by Gen Ryan
“The swim meet went well?” Melanie asked from the kitchen where she was grabbing us some beers.
“Yep. Colton showed up again.” She came into the living room and handed me a beer, taking a swig of hers as she sat down on the couch next to me.
“Seriously? That’s convenient,” Melanie said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.
“His niece is on the team, remember?” I took long gulps of my beer. I hoped that maybe he’d come for other reasons. That he’d known he’d get to see me. But that’d be presumptuous of me, since we’d only gone on one lunch date.
“Right,” Melanie said with a laugh. “And he got to stare at you all night in your cute swim trunks. They do wonders for your ass, by the way.” She grinned.
“Really?” I stood up and tried to look at my ass. Melanie giggled.
“Sit down, crazy. You know you’re ubersexy, and Colton thinks so too. So why did you call this emergency beerfest?” she asked, placing her beer on the coffee table.
“I almost mentioned Taylor tonight.” I sighed. “To Colton.” Melanie sat back farther on the couch. She didn’t say anything, letting me take my time finding the words. “Olivia was the fastest swimmer in her heat and blew the rest of the girls out of the water. Colton gave me a hug.” Melanie’s eyes got wider. “Then I mentioned how great Olivia was and how she reminded of….” I threw up my arms. “Then I stopped. I couldn’t even say her name to him. I thought I was getting better.”
Melanie leaned closer to me, putting her arm around my shoulder.
“You are, Brad. You couldn’t even think about Taylor before without bursting into tears, or think of swimming, remember? You’re healing. Just the simple fact that you almost mentioned her to Colton proves that.” Maybe she was right. I was too busy focusing on the fact that I hadn’t said her name to see all I’d accomplished. “What I want to talk about is how Colton seems to make you so comfortable that you wanted to mention Taylor. That’s huge.” She gave me a squeeze before letting me go.
“It is.” I smiled. I didn’t know Colton well, but something about him made me comfortable. Brought me ease when my mind got the better of me. Colton was helping me heal and he didn’t even know it.
“You’ll see that all of this—you meeting Colton, Abby, Olivia, moving here to Rhode Island—are just part of the bigger plan.”
“What’s the bigger plan?” I asked, taking another sip of my beer.
“Your happiness and future,” Melanie said. God, I loved this woman. Since middle school she’d been my strength. Held me up when all I wanted to do was fall. I looked at her. Really looked at her. There was a sadness in her eyes. I wondered if she gave me all her strength and forgot to save some for herself. I hoped one day, when she needed me, I’d be there for her. Not to repay the favor but to show her what I’d seen in her all along, a fierce woman who was a fucking fighter and an amazing friend.
I leaned in and kissed Melanie’s cheek. “You’re a godsend, Melanie. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
Melanie grunted. “Just remember that when it’s time to pick the maid of honor at your wedding. I call dibs.”
We laughed, drank way too much beer, and passed out to old reruns of Jersey Shore. There was nothing like friendship to bring me back to reality and put things into perspective. Oh, and Snooki, because watching Snooki and all the cast of Jersey Shore always made me realize how simple my life really was. And simple was okay with me.
11
___________
COLTON
I glanced at myself in the mirror for the third time. Laughter traveled through the house accompanied by the murmur of voices. I didn’t know why I was so nervous. Maybe it was because this was the first person I’d been interested in since Ben. Maybe because he was going to meet my sister. Over anyone else, her opinion mattered to me the most. More than any of those things, I was wondering why I decided to wear a damn Hawaiian shirt.
I opened the bathroom door and my sister, Abby, stood there with her arms full of food as she struggled to get by to make it to the sliding doors that led to her backyard.
“Help, please?” she asked. I took a bowl of potato salad from her hands.
“You all right?” she asked as she narrowed her eyes. Those eyes. The all-knowing and judging eyes. I was caught.
“Just a bit nervous.” I walked ahead to avoid having an actual conversation.
“Colton Matthew James, get your ass back here!” Abby yelled. Lee opened the screen door and took the potato salad from me. He motioned for me to turn around, and gave me a big smile. I had no choice.
“I haven’t been 100 percent honest with you.” Abby put down the rest of the food and wiped her hands on some paper towels.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“So, I know Brad already.” She turned her back to me and stirred something in a pot on the stove. She’d opened her mouth to explain further when Lee came in with Brad in tow.
“Abby?” He looked between us, a confused expression on his face.
“Hey, Brad.” She hugged him.
“You’re Colton’s sister?” His face got red.
“I didn’t know. She was just telling me she knew you.” I held up my hands in defeat. I didn’t want him to think I was hiding anything from him.
His redness died down and he nodded.
“Guys, relax,” Abby said. “I didn’t intend for this to happen.” She motioned between us. “But it’s so perfect, even an esteemed psychologist such as myself couldn’t have planned it better.” She smiled. Well, at least she hadn’t planned it.
“Wait, how do you know Brad?” My gaze drifted between Brad and Abby as they glanced at each other.
“Your sister was recommended to me. She’s helped me through a few things.”
