My Best Friend's Brother (Make Her Mine Book 1) Read online

  “I’m not seeing her if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  “I wasn’t thinking that at all,” I say, not looking anywhere but at my papers. But his words do take that sour taste from my mouth.

  “She was a business deal.”

  This gets my attention. My eyes pop up to meet his.

  “There was this thing.” He shakes his head. “Anyway, I had to take her out to keep her attention away from certain things. It worked, but now I can’t get her to leave me alone.”

  “Good to know.” I nod once and turn back to my work.

  “Good to know?”

  I nod again, not speaking.

  Damon shakes his head, turns around, and takes his seat, letting the conversation drop.

  When lunch rolls around, I make my way outside, where I bump into Maddie.

  “How’s the first day going?” she asks, rushing to my side.

  I frown at her. “I should’ve eaten more of that pretzel yesterday.”

  She giggles and puts her arm around my shoulders, pulling me toward the sidewalk so we can grab some lunch.

  “See? Total douche-canoe.”

  I nod in agreement.

  “So, did you meet any new guys?” Maddie asks as we share a plate of wings.

  I pick up my beer and wash down my last bite. “There was this one guy I met in the copy room. He noticed my tattoo.”

  Her blue eyes grow wide. “What’s his name? What’s he look like? Is he hot? Did he ask you out?”

  “Whoa, slow down.” I hold up my hand, palm facing her. “His name is James. He’s tall and thin. He has dirty-blond hair and blue eyes. He’s cute, but not hot. And no, he didn’t ask me out. I think he was going to, but then your stupid brother walked in and scared him off.”

  She scoffs. “Story of my life, sista.”

  “You know what’s crazy though?”

  “What’s that?” she asks, eyes popping up to meet mine.

  “I could have sworn that…” I shake my head. “Never mind.”

  “What? Tell me,” she demands.

  “Well, it’s just that I’ve caught Damon checking me out several times today.”

  She laughs. “It’s probably your ass in that tight skirt, or your boobs spilling over that shirt. I mean, you look hot, Jazz.”

  “So, you don’t think it means anything?” I ask quietly.

  Her facial expression softens. “I don’t think so, honey. It’s not you. It’s just my brother. He’s a complete dumbass and he’s totally driven by his dick. I mean, I’ve caught him checking out old ladies in yoga pants.”

  I laugh. “What is it with guys and yoga pants?”

  She shrugs. “Just don’t get your hopes up.”

  “I won’t,” I agree, going back to our wings and beer.

  “Why don’t you download one of those dating apps?” Maddie asks while wiping her fingers free of hot sauce.

  I scoff. “Seriously? I’m not trying to get murdered.”

  She giggles and shakes her head. “I’m not talking about a hook-up site. I’m talking about an actual dating site, where you can talk to the person a while before actually meeting them in a very public place.” She put emphasis on the word public.

  I shrug one shoulder and check my watch. “I’ll think about it, but I have to go before your stupid brother gives me another ridiculous job to do.” I drop a twenty on the table, throw my purse over my shoulder, and stand, giving her a quick hug before running off.

  I’m walking back into the office with less than a minute to spare.

  “Pushing it close, aren’t you?” Damon teases with a grin on his sexy lips.

  I hold up my middle finger as I bend down and pick up all of the fallen folders. I take a seat at my desk and lock my eyes on his as I put every single folder back in place so we can’t see one another. All I can hear is his deep chuckle.

  “I was just joking with that, you know?”

  I know, but I will get more work done if I can’t see your gorgeous face, I think.

  “Hey, a good idea is a good idea,” I tell him.

  The next thing I know, he’s standing over my desk, removing the folders. He perches on the edge and looks down at me with a grin.

  “What?” I ask.

  “You’re cute when you’re angry.”

  My mouth starts to drop open from being speechless. That’s the first time he’s ever said I was cute.

  Someone knocks on the door and enters quickly. “Damon, Bennett wants to see you,” a lady says.

