AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I debate the possibilities. My first thought is to get this sexy man somewhere we can continue kissing and see where that leads. But this is Astrid’s brother—hertwinbrother. At least a modicum of restraint needs to be shown. We could go for coffee. There’s a cute little bistro around the corner with really amazing pastries and baristas who draw stunning designs in the foam. But that will be noisy, and I’d rather go somewhere we can actually talk. I make the mistake of looking into his eyes. There’s so much heat in them, I swear my clothes will catch fire, and it burns my resolve into tiny little piles of ash. “My coworkers think we’ve been dating for about six months. We should know quite a bit about each other by now, including where we live and what our places look like. So, maybe another drink at my place?”
Gunnar gently nibbles on my knuckle, and who knew that could be so erotic? “A drink at yours sounds good. Should I follow you?”
“I didn’t drive.” I live downtown, so there isn’t really a need for a car. Public transportation or walking usually gets me where I need to go. And ride-hailing services cover the rest.
Gunnar shrugs like it’s not a big deal. “Do you mind riding on the back of my bike? I didn’t bring the car tonight.”
The thought of zipping through the city pressed against Gunnar’s back definitely has appeal. “I’ve never been on the back of a motorcycle, but it sounds exciting.”
“We should probably stop at the signing table to say hello to Gary and tell Astrid we’re leaving. Do you know where that is?”
I point toward a doorway at the rear of the bar. “He’s set up in the large tasting room.”
Gunnar laces our fingers together and starts walking in that direction. “Is there anyone else you need to see or something you need to do before we go?”
I shake my head. “No. The only reason I’m here is for Astrid and Gary.”
His grin promises all kinds of naughty things. “Okay. Then let’s go.”
6
Gunnar
Ittakesusanotherhalf an hour to say our goodbyes and actually leave. Gary is a popular guy, and he loves to talk, so waiting to catch him between fans is tricky. While Jocelin speaks with Gary, I fill Astrid in on what I know about the situation with Victor and the plan Jocelin and I came up with. “So, Joce and I are going to get out of here and grab a coffee. Do a little getting-to-know-you thing.”
She nudges me in the ribs. “Joce, huh? Guess you guys hit it off.”
I point my finger at her because I know that look. “Don’t start matchmaking, Bean. I’m doing this because that Victor guy is a creep, and Joce seems really nice.”
“Yes, but you did hit it off. Admit it.”
Her expression is smug, and it’s annoying. I want to deny it, but I can’t. “Yes. Fine. We get along well.”
She hums noncommittally. “You know…” There’s a mischievous gleam in her eye, and I’m immediately on alert. “If you really want to make things believable, you’ll invite him to Sunday dinner.”
I shake my head violently. “No. No way. I’m not putting Jocelin through a family dinner. He’ll see how dysfunctional we all are, and no one we like deserves to be put through that.”
She snorts. “Hey, we like Gary and Jules, and we put them through it every week.” Astrid squeezes my arm. “Besides, have you forgotten I actually know Jocelin? It’s not like he hasn’t heard all the stories.” That brings me up short, embarrassment forming a knot in my stomach. Shit. He knows about all my fuckups. I teeter on the edge of calling the whole thing off before I calm my spiraling brain and remind myself Jocelin doesn’t seem to have judged me too badly. I guess that’s something. Astrid nudges me. “Besides, if the two of you are going to pull this off, he needs to know things about you he can’t learn any other way.” She grins. “Come on. Bjorn and Erik won’t mind. I’ll make them promise to be on their best behavior.”
I scowl. “Like that means anything.” But she’s right. Family dinner will give Jocelin a unique perspective only someone close to us would have. But is it really necessary to be believable? And why do I care so much? I don’t work with these people.
I glance over at Jocelin, who is animatedly chatting with Gary. Obviously, I care because he’s Astrid’s friend. And he’s a nice guy. I rub my eyes and sigh. I care because even if I want to deny it, there’s something about Jocelin Allard that has my attention. It’s pulling at me in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. And I like it a little too much. God dammit. “Fine. You’re right.”
She cups her hand around her ear. “What’s that? I didn’t quite hear you.”
I flip her off. “Fine. I’ll ask him.” Smoothing down my beard, I glance Jocelin’s way. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“What? Pretending to be his boyfriend or bringing him to Bjorn’s for Sunday dinner?”
Annoyed because she’s right, I glare at her. “Both.” I kiss her cheek. “See you Sunday, Bean.”
She hugs me and winks. “Have fun getting coffee.”
I flip her off again and go to collect Jocelin.
There’s nothing like the rumble of a Harley-Davidson engine to get your blood thrumming. Jocelin’s wide eyes snap to mine, and I laugh. “I know. Right?” Reaching back, I pull the spare helmet from the saddlebag, handing it to him. “Here. Your hair’s gonna suffer, but it’s the law.”
He takes the helmet and pulls it on. “Okay. But no teasing when I take it off and my hair is a flattened mess.”
