by K E Osborn
“You’re no fun,” he whispers into my ear.
I turn to face him. “Oh, really?” I question, then move my lips to his, kissing him passionately.
Pulling me in close, his hands move to my ass, and my fingers grip his hair tightly. We kiss so feverishly, my clit starts throbbing as we get lost, panting and grinding against each other. The moments slip by. I don’t even know how long passes as I get lost in Aiden, when someone clears their throat, forcing us to dramatically break apart. I turn to see Chris standing in his boxers without a shirt and just-fucked hair. He tries not to look at us as he makes his way to the refrigerator pulling out a bottled water, and then he smirks at me. “Sorry, guys. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Aiden lets go of me saying nothing, but the death glare he’s sending Chris is more than evident.
“It’s fine, Chris. Don’t worry about it. I was going to make some dinner. Are you staying?” I ask, still affected from having two god-like creatures in my presence.
Chris caresses my shoulder in a brotherly way making Aiden move in and wrap his arm around my waist, pulling me to him protectively.
“Sure, but it’s like four-thirty. Isn’t it a little early?” Chris asks with an eyebrow raised.
“Yeah, but we, ah… haven’t eaten today,” I explain glancing at Aiden, then back to Chris.
Chris grins at me knowingly and nods his head in approval. “No worries then. Whenever’s fine with me.”
Chris shifts his attention to Aiden. “Hey, man, I’m Chris. Guessing you’re Aiden. It’s great to finally meet you.” He shoves his hand toward Aiden.
Aiden shakes it calmly. “Nice to meet you, too, Chris.” His tone is irritated.
“I better get this water to my woman. She’s so damn bossy,” Chris jests.
It makes me laugh and nod my head in agreement. “Oh, I know,” I retort as he walks back to the bedroom.
Aiden hooks his index finger in the waistband of my jeans, pulling me to him. I bite my bottom lip and gaze into his beautiful blue eyes. He kisses me softly, his tender lips against mine still feel as good as they did the first time.
Suddenly, the pounding of footsteps down the hall alerts me to Sarah, who rushes in pulling a top over her head. Chris follows casually behind, now fully clothed. I roll my eyes and inwardly laugh at her lack of subtlety.
“Oh my God,” Sarah gushes. I think she meant to say it under her breath, but it was completely out loud as she lays her eyes on Aiden. She puts out her hand to greet him. “Hi, I’m Sarah.”
“Aiden,” he replies while shaking her hand.
“It’s good to meet the guy who likes to rear-end my friend.”
Aiden raises his brow as I snort out a laugh. “There are literally hundreds of other ways you could have put that, Sarah.”
She waves her hand through the air. “Yeah, but I’ve been dying to say that since he crashed into you.” She bends over, holding her stomach laughing at her own joke. “C’mon, you gotta give me props for that one, though, right?”
Chris pulls her to him while shaking his head. “You’re in a league of your own, babe.”
I smirk as I turn to face the drawer, pulling it open. “So, takeout then? None of this fancy chef food tonight, hey, Chris?” I tease.
He scoffs, and I feel a friendly punch on my bicep. I jump and spin as Chris smirks, shaking his head. “You love my fancy food, just admit it?” he teases in his usual way.
I laugh quite unladylike. Sarah purses her lips, glancing from me then over to Aiden. I turn. Shit! It couldn’t be any more obvious by the look on Aiden’s face that he’s not happy. His eyes are narrowed, his lips are a thin line, and honestly, I’m pretty sure his hands are actual fists at his sides. I swallow hard while sliding back into his side and running my hand up his chest to placate him.
Then it happens.
“I’d prefer it if you kept your hands off what’s mine, Chris.”
My eyes snap up at Aiden as Chris’ eyes widen and raise in shock. Chris glances from me to Aiden puffing out his chest. “Jeni isn’t property. She isn’t owned by you or anyone. It was a fucking friendly jab, man. And I think you’ll do well to remember you’re here in their space, Aiden, not yours.”
“Guys, c’mon,” Sarah mutters.
