The Right Kind of Wrong: A Brother's Best Friend Romance by Fabiola Francisco (open ebook .TXT) 📗

Soon after, We get off the subway and walk the short distance to the restaurant Camden chose. When I see the stationed railroad car, I look over at Camden with furrowed eyebrows.

“I was told it’s a hidden gem.” He squeezes my hand and walks us toward the railcar, guiding me up the few steps.

When I walk in, my eyes widen. Square tables are set where the seats would be, all covered in white table cloths that remind me of old, high-class trains I’ve seen in historical films. Light pink roses in a short vase sit on the center of each table. The lighting is dim and romantic.

“This is beautiful,” I smile over at Camden.

“I’m glad you like it.”

Once we’re seated with menus and sparkling water, Camden raises his glass. “To our healthy baby boy and to the gorgeous woman keeping him safe.” The corners of his eyes crinkle with his smile; that one dimple making an appearance.

Before he can tap my glass with his, I add, “And to the selfless man who takes care of us both.”

The way he looks at me gives me chills. It’s as if Camden were staring into my soul, communicating something so deep, it surpasses the human brain and goes straight to the heart. His free hand reaches for mine, linking our fingers as he taps our glasses together and takes a sip of water.

“Thank you,” he whispers.

“I mean it. You’ve been…” I shake my head. “No adjective I use will be enough to express what I’m trying to say, but know that I’m not blind to the sacrifice you’re making by being here as much as you can.”

“Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” His fingers tighten around mine, and I shiver.

Sitting across from him in a romantic restaurant, staring into his chocolate eyes, I hope that if Camden and I are on this path together, it’s because we can make it work. After getting to know him on a more intimate level, I don’t think I can go back to just being his best friend’s sister.

chapter 23

Camden

I drive through Everton, Ally’s hometown, in the rental we picked up when we landed here. The whole town is white, piles of snow covering everything. It’s a beautiful sight. We’re spending Christmas here with Easton, Faith, and her family. Charlene flew over as soon as the semester ended at the university, and I know she’s anxious to see Allyson.

Ally and I have been stateside for a few days. First, we drove to Virginia Beach to see my parents and sister. Although I live in Richmond after going to college at the University of Virginia, my family remains in our hometown.

I smile to myself as I remember my mom and sister’s reaction when they saw Ally. No matter the pictures or videos we had sent them, they got emotional seeing her pregnant belly in person.

“What are you thinking about?” Allyson’s sweet voice breaks through my thoughts.

“How beautiful you are,” I wink.

She rolls her eyes playfully.

“I was thinking back to when we visited my parents.”

“They should’ve come with us,” Ally comments.

I squeeze her hand before lifting it to my lips. “Yeah, but Mom always hosts Christmas dinner for the entire family, and with Grandma being so old, they like to spend as many Christmases as they can with her.” My grandma has been saying it’s her last holiday season for the past four years, and she’s still kicking it, but we all worry it might be her last after a pneumonia scare earlier this year.

“You didn’t want to stay with them? We could’ve.” She looks over at me with furrowed eyebrows and pinched lips.

I love that she makes us an us.

“You tell me now? When we’re on the way to face your brother, who thinks I’m no good for you?” I tease. Easton and I have spoken a few times through text messages, but our friendship isn’t where it used to be.

“He’s coming around.” Ally leans back on her seat, rubbing her stomach.

Watching her evolve throughout this pregnancy has been a beautiful experience. I never imagined what it’d feel like to watch her body change and transform.

“Yeah, I know he is, but we’re definitely not the friends we were before this happened.” My lips press into a straight line as I take the road that leads to The Farm House, the bed and breakfast we stayed at for Easton’s wedding.

“I can’t believe we’re back here,” Ally says with a shake of her head.

“And this time, you won’t be running out of my room, Kiwi.” I chuckle lowly when she glares at me.

“Can you blame me? I woke up and was like, what the fuck?” She talks with her hands, and the pitch in her voice rises as she finishes off her sentence.

“I know, babe.” I kiss the inside of her wrist. “But this time, you’re staying in my bed and in my space.”

“Yeah,” she sighs and leans in to kiss my cheek as I put the car in Park. I grip her hip and turn my head to catch her lips in mine.

“Let’s go.” I give her a final kiss.

“Yeah, before we get caught making out in the car and rumors start to run. I’m pretty sure as soon as they see me pregnant, other types of rumors will be whispered in grocery lines and church pews.”

I chuckle and hop out of the truck. By the time I make it to Allyson’s side of the vehicle, she’s already stepping out.

“It’s freezing.” She rubs her hands together and blows into them. “Start heading in. I’ll grab our bags.”

“I can help,” she argues.

“I got it.” I peck her lips and open the back seat, grabbing our two carry-ons. I watch Allyson take careful steps up to the bed and breakfast.

As I walk into the house, I hear a squeal. “When Faith told me you were pregnant, I couldn’t believe it.” Averly, the owner of The Farm House and one of Faith’s