“You work too hard.” Ryan’s voice softens. “I worry about you, you know. It’s part of my job as your self-appointed little brother.”
My heart clenches at both his concern and the brother reference. “I didn’t realise I needed a keeper.”
“Someone has to look out for you.” He nudges my foot under the table. “Even if you don’t always make it easy.”
He has no idea how well he’s succeeded. No one has ever breached my defenses the way he has. I like knowing he has my back.
“I appreciate your concern,” I say. “But I’m doing fine.”
“You’d better be.” Ryan fixes me with a mock glare. “Or I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”
My pulse leaps at the thought as my mind goes places it shouldn’t, but I swallow the reckless words poised on my tongue. Some things are best left unspoken.
Ryan shifts in his seat and lifts his bottle, drawing my gaze to his throat as he tilts his head back to finish the last of his beer. Mesmerised, I follow the movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallows, heat pooling low in my belly.
Damn.I jerk my eyes away.
Ryan lowers the bottle, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. When his eyes meet mine, they narrow in suspicion. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I shrug, aiming for nonchalance. “Just enjoying the view.”
For a long moment, Ryan just stares at me. Then a slow smile curves his lips, eyes glinting with amusement and something more—something that makes my breath catch.
“Yeah?” He leans across the table, gaze dropping to my mouth. “How’s the view from there?”
Heat flashes through me as I consider his words. Does he mean…? God, what does he mean? Am I reading too much into things, allowing my own feelings to colour his responses?
“Um.” I push myself up from the table. “Is it okay if I grab another beer?”
He looks at me for a moment, then sits back in his seat. “Sure. Help yourself.”
Soon I’m back with a couple of bottles. We continue chatting over drinks, moving inside to the couch when the light starts to fade and the mosquitoes become bothersome. He tells me about his contracting job and some work he’s doing for a young family in the building who have little money, and are paying him with meals. With each story, I relax in his company. We chat on the phone but it’s different being together in person, being able to see his expressions, and watch his body language. It’s been so long since I’ve connected with someone like this. However, it takes me a while to notice the way Ryan looks at me. Not with his usual brotherly affection, but something warmer. Every casualtouch—a hand on my arm, a playful shove—sparks heat under my skin.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was flirting. My heart stumbles over itself.No.I won’t let myself hope, because no good can come of it, anyway. Ryan’s on the rebound, vulnerable after his breakup. He doesn’t know what he really wants.And he’s Nathan’s brother.
By the time we call it a night, my feelings for Ryan have only been reinforced. The way we get along so easily, the way I can be fully myself around him, his kindness and generosity—all remind me why I fell for him in the first place.
As we say our goodbyes, he pulls me into a hug. He lingers there, face tucked into the crook of my neck, and I wonder if I imagine the press of his lips against my throat.
“I’m glad you came over,” he murmurs. “I’ve missed you.”
I close my eyes and swallow heavily. “It’s good to have you home. I’ve missed you too.”
When he draws back, there’s a question in his eyes I don’t dare answer.
I turn back at his doorway, forcing a smile. “Take care of yourself, okay?”
He nods, shoving his hands in his pockets. “You too. And, Derek?” His gaze meets mine, unwavering. “Don’t forget what you promised Nate. About keeping an eye on me.”
“I won’t forget,” I say gruffly. “I’ll call you this weekend.”
Fuck, if only Nathan knew how much my promise was costing me.
Chapter Two
Ryan
My runners pound the dirt path as I match Derek’s pace. We’re running side by side, but then he puts on a spurt and takes the lead, his tanned, muscular arms pumping at his sides. His broad shoulders and narrow hips are so different from my ex’s lanky frame. I shake the thought away, my gaze dropping to Derek’s arse where tight shorts hug his perfect butt. I wonder if he’s tanned all over and wish I had the chance to find out. My blood heats with arousal.Shit, I’m checking out my brother’s best friend.Again.
