“Wait.” Weston’s voice hums over the line. “Am I on speaker?”
“Yeah,” Parker answers coolly. “I was thinking maybe you could go with Brittany to look at apartments today? I can’t go, and I’d rather she not go alone.”
“Oh, okay. Cool. I’d be happy to serve as the help for the day.” Weston lets out a chuckle that makes me smile, though Parker doesn’t seem to find the same humor.
“Don’t let it go to your head,” he grunts. “You can pick her up from my place in an hour.” With that, Parker hangs up and tosses his phone on the couch. He lets out a long sigh, and then picks the remote back up. “Hopefully you find something.” He looks back at me again. “But if you don’t, that’s okay, too. Really.”
I reach out and pat my brother’s shoulder. “Thank you. I hope you know how much I appreciate you. You know, you’d make a really great dad.”
“Okay, no, stop.” Parker shudders. “Being a dad requires me to fall in love with someone, and that just isn’t going to happen.”
“Uh-huh…” I say, just as his phone lights up with Amy’s name. “Whatever you say,bro.”
“Okay,sis.”
I giggle as I exit the living room, making my way back to the kitchen. I’m relieved that Weston is going with me today, but also …What do I wear now?I sweep up my mug of hot coffeeand head for the spare room I’m staying in, my mind spinning. It shouldn’t matter what I wear…
But Idoknow this coffee-stained blouse has to go.
I step into my room, taking a sip of the warm liquid before setting it down on the nightstand. Other than my work clothes, I’ve been basically living out of my suitcase.
“Which is exactly why I need to get my own place,” I say aloud, rolling my lips against each other. I make my way to the large bag, flipping open the top. I grab a cream-colored sweater to replace the shirt I have on. It dresses down my leggings and Nikes.
I slip out of the ruined blouse, toss it into the hamper, and then pull on my sweater. It’s loose fit and falls past my butt. I grab my coat and scarf to go with it, and then recheck my hair and makeup.
Why am I putting in so much effort right now?
“Because I’m going to find a nice apartment,” I answer myself, tossing my waves over my shoulder. It doesn’t haveanythingto do with how handsome Weston is. I’m just simply putting forth my best effort for the … property managers.
That’s it.
I dab on fresh lip gloss, flash myself a smile, and then step out into the hallway. Right as I do, Parker steps out from his bedroom, dressed as if he’s heading to Sunday school. I raise my brows.
“What?” He folds his arms across his chest. “You’re looking at me like I have something on my face …DoI have something on my face?”
I giggle, shaking my head. “No, you look great, Parker. It’s almost like you’re trying to impress someone or something.”
“Ha, yeah right. I’m just trying not to look homeless.” He blows it off, rolling his eyes as he struts past me, heading for the door. I watch him with a new curiosity. I’m pretty sure my bigbrother is falling head over heels for his friend Amy, and he’s in total denial about it.
I can’t decide if it’s adorable.
Or just annoying.
However, I don’t get a chance to really contemplate any further, because as soon as Parker swings open the door to leave…
There’s Weston, wearing a nice black pullover and jeans.
He steps into the apartment, nodding to Parker. “Looking spiffy, my friend.” He smirks. “This wouldn’t have something to do with seeing Amy …wouldit?”
Parker ignores the question. “Be good to my sister, but nottoogood. I don’t want to have to give my best friend a beating.”
Weston gives Parker a bow. “Yes, Master. I will ensure that I am nottoogood to your sister. I’d hate for her to accidentally fall in love with me.” He shoots Parker a wink as my brother takes a swing as his shoulder.
“I’m serious,” Parker grunts.
Weston bursts into a laugh, and I’m glad the two of them are lost in conversation with each other…
Because my face feels like it’s on fire.
