You Make It Easy: A best friend's brother romance (Love in Everton Book 5)

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Yes,” I giggle. “Grab the eggs in the fridge,” I instruct and look at the box of brownie mix. “Oh, and the milk, too,” I call over my shoulder as I reach for the measuring cup in the cupboard.

  “Hey, Emily?” Sienna calls out.

  “Yeah?”

  “Is it just me, or did it look like Finn and Abbie were going to kiss when we arrived?” Sienna’s teasing tone barely hides her giggle.

  “We were not.” I turn around and cross my arms. “Finn is a friend, nothing more.”

  “He’s hot,” Emily comments, staring at something on her phone as if she were disinterested.

  “He’s kinda old for me, but he really is good-looking,” Sienna fans herself with her hand and winks at me. “You should go for it.” Her eyebrows waggle.

  “There’s nothing to go for, seriously.” I dump the brownie mix into the bowl and pour the milk into the measuring cup.

  “Uh, yeah there is. You were both staring at each other as if you wanted to…you know.”

  “Sienna Marie Murphy, you’re sixteen-years-old. Please don’t talk to me about sex. I can’t handle that.” I focus on the bowl, stirring in the milk as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. Meanwhile, fire burns my neck and cheeks, giving away my true feelings.

  “Come on, Abbie, don’t be a prude.”

  I gasp and snap my head toward her. “Really?” I cock my head. Emily remains silent, but I see her shoulders shake with laughter.

  “You two are impossible. Hand me the eggs.” I reach my hand out. Sienna places two eggs in my hand with a wide smile.

  “All I’m saying is that it’d be good to date. Who better than a sexy guy you already know?” Sienna shrugs and drops the subject. Being the youngest, she’s the most outspoken. However, her suggestion doesn’t die out the way the conversation does. I can’t help but think about what Finn was going to say. It’s obvious something has shifted between us since we started spending more time together.

  Quiet fills the house as we each work on preparing the brownies in a silent workflow. We’ve done this so many times, we don’t have to speak, it’s seamless.

  “Abbie, can you take some summer pictures of me tomorrow for my senior pictures?” Emily sits on a stool at the peninsula counter.

  “Yeah, of course. Did you bring outfits?”

  “She brought two bags full,” Sienna teases.

  Emily sticks her tongue out at our youngest sister and then looks at me. “I brought a variety. I know we’re doing fall photos, but I thought it’d be fun to do some now that you live here.”

  “Sounds great. We’ll do them in the morning.”

  “I want some, too.” Sienna crosses her arms, jealousy marking her pout.

  “You don’t get any since you called me a prude,” I arch an eyebrow.

  “I was only kidding, jeez.” She drops her arms and opens a bag of chips and sticks one in her mouth, the crunching sound echoing. Emily drags the bag of chips over to her and takes a few in her hand before offering me the bag.

  “Anyway, it’s better to be a prude than a slut.” Sienna shrugs. I stare at her in disbelief and laugh. What am I going to do with her?

  “Let’s leave my love-life alone and allow it to progress the way it should.” I grab a bowl and pour half the bag of chips into it so we can all eat without asking the other person to pass the bag.

  As we snack on chips, my sisters tell me about the parties they have coming up, their work on the ranch where they help my dad and uncle during the summer, and I tell them about the barbecue at Axel and Lia’s house where I met Matthew Barber and Ronan Connolly’s sister.

  “Is Matthew as good-looking in person as he is in the movies?” Sienna leans on her elbows.

  “Yes. His wife, Tinley, is a sweetheart as well. They all were, really.”

  “Isn’t that crazy? I mean, Knox Bentley lives here. I love his music,” Emily sighs.

  “Knox is from here, though, so it’s different. He was around growing up,” I tell them, but then I forget the big age gap between us. I may have been used to seeing Knox around, but my sisters weren’t since they’re much younger than he is. For them, Knox is our local celebrity, but they’ve known him more as a famous musician than as the person who grew up in Everton.

  “Knox should do a concert for the teenagers in town. We’d all love to see him, but unless we have fake IDs, we aren’t getting into Cocktails, Dreams, & Mischief. And let’s be honest, everyone in this town knows we’re underage, so it’ll be pointless to even try.”

