While I’d love a world in which Ethan and Brandon could be friends, I recognize they’re two very different people. Still, the palpable tension in the tiny car feels different somehow, and the only thing I can attribute it to is the fact Brandon’s never really had to share me with anyone. At twenty-one, I’ve barely dated. We’ve been two peas in a pod since that first day of middle school where he shared half his PB&J after my lunch fell on the floor. Brandon and Tatum, BFFs forever. Having another man in my life is going to take some getting used to, but we’re notkids anymore, and I want this?both love and my best friend. Which means he has no choice but to adjust.
I only wish they were off to a better start.
Bringing up the bookstore wasn’t the best conversation starter. Ethan’s a realist whereas Brandon’s . . . well, Brandon. He thinks everything I do is amazing, almost to a fault. I could tell him I want to shave my head and join the circus, and he’d be the first one in line for a ticket to the show.
Honestly, I can’t say I blame Ethan for his doubts about my aspirations to own a romance only bookish boutique. He’s in business and finance. Or at least, he will be. Bookstores aren’t exactly thriving in today’s digital world with everyone shopping online and turning to ebooks. But I have vision and a platform and drive, which is how I know I’ll be successful. My little boutique shop will be so much more than a bookstore. It’ll be an experience. A sanctuary for readers. A place people go to connect with friends who really get them.
Ethan will come around once he sees how amazing it is.
I open my mouth to say something, to cut the tension choking the life out of me, but I’m at a loss for words as the gravity of my situation presses down on me. Ethan and Brandonmustlike each other. It’s the only way this will work, because I realize having a guy best friend isn’t the norm. Most men wouldn’t be one-hundred-percent comfortable with their girlfriends spending most of their free time with another man. But I love Brandon, and Ethan and I are planning a future, so anything less than friendship between the two men won’t work.
I chew on the inside of my cheek as I catch Ethan’s eye, giving him a meaningful look, one full of pleading.Please.
Beside me, Ethan clears his throat, shifting in the cramped back seat. “So, Brandon,” he says, his voice carrying that practiced smoothness I’ve come to recognize when he’s trying to be polite. “What about you? What’s your grand plan after college? I assume you’re hoping to make it to the NFL?”
“Is that a problem?”
I glare a hole through the back of Brandon’s head. Does he have to sound so pissy?
“Not a problem.” Ethan shrugs, but there’s a subtle condescension in his tone as he says, “It just seems like every college player dreams of going pro, but few make it. What’s your backup plan when that doesn’t work out?”
Brandon’s gaze hardens on the road and the muscle in his jaw twitches.
“When that doesn’t work out?” he echoes, eyes narrowing. “You make it sound like a foregone conclusion.”
“Well, statistically speaking . . .” Ethan leans forward, his voice taking on that professorial tone that makes me want to roll my eyes.
“Actually, he already has several scouts watching him,” I say, jumping in. “Isn’t that right, Brando?”
Brandon’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, and I see a flicker of gratitude there before he turns his attention back to the road. “That’s right,” he says, visibly relaxing. “Two scoutshave expressed interest to Coach Greene after my performance last season.”
“They won the National Championship,” I add, sounding like a proud mama.
“Iknowwho won the CFP thanks,” Ethan says, his tone snide.
“But even if football doesn’t pan out, I’m majoring in sports management with a minor in business. I could work for any major sports organization or even start my own business managing athletes.” Brandon’s voice carries a confidence that makes me smile. I’ve always admired that about him—how he never seems to doubt himself. It gives me courage when in doubt.
“Well,” Ethan shifts beside me, “at least you have a backup plan. That’s admirable.”
A compliment? My eyes shine with gratitude as I smile over at Ethan, but when I catch Brandon watching us, his scowl only deepens.
“So, tell me how you guys met again?” he asks, breaking the silence.
“We met at the Lighthouse Café.” I reach down and squeeze the hand resting on my thigh.
“Let me guess,” Brandon says, with a knowing smirk. “You ordered French toast with blueberry syrup and took it out on the patio with a book.”
“Got me.” I bite back a grin, and he laughs.
“No matter where we go, Tatum always gets the same thing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a restaurant, a coffee shop, or a café, Tatum has her favorites, and they never waver.”
“What can I say? I’m a creature of habit, and I know what I like.” I shrug.
“Is that why you said yes to that first date?” Ethan asks, grinning. “Because you immediately liked what you saw?”
“Actually, you’reluckyI said yes. You spilled coffee all over my book,” I point out.
“Damn. You spilled coffee on her book?” Brandon asks, his brows raised. “I’m surprised she even talked to you after that.”
