The drive to my place is quiet, and as he pulls his truck
in behind the shop, I find myself searching for something to say. Anything that can stall him leaving, extending our time together.
“Have fun at the park,” he says, parking his truck in behind my car.
“Thank you. Knox loves it.”
He smiles. “Yeah, he’s a ball of energy that one.”
“I know. I don’t know if they’re ready for two under two.”
“They’ve got lots of sitters, so I’m sure they’ll be fine.”
I smile at that. We are one big group. We’re also more than just friends; we’re family. That’s what makes this… attraction I have for him so difficult. “They do. Okay, well, I guess I’ll see you later?”
“Definitely.” He shuts off his truck and climbs out. I watch as he walks in front and to my door, pulling it open.
“What are you doing?”
“Walking you to your door.”
“Tyler, it’s right there.” I point to the steps that lead to the outside entrance of my apartment.
“I’m walking you to your door,” he says again, leaving zero room for negotiation. He offers me his hand and helps me from the truck.
“This is silly,” I say as he leads me to the stairs with his hand on the small of my back.
He stops once we reach the bottom step, turning me to face him. “It’s not silly. It’s me treating you how you should be treated. It’s me looking out for you.” He pauses, and his blue eyes flash with something I can’t name before it’s gone. “This is me showing you what it’s like to be mine.” He pauses, letting his words sink in. “Now, let’s get you upstairs,” he says.
I nod and turn away from him. On unsteady legs, I take each step one at a time until I reach my door. “I’ll see you soon.” His hot breath brushes across my ear.
I punch in my code and push open the door. I turn to face him once I’ve stepped inside. “See you soon,” I whisper. He winks and jogs back down the steps and to his truck. I stand here until I can no longer see him before shutting myself inside, resting my back against the door.
Something is shifting between us. I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m excited because I want more with him. I’m scared of what happens if we try this and it doesn’t work out. I’m nervous about tonight, and most of all, I’m happy at the prospect of us being more. So many conflicting emotions whirl through me. I can’t pinpoint which is stronger. Shaking out of my thoughts, I head to the shower so I can grab something to eat and make his favorite buffalo chicken dip for tonight. My phone beeps as I turn on the water in the shower.
* * *
Kendall: We still on for this afternoon?
* * *
Her text is followed by a picture of Knox and Ridge sleeping on the couch. My heart swells for my big brother.
* * *
Me: Yes.
* * *
I toss my phone on the counter and strip out of my clothes before stepping into the shower. Only nine more hours until I see him again.
Chapter 6
Tyler
* * *
After breakfast with my parents, I stop at the store and pick up Reagan’s favorite chips and that Ranch dip she loves. I throw in some popcorn, a twelve-pack of beer, and some other items I know she likes. I want to be prepared. Once I have all her favorites, I go ahead and grab my groceries for the week. I toss in a box of pancake mix in case she stays again. I want to be able to make her breakfast. I’m not much of a cook, but adding water to pancake mix I can handle.
Once I’m back at my condo, I unpack all the groceries, and head to the shower. I wait until the bathroom is filled with steam before stepping under the hot spray. Bracing my arms on the shower wall, I tilt my head, letting the water beat down on me. My mind wanders to Reagan and how it felt to hold her in my arms last night. The feel of her body pressed against mine. Her hot breath against my neck. My cock thickens just thinking about it. About her.
Before I can think better of it, I’m reaching for my cock, fisting it in my hand. I give it one long, hard stroke, and a shudder tears through me. I remember what it felt like to have her ass nestled against my length. I would have thought it impossible, but I grow even harder.
Another long stroke.
Then another.
“Fuck,” I pant. Reaching for the body wash, I fill the palm of my hand and lather up my cock. This isn’t the first time I’ve taken care of the ache that she caused. However, it’s the first time after knowing what it’s like to lie next to her for hours.
Another long stroke where I circle the tip has me bracing myself with my free hand against the shower wall. I remember her sleepy hazel eyes as they took me in this morning. The way she confessed that she felt more. The feel of her breath against my neck as she fell asleep last night. Every second is a constant movie reel in my mind.
