If I Told You (15 page)

“I live here.”

She laughs. “I know. I just thought it would be later.”

“Surprise.”

Brooklyn shakes her head, turning the music down. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough.”

“Awesome.” She laughs. “How was your day?”

“Good. Got a lot shit done. I’m gonna take a shower then we can eat?”

“Perfect.”

Like your ass, I want to tell her. Oh, and those perky tits staring me in the face. Her erect nipples press against the fabric of her tank, making me want to tear it off. Brooklyn is the hottest chick in New York, and I can’t touch her.

“Something on your mind?” she asks, tilting her head.

“Nope. Be out soon.”

“Okay.”

Forcing myself to walk away, my mind drifts back to my interaction with Rhys earlier. Is she thinking the same things I am? Or maybe, it was just an innocent slip-up. That’s what I need to convince myself to avoid doing the things I want to do to her.

In my room, I strip off my clothes and hop in the shower, fisting my engorged cock until I reach the relief I need. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve jacked myself off fantasizing about her body. That lucky bastard Rhys has touched her, kissed her, tasted her. I look down at my still hard dick and shake my head. I gotta get my head right. Bracing myself, I twist the handle until I’m sprayed with freezing cold water. Ah, fuck.

After pulling my hair out of the bun it’s in, I run my fingers through it, maintaining the waviness created by the previous hairstyle. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I smile at the woman looking back at me. My new workout regime has succeeded in tightening my abs. I can see new muscle definition in my biceps. I look strong, but still soft and feminine. As I run my hand down my flat tummy, my smile fades. I wish I had more to offer than just my looks. Actually, that isn’t true. I know I do. What I really wish is that I was brave enough to show myself to someone. Brave enough to let a man get to know me, and maybe take a chance on having a real relationship. I know what Rhys wants. The same thing they all want.

“You want sausage?” Flynn calls out to me from the living room.

Looking back at the doorway, I call back. “Yes, please.” Smiling, I apply some lip gloss and start to walk out to meet Flynn for dinner. He’s the only person that knows me, understands me, and accepts me as I am. Maybe what I should wish for is enough bravery to admit what I really think about him. I should wish for enough bravery to admit it to myself. I know I won’t though. There’s not enough bravery in the world. There’s just too much at stake. It’s so rare to find a friend like the one I have in Flynn. Crossing the line is too risky.

Entering the living room, I see him filling two glasses with beer. He looks up at me and flashes that sexy smile that melts the hearts and panties of women everywhere. He has to be the best looking man I’ve ever met, even more so than Rhys, and that’s saying something.

Women would pay to be in my position. How many times have I seen his half naked muscular body, laid on his chest while watching scary movies, cuddled in bed during a thunderstorm? I get homemade chicken soup when I’m sick and killer foot rubs after a tough workout. Flynn would be an awesome boyfriend, but he won’t let anyone in. No emotions, just sex. We’re the same that way. Funny, but my heart is filled with all kinds of emotions for him. Maybe that’s why the idea of sex with him has always scared the shit out of me.

“Hey, gorgeous,” Flynn says, handing me a beer. “Pizza’s on its way.”

“Great.” I plop down next to him, take the beer, and sip the froth off the top. “Mmm, good.”

“Yeah, it really is.” He takes a drink of his and glances at me. I catch his eyes roaming over my body, something I admit to enjoying. I could be more modest around the house, but why should I? This is how I would dress if I lived alone.

“I’ve been thinking about getting a new tattoo,” Flynn announces.

“Oh yeah? What do you want?”

“Not sure yet, but I was thinking something to honor my Scottish heritage. Maybe the flag or something.” He points to a blank space on his upper arm while I envision him once again in a kilt. Damn. “I want something here.”

“Yeah, that’s a good spot.”

“Want to come with?”

“Of course.”

“Good, you can hold my hand. You know how wimpy I get.”

I laugh. “Yeah, it’s the only time you are.”

“Shit hurts.” We look up when we hear the intercom beep. “I’ll get it.”

“I’ll get plates and napkins.” I jump off the couch and head into our kitchen, deciding to grab the Patron off the top of the fridge. I think a few shots would take the edge off. I can’t stop thinking of a naked Flynn, and that’s not good.

Back in the living room, Flynn opens the pizza box as I set out the plates.

“Patron?” he asks, eyeing the bottle.

“Just a couple of shots.”

“Sounds good to me.”

I open the bottle and take a long swig of it, handing it to Flynn as it burns through my insides. He takes a drink, shaking his head, and laughing.

“Damn, that shit is good, but it burns.”