“And another thing, if you’re this jealous over friends bantering, then I think you need to settle your priorities and your insecurities with my friend here because Jeni is worth a whole lot more respect and trust than what you’re showing her right now,” Chris grunts out.
Sarah grabs Chris’ arm, yanking on him. “C’mon, I need to talk to you,” Sarah grunts at Chris as she pulls him down the hall, leaving us in the kitchen.
I turn to Aiden who’s seething as he stares at Chris the entire time he’s being dragged away, and I gently kiss his lips in an attempt to reassure him. He reluctantly kisses me back as I hear Chris and Sarah arguing in the living room.
Shit! That did not go well!
I hope Aiden doesn’t immediately dislike Chris. He’s like a brother to me, and if they don’t get along, it will be awkward as all hell. I need my friends to get along with the man I’m dating, it’s imperative to me.
Aiden exhales as he looks down at me. “He shouldn’t touch you like that. Any form of violence is not okay, Jeni.”
“Chris is my friend, Aiden. He’s like a big brother. You… you honestly can’t say you’ve never nudged your brother or sister in the arm like that before?”
He pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around me tightly while looking deeper into my eyes. “Fuck! I don’t want to be a dick. It’s just when it comes to you, it seems I can’t help turning into this caveman.”
I snort out a laugh. “Well, honestly, if you fighting for me is going to be a thing, then just pick your battles. Chris isn’t one of them. I promise.”
He nods. “I’ll apologize.”
I smile, leaning up and planting a tender kiss on his lips, then pull back and go back to searching through the drawer for a takeout menu. I lay them on the kitchen counter. Aiden holds me tightly from behind as I check the menus.
“See anything you like?” I ask as he nuzzles into my neck.
“Sure do,” he replies, moving my hair to the side to kiss my neck.
I snort out a laugh. “Aiden, concentrate.”
He lifts his head, resting it on my shoulder. “I’m happy with anything.” He spins me around to face him. “You haven’t shown me your room yet.” He changes the subject with a smirk.
His words send a shiver down my spine. “It’s through there.” I point, then take his hand to lead the way. We step inside my room, and he glances around taking it all in with a bright smile.
“This is quaint.” He takes me in his arms.
“Thanks. Now, let’s get out of here before you turn this into something sexual, and we don’t leave my room for hours.”
He nods matter-of-factly. “You know me so well already.” He chuckles.
“Yes, now go and choose something for dinner,” I demand, pointing to the kitchen. He pouts out his bottom lip pretending to be sad. “Oh, you’re cute, but it’s not going to work. Now go!” I push him out of my bedroom, laughing.
“And you say Sarah’s the bossy one,” he jokes.
We walk back to the kitchen to focus on the takeout menus. I look up and Sarah and Chris are still talking in the living room.
“Fuck, I hope I didn’t cause too much drama,” Aiden whispers.
I look at him and half-smile. “Don’t worry. They’ll sort it out,” I tell him.
“Guys, what do you want for dinner?” I call out, trying to stop whatever they’re arguing about. Sarah peeks up at me shaking her head, and I look at her with concern.
“We’ll have anything,” she offers as Chris walks to the bathroom while eyeing Aiden.
I take in a deep breath as Aiden looks at me. “You okay?” I ask watching his facial expressions.
Aiden’s eyes convey concern. “Chris seems ho
t-headed.”
I bite my bottom lip. “Well, can you please be civil?” I ask him sternly.
“Okay. I will. But only for you.” He cups my cheek with his palm.
“You choose what you want for dinner. I’m going to go and check on Sarah.”
Well shit! I guess bringing Aiden here was a bad idea.
I make my way over to her. “Hey, you okay?”
She turns up her nose, her face reddening with anger. “Chris thinks Aiden’s trying to puff out his chest and take over, and now Chris is all stupid and jealous. He has nothing to be jealous of, though. It’s not like I’m going to go after Aiden. One, because he’s yours, and two, because I want to be with Chris and no one else.” Sarah’s voice is laced with contempt. “It’s total bullshit!”
