Fake Dating Her Best Friend's Brother: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Love on the Court Book 1) Read online

  Fake Dating Her Best Friend's Brother

  a Sweet Romantic Comedy, Love on the Court

  Tia Souders

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  FAKE DATING HER BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER

  Copyright © 2018 THERESA SOUDERS

  Manufactured in the United States of America

  www.tiasouders.com

  First Edition : December 2018

  Second Edition: January 2021

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  This book is dedicated to…

  YOU!

  Thanks for falling in love with Callie and Dean!

  Chapter One

  Callie

  Callie busted through the door to the apartment she shared with her childhood best friend. Her gaze made quick work of the room. She saw Jinny was nowhere, which was super inconvenient.

  “Jinny! I have a—” Callie stopped as she spied Jinny lounging on the couch with her new boyfriend, Todd.

  With a groan, she headed for her bestie, who’d fallen asleep in the toad’s arms, and poked her in the ribs. Jinny inhaled a sharp breath before her eyes fluttered open and she pushed to sitting.

  “Uh oh.” Jinny flicked her dark bangs from her eyes, her voice groggy with sleep. “You have that look about you. What happened? Did you miss a sale at Macy’s? Michael Kors kick the bucket?”

  “So not funny.” Callie narrowed her eyes. “I have a real crisis here, and the first thing you do is spit obscenities at me?” She placed a hand over her heart, trying not to crack a smile. “I’m hurt, really. Not to mention, it’s cruel to joke like that.”

  Jinny snickered as Todd rose from his seat on the couch. His too-long hair was a massive knot of tangles and did nothing to help the dopey look on his face. Plucking a hairband off his wrist, he yanked his mane up into a man bun.

  Tugging on the bottom of Todd’s shirt, Jinny asked, “Are you going so soon? I thought we’d watch a movie.” She pushed her lower lip out in a pout.

  Todd stretched, raising his arms above his head, his lips twisting in a smile. “I think so. I’ve gotta work tonight, anyway. I have the late shift, and there’s bound to be a bunch of drunk students coming in for pizza and burgers.” He rolled his eyes. “You know the drill.”

  Todd worked at a bar called Shots just off the University of Pittsburgh campus, which was where Jinny met him while celebrating graduation last year. So far, he hadn’t lived up to the standards Callie had set for her best friend. Regardless, Jinny seemed to was enraptured with him, for reasons Callie couldn’t understand. Jinny was responsible. Practical. Todd was the antithesis of those things. It made zero sense.

  Todd took his time grabbing his cell phone off the coffee table, moving more like a sloth than a man in his early twenties. “Plus, it sounds like you two girls have stuff to talk about,” he added.

  “Yes, exactly.” Callie smiled. At least he was observant, if nothing else. She waved him along. “Better get going. Don’t want you to be late,” she said, trailing after him. Grabbing his jacket off a chair, she shoved it into his arms before he could even finish getting his shoes on. She opened the door, practically pushing him out, as Jinny appeared behind her.

  Todd smirked from the doorway. “You two have fun talking about your crisis, shoes, or whatever it is you’re always blabbing about.”

  “See you later, babe,” Jinny said, craning her neck as Callie slammed the door shut.

  Their goodbye was not as important as her crisis. Besties take priority.

  “Rude much?” Jinny raised a brow.

  “I’m sorry,” Callie said, pleading. She reached her hands out toward Jinny in a plea. “But I really need to—”

  A knock cut her short.

  “Grrr…” She gritted her teeth and turned back toward the door. “Did he forget something? It’s been two seconds…” Callie wrenched it open, preparing to yell at Todd for the interruption, when she caught sight of Dean, Jinny’s older brother. His dark hair was a rumpled mess, and he had a goofy look on his face.

  All her muscles relaxed. “Oh, it’s just you.”

  “I always feel so special when I come here.” Dean smirked.

  “I’m sorry. I forgot I was supposed to bow down in the presence of a Pumas superstar.” Callie smirked.

  Ever since Pittsburgh developed their NBA team and recruited Dean, Callie and Jinny had teased him mercilessly. It was a miracle that being a professional ballplayer had yet to go to his head. So far, he had managed to stay surprisingly humble.

  Regardless, she didn’t have time for his teasing. She had serious problems. Maybe she was being a little extreme, but every passing second, every minute spent without a game plan to clinch the promotion at her job made her feel as though she might burst.

  The weight of her problems settled inside her like a rock. If she didn’t unearth them to Jinny, they’d crush her, and she didn’t relish being crushed, especially by a career-sized boulder.

  Dean shut the door behind him. Still dressed in his blue and white basketball uniform, his dark hair was unruly and damp with sweat, which meant he’d come straight from practice, which also meant he’d want a shower and something to eat. Men were so predictable.

  Even as a kid he was rarely seen without a ball in his hands, but ever since he graduated college three years ago, he took his lucky ball virtually everywhere. It had seen better days as he clutched it in one hand and sidestepped her, smiling—completely and utterly oblivious to her plight. Without a doubt, he’d head straight for their refrigerator, where he’d scarf up any and all edible substances at lightning-fast speed.

