Falling for My Ex Next Door: A Best Friend's Brother Second Chance Romance

1. Prologue

July 17, 2016

The twinkle in her eyes captivated me, making everything else fade away. I knew I was in love with this woman. Clara had the most radiant smile, a pleasant personality, and an appealing body that excited my senses.

When the bride tossed her bouquet into the air, a shower of flowers and ribbons accompanied it. A crowd of eager bridesmaids reached for the bouquet with outstretched hands.

“You got it! You got it!” Daisy chirped as Clara caught the bouquet. The guests cheered, and Clara’s eyes fluttered with excitement and awe. She probably hadn’t expected to catch it, but there it was in her hands.

“I can’t wait to be your maid of honor.” Daisy laughed and locked eyes with me. She whispered something into Clara’s ear, and soon, Daisy was standing next to me.

“Have you told her yet?” Daisy nudged me.

“Nah.” I swallowed hard.

“Now, this is not the Jacob I know.”

“I’m taking my time, Daisy.”

“I must tell you, Mr. Bradley, that my dear friend Miss Clara has a long line of suitors waiting to kiss her hand. So you should know how to manage your ‘time taking’.” Daisy said, making a face.

“Don’t you understand, Daisy? She’s not like any other woman, I-”

“Exactly why I am telling you to stop taking your time. You must go for it now!”

“Now?”

“Yes, now.”

“But we’re at a wedding and-”

“It’s the perfect occasion to confess your feelings for her. Don’t you think so?”

“We are in public, Daisy.”

“Which makes it more romantic,” she reasoned.

I sighed just as the groom, also our cousin, joined us.

“Congratulations, Tommy,” Daisy said and kissed his cheeks.

“Thank you, Daisy. You look amazing.” Tommy smiled.

“Thank you.” Daisy playfully curtsied. Then she whispered that she was leaving but wanted me to ask Clara out before the party thinned out.

“Enjoy.” She embraced Tommy and then left us.

“I see you have eyes on that girl, my friend.” Tommy sipped his wine.

“How? Did Daisy tell you?” I wondered whether she had run her mouth.

“No, she never mentioned it to me. I can see, dude, you’ve been staring at her since the beginning of the wedding. You’ve been so distracted, I’m sure not only I can see it.”

“Oh boy!” I breathed. I never knew my emotions were capable of betraying me so much. I must be out of my mind.

“She’s pretty, and it seems she likes you too,” he continued.

“Really?” I was surprised to hear that. If anyone were to tell me Clara felt the same way, I’d expect it from Daisy, but Tommy?

“Yeah. She’s been stealing glances at you,” he reported.

I wondered if he was the bridegroom or a photojournalist.

“I couldn’t help but notice the chemistry between you two. She’s most probably waiting for you to slide into her corner.”

At that moment, I looked at her. She was happily chatting with the other bridesmaids. Perhaps she felt my gaze because when our eyes locked, time stopped. There was a palpable connection beyond words. I couldn’t look away, and the moment seemed to last forever.

I was mesmerized by her flirtatious gaze, unable to move. She excused herself from the group, weaving through the crowd towards me.

“Now is the time, bro,” Tommy urged. Gathering my courage, I went after her.

“Clara,” I called, catching up to her near the garden. She turned, her eyes bright with curiosity and something more. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart pound.

“Clara, I need to ask you something important,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “Will you go out with me? On a real date?”

Her eyes widened in surprise, then softened with a warmth that made my heart race even faster.

“I’d love to, Jacob,” she replied with a radiant smile. But just as I was about to savor the moment, a voice interrupted us.

“Jacob, you need to hear this,” an excited Daisy called out, rushing towards us. My heart raced. What could be so urgent now?

***

I inhaled the crisp, cool air as my feet played quietly with the sand. With my arm wrapped around Clara’s shoulder and her head resting on my chest, we were a perfect picture of peace. My other arm supported our weight, pinned to the ground beneath us.

Clara touched my chest, her fingers tracing soft patterns. “I’m fascinated by how steady your heartbeat is.”

I chuckled. “I’m at peace when you’re with me.”

“I feel the same,” she confessed.

I turned to kiss her hair, breathing in her familiar scent.

“You seem bothered by something,” I said, just as the waves lapped gently at our feet.

“I’m just thinking,” she replied.

“What’s on your mind, Clara?” Though she was beside me, her gaze was fixed on the distant horizon.

“I’m just thinking about us.”

“What about us, Clara?”

She sat up, facing me. “I don’t know; I have these weird thoughts of us separating.”

“What do you mean? Have I done something wrong?” I reached for her hands, gently massaging her palms.

“No, Jacob. It’s just that I’ve been hearing about breakups among some couples I know lately.”

“Still, you shouldn’t think we’re like the others.”

“I love you, Jacob. You know I do. I always look forward to our dates. When I’m with you, I’m happy. But...”

“That’s enough,” I interrupted, not wanting to dwell on negative thoughts. “That’s enough to keep us going.”

“Jacob.”

“I love you too. Besides my mom, you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved this much.” I chuckled.

She smiled softly.

“I love you, Clara. You know that.”

She nodded.

“I don’t want you to entertain those ugly thoughts anymore, alright?”

She nodded again.

I gently placed my hand on her face, gazing into her eyes.

“I don’t think I would survive a breakup,” she said, searching my face for assurance.

“I love you and see a future with you.” I quickly kissed her lips. “We are not breaking up!”

Then I sprang to my feet and extended my hand to her. “Come,” I said, pulling her towards the ocean.

“But it’s so cold, Jacob!” she protested.

“That makes it more fun!” I laughed.

“Jacob, no!” she squealed as I started splashing water at her. She retaliated, and soon we were both soaking wet, laughing like children.

As we returned to the seashore, dripping and breathless, we found countless reasons to hold on to each other. As the stars began to dot the evening sky, I realized that this moment was just the beginning of our adventure.

Soon, I would ask her a question that would change everything.