He walks to her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and brings her body into his for a kiss. I have to look away. Two seconds ago, Summer felt like she was mine. We planned on watching a movie and making s’mores in the fireplace, and now she’s kissing my brother.
It’s the worst.
She pulls back. “An apology and a thank you?” I don’t miss the way her eyes bounce to me. I search her gaze, selfishly hoping to find something that lets me know she hates this as much as I do. But her eyes dart back to Justin before I see what I want.
“Yes. An apology for me being so busy that I’ve neglected you and a thank you for you being so great to support me even when my schedule has been crazy.”
He hugs her again, and her eyes meet mine. I wish I knew what was happening inside her head or why her gaze drifts to mine when she should be totally focused on Justin. He’s giving her all the attention she’s wanted. She should be the happiest woman around. But instead, she’s looking at me with an expression I can’t read.
“You didn’t have to do all this.”
“I know. I just wanted to.” He walks over to the table and pulls out her chair for her. “I just want us to have a romantic night together.”
“Uh…” I take my coat off and hang it on the hook by the door. “I’m going to go shower.”
“Caleb, you don’t have to leave,” she says as I head to my room. “You can eat dinner with us.”
I spin around, slowly walking backward. “You guys deserve a night together alone. I’ll give you some privacy.”
Justin smiles. “Caleb, you’ll be happy to know that, after this week, we won’t be needing your services anymore.”
My services?
Nothing has ever sounded so cheap and tawdry before.
“We need to get all blanket orders out by the fifteenth so they make it in time for Christmas. So, depending on what Summer has this week, it will be your last time filling in for me.”
“Oh.” I can’t even muster a fake smile or a fake 'Great!’to go along with my ‘Oh.’
“I bet you’ll be glad.”
I nod as my eyes pull to Summer. She’s looking down at the ground, and I’m hoping she’s feeling as depressed about this opening in Justin’s schedule as I am.
But why would she? I’m not the man she wants.
“And”—Justin points to me—“I have a thank-you dinner planned for you as well.”
I lift my brows like I’m super interested. I have to, or else I’m afraid he’ll figure out that I’m disappointed not to have a justified reason to hang out with Summer anymore. “Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah, Monday night is my company party up at the Mountain Lodge. It’s one hundred dollars a plate, and I want you to come and have a steak on me for taking such good care of my girl.” He slings his arm around Summer’s shoulder, tugging her in close to his side.
His girl.
I’m such an idiot.
Summer ishisgirl.
“Yeah, no problem. A steak sounds great.” I force a wide smile. If I can’t have the girl, I might as well have a filet mignon on my brother’s dime.
“Summer, of course, will be my date. But”—he wags his brows up and down—“I’ve already secured someone for you.”
“A date?” Summer whips her head up to him.
Justin looks at her. “Jordan from my office. She’s already agreed.”
Summer frowns. “Caleb doesn’t need you to set him up with somebody. He’s only here in Telluride for a few weeks.”
“All the more reason to go out with some hottie.”