So Brad was her patient? I wondered what he saw her for. Abby looked awkwardly between us, opening her mouth to explain further.
“It’s okay, Abby.” Brad put up his hand to stop her from continuing. “I’m actually kind of relieved that you’re his sister.” Brad smiled at me. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to be up against today.”
Abby grinned. “Fate!” she whispered. “And you already know Olivia and she loves you, so you’re practically part of the family already.”
I went stiff. She’d never said that to Ben, even after years of dating. Across the kitchen, Brad relaxed, leaning his long body against the counter as he chatted with Lee and Abby. He did fit right in. Something about it seemed so right.
I walked away and Lee excused himself. We headed out to man the grill.
“You okay with that?” He motioned inside to where Abby and Brad were talking.
“Actually, I think it’s cool. Just wish she’d told me beforehand. That’s all.”
Lee took a swig of his beer and turned the burgers.
“Abby has her own agenda and reasoning for stuff. I don’t even know why she does half the shit she does.”
I looked back inside. A few other friends of Abby’s had gathered around her and Brad. Everyone seemed to be laughing and having fun. I agreed with Lee. No one could figure out her agenda, but even if it seemed obscure, it always made sense somehow. With Brad there, it all seemed so perfect.
***
As things started to die down and people dispersed for the evening, Brad and I stayed behind to help Abby and Lee pick up. We hadn’t had any time to ourselves, so the quiet was welcome.
“Abby went to put Olivia to bed,” I said as I grabbed some paper plates from the table and tossed them into the bag Brad was holding.
“Yeah.” His eyes met mine. “This was great, Colton. I almost forgot what it was like to be surrounded by family and friends. I needed this.” There was a sadness in his voice that tugged at my heart. This was his burden. The weight he said at lunch the other day that he carried with him. I could only guess that was why he was seeing my sister, to work through whatever had happened to him. I wanted him to open up to me—when he was ready, of cou
rse. Even though I’d just met him, I found myself wanting to know everything about him.
“What’s your favorite color, Brad?” He let out a small laugh.
“I thought you said those questions were silly to ask.” He raised his eyebrow as he wagged an index finger at me. I wasn’t in the mood for flirting. Every nerve in my body was standing on end, needing to be stroked. The moon had settled in the sky, the lantern-like lamps illuminating the backyard. Brad’s bright blue eyes were all I could see.
“I did, but I changed my mind.”
Brad bit his lip as he stared at me. I wanted to know what they would feel like against mine. To bite and tug on his lip until it was numb with pleasure. Brad must have known what I was thinking because he dropped the bag of trash and breathed in deeply. I leaned forward until our faces were inches apart. My eyes were still open but Brad closed his, anticipating the moment. I placed my hands on the tops of his biceps, his toned arms under my palms. Tilting my head to the side, I gently brushed my lips against his. Brad moaned and leaned in closer, so our lips were pressed as tight together as they could possibly be. His tongue slipped into my mouth, swirling circles of bliss traveling all the way to my core. My hand braced the back of his head, keeping him firmly in place as our tongues explored each other. Everything about this was perfection. The moonlight, the sensations that pulsed through me, and the sweet sounds that escaped from Brad.
“Ahem.” Reluctantly we parted at the sound of Abby clearing her throat. “Hate to break up this make-out session, but work called. They need you.” She shoved my cell phone at me. “I saw their number pop up so I answered it.”
I sighed.
“I’m sorry. I’ve got to go.” Brad’s lips were swollen from the kisses we’d just shared. My dick was rock solid, and I wondered how I was going to get through whatever work needed me for with my current case of epic blue balls.
“It’s fine. I understand.” Brad picked the bag back up and continued shoving trash inside. The look of disappointment on his face made me uneasy. I thought of Ben, all the times I’d left him alone to go to work. How the loneliness and my love for the job over him was what caused our relationship to fall apart. I hadn’t noticed the signs, but every shift of Brad’s face brought me back to that day. I didn’t want any of that to happen again. Brad and I were far from the comfort that Ben and I’d had, but the passion and chemistry were unlike anything else. I didn’t want Brad to get discouraged before we were able to explore whatever there was between us.
“I’m not sure when I’m going to get done with work but I’d like to see you after. If that’s okay?” I took a breath. “This”—I trailed my thumb over his bottom lip—“is far from over.”
“I’m, um, going to wash something,” Abby murmured. A slight blush crept on my cheeks upon realizing my sister was still there. Abby waved as she scurried away.
“I’d like that.” Brad smiled and my unease disappeared. I just had to be more attentive. Try to find balance between work and relationships. “I’ll text you my address,” Brad said. I leaned in again and placed a quick kiss to his lips.
Normally I’d be thankful for work to keep me busy, but as I drove away, all I could think about was how badly I wanted to get back to Brad. If sex with him was anything like the kiss we’d just shared, I was in for a hell of a ride. The hard-on in my pants was ready. I was ready. I just hoped Brad was prepared. Because I liked it rough, and I didn’t intend to hold back.