  Knox has started putting on local shows a couple times a month and Sutton has joined as well, giving everyone in town who wants live music, a chance at a good show.

  “That’s a great idea, actually. I wonder if I can talk to Poppy about it and see if Harris and Knox would be willing to do that.”

  “Really?” Both Sienna and Emily jump up.

  “I make no promises, but it’s worth a shot.”

  “You’re the best. I take back everything I said when teasing you about Finn,” Sienna hugs me.

  “Had I known this was all it’d take, I would’ve used it earlier,” I quip.

  “Brownies are ready!” Emily turns off the oven and opens the door, chocolate goodness steaming into the kitchen and making my mouth water.

  As we settle in for the night, Howdy’s delivering our pizza, I enjoy this laid-back time with my sisters. Family means everything to me, more than a guy, a dating app, and even my career.

  I see a notification pop up on my phone out of the corner of my eye, but I ignore it and settle in with a plate of brownies and a movie marathon on Netflix.

  Finn

  I can’t believe I just did that. I stare at my phone, the app icon mocking me. Maybe this isn’t as funny or romantic as I had anticipated. I’m out of my element when it comes to Abbie, but damn it if I don’t want to pursue her.

  Solution: Create a profile on the same dating app she’s using, search for her, and send her a message. Anonymously. This could be epic or it could backfire on me.

  She feels more comfortable messaging, although now it seems a little creepy. I’m man enough to tell a woman I’m interested in her. Why do I hesitate when it comes to Abbie? I exhale and run a hand through my hair.

  My phone rings, and my eyes immediately snap to the screen in case it’s her. I see Averly’s name flashing instead and answer.

  “Hey, sis, what’s up?”

  “Hey, what are you doing tonight? Do you want to come over for dinner? It’s short notice, but Eli is grilling.”

  “Sounds good. What do you need?” I ask, looking around my kitchen. I’m in serious need of grocery shopping.

  “Just you, we have everything covered.”

  “Okay.” I check the time and jog out to my truck, climbing in and racing to The Mad Batter, hoping I catch it open still. I find a spot and rush to the door, but it’s locked. I’m literally three minutes too late.

  “Damn,” I say under my breath as the door rattles with my force. I peek in and see Mrs. Engle wiping the counter. I wave, giving her my best smile.

  Shaking her head, she comes over and opens the door. “We’re closed, Finn.”

  “I know, but it’s a surprise for Averly. You know, she’s pregnant and has been craving your blueberry pies throughout her pregnancy. She just invited me to dinner and assured me they didn’t need anything, but what kind of big brother would I be if I didn’t surprise her with your famous blueberry pie.” I’m sure my pearly whites are on full exposure as I smile sweetly at Mrs. Engle.

  “You always were a charmer, Finn. Come on in.” Mrs. Engle shakes her head, but I catch a smile.

  “Thank you.” I close and lock the door behind us. I don’t need to be blamed for a rush of people after closing time.

  “I only have half a pie left.” She brings out the pie from the glass display.

  “That’s perfect. Thank you.” I drop a twenty, letting her keep the change. “This is why we all love you here,
” I compliment.

  “Poor woman who falls for your charm,” Mrs. Engle says playfully.

  “She’ll be so lucky because I’ll get her pie even after the shop is closed,” I grin.

  “Get out of here, and tell Averly and Eli I say hello.”

  “Will do. Thank you again.” I wave at the older woman before getting back in my truck, patting myself on the back for my charming personality.

  When I pull up to Averly and Eli’s house, I check my phone to see if I have any messages. Opening the app, I notice a few notifications, but none from the one woman I want to hear from. Deleting the other messages, I step out of my truck and shove the phone in my back pocket.

  I walk into their house, announcing my arrival. “I brought blueberry pie.” I move into the kitchen where Averly is chopping potatoes.

  “You’re the best brother.” She smiles and rinses her hands before giving me a hug.

  I rub her belly, which is growing each week. “When are you going to find out the gender?”

  “Eli doesn’t want to know. He says it would be the best surprise of his life,” Averly says sarcastically and rolls her eyes.

