Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 31942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 160(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 160(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
The timer in the kitchen beeps and she startles in my arms. I tighten my hold on her hips, loving the way she feels against me. If I had my way, we’d sit together like this for the rest of time. “It’s just the pot roast. I got you.”
Her stomach growls, and she gives me an embarrassed grin. “I could go for some food.”
“Wash up and I’ll get it on the table,” I tell her before I press a gentle kiss to her forehead. When this is over, I’m giving Elliott a call and telling him to come back stateside. His sister will need our long-term support.
I should have seen that. I shouldn’t have been so focused on myself and how I need her gone. Even if being around her cuts me open every damn day for the rest of my life, I’ll be there as she walks the journey toward healing.
Charlie
I thought things between us would be awkward after my earlier panic attack, but it hasn’t been. I came back into the kitchen after washing up to find the shattered ceramic had been swept away and dinner was on the table.
Brody acted completely normal through dinner. We discussed what he and his friends plan to do with the ranch. He told me that Elliott didn’t buy a portion of the land because he’s not ready to settle down quite yet. I don’t know if I could ever see my brother settling down. He likes moving from place to place. That’s part of the reason that the Army is good for him.
When we’re done with the food, I gather the dishes and start washing. I watch as he pulls the brownies from the oven. They smell so chocolatey but that’s not the only temptation around tonight.
Brody’s ass is nice and tight as he bends over. The feeling of his strong thighs tonight comes back to me. There was nothing sexual earlier but now I kind of wish there had been. I wonder what it would feel like to straddle his lap and press kisses to his throat. We’re not a couple, and we never will be.
“My eyes are up here.” His voice is gruff but when I drag my gaze up, there’s a teasing expression on his face. I’m not used to this side of Brody. I’ve seen many sides but never a flirty one.
“Can you blame me? It’s a great ass,” I tease back, wondering what shifted between us and how long it’ll be before he retreats into his normal aloof behavior.
“I’m more than a pretty face and a great ass.” He fake pouts and comes to stand beside me. He reaches for the dish towel and dries the plate I hand him. He’s standing so close I can feel the heat radiating from his body and smell his spicy shower gel. I want to lick every inch of his skin and commit it all to memory.
“Brody?” My voice comes out husky and filled with pent-up need. Maybe this is what I need tonight, a quick release with a man I trust. I know that whatever happens, I can count on him to take care of me.
“Yeah, lamb?” I wonder if he knows that his voice always drops a note when he calls me lamb. Like we’re already alone together in his bed.
“I’ll still respect you in the morning.” It was meant to be a teasing statement. I meant to keep my tone light and airy. But I can’t anymore. Because this is Brody and I’ve wanted him since I was old enough to know what it is that boys and girls do with each other.
He freezes, his strong biceps tensed from the way he’s holding that plate so tightly in his big hands. I’m surprised it hasn’t shattered under the force of his grip. I shouldn’t be jealous of a damn plate but I am. I want his hands all over me.
After a long moment when I’m about to tell him that it was a joke, he sets the plate down. He puts a hand on my chin, his touch is gentle as he turns my face up so he can look into my eyes. “I won’t be your morning after regret.”
My heart beats fast as I realize that he’s not rejecting me out right. He’s considering this. My brother’s best friend might actually have sex with me. But first he needs to know I’m completely serious.
I reach for the hem of the tank and yank it open and over my head in one quick motion. I don’t want to give either of us time to overthink this.
“I want this,” I tell him when I’m standing there in nothing but that lacy red bra that Sierra loaned me. I’m bigger than her so I had to squish myself into it and now my full breasts are spilling over the tops of the cups.