12
___________
BRAD
I frantically ran around my apartment, trying to make it presentable for company. I didn’t live like a slob but other than Melanie, I never had anyone over. Melanie and I were so comfortable with each other that a few stray dishes didn’t bother her. It’d be Colton’s first time seeing my place, and I didn’t want him to think I was a damn slob.
My cell phone buzzed. I smiled as Melanie’s name showed across the screen.
“Hey,” I answered as I folded a blanket across my couch.
“Okay! I want every juicy detail!” She was munching on something. I rolled my eyes and couldn’t help but smile.
“Well, I don’t want to kiss and tell, but….” I paused for dramatic effect. Melanie loved this stuff.
“God, don’t make me wait anymore. I have to live vicariously through you and your love life. I’ve become a crazy cat lady. Minus the cats.” She sighed.
“It was hot. Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. He’s all take charge and whatnot, but when his lips hit mine I lost all train of thought.” I trailed my fingers over my lips, remembering the kiss. “Get this. Abby is his sister.”
“Shut up!” Melanie said. I heard her drop something. “She set you guys up, didn’t she?” I could hear the smile through the phone. “She’s good. She’s really good,” Melanie mumbled.
“I guess so. I didn’t mind though. It made meeting his family easier.”
“I bet. Does he have any brothers?” Melanie asked.
“Just Abby, sorry.” I ran into my bedroom and made the bed, just in case. Well, definitely in case. I mean, who comes over after 10:00 p.m. to just talk?
“Damn. My vagina’s going to turn to dust before it sees any action. My last boyfriend was what, two years ago? And he was more of a toothache than anything else.”
I laughed. “You could just find someone.”
Melanie grunted. “You know that’s not my style.”
“I know. I just hate seeing you like this.” I sighed.
“And I hated seeing you like this, and now look. Dating again and spreading your wings.” I caught a hint of sadness in her voice and it concerned me. Since we were young, Melanie and I shared everything. Not just what was going on in our love lives but our hopes and dreams, our deepest secrets. I was always going to be a pro-surfer and Melanie, she said finding happiness was what she wanted most. Although she was beautiful and turned heads, there was a complexity about her that took many men off guard. She was funny and could be a bit vulgar at times, but it all was a mask she wore. I knew the real her. The one who didn’t know her worth and thought love was never going to happen for her. And after Max, she shut down even more because it was another failure in the love department. With me now finding someone, I wondered if it’d send her over the edge and I’d lose her. The one best friend who stuck through my darkest times—through losing Taylor—who helped me settle in a new town. She was even there when I came out to my parents and they’d laughed and told me they’d known when I was six. Melanie was family.
“Are you okay? Colton is stopping by but you should come over. We can talk and drink copious amounts of wine. I even have some chocolate cake here.” Even though I had my own stuff going on, I wanted to be there for her, whenever I could.
Melanie sighed. “No way, Brad. I won’t let you get wrapped up in my pity party. Sorry, but nope. It’s a party for one tonight.” She paused. “And maybe I’ll power up Bob. He’s never let me down.”
I groaned at the thought of Melanie and her battery-operated boyfriend. “TMI, babe.” I laughed.
“All right, go finish cleaning because I know that’s what you’re doing.” She paused. “I love you, Brad. You know that? I’m proud of all the progress you’re making.”
“Love you too. Thank you for helping me through it all.” Melanie had helped me through so much over the years. I didn’t know where’d I’d be without her. I sat down on my couch and looked around, pleased with the state of my apartment.
I dozed off and woke up to banging on my door. I glanced at the clock. 1:00 a.m. I stumbled over, half asleep, and unlatched the door. When I opened it, I was faced with a disheveled Colton. His face was dripping with sweat, his Hawaiian shirt torn and dirty. But that wasn’t what alarmed me the most. It was his face. It was riddled with pain, and I found myself looking over his body to see if he was hurt.
“What’s wrong?” I held open the door and let him come inside. He shook his head as I shut my door and locked it.
“I got the call, as you know.” I nodded, grateful that he’d decided to share with me what happened. “Well, it was a major drug bust. Someone we’ve been tracking for a few months. So it was all hands on deck.” He paced the floor. “Chief put me in charge. I’m vying for the lieutenant spot so I was happy to oblige.”
“You can sit.” I waved to the couch.
“I’m gross.” He motioned at his body. He may have been covered in sweat and, as I looked closer, blood, but I didn’t care. I wanted him to be comfortable.
“We were ambushed. Fuck if I know how they knew we were there. We were severely outnumbered and....” He started pacing. “I called for backup and Biggs said he was around the corner and he was coming but motherfucker, it took him and his team forever.” He stopped and looked at me. “The chief even came yelling at Biggs and wondering where the hell he was. It didn’t matter though. I feel like an idiot who managed to let someone get shot. One of our own.” Colton must have noticed the baffled look on my face.
“Sorry,” he mumbled. “Biggs is my competition. We’re the same on paper. Both equally deserving of the promotion, so the chief is keeping an eye on us. I’d say I was a lead for the position since he asked me to head up the raid, but now....” His voice trailed off. “I’m an asshole for being concerned about my damn promotion when Bryant is laid up in the hospital waiting for surgery.”