Page 23 of Approved

“Oh, that was a couple of weeks ago. You haven’t gone out yet?” He knew how I was with men. There had been many of them in my bed, but none interested me enough to see a second time.

“I asked, but he was thinking about it until yesterday. So I’ve planned a date and hope we can get to know each other better. Something about him, East, I want to know everything about him, and be near him.” I looked around to make sure little ears hadn’t wandered back in range. “Plus, I want to rub all up on him, making us both sticky.”

He cocked his head at me. “No kidding. Well, I hope you have a great time on your date. He might be perfect for me if you like him a lot.” I punched his arm.

“You will not. He’s mine.” I reiterated. His comment made me think about what Spark said: maybe they would be a good match for my brother and Allison. Spark already adored them both, and they were one of the best people I had ever known, plus they did say East was the hot one. “Ironically, someone told me the other day you are the hot one between us.”

“Well, that’s true.” He said without a second thought.

“East, we are literally identical twins.”

He shrugged at me. “Not my fault, they can see how much better looking than you I am. Who said it?”

“Spark.” His eyes got wide, and he smiled.

“Really? I like them a lot. We haven’t gotten much one-on-one time to talk, though. The few times I’ve been in the bar, they were great. And talk about gorgeous, they are…woah!” I put a pin in it, but the idea of Spark dating my brother wasn’t terrible at all. East and Allison would be lucky to have Spark in their lives. I knew my life was better with them in it.

“Yes, really. We should have Mom come watch Allison a few times a month, and you can come hang out at The Dapper Duck. I’ll make sure Spark gets time to know you better.”

He looked at me happily. “Fucking great idea West. Now, tell me more about your guy.”

“I am like a moth to a flame when it comes to him. After we spent the day together delivering flowers, I wanted to know more about him. We’ve texted a lot and met a few times. One evening, I got him to meet me at Hash House for pie, then he came to the bar and talked for hours.” I knew I grinned foolishly when Tyler was the topic.

East mirrored my grin. “You really like this guy.”

“East, I can’t explain it, but he is sweet, smart, and funny. I know we hardly know each other, but there is something I can’t explain.” I knew I wasn’t being clear and probably sounded stupid, but East would get it.

It felt good to tell East about Tyler. We talked about the hugs and sweet kisses we shared and how it made me ache for him. “I’ve been patient, and together, I hope to figure out where he fits in my life or where I fit in his.” East looked at me, mirroring my happiness.

Patience has never been my best trait, but Tyler made me want to try, and I knew I could succeed since time with him would be my reward.

“Why wasn’t he willing to go out the first time you asked him?” It was a solid question and one I couldn’t answer yet.

“I’m not sure, but I hope to find out.” I felt giddy, which was weird, but I liked it and wanted more.

After we ate dinner, I found myself curious. “East, do you believe in love at first sight?”

He looked at me dreamily. I knew what he was going to say, and I mentally slapped myself for asking. It’s what he had with his late wife. “Never mind, I know the answer to that question. I’m sorry she is gone, I hope you find another person, raising your little monster would be easier with someone.” He brightened up.

“It’s been four years, almost five now. I am sure someone will come along someday, but I am excited to see how this plays out for you. I’ll make sure you two are a couple before he meets the better twin.”

I rolled my eyes. “We are identical.”

“I have it on good authority that Spark doesn’t think so.” I laughed. We finished our meal, and East picked up Allison, whohad fallen asleep on the couch. I loved these people so much and was glad to have them in my life.

“Let me know how the date goes. If you need cute reinforcements, I will lend you this one.” He pointed to my niece.

I kissed the back of her head and gave East a hug around his daughter. “I’ll let you know. I don’t doubt it will be amazing because it always is when I am with him.”

“You got it bad, brother.” He smiled, then turned away and headed home.

Chapter nine

WEST

After my brother headed home, I realized I hadn’t been home with nothing to do this early in the evening for a long time. I again felt the craving to have someone there to share the evening with. Up until Tyler, I had worked so much that I had never felt lonely. Now, I wanted to call him and invite him over to watch TV, and then maybe I could convince him to make out with me until bedtime. If he wanted to, he could stay in the spare room. Having him in the house in the morning would be amazing. My heart did a few flips while I thought about starting the day with him.

WEST

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