How to Date Your Brother's Best Friend

by Karigan Hale

  "Yeah, right," she said automatically.

  "Lizzie. You're not like any other girl I've ever dated. Which is a good thing," he said. "I don't know how to act around you. And I've also had a crush on you since high school..." he trailed off and shrugged.

  She looked at him skeptically. "Did you spike your tea with alcohol when I wasn't looking? Why are you being all confessional? I mean, I know I'm a good bartender, but I'm not that good."

  "All of my other tactics weren't working, so I figured I'd try the truth," he said smiling. "How am I doing?"

  "Well, I don't want to kick you out yet, and I think I've only rolled my eyes once," she said returning his smile. Since he was allegedly being honest, she asked what had been on her mind all week. "Why did you look so sad in the picture from your company fundraiser?"

  "Which one?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

  "You saw it on my computer the day you brought those boxes from my parents' house. Don't pretend you didn't. You were a little out of focus in the background and looked... I don't know... tired or sad or frustrated. Why?"

  "I don't know if I remember," he said evasively. She tilted her head, raised her eyebrows, and pursed her lips. He laughed and held up his hands. "Okay, fine. I was watching my date—"

  "Tiffany," she supplied.

  "Yeah, how'd you—" she waved at him to get him to continue. "Fine. I watched her throw back yet another cocktail and hike her skirt up to dance like she was at a club. I watched my bosses' wives watching their husbands ogle her with such disdain on their faces. Then exchange looks of triumph when their husbands stepped back to them to rejoin the conversations. I tried to get Tiffany to join a conversation, too, but she had absolutely nothing to add. Nothing interesting to say, except to tell everyone we were engaged. A completely lie. I realized the only thing interesting about her was her body," he said.

  Lizzie played her stay silent game to see if he would continue. She sipped her tea quietly while he gathered his thoughts.

  "I can't believe I'm saying this out loud to anyone," he laughed. She smiled in encouragement. "I guess I want more than just arm candy. Like I said at the bonfire, I'm almost thirty. I need to figure out what I'm doing with the rest of my life. Tiffany isn't it."

  "Does she know?" Lizzie asked.

  "Ha. Good question. I've told her in no uncertain terms, but she keeps texting and calling. Talk about a gold digger. She was just using me for my body and my money, too," he said. "She's looking for a ring. I'm looking for a partner." His eyebrows shot up in surprise.

  "Just realize that?" she said nudging his foot under the table.

  He chuckled again. "Kinda. Damn, you are a good bartender, Lizzie."

  "Drink your tea," she said.

  "You need to learn how to take a compliment," he said. But he did take a sip of his tea.

  She ignored him. "How were you planning on getting back to Xavier's anyhow?"

  "Depending on how you reacted to my apology, I was going to either ask you to take me home, or I was going to call Xavier to come get me," he said.

  "How do you think it's going?" she asked keeping her eyes on his as she took another sip from her mug. He held her gaze. And the electricity built between them again.

  A clap of thunder made them both jump. Then the lights went out.

  "Shit!" she screamed. He laughed.

  "Do you have flashlights?" he asked. "Or candles?"

  "Both," she said. She told him where he could find the flashlights while she got out the candles.

  "You know," he said when they were settled on the couch with candles flickering around them, "if you're scared, I could stay until the lights come back on."

  "Not a girly-girl, remember? I've been living by myself for years now," she reminded him.

  "Lizzie, I know you aren't a girly-girl. That's one of the most appealing things about you," he said seriously.

  "Really," she said disbelieving. He'd only been interested in her after she'd worn a dress.

  "Absolutely. You did look amazing in that green dress, Lizard," he said as though reading her thoughts. "Especially when you hiked it up and rode your motorcycle. Phew," he put a hand on his chest and let out a low whistle. She smiled. "But I had an equally strong reaction when you came back in an over-sized t-shirt and sweatpants. Scouts honor!"

  "You were never a Boy Scout!" she laughed and pretended to hit him.

  He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. "I meant what I said. One taste of you wasn't enough. And now that I've had more than a taste, I'm craving more."