  Damon looks down at me, smile still in place. “Be right back,” he says as he stands and walks out of the office.

  When I’m alone, a breath I didn’t realize I was holding escapes. Did he really say I was cute? Did he mean it? Did he mean it as I’m cute cute, or I’m little-sister cute? My heart starts racing, and butterflies fill my stomach. But then I remember Maddie’s warning and my stomach sinks.

  Maybe Maddie is right. Maybe I should join a dating app. At least, if nothing else, it will help keep my mind off Damon. And hey, I may even fall in love. I pull out my phone and search until I find one that doesn’t look completely cheesy. It only takes a second to put in all my information and snap a quick picture of myself for my profile. Since I don’t have any real work to do until I’m assigned a new job, I put all my attention on my phone while filling out all the questions.

  Idea of the perfect date: A quick dinner from whatever stand is nearby, lots of beer, and an action-packed show (monster trucks, dirt bikes, bull riding).

  Favorite eye color: Green with a hint of blue.

  Favorite hair color: Dark chocolate.

  Idea of the perfect mate: Tall, lean, but with muscles to run my hands over. Must have a good sense of humor and be able to take a joke. Work-oriented, but also able to leave work at the door and enjoy his time away.

  Without even realizing it, every answer screams Damon.

  I let out a deep breath and roll my eyes. I’m doomed.

  The door opens, and I nearly jump out of my skin. Damon smiles as he closes the door and walks over to me. “Whatcha doing? Looking at porn?” he laughs.

  “No! Why in the world would you think that?” I frown at him in disgust.

  He shrugs as he glances down at my phone. “In my experience, when someone jumps that high with their phone in their hand, they’re watching porn.” He turns and walks back to his desk.

  I turn my phone off and place it inside my purse so I can fulfill the next task I’m given.

  When the day finally ends, I practically rush from the office. I’m feeling a little let down because I was really looking forward to starting this job, and it’s not exactly as I imagined it. But at the same time, I’m also happy that I’ve gotten to spend eight whole hours with Damon. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Normally, I would say a good thing, but now, I’m afraid that spending this much time with him will only make the feelings I have for him that much stronger. And since he doesn’t seem to have any serious interest in me, that could end up hurting me.

  I’m so confused that I don’t want to do anything but strip off my clothes and sink into a tub of hot, bubbly water. Which is exactly what I do the moment I step inside my apartment. With the bubbles covering my entire body, I reach down and pick up my phone off the table beside the big, white, claw-foot tub. I turn it back on for the first time since leaving work, and the dating app I downloaded has ten notifications. I smile to myself, just thinking about having that many men wanting to date me.

  The notifications all say so-and-so wants to become friends. It also shows a small picture. I scroll through until I find a picture that catches my eye. He has dark brown hair, a sexy smile that shows his perfectly straight, white teeth, and blue eyes. I click on the notification, and it takes me to his page. His name is Brandon Harris. I accept his friend request and hit the home button. I’m preparing to turn off the screen and put it down to sink deeper into the tub, but an alert goes off, and the notification
reads: Private message from Brandon Harris. A smile forms on its own as I swipe the screen and bring up the message.

  4

  Damon

  When I leave work, I go straight home. I walk in the front door and to the fridge to grab a nice, cold beer. I pop the top and take a long drink before shrugging out of my jacket and loosening my tie. I pick the beer back up and head to the living room, where I sit in my favorite brown leather recliner. Kicking my shoes off, I unlock my phone and immediately start looking for the app that I saw Jazz using earlier.

  While it downloads, I pull off my tie and belt and throw them onto the couch next to me. I turn on the TV for some background noise and take another drink. I sit watching my phone until the app is downloaded and installed. The second it becomes available, I open it and start creating a profile, since that’s the only way I can view Jazz’s page. I make up a fake name, something at least a thousand people on the planet have, and fill in all the questions. Finally, it asks for a photo.

  Fuck.