  I arch a brow and stare at my sister. “You already know, don’t you?”

  She chuckles. “Duh. He can be surprised, I’m not waiting. I already started buying clothes.”

  “What is it?” I widen my eyes. I want to buy my niece or nephew something, too.

  “My lips are sealed.” She pretends she zips her lips and places an imaginary key in the pocket of her apron.

  “I won’t tell a soul,” I promise.

  “No can do. I promised Eli I wouldn’t tell anyone. That was our deal so I could find out before the birth. Not even Mom and Dad know.”

  “This is like telling a little kid they can’t have dessert. You know they’re going to sneak into the pantry and raid the cookie jar.”

  Averly laughs. “You’ll survive.” She pats my arm. “But seriously, thank you for the pie.”

  “It’s half a pie since it was all she had left. I had to convince Mrs. Engle to open up for me.”

  “Of course you did.” Averly shakes her head and laughs.

  “Do you need help?” I place the pie on the counter and look around at the kitchen. The cutting board with the potatoes she’s chopping sits on the center of the island. A glass dish holds the steaks as they marinade.

  “Can you take the meat out to Eli, please? I’m making mashed potatoes, so it won’t take too long.”

  I reach for the dish and walk to the back porch. “Hey.”

  “Hey, man. How are you?” Eli says after swallowing a drink of beer.

  “Good. Averly said to bring this out to you. She’s starting on the potatoes now.”

  “Thanks. Do you want a beer?”

  “Sure.” I take a seat at the table in the patio and grab the beer Eli hands me, thanking him.

  We sit back and talk a bit about work and hunting season around the corner. I have a cabin in Bear Mountain, and there’s some great Bison hunting in that area. I go every year with my dad and a few friends. Eli’s come a few times in the past as well.

  Averly joins us outside while the potatoes boil, lifting her feet on the empty chair.

  “How is The Farm House doing?” I ask her about her bed and breakfast.

  “It’s doing great. We’ve been booked solid all summer. Thanks to Ainsley’s genius marketing expertise. It’s really paid off.” My sister’s smile widens as she tells me about the guests, the activities planned for the end of summer break, and another booked event for the fall.

  “It’s not as big as a wedding, but it’s a fiftieth wedding anniversary, so I’m excited. Axel and Lia’s wedding really helped spread the word that The Farm House is available for events as well as a place to stay.”

  “Yeah, she’s going to have to hire a bigger staff with events like this,” Eli says over his shoulder. I chuckle at Averly’s eye roll.

  “I can still work,” she replies.

  “You can, but you can afford to hire a couple extra people, so you’re not on your feet the entire time.”

  It’s clear this conversation has been on-going between them by Eli’s exasperated tone.

  “Eli is worried I’m working too many hours, but I come home before he does, and I take long lunch breaks. Other pregnant women work twice as much as I do.”

  “Other women aren’t my wife,” Eli retorts.

  “Stubborn jerk,” she mutters, but he hears her.

  “It’s why you love me.”

  “I’m not getting in the middle of this.” I shake my head and tip my beer back.

  “Smart,” Eli shoots at me. Averly glares at his back, but her smile tells me she’s anything but upset at him. My sister is stubborn as hell. She likes control, so having someone tell her not to do something just pushes her more toward doing it.

  After dinner with Averly and Eli, I head home. I still haven’t gotten a response from Abbie. Her sisters were staying the night, so maybe she’s turned off her phone and focused on spending time with them. What I need to do is man up and tell her what I’m feeling.

  The memory of her hands on my waist and her body sliding up against my back earlier stirs my cock. Quiet Abbie has turned into desirable Abbie, and I don’t want to give her dating advice, I want to date her.

  …

  I’ve checked my phone at least fifty times since I had my morning coffee. I haven’t gotten a response from Abbie. She read it, though. Maybe I should’ve told her it was me. This whole plan is not working out the way I had envisioned it.

  I work around the ranch, checking on the animals and the land, before taking a small break and going for a ride on Midnight. Nothing beats spending time out here on my horse. It’s a freedom you don’t find just anywhere.

