My Brother's Best Man

He’s so close I can feel his heat, radiating as though from a volcano. Sweat coats his skin, a fine layer. He can’t contain the fire. He can’t stop.

Neither can I.

“Do you think it’s wrong?” I ask.

He laughs gruffly. “It’s not a question of think. A man shouldn’t go after his best friend’s sister. I know that. But just a kiss…fuck, Becca. I think I’ll die if I don’t at least kiss you.”

The passion grips me, making me feel giddy all of a sudden, sparkling through me with the force of destiny, with the knowledge that this is right, the only thing we could do.

Dimly, I see Alex's face from far back in my mind. I imagine him shaking his head, turning away from me. I imagine the way his voice will sound when shaping the word betrayed.

But then Ben’s hands are on my arms, squeezing powerfully. He leans down and brushes his lips against mine.

I gasp, then I can’t make any more noise.

All I can do is stand here, feeling his hands, his lips, him.

And wonder how the heck we’re ever going to stop.