"Of course I'll answer honestly."
I took a deep breath, fidgeting with the cookie package. "Do you think Dan would be mad?"
"Mad? Because of you and Brian?" she asked.
"Sorta. More because I fell in love with his brother. I keep thinking I should feel guilty now that I've told Brian I love him, but the guilt hasn't come. I'm wondering if I somehow misconstrued things in my head so I wouldn't feel bad when I really should."
"Kat, I knew Dan, and I can honestly say he would be happy for both of you. Dan loved his brother a lot and he loved you. I like to believe that somewhere Dan is smiling because the two of you are happy. He hated when you were sad, and I think he would be pleased his brother is responsible for making you happy."
"I am happy," I said, sinking back on the couch in relief. "I never thought I'd be happy like this again. I loved Dan with all my heart, but Brian challenges me in a way that makes me feel like he's a better fit for me. He's not afraid to go after want he wants, and he's a born leader. Though he tends to be a little bossy."
Mac nodded. "He sure is. I think if he would have been a year older and with our group the whole time he would have been our leader all along. Zach always did it because he felt it was expected of him, but he never really enjoyed it. I think Brian would have thrived in the role."
"So do I."
"I better head out. Bentley threatened to take a taxi home if I'm not at the hospital by noon. I want to get there a little early in case he decides to check himself out early, which I wouldn't put past him. You're still coming to his welcome home party tomorrow night, right?"
"We wouldn't miss it. I'm supposed to help Zach move the last of his stuff into my old apartment."
"It was really cool of you to give up your bottom floor apartment for him."
I shrugged. The decision had been a no-brainer once Zach had decided to attend UCF with us. Our complex only had one apartment left, but it was on the second floor. I convinced Zach he could have my bottom floor apartment and I would take the empty unit on the second floor. Ironically, my new apartment was in Brian's building and exactly two doors down from his own apartment, which made for an interesting dynamic. Dad had balked at first, but Mom had intervened and smoothed the waters as she'd been doing my whole life. "It really wasn't a big deal. All the guys Brian rounded up made the move virtually painless. Call me after you get Bentley home."
"I will. I might need you to rescue me with wine if he gets too grouchy."
"I think he'll just be glad to be home. If all else fails you can give him a sponge bath," I teased.
"Oh, that's already on the agenda." She smirked as she headed out.
I smiled as I stood up to put the package of cookies away. Turned out adulting did have its perks.
I was still smiling when my front door opened again a few seconds later while I was in the kitchen.
"Hey, babe," I greeted Brian, trying not to notice how his shorts sat low on his hips or how well his shirt molded to his body.
"I'll take some of those," Brian said, joining me in the kitchen with his hair still wet from the shower he'd taken after practice. His frame dwarfed my small kitchen, making the already tiny space feel even smaller. I'd grown accustomed to his athletic build and couldn't imagine why I'd ever thought I was attracted to slighter frames. Everything about his build screamed manly man. His body was lean and hard in all the right places and currently belonged to me, which I was extremely thankful for.
"What? You mean you want one of my Oreos?" I taunted, shaking the almost empty package before opening it.
"I'll buy you another pack. Please," he begged, flashing puppy-dog eyes my way. "Or maybe I can work them out in trade," he enticed, strolling toward me.
"Really? It might take a lot. My Oreos are a hot commodity." I plunked one in my mouth for emphasis.
"Don't I know it," he said with a glint in his eyes.
I smirked, knowing we were no longer talking about Oreos. His eyes moved to my mouth as his hands closed around my waist. "Oops," I whispered. "I think that was my last one."
His eyes narrowed for a moment before burning with a desire I recognized. "That's okay," he said, running a tongue across my bottom lip, making me shiver. "I think I'm in the mood for something else." He tugged me closer so our bodies were flush. He towered over me but his body fit easily around mine as he leaned down so our faces were inches apart.
"Really?" I asked breathlessly as his lips hovered over my mouth.
"Yes," he said, sliding his hands down to cup my bottom. He tugged me into his arms so I was forced to wrap my legs around his waist.
"I could whip you up a sandwich," I teased, shifting in his arms.
His eyes darkened at the movement. "Nope, I don't want a sandwich either." He dragged his lips across my cheek and carried me from the kitchen.
"What do you want?" I asked, unable to keep playing the game.