  "You are?" she asked suddenly breathless as he kissed each of her fingers. "Don't you have me out of your system?"

  "Not even almost." He turned her hand over and kissed the underside of her wrist. Her pink parts, still tingling from earlier, were on high alert.

  "It's just the candles and the darkness," she whispered watching as he trailed open mouth kisses up her arm.

  "Not even almost," he said again pulling her towards him. She let herself be pulled.

  "What are we doing?" she asked as he put his lips on the hot skin of her collarbone.

  "We are not doing anything. I am going to pleasure you in more ways than you've ever dreamed of," he said moving to her earlobe.

  "Oh yeah?" she asked.

  "Oh yeah."

  "Prove it," she said smiling. So, he did.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Hours later, when they were both thoroughly satisfied and lazily listening to the rain falling outside Lizzie's bedroom window, Peabody ventured out of his hiding spot. He jumped on the bed and, much to Lizzie's surprise, snuggled up right between her legs and Zander's.

  "Excellent judge of character, right?" Zander said tracing a pattern on Lizzie's back with his fingertips.

  "Usually," she teased. He gave her ass a little pinch. "Hey!" She lifted her head and glowered at him.

  "So, can we do this again sometime?" he asked with his panty-melting half-smile. She hesitated before answering, and his smile faltered. "What is it?"

  "Just. Why? What would be the point? You're leaving soon," she said.

  "I know! Which is why I want to spend as much time as possible with you before I have to leave. In fact, screw work; screw Nick; screw your job. Let's just stay in bed for the next few days," he said. She laughed. "I'm serious!"

  She shook her head at him and then laid it back onto his chest. "Two consenting adults."

  "Exactly."

  "Just having a little fun."

  "Yup."

  "Nick doesn't have to know?"

  "Absolutely not," he laughed.

  "I'm not wearing make-up or a dress again," she reminded him.

  "Lizzie, you could wear a paper sack and still be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in real life."

  "You have all the lines." Why wouldn't her face cooperate and stop smiling?

  "Not a line."

  Her stupid face smiled broader. Then her stupid mouth—clearly in cahoots with her stupid lady town—said, "Well, who am I to deny us this pleasure for the next couple days?" God, she hoped she would be able to steel her heart against falling for him. Physical attraction was one thing but listening to him open up earlier about wanting a partner in life had her heart doing inappropriate flip-flop things she didn't trust.

  "Yes," he whispered giving himself a high five over her back.

  "Listen, dork, do you want me to give you a ride back to Xavier's?" she asked yawning. "The rain seems to be letting up a little."

  "I wouldn't want to disturb Mr. Peabody," he said. They both looked at the cat who purred softly and gently kneaded the blanket with eyes closed in complete contentment. "Unless you're finally kicking me out."

  "You just want to stay for my bed," she said.

  "It is one thousand percent better than being scrunched on Xavier's couch. Not gonna lie," he said. "The view is much better, too," he added kissing the top of her head.

  "I guess you can stay," she said. "But you better not snore. I
barely got any sleep last night because of Nick."

  "Xavier hasn't mentioned that I do," he said stroking her back again. She was starting to fall asleep.

  "What about all your other women?" she asked on the verge of consciousness. She thought she heard him say, "Wouldn't know. I've never spent the night with anyone else." But she must have been already dreaming.

  Sometime later—Lizzie didn't know how long, but the power had been restored, thank goodness—Lizzie awoke once again with pressure on her chest. She went to push the cat off so she could roll over and go back to sleep, but the lump she encountered was hard and definitely not fluffy.

  Not a cat. An arm.

  A human arm.

  A man's arm.

  Then she remembered: Zander. He was sleeping beside her with said arm draped over her. So, he had stayed. She figured as soon as she fell asleep, he'd text Xavier to come pick him up. Or take a ride share back to Zay's place. Or steal her bike again. She smiled smugly. Guess she wore him out, too. He wasn't the only one with moves.

