Page 3 of Don’t Fall For Your Ex-Boyfriend's Brother

Chapter 2

Tripp

I grab the back of my neck, uncomfortable with the conversation. No one knows I’ve been writing and now Millie, the woman I’ve had a crush on for far too long, is asking about it. There’s not much I can say, I’m buying a book about publishing.

“Yeah, well working at the brewery is supposed to be my destiny, but I think my true destiny is writing,” I say, shrugging.

She smiles and her entire beautiful face lights up. “I think it’s amazing, Tripp.”

I reach over and grab her hand as she begins to put my book in a brown bag. “Please, don’t tell anyone. This isn’t something I’m ready to share just yet.” Her eyes bounce between mine and I resort to something I shouldn’t, but if she says something I’m afraid I’ll be talked out of this dream before I even get a chance to chase it. “I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine.”

Her eyes widen in surprise, but I give her a grin and lean against the counter. Truthfully, I can’t believe this gorgeous woman has never experienced an orgasm from a man before. It really is shocking, especially since she was dating my brother. I guess when he said they never had sex, he was being honest.

But I’m sure she’s been with other guys and it’s obvious they didn’t know what the hell they were doing. She’s like a fine wine, you need to take your time with. She’s not a beer that you guzzle down.

I’ve done enough reading to know what it is women are looking for. She’s not only the owner of this bookstore, but an avid reader. She expects more, and, fuck, I’d love to be the one to give her that.

“It’s not that unusual, you know. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” I say, trying to reassure her.

“Let’s just both agree to keep our secrets to ourselves,” she says, handing me the bag with my book in it.

“Deal.”

I start for the door, but her soft voice stops me when she calls my name. I turn around and lift an eyebrow.

“I’d love to read what you’ve written,” she says, resting her arms on the counter.

I hold the bag closer to my chest and glance down at the floor before lifting my gaze back to her. “I don’t think I’m ready for that,” I admit.

“I get it, but, hang on,” she says, grabbing a business card that is by the cash register. She writes something on it and moves around the counter to meet me. “Here. My email address, just in case you change your mind. I’d never say a word to anyone, I promise.”

“Listen, I’m not going to say anything about what I heard. You don’t need to pretend to be interested in what I’m writing. You read published authors and I’m not to that level. I’ve got a couple of chapters written.” I glance at the card she handed me and chuckle when I see her email address. “Really? BookWhore?”

She shrugs as her cheeks redden. “I like to read, what can I say?” She rests her hand on my arm and I swear my skin burns from her touch. “I’m not pretending to want to read what you’ve written. The idea of reading something that is just being written is thrilling to me, but I’d never push you.”

Her eyes soften as she stares at me and it takes all my willpower not to grab her and live out a fantasy or two that I’ve had about her. Maybe she really does want to read what I’ve written, but I’m too nervous. At least right now.

I put the card in my pocket and smile. “Thank you, Millie. You’ll be the first to know when I’m ready to let someone else read it.”

“I can’t wait,” she says, backing away from me.

“I better get going.”

“Okay, I’ll lock up behind you.”

As I walk out the door, I hear her twist the lock. I glance back and our eyes collide. She smiles and I can’t help but return it as my heart pounds in my chest.

When I pull up in front of my house, I sigh. I’m hoping my parents are in bed because I really want to get on the computer and write. I open the door and step inside, grinning when I’m met with silence.

“Tripp?”

Damn. “Yeah, I’m home.”

“Are you hungry?” my mom asks from the kitchen.

I’m starving, but I need to get this book up to my room before she asks questions. “No, I’m good. I’m going to head up. Night.”

I rush up the stairs before she can stop me and close my bedroom door, leaning against it. Living at home is fucking horrible. I really need to get my own place. All my siblings are gone and now all my mother’s focus is on me. I know she’s just having a difficult time going from a loud, crowded house to a quiet one, so I don’t give her a hard time. It’s also part of the reason I haven’t left yet.