The WRONG Brother (Love You Forever #1) - Alexis Winter Page 0,34

“Deal,” she agrees.

It’s going on 8 p.m. by the time I put her in a taxi and close the door. I step back and watch as she gets farther and farther away. When she’s no longer in view, I head back to the office to get my car so I can drive home. I know I have a copy of Fight Club somewhere and I’m going to find it.

When I make it home, I open up the cabinet that holds my DVDs, CDs, and Blu-ray discs. This cabinet doesn’t get opened much, because like most people, I watch most movies on demand nowadays. I pull out the DVD with a smile.

I take my phone out of my pocket and call her number, happy to tell her I found the movie. I can’t think of a better way to spend the evening than watching my favorite movie with her, even though I’ll probably watch her more than the movie.

“Hey, what’s up?” she answers.

“Good news. I found the movie. Still up for a movie night?”

“Oh. Well, actually, Preston just got here and we have a lot of things to talk about. Rain check?”

“Yeah, sure,” I agree, feeling let down and maybe even slightly angry. “I’ll talk to ya another time.” Without saying goodbye, I hang up the phone. I place the DVD on the table and sink into the couch. I thought today would be a turning point for us. I thought our friendship was growing. Hell, we even flirted a bit. I thought she was starting to see what I’ve been praying for her to see for years now. But like always, Preston’s there to screw things up.

What’s he even doing there right now? I know they have a lot to talk about and a lot of air between them that needs to be cleared, but did he have to pick tonight to do it? And what if he’s changed his mind? What if he’s suddenly realized that Piper is the right person for him to settle down with? What am I going to do if he chooses her? I know she’ll choose him. I can’t walk around the rest of my life knowing the only girl I’ve ever loved is with my little brother. I can’t lose this chance.

I grab my keys off the table and head for the door. I have to see her. I have to tell her how I feel.

Nine

PIPER

I haven’t been home very long when the doorbell rings. I’m surprised when I see Preston standing on the other side. My mouth opens to say something, but no words come out. My body is screaming at me to jump into his arms and hold him tightly—to prevent him from leaving and never speaking to me again. I can live without having Preston as my other half, but I can’t live without having him as my best friend. I need him in my life.

“Hey,” he says, offering up a small smile.

“Hey,” I reply, stepping back and holding the door open for him. “Want to come in?”

He nods and steps forward. I close the door behind him and he takes a seat on the couch. I can’t help but feel nervous as I make the journey over to him. He sits on one end of the couch and I sit on the other, wanting to keep my distance.

“You wanted to explain, so explain.”

I nod and take a deep breath. “First, let me start by saying how sorry I am for taking you on that stupid show. I know it was a bad idea. I just . . . the night I applied for it was the night we kissed. We kissed on that dance floor and then Calvin wanted to leave right after, and it felt like there was unfinished business between us. I was hoping we’d kissed because you’ve always secretly felt something for me too.”

I risk looking up at him, but he isn’t looking at me. He’s staring straight ahead, so I continue. “I got home that night and I was drunk, but I wasn’t tired. I was fueled by that kiss. I wanted to do so much more and it felt like I was left high and dry. So I got into bed and flipped through the channels and found that show. At the end was a casting call, and in my drunken stupor, I thought it was a good idea. I thought it would be a grand gesture to show you how much you mean