  Callie watched him saunter into the kitchen, smiling when he opened the fridge and stuck his head inside. “You got any food in here?”

  Jinny smirked. “Even if we did, it wouldn’t be enough for your fat butt.”

  Straightening, Dean’s 6’6” frame towered over Jinny’s petite five feet. He placed a hand on his chest, contorting his face in mock offense. “I’m wounded. I can’t help that I’m full figured.”

  Callie crinkled her nose, taking in the damp brown hair curling above his ears. “And don’t be sticking your sweaty head in our fridge. Gross. You could at least shower before you come here.”

  “Oh, I’d love to take a shower. Thanks, Callie. And, no, your assistance won’t be necessary.” His blue eyes danced with humor. “I think I can handle it. Once girls get a look at all this”—he ran a hand up and down his body—“they can’t get enough. Although, if you insist…”

  Jinny shuddered. “Gag me.”

  “You’re such a dork,” Callie said. “And don’t you know it’s still winter, dumb-head? Where’s your coat? You’re going to get pneumonia going out like that.”

  “In that case, I would die a happy man because yours will be the last face I see.”

&nbs
p; Callie rolled her eyes, then smiled despite herself.

  Like a shot, Dean lunged toward her. He grabbed Callie by the waist and rubbed his sweaty hair all over her. She screamed and twisted in his iron grip, but it was no use. “Get off me! That’s disgusting, you jerk. Get. Off!”

  When he finally released her, she swatted at him, but he dodged, laughing.

  “You’re such a guy,” she said, wiping her slimy chest and neck.

  Dean shrugged and recommenced his food-rummage.

  “Listen, I don’t have time for joking today. I have problems. Real problems. And I need help.”

  Dean popped his head out of the fridge. He held a piece of moldy cheese to his nose and sniffed. He grimaced. “Order some food and I’m all ears.”

  Sighing, she snatched the phone off the counter. “Fine. Jinny, your brother’s obnoxious.”

  “Trust me. I know. Is food all you can think about?” She glared at him as she lifted herself up onto the edge of the kitchen counter.

  “It’s fine.” Callie sighed and waved Jinny away. “Maybe he’ll shut up and focus once he’s shoving food in his face.”

  If she was being honest, fried rice did sound comforting.

  Callie dialed the China Garden and ordered enough food to feed an army, then she hung up and moved past Dean to grab herself a beer from the fridge.

  “Don’t mind if I do,” Dean said, snatching it from her hands.

  With a sigh, she plucked another one off the shelf. “It’ll be here in twenty, so if you could just focus until then…”

  “Okay, okay.” Dean raised his hands, then took a long pull from his bottle. “I’ll be good. Let’s hear about this problem. There’s nothing Dean Kimball can’t fix.”

  “Yup, shoot,” Jinny said. She moved to a barstool and took a seat, her eyes fixed on Callie.

  Finally.

  Callie inhaled. “Okay, so you know how GGF has a junior advisor position up for grabs at the end of the month?” When they nodded, she continued, “Well, it means a huge raise. And I really need the money.” More than either of them know. “This whole time, it’s practically been promised to me, but today they greeted me with the crappiest news imaginable. Supposedly, they’ve been preparing reports on us to narrow the field, and one thing they’re looking at is our credit reports. I mean, how dumb is that?”

  “Well, to be fair, it is a financial advising firm, and it’s for a promotion,” Jinny pointed out.

  Callie shot Jinny a look that said zip it. “Well, Mr. Bucek, my boss, told me today that my ‘financial status’ is a problem for them. Like they couldn’t have told me this over a year ago when I started? The only way they’ll even consider me is if I can provide proof that I’ve reduced my debt. Otherwise, I’m out. They’re going to give the position and its hefty salary to someone else.”

  She huffed and took a swig of her beer, then sunk to the kitchen floor. Her gaze landed on the tile. When was the last time they’d mopped? Grimacing, she bowed her head. Who had time to worry about dirty floors?

  Her blonde hair fell around her face like a curtain before she pushed it back. “I will lose everything I’ve worked so hard for just because of this one thing. Most people would kill for this position, and it was mine. I’m the best candidate, and he knows it. But what he’s asking is virtually impossible.”

  Dean shrugged. “So, look for something else.”

  Callie blanched. “Assuming my credit score doesn’t prevent me from finding employment elsewhere. Apparently, in my field it’s kind of important.”

  Jinny quirked a brow. “Ya think?”

  The silence in the kitchen thickened. Dean nursed his beer with a frown firmly in place, while Jinny bit her lip.

  “Well?” Callie asked, desperate for ideas. “Any ideas on how I can miraculously pay down my debt?”

  “How much debt are we talking?” Jinny asked.

  Callie glanced down at her fingers, suddenly fascinated by her cuticles. When was the last time she had a manicure? “Um, well…somewhere around…uh…twenty thousand dollars,” she mumbled.

  Jinny froze, her head cocked to the side. “Wait. What? I didn’t hear you. It sounded like you said twenty thousand dollars.”

