Free If You Only Knew (And Then Came Love Book 1) by Sara Preston

two of them headed over to where the cars were.
    Drew hit him on the back of the head. “You’ve got it bad.”
    “What?” Julian knew what his brother was referring to, but he wasn’t going to admit it. He wanted Liza – that was all.
    “You’re practically in love with her,” Drew told him.
    “You’re nuts.” Julian stammered. “The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. For Christ’s sake, we only met two days ago.” Of course, now that Drew brought it up the “L” word flashed in big letters in his mind. Two days ago — he met her two days ago. It was nothing but sexual attraction.
    Drew scoffed. “You pick-up everything about everyone else, but you’re clueless when it comes to you.”
    “Like you and Ava?” Ava Steele was Ethan’s little sister. Better to get him off track fast.
    Drew stiffened. “What about Ava?”
    Julian suspected there was more to their relationship than Drew admitted.  Then because he could, he added a dig. “Something happened between you two before she left for L.A.”
    “That was seven years ago, man.” Drew shook his head. “You’re grasping at straws. What happened to the two date rule?” Deflecting the verbal blow.
    “This isn’t a date.” Julian shrugged.
    “You had dinner last night. That’s one. You’re spending the day together – I’m going to assume you’ll have lunch and dinner together?” Drew raised his eyebrow.
    “Yeah so – I’ll buy her lunch and then she’s making me dinner tonight.”
    “She’s cooking for you?” Drew chuckled. “Back to the count. Lunch today, that’s two. Dinner tonight, that’s three. And I heard her mention you’re having lunch tomorrow. That, my friend, is four. Four dates – two more than your usual two date rule.”
    “We’re friends. Shut up and go make sure those cars are up to your standards.” Julian shoved his brother.
    *****
    “Why don’t you go get your seat set up and I’ll finish up here?” Julian pointed to the metallic blue 2011 Toyota Camry she selected while he remained inside to sign paperwork.
     
    Drew inspected the car and went to work.
    “My boss has one more thing for Julian to sign and then we’re good.” Nick handed her the keys.
    “Will do. I can’t believe the insurance agreed to a car this new.” Liza beamed.
    “My parents have great insurance.”
    She walked away.
    Julian followed Nick into Mac’s office.
    “What are you doing here?” Julian was surprised to find his father seated in the office with Mac.
    Everett faced his son. Looking ever the part of the CEO, he wore a navy blue suit. His silk tie was also navy with an orange floral pattern on it. “The question should be, what are you doing? You didn’t let a pretty face convince you to buy her a car, did you?”
    “As far as she’s concerned, the insurance is paying for everything.”
    Everett frowned at Julian before glancing at Mac.
    Mac held his hands up. “He called me last night told me to find five sensible and safe cars and get them ready for today. He said if anyone asked I was to tell them the insurance was covering it.”
    Everett brought out his checkbook.  “Your heart’s in the right place, son, but lying to the girl isn’t the way to go about it. I’ll pay for the car. But you need to at least be honest and tell her it wasn’t your money that bought it.”
    Julian watched as Liza got into her new car. He smiled. His mind on her and it wasn’t until his father snapped his fingers he realized his dad was talking to him. “What?”
    “And you’re sure she has no clue you’re buying this car for her?”
    “Yes.”
    “What’s going to happen when she gets the claim check from the insurance company in six to eight weeks?” Everett settled in his chair.
    “We didn’t file a claim. Mom’s idea was to pay to repair the damages. Drew said since the bulk of the damage was in the front quarter panel and the door, it would take a while to get it fixed. I figured a new car was the