The Last Little Secret by Zuri Day

Author:Zuri Day
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-03-05T21:25:05+00:00

Sixteen

Having grown up in a nurturing, supportive environment filled with love, Nick wasn’t used to being nervous. Yet as he pulled into the parking lot of BBs, his brother’s popular hamburger joint, he felt wisps of discomfort, uncertainty, even a little despair. He’d always been the master of his own destiny, in total control of his life. Yet in the span of a few pivotal weeks that had all changed. He was a father. He had a son named Trey. Life was no longer all about him and while he’d already developed true feelings for what his brother Christian called Nick’s “mini-me,” he didn’t quite know how he felt about that. Or about Sam.

He entered the restaurant, aware of the desirous eyes from female patrons that followed him only because the hostess pointed it out. After taking a seat near the window he pulled out his phone to check messages and texts until Sam arrived about fifteen minutes later.

“Sorry I’m late,” she began, with a flustered demeanor. “There was an accident and...”

He put a hand on her arm and gently squeezed it. “Relax. It’s fine. This isn’t an interview.”

Sam blessed him with a smile that lit up those warm brown eyes. “I guess you’re right. Thanks for the reminder.”

She sat down and threw her purse strap over the chair back. “This is your brother’s place?” she asked, looking around.

“His pride and joy, except for the ranch and the cows he raises.”

“I like its no-nonsense casual atmosphere. A contrast to what I imagined it would be.”

“Adam wanted a place that would feel comfortable for everybody. Non-pretentious, as it should be when scarfing down burgers and fries. And speaking of, don’t you dare say you’re not hungry. I’d put these burgers up against anybody, and bet my vacation homes that they’d win.”

“Wow, lofty bet.”

“Confident brother.”

They spoke casually until the server delivered their drinks and took their orders.

“A premium champagne would have been more appropriate, but such is not on BBs menu. This is all I have.” Nick held up his frosty mug of beer. “A toast is in order.”

With a slight frown, Sam held up her iced tea. “To what?”

“You. Congratulations on a job well done.”

“Oh. That.”

“I know the team congratulated you on managing the impossible. Noah, and my brothers. I think even my dad. I realized that no matter what was happening personally between us, not giving props where they were due made me a total jerk.”

“It means a lot to hear that, Nick. It was the most difficult job I’ve ever tackled, and the most rewarding.”

“To the only woman who could have pulled it off.”

Sam lifted her tea. The glasses clinked. Each sipped from their glass as they drank in each other.

“We’re having a dinner at CANN to celebrate the project’s completion. I’d love for you to join me.”

“As your date?”

“As one who deserves to be officially recognized.”

“Are you sure? At our last physical interaction you hated me, Nick. This change, it’s...welcomed, but uncomfortable.”

“You’re right. All I wanted was you out of my sight.

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