  I head out west, trotting down the path with the mountains before me. I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle if they offered me millions a year to live comfortably. I wouldn’t know what to do without working on a ranch or spending time in nature, surrounded by animals. The women I’ve dated lately don’t get that, which is why they’re fun for a night but not for a serious relationship.

  One woman I took out asked me why I didn’t have a newer truck. She assumed I couldn’t afford one. Granted, a ranch doesn’t make me rich, but I can definitely afford a new truck. I don’t need one. That’s the thing. I don’t buy a newer model just because I can. It’d be a waste of my current vehicle. Some people don’t understand that, always wanting the newer, shiny toy. Not me. This truck runs just fine, and it was the first car I bought on my own. No other name needed to co-sign with me.

  I guide Midnight along the river, allowing him to stop and drink some water. The sun is high in the sky, its heat blaring down on me as sweat trickles down the back of my neck. I adjust my hat before continuing on my ride.

  By the time I get back to the barn, my stomach is growling, and I’m glad it’s lunchtime.

  “Your momma made lunch. You’re staying, right?” My dad lifts his eyebrows as he watches me brush Midnight. We both know that no isn’t an option when it comes to my mom.

  “Yeah.” I nod and tell him I’ll be right in. I get Midnight into his stable and add some hay before walking into the house, leaving my boots out by the back door.

  “Hey, Momma,” I kiss my mom on the cheek and grab a water bottle from the fridge. “Smells good.” The aroma of roast beef fills the kitchen as she opens the oven door.

  “Thanks, sweetie. It’s almost ready.”

  I settle on a stool in the kitchen and check my phone again. I smirk when I see a notification on the app icon, opening it and hissing, “Yes.”

  “What happened?” My mom turns to me with furrowed eyebrows.

  “Oh, nothing.” I shake my head. “Sports update,” I lie.

  BookishAbbs: I’m good. How are you?

  Mr.Cowboy: I’m great now that you’ve replied. Are you enjoying your weekend?

  I wait for her to reply, surprised she
even answered a message after her break-down the other night at her place. I can’t believe she ever doubted her worth when it comes to men. Abbie is a catch that anyone would be lucky to have. But then again, it’s taken me this many years to realize that.

  By the time I finish eating lunch with my parents, I have a message from Abbie again. I smile as I say goodbye to my mom and dad, slipping on my boots. Since I only work in the morning on Saturdays, I’ll have all afternoon to chat with Abbie.

  I get home and straight for the couch with my phone.

  BookishAbbs: My weekend’s been great. How about you?

  Mr.Cowboy: Great, too. Just finished working.

  BookishAbbs: What do you do?

  Mr.Cowboy: I work on a ranch in Everton

  Straight to the point, so she knows I’m from here. The picture I used for my profile has my face hidden under a cowboy hat, but it wouldn’t take her long to analyze it and realize it’s me.

  BookishAbbs: Oh… I’m from Everton, too.

  Mr.Cowboy: You don’t say. Maybe we know each other

  BookishAbbs: Maybe?

  Mr.Cowboy: What do you do?

  BookishAbbs: I’m a photographer…

  I sense the hesitance in her response as if more information will give away who she is and not the picture on her profile.

  Mr.Cowboy: I bet you’re talented. Will you be at Cocktails, Dreams, & Mischief tonight for Knox and Sutton’s show?

  BookishAbbs: Probably.

  Mr.Cowboy: Are you weirded out that I’m from Everton and know who you are?

  BookishAbbs: Honestly, yes. Mostly, because I can’t tell who you are from the picture

  Mr.Cowboy: That’s a shame. Maybe I’ll see you tonight in person.

  The conversation dies out, but I feel motivated to see her tonight.

  Abbie

  My eyes have been scanning the dim bar for the past thirty minutes. That message I received has had me on edge. Clearly, the person would know who I am if they’re from Everton just by seeing my picture. Now, I’m second-guessing opening an account on Perfect Match.

  It didn’t help that the man’s face is hidden in the picture. Who the hell could it be? Someone who will be here tonight, that’s for sure. I almost stayed home to avoid a confrontation, but I joined this site to meet someone, and hiding would defeat the purpose.