“Right?” Taking my plate, I lift a slice of pizza, blow on it, and take a bite. “Mmm, so good.”

“Yeah, I love this place.” He smiles, taking a sip of his beer. “So, you and Rhys. You gonna keep seeing him?”

“I think so.”

“You like him?”

“Enough. He’s nice and funny. I’m attracted to him.”

“That’s cool.”

“Yeah. What about you? Any prospects?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Hey, you never gave me Jill’s number.”

“Oh, yeah. I forgot.”

“I don’t need it right now anyway. With things picking up at the restaurant, I need to be all in there.”

“True.” I smile. “It’s exciting, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, for sure. Rhys was a blessing.”

“A well deserved one.” I lift the bottle of Patron. “Here’s to our dreams coming true.” I take another shot, then hand Flynn the bottle and he does the same.

“To dreams coming true,” he says.

I take another bite of pizza as Flynn turns on the TV and surfs through some channels. The effects of the shots settle over me, warming me from the inside out. Especially the spot between my legs. What I wouldn’t give…

“What?” Flynn asks.

“Nothing. What?”

“Uh, you’re staring at my crotch.”

I laugh. “Oh, my bad. I was just, uh, nothing.”

Grinning, Flynn leans close, moving my hair off my shoulder. “Patron shots starting to hit?”

I nod. “Yeah, and I’m horny as fuck.”

“Maybe you should call Rhys. I’m sure he’d help out.”

“I don’t want to call Rhys.” Leaning forward, I kiss Flynn’s lips.

“You shouldn’t do that shit, Brooks. Don’t taunt me.”

“Why? What will you do?”

“You want to find out?”

“Maybe.”

He shakes his head. “Finish eating.”

“K.” I eat another slice of pizza, watching Flynn as he watches me. It might be the alcohol, but there’s a ton of sexual energy between us. I can feel it. I pick up the bottle again and take another swig, then wash it back with my beer. If something happens I could always blame it on alcohol.

The show on TV gets my attention when one of my favorite songs comes on. I pop up and start swaying my hips while Flynn lays back on the couch, watching me.

“You ever have a lap dance?” I ask.

“A few times.”

“Not by me.”

“Nope.”

I turn around, wiggling my ass in his face and flipping my hair around. “Want one?”

“It’s probably not a good idea.”

“But you like watching me dance.”

I continue dancing, moving between his legs. Lowering down, I run my hands over his rock hard thighs, recalling all the moves I learned from our pole fitness class. Then turning around, I rub my ass against his crotch, feeling his cock harden as I do.

“Brooks,” he whispers. “Stop.”

Twisting around, I play with the straps on my tank, pulling them down just enough to tease him. The look on his face is divine, like he’s gonna throw me down any second.
Do it. We’ll deal with it later.
Climbing onto his lap, I press into his hips, wrapping my arms around his neck. He doesn’t move, but his eyes do, focusing on my chest.

“Want to see them?”

He nods, without saying a word, so I pull my tank down just enough to expose the tops. Suddenly, Flynn lifts me off his lap and puts me down beside him.

“That’s enough, Brooks.”

I pop my bottom lip in a pout. “You sure?”

“You’re drunk.”

I nod. “I know what I’m doing.”

He grabs my chin, pulling my face close to his. “If we ever do it, it won’t be like this. You understand me?”

I nod. “Yeah.” Lunging at him, I pull him into a hug. “I love you so much, Flynn. You know that right? You mean everything to me.”

“I know, baby. I know.”

The next time my eyes open, it’s morning, and Flynn is beside me sound asleep. I look down to see I still have clothes on. Last night’s shenanigans come back to me and instead of being embarrassed, I smile. Flynn could’ve taken advantage but he didn’t. He respected me. I climb out of bed and head into the bathroom to freshen up, then pad out to the kitchen to start the coffee. After it brews, I pour two cups then bring them into my bedroom.

Setting them down on the nightstand, I brush my fingers over Flynn’s cheek. “Hey.”

He opens his eyes slowly, then smiles. “Hey.”

“I brought coffee.”

“Awesome.” He sits up slightly and takes the cup I give him, sipping some of the hot liquid. “Mmm.”

Sitting beside him, I sip mine, too. “Thanks for staying with me.”

“No problem. You drank a lot in a short time and ended up throwing up.”

“Shit. Seriously?”

“Yeah. I got you to the bathroom in time. I stayed to make sure you were okay.”

“I appreciate that.” I sip my coffee again. “About last night…”

“No worries, babe. It was the Patron.”

“Yeah, but, thanks for not taking advantage. You could’ve.”