My Best Friend's Brother: Year of Luke (Book 5)

By Chrissy Favreau

Book Five in the MY BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER Series ( YA Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy )

- CONTENT WARNING Recommended for ages 16+ due to bawdy humor, non-graphic sexual content and some strong language. -

WHO WILL GET THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER?

Ridiculous curfews, arguments, and retaining her sanity are all things Adonia worries about when her father visits for the holidays. She also needs to hide the fact that she and Luke live together; and plans not to spill the beans about her upcoming wedding until the very last minute—or risk her dad ruining it! Will Adonia pull it off, or will someone slip up and let the cat out of the bag?

Luke soon realizes that he’s got bigger problems than Adonia’s dad—HIS dad! When Apollo Pawlak’s “holiday cheer” ends with him on Santa’s naughty list, all of Prince George is in an uproar. If Adonia's father did not approve of Luke before now ... Luke knows this is about to get ugly.

And while stranger things have happened, they’re probably not much stranger than Nikki’s handsome new prospect. Nikki will use every opportunity to get back at Andre for his odd relationship with his coworker, Amanda, and this new guy is fair game! Will Amanda get in the way of Nikki patching things up with Andre, or will Nikki’s mysterious new friend beat her to it?

Can Luke and Adonia survive their visiting relatives? And who will get their happily ever after? Find out in this fifth book of My Best Friend’s Brother.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chrissy Favreau
• Release date: Aug 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311327178

Chrissy Favreau

Chrissy Favreau is a crafter, coffee-brewer, and writer of witty young adult fiction. In the not-so-distant past, she's worked with tigers, mountain lions, and a despicable monkey named Mario. She owes her life to a Siberian tiger named Reba, who could have killed her, but didn't. That's why you're reading this today.Chock-full of hot guys, Favreau's YA books are meant for an older teen audience; but they're so relatable that they can be--and often are--enjoyed by adults, too.Visit her online at: MyBestFriendsBrother.com

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YEAR OF LUKE

MY BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER, Book 5

by Chrissy Favreau

My Best Friend’s Brother: Year of Luke

Copyright © 2016 by Chrissy Favreau

Distributed by Smashwords

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For permission, address Cold Snap Books at MyBestFriendsBrother.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover design by Cold Snap Studio.

Published August, 2016.

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

For my girls

Other Books in this Series:

YEAR OF LUKE is the sequel to

MAKING UP BLAKE

MY BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER, Book 4

FINDING TROY

MY BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER, Book 3

BOOK OF LUKE

MY BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER, Book 2

MY BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER

SPIRIT GUIDE

JESSE DANIELS REIMAGINED

Next in this series:

SAVING GINO

MY BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER, Book 6

For updates on new books, including new books in this series, visit us on the worldwide web:

www.MyBestFriendsBrother.com

CONTENT WARNING

Recommended for ages 16+ due to bawdy humor, non-graphic sexual content and some strong language.

Table of Contents

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

I

Nikki bit the head off a gingerbread man. Violently. A frosted leg fell to her plate.

They’re not dating, I hissed.

We were at the resort lodge, sipping hot chocolate and devouring cookies, pretending we weren’t there for Andre LeBlanc.

Nikki glared a hole through Amanda McGuire’s face.

Sporting his tan uniform, Andre sat behind the counter, surfing the internet on his phone. Amanda sat a foot away from him, eventually emitting a wistful sigh his way.

Nikki, I nudged.

Her eyes narrowed on me. Then they returned to a giggling Amanda.

I love that color on you! Amanda brushed Andre’s arm with her sparkly baby blue nails.

Andre peeked at his uniform, and brushed her hand away. I wear this color every day.

Amanda inched her seat toward him. You didn’t wear it yesterday.

He stared at her. "I meant, when I’m working."

She tucked some brown hair behind her ear. Still…

His brow furrowed. How do you know what I wore yesterday?

She cleared her throat and looked away.

He shook his head and looked back at his phone.

She rubbernecked to see it.

Who’s the girl? she asked a second later.

Andre raised an eyebrow at her.

Amanda crossed her arms. The girl you’re messaging with…

Andre looked back at his screen. "My mom."

She popped a bubble. "Why do you talk with her?"

