. We all hugged goodbye, and I hurried over to Andrea’s parents’ house for a few minutes. It was late, so I didn’t stay long. We caught up, and they made me promise to visit again soon.

  By nine o’clock that night, I was on the road back to Ennis. I’d been driving for about ten minutes when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced down to see a text from Michael.

  Grinning, I stepped on the gas. Suddenly, I couldn’t wait to get back home.

  Chapter 8

  Michael

  Julie and I spent all night texting. It took me a few hours to work up the nerve to send that first text. She didn’t answer right away, but once she did, we didn’t stop exchanging messages until both of us fell asleep. I don’t know whether I passed out first or if she did. All I know was I woke up on Sunday morning with my phone clutched between my fingers.

  Grinning, I pushed myself out of bed and jumped in the shower. Part of me felt ridiculous. I was a thirty-year-old man, acting giddy over a woman I’d only just met. On the other hand, I couldn’t help myself. There was something about Julie that just drew me in. As much as I tried to distance myself, I knew it was no use. I would not be able to be my usual playboy self with her. She and I were connected. It happened fast, but now that it had, I never wanted to lose it.

  The hot water fell over my face, coaxing me into full consciousness and clearing my mind. I saw Julie’s face swim before me, and I grinned again. My dick twitched as I remembered how it felt to kiss her. I shook myself, grabbing the shampoo and squirting a glob into my hand.

  As I washed my hair, I tried to get a hold of myself. Every time I thought about Julie, I became a teenager again. She was just a girl, I told myself. Just a woman. There was no reason to get this excited over one person.

  Still, my body had a mind of its own. I daydreamed about Julie during my shower. My body reacted instinctually, remembering exactly how Julie’s naked skin felt beneath my fingers. By the time I was done, I was desperate to see her again.

  I shut off the water and climbed out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I hurried back to my bedroom to where my phone lay on my nightstand. When I looked at it, I saw an unopened text from Julie.

  “Sorry I fell asleep last night,” it read.

  I smiled and immediately pressed the green button to call her. It rang three times before her sleepy voice filled my ear.

  “Hey,” she said. “Good morning.”

  “Morning,” I said. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Great,” she said. A small yawn slipped through the phone, bringing a smile to my lips.

  “Listen,” I said. “What are you up to today? I know you said y
ou were free tonight, but I thought we could go for lunch. Interested?”

  “Sure,” Julie said. “Just let me shower first.”

  “Pick you up in an hour?” I asked.

  “Perfect.”

  We said goodbye, and I put my phone back on my nightstand. I felt like my smile would never fade. I didn’t know what was wrong with me.

  What was it about this woman that made me act this way? If she were another girl, any other girl, I would have moved on already. I wouldn’t have thought twice about sleeping with her and then never calling her again. But I couldn’t imagine not seeing her. The thought of letting her disappear from my life was unbearable.

  It wasn’t just the sex, although that had been life-changing. It was everything about her. From her pale blue eyes to her light brown hair to her undeniable intelligence and quick-witted personality. Julie Black was captivating.

  I dressed in a hurry, and soon, I was on my way to her house. When I pulled up out front, she was already waiting for me.

  “Hey there,” she said as she climbed into the passenger seat. “You’re right on time.”

  “I told you,” I said. “I’m a gentleman.”

  She laughed and fastened her seatbelt while I admired her. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, making her eyes even more striking than before. She wore a simple blouse and a pair of tightly-fitted jeans. My eyes raked themselves down her body, and I felt my breath catch in my chest.

  “Where are we going?” Julie asked, snapping me back to reality.

  “Just this little diner I know,” I said. “I think you’ll like it.”

  We drove through town, the conversation never faltering. Julie told me about her visit with her family and asked how my weekend had been so far. I was embarrassed to admit that I’d done nothing but work. Julie didn’t seem to mind. She kept up her end of the conversation effortlessly.

  “So,” I said. “Your mom really gave you a hard time?”

  “Not too bad,” Julie said. “She’s been worse.”

  “How so?” I asked.

  “My mother has a very specific idea about the way I should live my life,” Julie said. “And if I don’t follow that idea to the letter, she just has to throw her two cents in.”