Two Hotties Next Door

“How long have you known?” Brett asked.

“Hey, before we get into the whole, ‘how long have you known,’ why don’t we figure out your feelings as well? I’m not stupid, buddy. I know you ask this shit for a reason. Let’s have it out.”

They had never fought over a girl.

“I love her as well.”

“So we both love her. We’re both having fun. What’s the big deal?”

“I want the whole thing. Kids, family, a wife.”

“Wow, so you want me out of the picture?” Ace asked.

“No, I don’t.”

“This is kind of confusing me here. You want me to leave or what?”

“No, I don’t want you to leave. I’m telling you exactly what I’m hoping to get. That I love her and that I want to one day start a family.”

“But?”

“I see you as part of that family. Don’t you think about it? The three of us together. Having a family, being fucking happy.”

Brett couldn’t deny that it was something he thought about a whole lot, no matter the time or day. He’d watch Meredith and Ace playing around in the yard, and he always saw a couple of kids dancing around their feet, laughing, joking, having fun.

“I haven’t really thought about that, you know.”

“I know. I just thought you should be aware of what I want is all.” He slapped his friend on the back.

“You’re going to have to tell her.”

Brett sighed. “Do you really see her as the settling down kind of girl?”

“I see Meredith as the kind of girl that doesn’t get told what to do. She does what she wants, and no one will be telling her any differently. It’s the way she has always been. Neither you or I will change that.”

They’d never spoken about family or what they’d do for one, or how it would be.

Rubbing the back of his head, he left the gym and made his way toward the shower in the private men’s changing room.

Removing his clothes, he stepped under the cool spray, closing his eyes, and trying to think of something, anything that could possibly take his mind off what was going on in his world.

Everything was so fucked up right now, and he was not in a good place.

A family. A future. He’d never wanted anything like that. In fact, he would normally ditch anyone who started talking about that shit. What was it about Meredith that made him even consider something that he normally hated?

His cock hardened as he imagined her in the bikini she loved to wear, her red hair bound up, curves on display, only this time her stomach was full, rounded with their child. He didn’t even care if it was his or Ace’s, just that it was one of theirs. Her ink, which she still hadn’t finished because it had to be right. So much to adore and to love. There wasn’t a single part of her didn’t enjoy. Her laughter always made him smile.

Listening to her tell the worst jokes always made him laugh. Sitting and watching chick flicks even though he hated them, he did so just to be close to her. She’d either rest against him or Ace, with her feet across the other.

They were the inspiration for her art.

He even liked Will, as he’d met him a couple of times now.

“Get a grip, Brett. Don’t ruin this.”

Either way, he’d have to tell her soon. The only problem he had then was how she’d take the news once he did.

Chapter Eight

The following Saturday

“Are you on a diet?” Meredith asked.

“No, why not?”

“You’re twirling your pasta and not eating it. It’s kind of rude not to eat the food they served you. Just a little hint there.”

“Right, of course.” Ace continued to twirl the pasta.

It was their date night, and since Brett’s revelation, Ace couldn’t get the idea of them all living as a happy family out of his head. Thanks, Brett.

Meredith, as usual, looked stunning. Tonight, she’d gone more formal than he was used to. Her red hair fell in ringlets around her body, and she wore a simple black dress. Red, shiny heels finished off the outfit. There was not much in the way of a splash of color.

He loved to take her out for their dates rather than stay in. There wasn’t a single decent movie playing in the theater, so he’d opted to come here, to the Italian restaurant as he was getting a little tired of Chinese food.

“Ace, something is going on. Please tell me.”

“How was your day today?” he asked.

She took a deep breath, her lips pressing together. He knew she hated when he kept things from her, but right now wasn’t the time to start spilling his guts, not yet anyway.

“It was good. I’ve got a few more paintings to complete, and once they’re done, Will thinks we can start to pull in some prospective buyers.”