He licked his lips. "‘Cause she’s my parent."

She inhaled him. Oh my God, that smell…

…Is the cookies burning, Andre finished.

In a panic she hopped to her feet, grabbed a mitt, and scurried over to the large oven. I completely forgot!

Andre rolled his eyes, leaned back in his seat, and plopped a shoe on the counter. I wasn’t sure he was allowed to do that, but their boss had left for the night.

What are you doing for Christmas? Amanda chirped from one counter over. She placed the cookie tray on a cooling rack.

"I’m spending it at Luke’s. New Year’s also at Luke’s. And Valentine’s Day in the Alps for the wedding.

Now you don’t have to ask for a few holidays.

Amanda sneered. Wedding?!

Andre peeked over his shoulder at her. Luke’s wedding.

She puffed out her chest. "Oh.

I never got an invitation.

It’s in the Alps, Andre reiterated.

Still never got one!

He picked at his back teeth. I’m sure it’s an oversight, he said dully.

Well, there’s still time! She sat back beside him, just as he finished rolling his eyes again.

Gosh, she said, partially unbuttoning her uniform. Her boobs practically bounced out. "It’s so hot all of a sudden!"

Nikki’s nails screeched across the table.

I shot her a look.

"What?" she grumbled.

Cool it, I whispered.

She curled her lip. "Too bad that’s not Luke, so I can watch you cool it."

They’re not dating. I was beginning to feel like a broken record.

She checked her watch. Where are Lilly and Troy already?! she wondered aloud. And I mean loud.

No one bought that she was there for Lilly—I’m not sure why she even bothered.

"If it’s hot all of a sudden, it’s because you were standing by an oven," Andre exclaimed.

Are you saying I’m not hot? Amanda spat.

"No, woman. I didn’t say you’re not hot. I said, you were suddenly hot because you were standing by an oven."

If I’m hot, why don’t you ask me out? she urged.

His brow furrowed. I never said you’re hot. As I recall, I merely said you are pretty. And you’re not a blonde.

"You said, ‘I never said you’re not hot’. That means I’m hot."

He made a face. "Nooo… it means I never made mention of you being hot."

She sucked her teeth. So I have to be blonde now? Why?

Because. It’s what I like.

He looked over his phone at Nikki. His twinkling blue eyes rolled down her brown shirt, black jeans and boots.

When he caught my gaze, he shied away.

He was checking you out, I hissed, as I caught Amanda’s glare.

Really? Nikki peeped, sitting up straight.

Yup, I said, checking my watch. It was after eight.

I don’t know about you, Amanda preached, "but when I’m with someone, I never check out anyone else!"

Andre stared blankly. "With someone?"

That’s what I said.

Bewildered, Andre flashed his teeth. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Amanda looked away like she didn’t catch that.

After an awkward silence, Andre looked back at his phone. Then he grabbed the ticket book, and strolled on over to us.

Mademoiselle Napper, he rumbled, licking his lips seductively. Ready to order dinner?

She pointed to her cookie. "This is dinner."

For a nine-year-old, maybe.

Her eyes fell to the triceps that bulged out of his rolled-up sleeves.

Are you nine years old? he teased.

Obviously not, she said as she pushed her dessert plate away. Since you slept with me.

"And who is this?" Amanda jeered, suddenly beside him.

We all stared at her, because she knew full-well who that was.

Nikki Napper? Andre peeped. "You know, the girl with the imaginary boyfriend…?

"My ex."

Amanda lifted her chin. So immature.

Nikki made a face. "Excuse me? You don’t even know me."

I’ve heard enough, Amanda dismissed.

Andre waved a hand in contempt. What would you like, Miss Napper?

A steak, she grumbled. Still bleeding.

Andre jotted it down.

Anything else? He took an awkward step to the side, only to have Amanda follow him.

Nikki glared at her. "A knife."

Andre pursed his lips. That already comes with the steak.

Nikki forced a smile. Just checking.

And by the way, what brings you here tonight? Andre inquired.

We’re here for Troy and Lilly, Nikki said instantly.

Andre crossed his bulky arms. They’re not here. They’re at the airport.

Nikki’s face fell. For what?

