Page 7 of My Brother's Best Friends

MAKAYLA

“It’s been a long time, Makayla.”

Why am I suddenly tongue-tied? I was so much braver in my fantasies.

Probably because this is real life. “I didn’t even hear you come out here,” I manage, my voice thinner than I’d like.

“I thought the suite was empty; otherwise I would have announced myself,” he said.

I dip my toe into the water, thrilled by the soul-softening heat. The mountain air is icy and mist-thick, steam billowing off the tub. I pause to acclimate, then perch on the edge, letting my feet slip under first.

Studying his face, I wonder—Is that chiseled jaw Oscar’s, or do those deep-brown eyes belong to Kellan? If I say the wrong name, he’ll know I’m confused. I used to tell them apart in a heartbeat, but now, with no obvious difference to cling to, I’m terrified I’ll look foolish.

“You don’t have to announce yourself,” I say with a gentle smile. “You’re staying here, too. I just figured you were all out on the slopes—or locked in some work meeting.”

“We did have a work thing,” he says. “But I ducked out early. Hard to concentrate when there’s so much natural beauty within reach.” He sweeps a hand toward the snow-capped peaks, and I have to glance away for a heartbeat.

“Did I hear Bryan right the other day—that you just landed a new contract in Asia?” I ask.

He laughs, shaking his head. “You don’t know which one I am, do you?”

“Of course I know who you are,” I counter, thinking fast. “I would know you anywhere. I’m one of the few people who can tell you apart.”

“You’re stalling,” he says.

“I’m not stalling,” I argue. “I’m just incredibly happy to see you and I… Okay. I give up. Are you Kellan or Alex?”

“Here’s a hint,” he says, resting his hand on the rim of the tub beside my left thigh. I can almost feel his touch on my skin, and I have to warn myself not to get carried away. He’s still one of my brother’s best friends, and I’m probably still just the kid sister in his mind. “It was your very first date. Bryan didn’t want to let you go alone, but he didn’t want you to know that he was concerned. So we followed you to the movie theater and sat behind you.”

“Kellan!” I yell triumphantly.

He nods, satisfied.

“I still can’t believe you followed me,” I say, shaking my head. “I was mortified, and you guys totally ruined my date.”

He chuckles. “It was almost ten years ago, and you weren’t exactly cautious back then.”

“Shut up.” I laugh, unable to help myself. There’s a grain of truth there. As a teenager, smart decisions weren’t exactly my forte. My dating choices were a tad questionable. “Sure, I did a lot of dumb things back then, but I was just trying to impress you guys.”

“Oh, we were impressed. Now, though, I’m even more impressed,” Kellan says, and I’m suddenly sure we’re no longer talking about ten years ago.

“I mean, not that you’d be impressed that I went on a date—everyone dates, and I didn’t think of you like that—” I trail off, realizing I’ve jammed my foot squarely into my mouth.

“Whatever happened to him?” Kellan asks.

“Who?” I blink, then catch on. “Oh—the date. No clue.” I shrug. “After you and Bryan humiliated him, he never spoke to me again.”

“I’d hardly call throwing popcorn humiliating,” Kellan says, defending his long-ago actions.

“Then what would you call it?” I counter.

“I was protecting your honor.”

I grin. “I think you were just teasing me and using that big-brother crap as an excuse. But now we’re both adults, and I don’t need anyone to protect me.”

“I’m not ready to surrender my sword and shield just yet.”

I laugh, then sink into the hot tub until the water laps at my neck.

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