I’m chasing my release, fisting my cock, stroking as if my life depends on it. My legs start to shake and I stroke faster, calling out her name as I come harder than I ever have before. With my cock temporarily satisfied, I force myself to clean up and turn off the water. Keeping it casual, I dress in a T-shirt and some basketball shorts.
Glancing at my phone, I see I still have five more hours before she shows up at my door. I should have offered to pick her up, but that would be too much like a date. A cheap one at that considering we’re just watching movies at my place. Not to mention, that would scare her off. I have a feeling she’s already pushing me away; I don’t need anything else working against me.
I busy myself cleaning the bathroom and doing a few loads of laundry. I need to wash my sheets, but then I’d be washing away the smell of her. That can wait another couple of days. That didn’t take nearly long enough. I still have time to kill. Normally, I’d call one of the guys, see if they want to hit the gym or have a few beers. They know me too well and will see right through me. I’m not ready to tell them that we’re hanging out. They know that we have in the past, but suddenly, it all feels different. Her confession of her wanting more changes everything.
The more I think about it, the more I know I need to talk to Ridge. I need to tell him that I’m falling for her. I didn’t mean for it to happen, I wasn’t looking for her, but that’s our reality. I’ve unexpectedly fallen for my best friend’s little sister. I have to tell him. Speaking of, I know that Reagan and Kendall have Knox at the park. What better time to test the waters. Grabbing my phone, I take a deep breath and dial Ridge.
“Ty, what’s up?” he answers.
“Not much. Just adulting. You?”
“The same actually. Kendall and Reagan took Knox to the park, so I’m picking up the house.”
“Look at you settling in, all domesticated and shit,” I tease.
He chuckles. “Laugh all you want, my friend. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“Yeah, you make it look easy.”
“You think?”
“Definitely. How is the family?” I ask.
“You’re acting like it’s been months since we’ve seen each other. It’s barely been twenty-four hours. What gives?”
Shit. Shit. Shit. I was counting on a little small talk. “I wanted to run something by you.”
“Shoot.”
“It’s about Reagan.” I pause, letting that little bit of knowledge sink in.
“What about her? Is she okay?” he asks, concerned.
“Yes. She’s good. Perfect,” I say nervously.
“O-kay,” he says slowly. “You going to tell me what’s going on?” He waits, but I say nothing. “Tyler?” he prompts.
“Look, I’m not sure how to say this, so I’m just putting it out there. How would you feel about me dating your sister?”
“Does she want to date you?”
That is definitely not what I thought he would say. “I think so.”
“You think so?”
“It could be messy, you know, if things don’t work out between us.”
“Messy isn’t good, Ty.”
“I know that,” I say,
frustrated with how this is going. I guess it could be worse. He could be threatening to cut my balls off and kicking my ass.
“I’m going to need a little more information,” he says, and if I’m not mistaken, there is humor in his voice.
“Are you laughing?” I ask him, shocked.
“Maybe,” he says, doing a shit job of hiding his humor.
“Come on, man, I’m being real here. I want to date her. For real date her. You’re one of my best friends. How’s this going to go down?”
“You tell me?”
“Quit fucking with me.”
“She’s for keeps,” he tells me, his tone now serious. “If you aren’t going into this with that as an option, don’t do it.”
“It’s an option,” I confess.
“Then all I can tell you is don’t hurt her. I know there would be some level of hurt and awkwardness, but if you’re ever not feeling it, tell her. Be honest. Reagan is a reasonable girl.”
“That’s it?” I ask him.
“What do you want me to say?”
“I-I don’t know. I guess I didn’t expect you to be this chill about it.”
“You do a shit job of hiding it,” he tells me.
“What?”
He laughs a deep belly laugh. “Both of you are shit at hiding it. I’ll tell her the same thing. Respect each other. If either of you is not feeling it, be honest, be respectful. That’s all I ask.”
“That was easier than I thought it was going to be.”
“It helps that I’ve watched you watching her for the last year. I’ve also noticed you don’t take anyone home anymore, or go home with them either.”