They’re picking up Anna…

Nikki mouthed an Oh. She looked at me awkwardly.

And I thought I was a crappy liar.

Still want that steak? Andre ordered, shooting Amanda a look. She got the hint and retreated to the counter.

Yeah. Just… you know, make it quick. I’m in the wrong place, apparently.

I glanced over at Amanda, whose face was sour. She looked like she wanted to kill Nikki, almost as bad as Nikki wanted to kill her.

When the lodge door swung open, snowflakes and a draft swept the room.

But it warmed up instantly, because Thor Daman was there.

He removed his gray hat and goggles, and unzipped his matching down jacket. His blond hair was wild, his smile was crooked, and his stormy eyes twinkled as they mingled with mine.

Yeah, he still has that effect on me.

The Norse god fell into a chair beside me, leaned back in the seat, and grinned wide. Hello, Adonia Morrison.

Hello, Mr. Daman. He just took our orders, I said, pointing to Andre.

No big deal. I’m not all that hungry.

He looked at Nikki’s plate. Beheading gingerbread men?

She didn’t answer him; she was too distracted by Andre.

They have bodies, you know, Thor added, looking at them.

Nikki licked the crumbs from the corner of her mouth. I know.

Thor tittered. You only eat heads?

What’s up with that wench? Nikki motioned to Amanda with her nose.

Thor glanced her way. I think it’s safe to say she’s a bit obsessed.

And then—Snap!—another gingerbread body fell to Nikki’s plate.

"I think it’s safe to say she’s insane," Nikki growled.

Shhh! Thor put a finger to his lips. She might hear you.

"Good," Nikki snarled.

Thor leaned across the table, and smiled up at her. "Not good. She can get a bit nuts—don’t tick her off."

A bit? Nikki laughed. Really!

Thor leaned back in his seat again, and blew out his cheeks. I’ve been working here for nearly six months. Trust me—play nice.

Nikki looked back at Andre by the grill. He’d set the steak on a plate and seasoned it with pepper, as he sung along to whatever played in his earbuds.

"What if I don’t want to play nice?"

Thor shrugged a shoulder. You were warned.

Nikki cleared her throat. So! How was work, Mr. Snowboarding Instructor?

Thor grabbed a gingerbread body off her plate and nipped an arm. Decent. My toes are frozen.

You knew what you were getting yourself into, Nikki teased.

Definitely. And I’m enjoying it, too.

Andre arrived with Nikki’s steak. Here you go, gorgeous, he said with a wink.

Nikki grinned. Thanks.

Andre licked his lips, and moved the knife under the meat. Uh-huh. His eyes brushed hers. Careful…

You’re too sweet, she cooed.

I try. They gazed at each other.

Nikki cut a piece of steak. What time do you get off work?

Andre twisted his lips. Ten.

So late?!

"Yup. But hey, you’ve still got to head to the airport. I’m sure you won’t have time to miss me and my… friendship… much."

Her gaze fell to her lap. Surely she was trying to stay composed. I guess.

She looked back up at him. If you want to watch a movie when we get home…

We’ll see what happens. He smiled, winked, and retreated to the counter.

Thor’s eyebrows gathered. What’s at the airport?

Nikki chewed some meat. Lilly’s friend Anna. She’s spending her winter break with us.

Thor pursed his lips thoughtfully.

I looked at my watch, growing a bit excited to see her again. We should get going.

I glanced at Thor. Wanna come?

Always, he said, a naughty look in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes. "To the airport, pervert!"

He chuckled. Count me in, babe.

Nikki cut faster, and wolfed down her steak. She motioned a piece toward Thor, and he opened his mouth for a bite.

Almost done, she said with her mouth full. Think Anna will mind that we’re late?

