Page 6 of Baby for My Best Friend's Brother

“Sophie,” Winter calls out, and her friend looks up. “I wanted to make sure you met my brother.”

Winter gives her a pointed look and Sophie’s cheeks flush pink. It makes her look even sweeter.

And even more tempting.

“Cliff.” She pinches my arm and I wince. “This is Sophie. Say hello, Sophie.”

“Hello, Sophie,” I reply gruffly, tugging my arm away from my sister. “Uh… welcome to Alaska.”

Great. My excellent communication skills are at work again.

“Hello, Cliff.” She offers a shy smile. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Good things?”

“Good things.” Her cheeks flush even darker, and I take an involuntary step toward her.

Winter looks between us and smirks. “Well, since the two of you have struck up such a conversation, I’ll make myself scarce.”

I don’t object. Hell, I’d tell her to scram—with love—if I didn’t suspect that would embarrass Sophie.

Sophie. Sophie. Sophie.

The name fits. It’s sweet, just like her.

“So.” I shove my hands in my pockets because I suddenly feel as awkward as a twelve-year-old at their first school dance. “How long will you be in town?”

“I leave on Sunday.”

I nod. “You know, if you need anything while you’re in town, I’d be happy to show you around.”

Her eyes light up at that. I’d be willing to play tour guide for the whole time if it’ll brighten her day just a little.

“Actually, there is something I was hoping to do.”

My throat grows unexpectedly thick. “Name it.”

“Can you recommend a good yoga studio?”

Well, shit. There goes my plans to squire her around town. I’ve barely scoped it out in the months I’ve been back. Even then, it’s only been to find the basic provisions I need: groceries, fishing tackle, and ice.

Still, I’m not willing to give up defeat so easily. Where this woman is concerned, I’d move mountains. “I can ask around.”

“Oh, you don’t have to go to any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble,” I insist. Besides, I bet Winter will know of a good yoga studio. She’s only been back for about a year now, and it’s like she never went away. “Anything else you’d like to do?”

“I don’t know. I’m up for anything relaxing really.” She nibbles on her bottom lip, and my pants grow tight imagining doing that for myself. “I’m supposed to be relaxing this week.”

I frown at that remark. “Is everything? Because if anyone is giving you problems, I’ll take care of it.”

“No—no.” She reaches for my arm, and my heart skips a beat. “It’s nothing like that. I just… want to relax while I’m here.”

“Oh, okay. Good.”

We fall silent and when she realizes she’s still holding my hand, she pulls it back quickly. Hell, I’ve probably messed this up already by going all He-Man on her.

I’d better tamp that down. I don’t want to scare her off.

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