3. The Unconscious Choice

While James and Oliver were busy arguing with each other playfully, Sierra drank her frappuccino, unsure of what to do or say. Suddenly, James turned to Sierra. He smiled and asked her who she liked better. She blinked, unable to think clearly.

"I think you're both really amazing," she said, with a small smile. James and Oliver both laughed and said, "Rubbish!" at the same time. Truth be told, Sierra had always fancied Oliver a little more than James, but she wasn't going to say that out loud. Looking back and forth between the brothers, her gaze lingered on Oliver. Oliver noticed, but James didn't. He was too busy checking the menu for something to eat. Oliver smiled and winked at Sierra. And of course, Sierra blushed.

"Listen, I'm going to go get something to eat. I'm starving because of all the hard work I put into flirting," said James, with this playful smirk on his face. "I hate to leave the two of you alone, but food is calling to me." And with that, James walked away, leaving Sierra with Oliver. She got nervous all over again, heat creeping up her face.

"Sooo," grinned Oliver. Sierra turned and glanced at the cafe's clock. It was 5:05. Oliver saw her look at the clock, and in that moment, he grabbed Sierra's phone and hid it without her noticing. Sierra turned back around. Oliver smiled brightly. Sierra returned the smile, butterflies attacking her stomach. Oliver spoke, lowering his voice.

"So I think you fancy me more, am I right? And don't worry, I won't say anything to James if you don't want me to." he said, staring into Sierra's blue eyes. Sierra, who was still blushing, nodded and said, "Yeah, I've always fancied you a little more than your brother." Oliver's smile widened.

"Then I guess you wouldn't mind that I put my number in your phone," he said, grinning as he put her phone back onto the table. Sierra's eyes widened.

"I never saw you take my phone! You sure are sneaky," said Sierra, rolling her eyes. After a pause, "You put your number in my phone??"

"Yes, I did! And no worries, I've got yours," Oliver said, smiling.

"Just then, James came back with two large blueberry scones. Sitting down, he handed one to Sierra on a napkin.

"Here you are, m'lady," he said, courteously.

"James, you didn't have to buy me one! I'm not all that hungry, you know," Sierra protested.

"Well, I can't return it, now can I? Eat up, beautiful," countered James. Sierra looked down at the scone, and then at Oliver.

"I don't suppose you'd like to share this?" she asked him. Oliver's eyes lit up.

"I'd love to have some, actually," he said. "Mighty considerate of James here to buy me one. Thanks, mate." James simply grinned. Sierra broke off a piece and handed it to him. The three of them ate in silent contentment. A few moments later, Sierra noticed Oliver had finished his part of the scone, so she decided to give him some more. At the same time, Oliver moved to get another piece of the scone. Their hands collided, and Sierra felt electricity at his touch. She apologized, and Oliver smiled and said, "It's totally fine. My fault, anyways." They stared at each other for a moment.

"So, Sierra," broke in James, "I see your heart belongs to my older brother here." He could see that Sierra fancied Oliver more, and that Oliver seemed to feel the same. Sierra's face turned scarlet, again. She started to stammer out a reply, but James said, "No worries. I've got plenty of girls chasing after me, since I'm the one who's so much more better looking." James finished his scone and got up smiling.

"I'll leave you two to it, then," he said. "I'll be waiting in the car, Oliver. Take your time." And with that, James left the cafe.

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Sitting in the car, James sulked a little. He had come to grow affectionate for Sierra in the short amount of time he'd known her. She sure is beautiful, he thought. It's really cute how she keeps blushing when we look at her or talk to her. Sighing, James regretted stepping out like a gentleman. But for his brother, he would do anything. Their bond was worth more than any girl would mean to either of them. But Sierra seemed special. Unique, even. He couldn't put a finger on it, but there was something about the girl in the cafe that attracted his attention. James normally never fell for girls this quickly, but he was sure the feelings would evaporate soon. He tried to reassure himself with that thought, but the feeling of disappointment and slight irritation didn't go away. Not one bit.