I peeked at Thor. Somehow, I doubt it.

~~~

Conveniently, Anna’s plane was late, so all we really missed by being late was more waiting.

Thor, Nikki and I walked into the airport at a quarter to nine. Lilly and Troy didn’t notice us, because Lilly and Troy were making out on a bench.

Troy wore denim jeans and a black sweatshirt, with his long brown hair drawn back in a ponytail.

Like me, Lilly wore a deep pink sweater and jeans. Unlike me, she was steaming hot.

Although—for some odd reason—when I looked to Thor, he still seemed enamored with me.

I simpered. What are you smiling about, Mr. Daman?

Oh, he said, resting an elbow on me. We still stood before the lovebirds. "Just that Lukasz isn’t here, and it looks to everyone that doesn’t know any better, that I’m with you."

I giggled and wrapped my arms around his waist. You’re an awesome friend. He really is—he makes me feel almost as good as Luke does.

I hate that word, he said through his teeth.

Friend…?

He flashed his eyebrows. Yup.

He took a few steps forward and whacked Troy over the head. Reality call for Troy De La Fontaine!

Troy’s arm shot up to block his head. Hey! You’re lucky we’re related, eh!

Thor’s nose crinkled. "That’s not luck."

He fell onto the bench, on the other side of Lilly. An arm crept around her shoulder. "Hiya, Blondie."

Lilly’s eyes rolled down to his chest, and back up again. I’m engaged to your cousin.

"Whoa! Hold up! I said hi, I didn't ask you to sleep with me! Or is that a fantasy…?"

Lilly sniffled. I don’t have fantasies—I always get what I want.

Thor looked past her, to Troy. Doesn’t it scare you when she says stuff like that?

Troy put two fingers nearly together. Just a bit.

Lilly looked to me. "So, how did it go at the lodge? Did Nikki get her dose of Andre?"

Yup, I replied, as Nikki heaved a sigh.

Everyone looked to her.

What?! she grumbled. "That dumb wench Amanda was there, again."

Thor shrugged his hands. She works there. It’s to be expected.

Nikki shot him a look. Do you know what I’m gonna do to you one of these days?

Thor pumped a fist. "All riiiight!"

Look at that, eh, cheering his own death! Troy smacked him over the head.

Thor’s eyebrows rose. "Not what I’m cheering at all!"

Two doors opened, and a flood of passengers filled the lobby. They went to fetch their luggage.

And there was Anna, sporting black jeans, a blue shirt, and a sparkly silver loop scarf. Her dark locks hung far down her back, and her caramel-colored skin was as perfect as I remembered it.

She stopped short when she saw me with Thor—like she hadn’t seen right.

Did she find him hot?

If she didn’t, she was the only one.

Oh my God! Lilly gushed, scurrying over to embrace her. "I’ve missed you so much!"

Anna hugged her tight. I’ve missed you too, girl!

We all walked over to them.

So? Does your head hurt?! Lilly cried, pulling a lock out of Anna’s face.

From what? Anna’s eyes rolled over Thor, trying to be discreet.

She failed.

Lilly sucked her teeth. From studying so much! Duh!

Anna laughed. "It’s just Yale. It’s not that bad!"

Lilly tittered. Right.

Anna dug her nails into Lilly’s shoulder to get her attention. And who’s this? she asked, motioning to Thor with her nose.

Lilly grabbed Thor’s arm. Thor Daman! He’s Troy’s cousin.

Anna’s eyes twinkled. I’m not surprised, she said, eyeballing every inch of him. Wow, he looks like a male model or something.

I am, Thor said, offering his hand.

She shook it, and fell speechless.

"He was, Nikki corrected. Now he skis for a living."

Nice… Anna’s face had flushed. And I’m Anna Davis, she said when she snapped out of it.

Thor grinned. I know, you’ll be staying at my place!

Her eyes ballooned. Wow, what?!

We all laughed.

Lilly gripped her shoulders. Anna’s staying with me and Troy.

The poor girl’s face fell. She looked to Thor, utterly devastated.

I’m Nikki, Nikki said, offering her hand.

Anna shook it. I know. We’re friends on Facebook.

Nikki blushed. Oh. She tittered and looked about awkwardly. "I must’ve forgot. I’ve been so distracted—"

By her imaginary boyfriend, Thor cut in.

Anna could care less about Nikki and her fake boyfriend, and it was pretty obvious.

So, Thor, she cooed, how old are you?

Nineteen. A crooked grin appeared. Why? Is that important?

Anna licked her lips. Hmmm?

Is that important? Thor echoed.

Oh! Gosh, I don’t know. I was just wondering! She chuckled and looked to Lilly.

Lilly, am I really staying with you? she asked, a little disgruntled.

Lilly