I wince and take her hand in mine. “I’m sorry, Sez. We didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”
Sarah shakes her head. “You’re not the troublemaker, Chris is. I know he’s a practical joker, but meeting your partner for the first time and play-punching you in front of him? Yeah, not such a good move.”
I look at her and sigh. “Is Chris going to be okay? Are you guys going to be okay?” I ask quietly.
“Yeah, we’ll be fine,” Chris answers, walking up behind us. He takes Sarah’s hand and pulls her to him. “I’m sorry.”
I smile and walk away to give them some space.
“It’s okay, babe,” she replies then launches herself at him.
Aiden’s still in the kitchen leaning up against the counter, looking as hot as ever. He’s watching me as I walk in to meet him, and every part of me tingles the closer I get to him. He has an effect on me I can’t explain. It’s like his body ignites something inside me, and I’m loving every second of time I spend with him.
“Is she okay?” he asks. I nod. Taking me into his arms, he winks and kisses me softly. “Pizza?” he suggests.
“Sure.” Taking the menu off the counter, I turn back to Sarah and Chris. “Hey guys, what kind of pizza do you want?”
“Whatever. The usual, I don’t mind,” Sarah deflects, going back to their makeup session by shoving her tongue down Chris’ throat. I shake my head at their lack of inhibitions.
After the pizza is ordered, I take Aiden’s hand leading him to the living room where Chris sits on the sofa cuddling with Sarah.
“It looks like they’ve worked out their issues,” Aiden whispers in my ear.
I nod my head slightly as we sit on the sofa next to them and Chris and Aiden eye each other. I roll my eyes with a huff.
“Chris, how’s work?” I ask, trying to ease the tension.
“Good. How’s your life going?”
I laugh at the strange question. “It’s going fine, actually. Work’s good. Looks like I’ve got myself a boyfriend. Life’s great.”
Aiden smiles.
“How did last night go?” Sarah asks.
Aiden senses my embarrassment and answers for me, “It was great. We had a good night with my family and co-workers. Jeni made an awesome impression with everyone.”
“I didn’t make a great impression with everyone,” I huff, referring to his father.
Sarah tilts her head in curiosity. “Who wouldn’t love you, Jeni? You’re awesome,” she boasts.
“She definitely is awesome. It’s not that he doesn’t like you, Jeni. He’s like that with everyone,” Aiden tries to reassure me.
“Wait, who are we talking about?” Sarah states.
“My father,” Aiden replies, taking my hand and linking my fingers with his.
I sigh. “I’m pretty sure he doesn’t like me, Aiden. He called me a freaking floozy.”
Sarah’s mouth drops open, and Chris huffs.
“You’re so not a floozy,” Sarah yells.
“Nice,” Chris mumbles under his breath.
Aiden looks at him intently with his brows drawn together. “I know she isn’t a damn floozy, obviously.” He glowers with disdain.
“Did you stand up for Jeni?” Chris grunts.
Aiden glares at Chris in disgust. “Of course, I did. What? You think I wouldn’t stand up for her?”
Sarah and I exchange worried glances.
“Probably not. I mean you have your eyes all over my girlfriend,” Chris drones on—he’s out of control right now.
Aiden rolls his eyes. “No offense, Sarah, you’re beautiful, but I only have eyes for Jeni, no one else.”
Sarah blushes, making Chris even angrier as he stands. “Yeah, just so you know, Sarah’s my girl. Don’t even think about making advances. I know all about you. Google and I are friends.”
I widen my eyes at Chris’ words as Aiden stands. “I won’t, but why are you focusing on me? Maybe you should stop flirting with Jeni, smiling and messing around like you do. You walk around the house half-naked. I mean, who does that when their partner is in the bedroom waiting for them?”
Sarah and I both stand as the tension reaches a critical level. My heart starts to race as I put my hands on both their chests to separate them.
“Okay, that’s enough. First of all, no one’s making eyes at the other. If you’re both finished with your pissing contest and flooding our floor with your testosterone, can you both please shake hands and agree that no one is after the other’s partner?” I sternly state.