  Callie swallowed. “I did.”

  “Including your student loans,” Jinny said.

  Callie averted her gaze and mumbled, “Not including my student loans. Or my car loan.”

  Jinny’s jaw dropped. Next to her, Dean’s eyes widened, and he whistled.

  “How can you be in so much debt?” Jinny asked. “Our apartment is fairly cheap, and a trust paid the bulk of your college loans for when your parents died. What in the world are you spending your money on? I mean, I guess I’ve seen all the stuff you buy, but…” Jinny’s forehead furrowed as she fell silent.

  Callie bit her lip and stared at the floor as guilt flowed through her veins, not to mention the slight stab in her heart at the mention of her parents.

  Staring down at her, Jinny added, “What am I saying? Look at you, of course you have so much debt. What’re you wearing? You do realize you graduated only a year ago—you’re not the CEO. Most people in your position aren’t wearing Gucci shoes and clothes they bought during a trip to Barneys on Madison Avenue.”

  “Hey, that was a work trip. It was my first time in New York, the fashion capital of the world. I was supposed to go with my…” She trailed off and pushed away the memory of the mother-daughter trip that never was. “Did you really think I would pass up the chance to shop there? I mean, who knows when I’ll get to go back.”

  Jinny rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you.”

  “You’re supposed to be helping me and making me feel better, not worse.”

  Stepping in, Dean raised his hands. He was always the rational one. “Let’s all just relax. Callie,” he said, glancing at her, “I think you’re making this too hard. Just think of this in smaller terms. Baby steps. Don’t stress about the amount of debt you need to pay off. Instead, focus on paying what you can and changing your habits. I’m sure if your boss sees progress, that’s all that matters, especially if you can show him you’re really putting in the effort.”

  “I get what you’re saying, but it feels so impossible.” Callie kneaded her forehead as she stood. “You know what would help? A promotion. If he’d just give it to me, it would solve all my problems.”

  Jinny and Dean exchanged looks.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” she said, pointing at them. “But I can stop shopping. I can.” Her voice rose an octave. “Right now though, I’m already working full time, and truth be told, I didn’t want to say anything, but these last couple months, I’ve been a little short.” A lot short, but she wasn’t telling them that. “I needed this promotion just to stay above water. If I don’t get it, I’ll sink.” And Mastercard would be there to collect her remains. “If getting a second job is my only choice, what can I do part-time that won’t run me ragged and will pay far more than minimum wage?”

  She groaned at her own question. It was hopeless.

  Callie tucked her knees to her chest and hugged them. If she couldn’t fix this, she was screwed. She didn’t have parents she could live with if she got in trouble. And she couldn’t rely on the Kimball family any longer. They’d taken her in her senior year of high school and helped her throughout college. The Kimballs had already gone above and beyond for their daughter’s best friend, and they had two children of their own. They didn’t sign up for three.

  She needed this raise more than she let on. Not just for cute shoes, although those were high up there on her list of priorities, but to pay for necessities, like food and, you know, shelter. Otherwise, she might wind up homeless, begging for spare change in dark alleyways. She’d probably have to become one of those buskers on a street corner, except instead of playing music for cash, she could put on fashion shows. She’d just need a really large cart.

  The idea didn’t sound half bad.

  “One step at a tim
e. First, stop spending money,” Jinny said. “No money goes out unless it’s a bill.”

  Callie’s heart sunk. Not shopping seemed unimaginable. She wouldn’t be able to buy those super cute lobster-colored skinny jeans she wanted or the strappy sandals with the silver crystals. Or that gorgeous Burberry bag.

  “This plan is depressing,” she muttered, knowing she sounded childish. “Let’s get on with it and find me a job. Exotic dancers make a lot of money, don’t they?” she said over her shoulder as she headed toward the kitchen table and her laptop.

  Dean’s mouth flattened into a tight line of disapproval.

  Callie laughed at his expression. “What? I’m joking.” Partly.

  Callie opened her laptop and found the want ads for the Pittsburgh area. “I need a sales job or something commission based where I can earn a good chunk at once. Hourly wages won’t work.”

  Jinny crouched over her shoulder, peering at the screen. “You and sales? I’m not sure that’s the best idea. You’ll come home with something new every shift.”

  “Ha.”

  Though Jinny wasn’t wrong.

  Callie tried not to get discouraged as she scrolled, but after a few minutes, her eyes glazed over and she just about lost all hope when an ad caught her eye. “Oh, my gosh. This might be it. I think I found something. It’s perfect.”

  “What? Where?” Jinny squinted as Callie pointed to the little ad at the bottom of the screen.

  “Are you single and ready to mingle?” Jinny read.

  Dean snorted.

  Ignoring him, Callie continued, “Love for Hire is looking for attractive, outgoing women who like to mingle, meet men, and go on dates, all while getting paid. We know what you’re thinking. Is this safe? Classy? Yes. We put our clients through a strict evaluation before accepting them. We have a very specific set of rules, regulations, and expectations for both our clients and our employees, so we can ensure a great working environment. Do something fun and make fifty dollars an hour. What’s not to love?”