A Sticky Situation (Awkward Love 7)

“I can always count on you,” I say.

“Thanks Mr. Wilson,” He beams at me. “Your appreciation means a lot.”

I don’t doubt that, because his face has lit up, like my words have made his day. Whistling to myself, I walk back over to Hannah, who’s watching me intently. The look in her eyes a mixture of admiration, anger and desire and it makes me wish we weren’t in a public place.

“That seemed easy,” she mutters, glancing sideways at me. “You look like you’ve done that before.”

“Once or twice,” I admit with a chuckle. “I stood in at an awards ceremony for him once.”

“No way,” she gasps.

We step into the elevator, the tension between us growing bigger by the second. I look at her as she steps closer to me, the look in her eyes conflicted. Her fingers edge dangerously closer to my zipper. I stare down at her, my cock hardening at the thought of those delicate hands curling around it.

“I thought you were angry at me,” I murmur.

“I am.”

Her fingers rest on my zipper, as her mouth inches toward mine. We’re almost kissing when the doors spring back open. Hannah jumps back as a woman steps in to join us. I clear my throat and adjust the collar of my shirt, suddenly feeling very hot and a whole lot harder. The woman smiles at me, then she looks at Hannah and frowns, before turning her smile back on for me.

“I haven’t seen you around here in a while,” she purrs, twisting her body in such a way that blocks Hannah out completely. I sneak a look at Hannah and swallow a laugh, because I’m pretty sure I see steam shooting out of her ears.

“Yeah, been busy recording the album, and then I have this rehab …”

I rub my jaw, ignoring Hannah’s snort as I completely talk out of my ass.

It seems to be working, though.

“Okay, well I’m glad you’re doing so well.” She smiles again, stepping so close to me I’m almost wearing her. “Let me know if you want to hang out. I told you I’m fine with you using me for photo ops, kay”

“Great. I’ll call you,” I nod as she exits on level two.

“What a bitch,” Hannah rants as soon as the doors close. “Did you see the way she acted like I didn’t even exist?” she rages. “And what the heck are photo ops for anyway?”

“Using someone to appear a certain way to the public,” I explain, distracted by my thoughts.

Was Brix planning on using that woman to dispel any rumors about him being gay? Maybe all his relationships were the same. He sought out women, who in return for status or money, didn’t mind being used.

We exit on the top floor and cross the hallway to Brix’s apartment door. It’s the only one on the whole level, so there’s no chance in getting it wrong. I knock, just in case he’s hiding in there, but I’m not surprised when there’s no answer. Unlocking the door, I hold it open for Hannah, and then I follow her in. The tension from earlier is still obviously there, but I can’t help feeling the moment has passed.

“I’m confused.” Hannah frowns at me. “Does Brix live here, or the other apartment?” Hannah asks. “What’s the point in having two places?”

“I think the other one is useful because it’s near the studio, but this is the one where he writes most of his music.” I look around in awe, because this is the first time I’ve been in this place. “I’m pretty sure I could squeeze my apartment into this front room,” I mutter.

“And there’s no jealousy there at all, is there?” Hannah teases.

“None,” I assure her with a grin. “I’d show you around, but I’d probably get us lost. This is the first time I’ve been here,” I explain, when she looks surprised.

“You two see that little of each other?”

“Every six months, like clockwork,” I say. “That’s usually when he gets himself into some deep shit.”

“And you always help him?” Hannah’s brows crease. “That’s kind of sad. Not that you help him, that you don’t seem him more. Especially after what you said about your parents … that really happened, right?”

“Yes, that was all true,” I assure her. “And you’re right, it is sad, because he’s my only family. But I got sick of trying. You’d understand that, from what you’ve told me about your sister?” I ask.

She nods. “Sure, but even with all our differences, we’re still in each other’s lives. She’s still my sister. I still love her.” She looks around again. “So, what now? Were you hoping to find him here?”

“I guess not,” I admit. My gaze falls on the staircase. “I’ll check upstairs, anyway. Just in case,” I announce. “With any luck, he’ll be passed out in his bed, and we can all go back to our lives.”