Sarah cracks up laughing, easing the tension. “Pissing contest, good one.”
“Now shake on it and be civil,” I grunt.
Aiden exhales but puts his hand out for Chris to shake. They shake once and let go like they literally burned each other with their touch.
“See, that wasn’t so hard, was it? Now play nice, children, or you can both go to hell,” I warn.
Aiden softens his stance. “Sorry.”
Chris nods. “I think of Jeni as a sister, but I’m sorry, too.”
Aiden nods.
That was tense!
“Now, you two go and talk about cars or some shit,” Sarah grumbles, pushing them into the dining area. They both stifle a laugh as they walk away. Sarah and I watch them for the first few minutes to see if they’re playing nice with each other. They actually seem to be talking about cars and are having a civil conversation.
“Well, that was total bullshit,” Sarah mumbles when we’re seated.
I shake my head in frustration. “Tell me about it… stupid, testosterone-filled, gorgeous men,” I answer.
“So, you’re officially his girlfriend?” Sarah asks.
I smile brightly as a warm sensation fills my chest. “Yep, I’m officially off the market. We’re exclusive.”
“What’s the deal with his father?”
I frown, the warm sensation suddenly turning ice cold. “I’m not sure, but he’s one arrogant, asshole prick, and I’m being nice when I say that. I don’t know how Aiden’s mother puts up with him. I know I sure as hell wouldn’t. Guess all the money has gone to his head or something.”
Sarah looks at me wide-eyed. “Money? Are they rich?” I nod matter-of-factly. “Score.”
I wince. “Rich is an understatement, Sarah. But I don’t care about his money, you know that.”
“Yeah, of course, I know. Answer me this, though, does Aiden make you happy?”
With a nod and a smile, warmth once again overtakes the frigid feeling of thinking about Niall. “Yes, he does. I’ve never felt like this. I mean a week ago he irritated me beyond belief, but now I can see myself falling for him big time. To be honest, it scares me.”
“How’s the trust issue going?”
“I don’t know. My heart is telling me to trust him completely. My head, however, is telling me to be cautious and not get too overly attached. That way, when he hurts me, I know I’ll be okay.”
Sarah shakes her head. “You have to let that shit go, girl. You can’t have an honest relationship with him if you’re not fully committed. Let yourself be open to him.”
Suddenly, the doorbell rings, distracting us. “I’ll get it,” Aiden offers as he walks toward t
he door.
Chris turns, looking at us. “What are you girls talking about?”
“Nothing, just the usual girly stuff. What are you girls talking about?” Sarah returns fire.
He smirks so brightly, it touches his eyes. “Cars, the usual girly stuff.”
We laugh as Aiden walks down the hallway with a gigantic pizza box and garlic bread. Sarah and I move to the dining area, and Chris grabs glasses and takes some soda and beer from the fridge.
“This is like a double date,” Sarah boasts excitedly.
We laugh along with her as we dig into the pizza. Aiden and Chris continue to talk car and sports talk while Sarah and I roll our eyes at each other.
“Glad to see you guys have worked out your damn shit.” Sarah’s not one to hold back.
They both grin. “Well, in typical male style, and as Jeni kindly pointed out, we’ve finished pissing our testosterone all over the floor. We’re good now, right, dude?” Chris asks Aiden.
Aiden nods. “Yeah, once the testosterone is completely out of our systems, we can then move on and calmly talk about cars and other masculine crap,” he replies.
“Yeah, like boobs and beer,” Chris retorts as they hold their glasses and toast each other.
Sarah and I both shake our heads as they grin from ear to ear, now seemingly the best of friends.
Men–wanting to choke-hold each other one minute and ready to throw down in an MMA battle, fighting each other the next.
They’re worse than females, I swear.
Not long after we’re finished, Chris looks at the clock, “Crap, I have to go.”
Sarah frowns and huffs. “Can’t you call in sick?”
“Ha! I wish. Some of us have to work for a living.”
She glares at him. “I’m studying, not slacking off.”
He laughs at her crappy comeback. “I know, but I do have to go. I start in an hour.”