  She gently removed his arm and slipped out of bed to use the bathroom. Peabody gave a little mew of protest from the bottom of the bed where he was still curled up against Zander's legs. She shook her head in disbelief. Peabody really didn't like anyone. He must be really scared of the storm to tolerate Zee sleeping on his side.

  When she got back in bed a few minutes later, she again had to move Zander's arm out of the way. He had completely sprawled onto her side. She rolled him over and then fit herself back into her spot.

  "Lizzie," he breathed behind her. Not so much a question but a statement.

  "Hmmm," she answered. She felt his arm snake back around her as he pulled her against him. "Zee?" she asked. But he was still asleep.

  He'd reached for her in his sleep. Not just any female, but her. He'd even said her name. In his sleep.

  Her heart did that little flip-flop thing again. And started banging against her chest like a base drum in a marching band. Oh, no. No, no, no. She was not going to allow herself to over think this. Instead she would simply appreciate the very real fact that Zander fucking Drake was spooning her in her bed. And he wasn't even wasted! If only stupid Todd Sanderson could see her now.

  The scent of coffee greeted Zander as he awoke the next morning. His mouth watered in anticipation. Thank Christ Lizzie had coffee. He might have cried if the only thing she stocked was tea. He squinted an eye open, but both she and the cat were missing. Presumably in the kitchen making the glorious go-juice.

  He got out of bed and slung on the same pair of jeans from last night. He couldn't find his shirt. Oh well, it was probably still damp from last night's ride in the rain anyway. He'd gone back to McConnell's to get a ride from Xavier all the while contemplating what to do about Lizzie. He couldn't get her out of his mind. Everything in Kensington reminded him of her. And their kiss. He didn't know whether to pursue her or try to forget her.

  But when he saw her bike just sitting there in the bar, it was like a sign. Clearly the universe wanted him to go to her. He could forget her when he returned to Atlanta. Where nothing would remind him of her.

  Except now he'd gone and slept with her. He'd mistakenly thought he'd just fuck her out of his system. That his need was just curiosity, like she said.

  Stupid. Because now she was under his skin, filling his senses, saturating his memories.

  He was now in unchartered territory. He hadn't lied last night when he said he'd never literally slept beside any other woman before. He'd never felt the desire to cuddle or share a bed or spend that much time with anyone. He'd also never slept better than last night with Lizzie by his side.

  Whoa, he thought stopping on the stairs. He slept so well because he was exhausted from helping at the bar then having sex with Lizzie. Multiple times. That was tiring work. His good night's sleep was simple physical exhaustion and nothing to do with holding onto the sexy blonde tomboy currently making him coffee in the kitchen.

  He stomped down the rest of the stairs, so she'd know he was coming. She was leaning on the counter in nothing but a t-shirt and panties sipping from a mug. She gave him a half-smile and gestured to the coffee pot.

  And, "Oh blessed day. Real coffee? Not that stupid K-cup crap?" he said trying not to run.

  "I prefer fresh ground," she said. He almost made a comment about how money really does buy happiness but bit his lip just in time.

  He poured himself a cup and leaned against the counter next to her. She reached over to brush some cat hair off his chest. "I couldn't find my shirt," he said lamely.

  "Oh, I put it in the dryer this morning. Then, it was so warm, I may have just put it on," she said pulling on the hem of the one she wore.

  He smiled. "I thought it looked familiar. Keep it. It looks much better on you," he said. They lapsed into silence. Peabody munched on his dry cat food in the corner.

  "Is this the awkward morning good-bye moment?" she asked when she couldn't stand the silence any longer.

  "I don't know. I usually sneak out before it gets this far," he admitted. She cast him a skeptic, sideways glance.

  "The rain finally stopped," she said lamely. He shifted his gaze to the front window and nodded. Talking about the weather was definitely a hint to get out.

  "I'll call Zay to come get me," he said. "Just let me finish this heavenly cup of coffee first."

  "I have to go to the bar anyway to get ready to re-open tonight. I can drop you by his place on my way. Save him the trip," she offered.