  I could add one of myself, but I don’t want anyone thinking I need a dating app to find women. I could use one of my friends, but I would hate for them to stumble upon it. So, I figure my only option is to go to a stock website and purchase a photo. I scroll through hundreds of pictures of men before I find the perfect one. He even resembles me a little. He has dark hair, blue eyes, tanned skin, and he’s wearing a big smile and a white dress shirt. I pay for the image and upload it to the app.

  Finally, I’m in. I can search for women in my city, and it doesn’t take long to find Jazz. I study her picture, noticing she took this picture at work. She wears that baby blue top, and I can see just a delicious and tempting amount of cleavage. In the background is my empty desk. I laugh to myself and click on her picture.

  Would you like to send Jazmine Hernandez a friend request?

  I click yes and start typing out a message.

  ‘Hey, sexy,’ I start, thinking maybe I’ll teach her a quick lesson on using this type of app, but then an idea pops into my head.

  I know Jazz has always been attracted to me, but I also think that because I’m her best friend’s brother, I’d never have a chance. That and I’ve tormented her for her entire life. She probably hates me. Or, at least, loves me until I open my mouth. Maybe this is the only way to make her see that she doesn’t hate me entirely.

  I delete what I wrote and instead send, Hello, I came across your profile and knew I had to know you. Do you have some time to chat?

  I sit, watching the screen. Little bubbles form, letting me know she’s replying. A moment later, she sends back, I have a few minutes. What do you want to talk about?

  Brandon: I find it hard to believe you have trouble getting dates. Do you work a lot?

  Jazz: Not really. I just don’t get out much. But I guess I could say the same to you. You don’t exactly have a serial killer’s face.

  That makes me laugh.

  Brandon: What exactly does a serial killer face look like?

  Jazz: Oh, you know… wide, crazy eyes, a creepy smile, holding a cat in your picture. That kind of thing.

  Brandon: Well, my cat wasn’t available the day I took the picture. I joke.

  Jazz: LOL

  Brandon: I’m just joking. I don’t have a cat. Not that I am against them. Just don’t have time.

  Jazz: Don’t have time? Do you work a lot?

  Brandon: I have a full-time job, but when I’m not working, I don’t exactly like sitting at home. I much prefer going for a run, working out, or finding someplace to go.

  Jazz: Busybody, huh?

  Brandon: Things in motion stay in motion… or that’s what I’m told, anyway.

  Jazz: So, where do you work?

  Brandon: Whoa, how do I know you’re not a serial killer? I laugh just from picturing her face.

  Jazz: Well, do I have a serial killer face?

  I pick up my beer and finish it off, wondering how I should answer that.

  Brandon: No, I don’t think so, at least. But I haven’t met a lot of serial killers either.

  Jazz: That you know of ;)

  Brandon: You got me there. So, switching off the topic of serial killers, what do you like to do in your spare time?

  Jazz: All kinds of things. Movies and dinner. I love going to any live show. Motocross, monster trucks, concerts. I have to admit; I probably spend more money on entertainment than paying bills. I like to keep things simple. I don’t even have internet or cable at my place.

  Brandon: I don’t either! I agree. That’s strange nowadays. Everybody has satellite TV and unlimited internet access. But I’d rather be out enjoying the world than sitting at home and watching it.

  Jazz: OMG, me too! I didn’t think I’d find another person like me. All my friends think I’m crazy!

  Brandon: Me too. I never hear the end of it from my sister. She’s one of those people that almost always have their phone in front of their face. She’s up to date on all the YouTube scandals and Facebook drama. It’s funny when she tries talking to me about that stuff. I never have any idea who she’s talking about.

  Jazz: My best friend is the same way! I can’t believe we have so much in common.

  That is pretty amazing. Who knew we’d be so perfect for each other? I know that she was an annoying kid that grew into a beautiful, sexy woman, but I didn’t realize we were into the same things.

  Brandon: Maybe this dating app wasn’t such a bad idea at all. I admit, I was reluctant to try it out, but a friend talked me into it.

  Jazz: Same! My friend Maddie suggested I join after watching me pine for a certain man my whole life.

