Page 13 of Don't Fall For Your Brother's Best Friend

“I took out my stress on Tripp,” I admit.

She giggles, shaking her head. “He can handle it. He’s the youngest, remember.”

Not wanting to take away from her night, I just nod and move the conversation. “How’s it going out there?”

She bites her lip and looks at the door leading out of the kitchen and back at me. “I don’t want to jinx anything, but oh my God, it’s going better than I ever imagined. Everyone is having a great time.”

I can’t fight the smile that takes over my face. “I knew it would be a success.”

“I even saw Callum smiling,” she says with a small laugh.

“Oh, you’ve crossed into uncharted territory, Anya. You should have a drink now to celebrate.”

We both laugh and I hate that I need to get back to plating. Talking with her is so easy and fun.

Before I can say anything, Callum walks into the kitchen. My eyes lift to his and he looks between Anya and me. “What’s going on?”

My brow dips as I stare at him. “Talking about the party,” I say, slowly.

I feel like he’s accusing me of something and I don’t appreciate that. If he only knew what I’ve been talking myself out of lately, he’d feel like an asshole.

“Shouldn’t you be out there?” he says directly to Anya.

“Shouldn’t you be barking orders at Brock or Tripp? My party is going amazing and I’m allowed to come check in with my chef.”

“Your chef?” Callum asks, raising an eyebrow.

She and I laugh as I get back to plating. “Callum, relax. You know what she means.”

“As much as I’d love to stay, I do need to go check in with my servers,” Anya says, walking out of the kitchen.

“Griff,” Callum says. I turn my head and he crosses his arms. “Everything is good, right?”

I clear my throat and toss my rag on the counter. “You accusing me of something, Cal?”

“No, I’m definitely not.”

“Feels like you are and if you feel the need to do that, maybe you don’t feel the same about our friendship.”

I turn my back on him and get back to work. He has no idea how hurtful his accusation is. Especially after everything I’ve been feeling.

“Griff, that’s not true. You’re like a brother to me. I’m sorry I even let myself think something like that. I know better. You’d never disrespect me or my family. Hell, you’re a part of my family. I’m sorry, all right?”

I appreciate his apology, but it doesn’t change the fact he let himself think I was untrustworthy with his sister.

“Yeah, okay. I need to get this done.”

I hear his footsteps toward the door and he says, “She’s my sister, Griff. I’m sorry.”

I lift my head and pin him in my stare. “Exactly Callum, she’s your sister.”

He nods and walks out of the kitchen.

Well, two anomalies happened tonight. Anya saw Callum smile and I heard him apologize. Just the thought makes me laugh.

I step back and look at what I’ve plated and grin. Yep, this is going to blow them away.

I head back into the kitchen, leaning against the prep counter and pull out my phone.