He shook his head. “Not really? Are you not going to eat food?”
I blew out an annoyed breath. I had to stop beating around the brush.
“I invited him here…as a…date.”
My brotherstilldidn’t seem to get it. He just stared at me.
I threw up my hands. “What do you want me to say? I’m dating a guy. Jamie is my boyfriend. I guess I’m bi or something, okay?”
“And this is news how?”
I gaped at him, too stunned to reply, as the doorbell rang.
“Are you going to get that?” Corey asked. “It’s your date, not mine.”
The dogs came racing into the living room, barking happily. Lady and Tramp obviously knew that Daddy was on the other side of the door.
With a huff, I strode past Corey to open the door. Jamie stood on the porch, dark curls windblown from driving his convertible, cheeks pink from the wind, and lips spread in a beautiful smile.
His Labs rushed outside, jumping against his legs, and he laughed, giving them pats and ear tugs. “Hey, guys. Sorry I’m late.”
“It’s perfect timing,” I said, taking his hand and pulling him from the doggy group hug into the living room. Lady and Tramp followed him back inside, and I closed the door. “I was just about to pull dinner out of the oven.”
Jamie inhaled deeply. “It smells delicious.”
I tugged him into my arms, unable to resist, suddenly grateful I’d made the time to tell Corey about us—even if his reaction still made no damn sense to me. I buried my nose in Jamie’s curls and inhaled. “You smell delicious.”
Jamie’s body melted against mine, and he sighed. “Mm. Well, we had someone quit, so I was rushing around doing the work of two caterers today.”
“Well, let me do all the work tonight,” I said, pulling back. “Want a glass of wine with dinner?”
He smiled, and I could see just how tired he was. “That would be great. Thank you.”
Corey cleared his throat, and Jamie’s gaze darted to him.
“Corey! I didn’t see you. Hi.” He glanced nervously at me. “It was a tough day. Your brother is really sweet to make dinner for me. Such a good frie?—”
“He knows,” I said. “I told him just before you arrived.”
“Oh. Wow. It must be a shock, huh?” Jamie gave a nervous laugh. “Your brother and me, a couple?”
“Not really,” Corey said.
Jamie shot me a puzzled look.
I shrugged. “Don’t look at me. I’m just as confused as you are.”
Corey rolled his eyes. “Seriously, guys? Jamie has been over here for dinner at least twice a week for the past month.”
We exchanged looks.
“Well, yeah, but that was just as friends,” I said.
“And you guys watch a movie and cuddle on the couch.” I opened my mouth to explain, and Corey pointed a finger, saying, “And don’t say it was just as friends! You’ve never snuggled up with your friends before. You’ve never put your arms around them or pet their hair when they dozed off.”
Jamie turned wide eyes on me. “You pet my hair?”
My cheeks flushed. “Well, I mean, it’s soft.”