  My eyes grow in size. What man is she talking about? It has to be someone she went to school with.

  Brandon: There’s a girl I know, and I’ve recently found myself having feelings for her. But it’s something that will never happen. I’m pretty sure she hates me.

  Jazz: Why would she hate you? You seem like a pretty nice guy to me.

  Brandon: We grew up together. And I haven’t always been as charming as I am now (j/k).

  Jazz: LOL It’s so funny. Just from talking to you for these last couple minutes, I feel like I know you. I can relate to everything you’re saying.

  That tells me that I need to get off here before I accidentally reveal who I really am, or before she puts two and two together and figures it out herself.

  Brandon: I really wish I could talk more, but I just got off work and need to get a few things done. Same time tomorrow?

  Jazz: Deal. Talk to you tomorrow.

  I close out of the app and set my phone down. A long breath leaves my lips in a hurry; at the same time, my heart skips a beat. I start thinking about our conversation and wonder what guy she could’ve been talking about. I think back on the past when she and Maddie would talk, but I don’t ever remember hearing them mention a guy’s name. But, I’m sure it’s not something they would talk about in front of me either. That would’ve only given me more ammo to fire.

  For the first time in my life, I have regrets. I regret picking on her so much. I regret not making an effort to get to know her sooner: the real her. I regret marching all those girls in front of her. Maybe if I hadn’t done those things, she wouldn’t hate me as much as she does today. Maybe she’d even have feelings for me.

  It’s at this moment that I decide I’m going to make Jazmine Hernandez fall for me. I’m going to let her see the real me, not her tormentor. I no longer want to be her best friend’s brother. Now, I want her, and I want her to want me.

  I wake a little early in the morning and take a hot shower. I dress in my favorite suit, style my hair, and add a splash of cologne. I grab my briefcase and walk out the door. I climb behind the wheel of my Jeep Wrangler and head toward the office.

  I used to get laughs showing up to work in this. I mean, you wouldn’t expect to find a man dressed in a suit behind the wheel of a blacked-out Wrangler, but it’s the only vehicle I will drive. I’m a businessman, but I’m
a man first. I like taking my Jeep off-road. I like camping. I like driving with the top off and having the wind in my hair. I’m nothing like what people would expect of me. I’m not spending a year's salary on some fancy sports car. I don’t want my car to be worth more than my house. I have a decent, normal sized house. Nothing like what the rest of the guys at work own. They all want things, material objects to make the world think they mean something. I’m nothing like that. I want experiences, not things. And I have nothing to prove to the world. I would rather use my money on vacations and adventures. I want to travel the world and do things that most people can only dream about. I think that’s something that Jazz and I can agree on. She doesn’t strike me as the material type. I’m sure that if I could just get her to forget our past, she’d fall in love with me and we’d be perfect together.

  I park in my usual parking spot and head inside the building. I’m greeted by everyone I pass. I give them a quick hello and go straight to my office. Opening the door, I find Jazz sitting behind her desk.

  “Good morning,” I say, coming to a stop. “I didn’t expect you here so early.” I can’t stop myself from looking up and down her body as she stands to bring me a cup of coffee. Her knee-length skirt hugs her hips.

  She smiles as she hands over my coffee. “I slept good last night and woke up early. Figured, why not show up early and get some work done.”

  I take the cup and go to set down my briefcase at my desk. “Did you have a good evening last night?” I ask, slipping out of my jacket.

  “It was pretty uneventful. You?” she asks, not looking up from the stack of papers on her desk.

  “I didn’t do much. Went home, had dinner alone, and went to sleep early.”

  She looks up at me with a smirk. “Couldn’t find anyone to replace gala lady?”

  I snort and roll my eyes. “I didn’t try. I was just happy to be rid of her.”

  “Does she think you two are together?” she asks, a little frown marring her face.

  I sit down and turn my computer on. “I have no idea what she thinks, but I’ve never led her to believe that.” I look up to see her eyes narrow.