Carter (The Harlow Brothers Book 1) by Brie Paisley

I can’t seem to make up my mind, and I feel as though I’ve taken a step backward with it. I drop my hand from my chin and look to the door when I see Caden and Cason walk in. They spot me instantly, and I laugh when they race to the booth. Cason hates to sit on the inside, and I know Caden always tries to beat him to it, just to piss him off. I shake my head as they reach the booth. They are arguing and pushing each other. I can’t be anywhere without them bickering like children.
    “Will you two stop,” I scold, trying to diffuse the situation before it escalates. It’s happened more than once. One would think since they’re twins they wouldn’t fight so much, but they do. They might be identical, but they are two different people completely. Caden mumbles as he slides into the booth, and Cason has a satisfied smirk on his face. “Can you two please chill out for at least an hour?”
    Caden rolls his eyes as Cason says, “It’s not my fault Ms. Prissy over here,” he elbows Caden on the arm. “Gets upset every time he doesn’t get his way.”
    “Cason, I swear. If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’m going to beat your ass at the gym tomorrow.”
    I shake my head, knowing I’ve heard this conversation a million times. “You wish you could beat my ass. Not my fault you can’t handle my moves.” Caden clenches his jaw, and I can’t help but laugh at them both.
    My laugh turns into a groan when my phone chimes. Caden smiles as Cason shakes his head. It’s sad really that we all know who it is. “That poor girl just can’t take a hint, can she?” Caden asks.
    I pull out my phone as I say, “It’s my fault more than anything. I should’ve made it clear when I lost that stupid bet that nothing was going to happen.” I don’t open the message, deciding to deal with Summer later. It’s been six months since Bethany’s stupid bet, and I tried to like Summer, I really did. I just couldn’t connect with her, and now she’s like a leech. She refuses to accept that I have zero feelings for her and that just blows my mind. I’ve never given her any reason to think there was going to be anything between us.
    “You know, if she doesn’t chill out with the million texts a day, you might have to get a restraining order,” Caden says, and I’m actually considering it. At first, she wasn’t bad, but lately it’s becoming hard to ignore the constant texts, or the random visits at my office. Dad has also noticed, and he’s warned me more than once I need to put a stop to it.
    “I’ll try to talk to her first before I do that. Surely this time she’ll take a hint.”
    “I don’t know about that. Haven’t you already told her over and over you’re not into her?” Cason chimes in.
    “I think it’s funny.” I stare at Caden, wondering what the hell he means. This shit isn’t funny. It’s downright creepy and border-line psychotic behavior.
    “Of course you’d think my creepy stalker is hilarious.” Cason chuckles and I huff as I lean back in my seat.
    “Who knows, maybe this Summer chick already has a secret fan club dedicated to you, Carter.”
    “Alright Caden, you’ve had your fun.” Cason and Caden laugh loudly, and I can’t stop the grin from forming. In a way, I guess it is funny. It seems I always attract the strange ones, but a stalker is a first for me. I’ve dated a few women here and there, but nothing has been serious. It’s more for me to not feel alone, than me wanting to settle down.
    We quiet down once our waitress, Kelly, comes to take our orders. I don’t have to tell her mine since I always get the same thing, but she nods her head and writes down Caden and Cason’s order. She’s quick with bringing back our drinks, and I inwardly cringe when my phone goes off five times in a row. Caden smiles as Cason looks as though he wants to punch someone. This time I do open the messages, and I’m not surprised when I see they’re all from Summer.
    Why won’t you answer