Page 48 of Falling For My Ex's Brother

So I didn’t. It was hard, but I decided to let Dylan go.

I did my best to focus on building my new life. I threw myself into work and getting to know my new friends.

I dated around and met some decent guys but no one compared to Dylan. No one gave me the same spark. I began to wonder if I'd ever have that kind of connection again, if I'd always feel a void without Dylan.

I didn’t tell him I’d come back to Everbrook six months ago to be closer to Grandpa and keep a better eye on his health.

It had been three years since we shared just one night.

Surely, he would’ve moved on by now. Maybe even remarried.

Even if I hadn’t moved on, it would’ve been stupid of me to call him after all that time.

And now that I was working on his brewery’s account, it was going to be impossible to avoid him.

I was just going to have to be strong and learn to leave the past where it belonged, no matter how much the old feelings came rushing back.

I was done with messy relationships. I wanted smooth sailing, no complications, or any more damn guilt. No more feeling like I was doing something wrong or feeling things I shouldn’t be feeling.

I wanted a normal relationship. Man and woman meet, fall in love, get married, and have a family. Happily ever after. It seemed so easy for everyone else.

My phone buzzed with a text. It was Austin, letting me know he was on his way to pick me up for our date. I smiled thinking of him.

We had been dating for about three months, and he was really a great guy - smart, successful, sweet.

A bit of a control freak, but I thought it was kind of endearing. At least most of the time. I knew his intentions were good.

I started to get ready, trying not to obsess anymore about Dylan. Austin was the man in my life now. Reliable, devoted, uncomplicated… So what if he didn't make my stomach erupt in butterflies the way Dylan did?

I had just finished my makeup when the doorbell rang. I opened it to find Austin standing there looking crisp as ever in a button-down shirt and blazer.

"Hey babe, ready to go?" he asked, as he gave me a quick kiss.

Then looked me up and down. He didn’t say anything, but I knew what he was thinking. If I was really going to wear it out.

I glanced down at my outfit - a short black skirt and silky camisole. Maybe a little sexy for a casual date night, but nothing over the top.

"What? You don't like it?" I asked.

Austin frowned. "I mean, it's just a little revealing, don't you think? I don't want other guys ogling my girlfriend all night."

Austin's jealous streak annoyed me sometimes. But I tried to brush it off as him being a caring boyfriend.

"It's not that bad," I said lightly. "Just thought I'd dress up a bit." I grabbed my jacket and bag. "Come on, let's go enjoy our night."

Austin still looked bothered, but he dropped it as we drove to the restaurant. He knew arguing with me about my outfit would lead nowhere.

At dinner, Austin talked about his week at the office, his upcoming business trip, and his tennis match. I chimed in here and there, but my mind kept wandering.

"You seem distracted," Austin commented over our entrees. "Everything okay?"

"I’m sorry," I said, snapping back to attention. "Just tired I guess. But tell me more about your meeting with the Caldwell Group."

Austin launched back into his story as I sipped my wine.

But I couldn't stop thinking about Dylan. His muscular arms, hiswarm smile, the heat in his eyes when he looked at me...

"Okay seriously, where are you right now?" Austin said, waving a hand in front of my face.

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