  "Okay. Thanks," he said. They lapsed into another silence. He watched her neck as she swallowed her coffee. Her slender fingers as they gripped her mug much more daintily than she would ever care to admit. Her messy curls as they flew untamed around her face. Her long muscular bare legs.

  He knew now how her neck tasted, how her fingers felt touching him, how those curls got messed up, and how her legs moved under his.

  "Fuck this," he said and took the mug out of her hands mid sip. Before she could even protest, he cupped her beautiful, surprised face in his hands and drew her in for a kiss. She tasted like coffee and mint and Lizzie. His tongue explored her mouth as her hands moved around his waist. She stepped into him pressing their bodies even closer together. His morning wood embarrassingly pressed against her belly, but she didn't seem to mind. He slowed the kiss, then, afraid of the passion he felt from them both. Despite spending a good portion of the night exploring every inch of her, he still wasn't satisfied. He wanted more.

  But he held back. Then and now. He couldn't have more. He was leaving. She was staying. He broke their kiss, and she leaned her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug.

  "That's what I should have done. First thing. Good morning, Lizzie," he said.

  "Good morning, Zee. Did you sleep okay?" she asked. He could hear her smiling.

  "Pretty good except for your snoring," he teased. She tried to pinch his back. When she couldn't find purchase there, she moved her hand down to his ass, but he scooted out of the way. "Hey now. Don't offer what you aren't ready to deliver."

  She shook her head at him and refilled her coffee mug. "Come on. I'll show you where Nick keeps his extra clothes. I have to get to the bar."

  He watched her walk out, mainly to appreciate the view of his shirt barely skimming the tops of her thighs, but also to steady his pounding heart.

  "Man up, Zee," he whispered. "Get your shit together. It's just sex," he reminded himself.

  Understatement of the decade. It was the best sex he'd had in a long time. More so because it was with Lizzie than anything else.

  Oh shit. He was in trouble. With a capital T.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Lizzie tried not to think about the kiss Zander gave her in her car as she dropped him off at Xavier's a while ago. She tried not to think about the kiss they shared earlier in the kitchen. She tried not to think about waking up in his arms. She definitely tried not to think about what it felt like to have him moving
inside her. She really did try. But like Zander's perfectly toned body, it was hard.

  She drove into McConnell’s parking lot just as her phone rang. Once she parked, she picked it up without looking at the screen.

  “Miss me already?” she asked coyly.

  “Why would I miss you? I’ve seen you practically every day for my entire life.” Not Zander, like she expected. Nick.

  “Sorry. Thought you were someone else,” she said.

  “Who did you think it was?” he asked.

  “None of your business,” she said.

  “It’s Zander, isn’t it?”

  “Why do you care so much anyway? You’ve never taken an interest in my love life before now,” she said evading the question.

  “I told that fucker to stay away from you!” he shouted. She pulled the receiver away from her ear. “Is he at Xavier’s?”

  “Nick, stop being ridiculous. You’re not my keeper. I can be friends with whomever I want,” she said.

  “Friends? I’m supposed to believe with the way you two have been sniffing around each other since Zander got here that you are just friends?” he said.

  “Yes. I’m telling you we’re friends,” she said. Not a complete lie. They were just friends—not boyfriend and girlfriend. Nick didn’t need to know their friendship came with benefits.

  “Right,” he said dripping with sarcasm. “He’s gonna hurt you. He has a reputation for doing that.”

  “I’m an adult, Nick. I don’t need a babysitter,” she reminded him.

  “I just don’t like the idea of my best friend making moves on my little sister. He’s a great guy, and I love him like a brother, but I know how he treats women, Lizzie. And you’re too good for him.”

  “Oh my goodness. It sounded like you just complimented me. I should get my ears checked,” she teased trying to lighten the mood. She and Nick weren’t the heart-to-heart kind of siblings usually.

  “Fine,” he said. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you. He’s charming as fuck but not very deep.”

  Lizzie thought about the conversations she’d had with Zander. He opened up to her. She couldn’t really believe he lied about everything he told her. Plus, she knew this arrangement with Zander was temporary. She could guard her heart against him. No problem.