by Skye Turner
He smiles at me. “Well, Hurricane Bradi, that was quite something and I want more, but first I’m taking you out. Tomorrow night. I’ll take you to dinner. Be ready at six.”
He pulls me to my feet and tucks me against his side as he walks us back to the dorm. At my door, he leans down and kisses me hard and fast then leaning back, he turns the knob, and pushes it open. I stumble a little and he chuckles. “Easy there. Tomorrow. Six o’clock. Be ready.” And he turns on his heel and wanders down the hall.
I watch him with my hand over my tingling mouth until he reaches the stairs. He looks up and sees me watching. As the door opens and he steps into the stairwell, he salutes.
That’s all it takes for me to realize… I’m in over my head with this one. Oh, shit.
Chapter Four
Erik
Seven years ago
The party at the frat house is tonight and Micah and I are supposed to be bringing Lexi and her new roommate, Bradi. I’ve talked to Joe and we’re meeting up there too. He’s also in Micah’s frat. He’s a couple of years older and a junior while I’m a sophomore. I like him. I like him a lot. We have a good time together and we’ve been friends with benefits for about four months now. He is really pushing me to be more open about our situation and he wants a relationship, only I’m just not sure I’m ready for that yet. It’s not that I’m embarrassed or ashamed about who I am, I’m not. I don’t hide it, I’m just not sure I’m ready to be so open about being gay.
I remember the first night I met Joe. I was immediately attracted. Micah was going through rush and I tagged along with him to a frat party. Joe immediately caught my eye. He was tall and slim, but with a nice body. His shirt was tight and showed off his muscled shoulders and trim waist. His blond hair was a little unkempt and he was laughing at something someone was saying, so his head was thrown back and his blue eyes were twinkling. He caught me looking, so I hurriedly looked away. I didn’t want him to know I had been checking him out. I found myself watching for him throughout the night and at some point we were in the kitchen getting a beer at the same time. We reached for the tap and our hands touched. I looked up and once I saw who he was, I jerked my hand back, and my cup fell. I’d already opened the tap, so it sprayed us both, and the cup hit the floor.
He laughed as I dropped down to the floor in horror and grabbed it. But, we were both already soaked. He laughed again and introduced himself as I apologized for being a klutz. “Hey, man. I’m Joe.”
He offered me a hand and I shook it as I stood up. “I’m Erik. Sorry about that. I don’t know what happened.”
He smiled at me and said, “Uh huh.” Then he winked.
I was floored. Was this gorgeous man hitting on me?
As I was trying to process what was happening, he squeezed my hand, and then slid his fingers against mine. Smiling at me, he said, “Well I need to go change my clothes. I don’t want to walk around for the rest of the night smelling like a brewery. This house smells bad enough all on its own.” He turned to walk away and stripped his shirt off since there was beer on it and it was clinging to his tight abs. My eyes bugged out as he winked again and said, “I’ll be seeing you around, Erik. It was very nice to meet you.” I watched him until he left the room and then I sagged against the counter. My hand was tingling from where he’d touched it.
I saw Joe often over the next couple of months. He’d always flirt, and the more he saw me, the more he’d find reasons to touch me, until finally one night we found ourselves alone on the back porch of the house.
It was late and everyone was passed out, or in their rooms with the girls they’d picked up that night. Micah had been seeing a sorority girl for a few weeks and they were back at our room.
I was lying back on a lounger on the patio, nursing a beer and watching the stars when I felt him walk out. He sat in the lounger on the side of me and we just sat in silence for a bit. Finally he cleared his throat and I looked up at him. “Erik?”
Swallowing, I asked, “Yeah?”
He scooted the chair closer and I met his eyes. He looked nervous. “Hey…” Sighing, he looked right at me. “I’m just going to jump right in. You’re gay, aren’t you?”
Wait, I’m gay?! What does he mean? I thought he’d been flirting with me. Is he NOT gay? Shit, only one way to find out. Here I go.
Sitting up straight, I chuckled harshly. “Yes, Joe, I’m gay. Are you?”
We stared at each other for a long time, neither of us moving, neither of us saying anything. Finally he smiled at me and said, “Yes, I am. And I’m very attracted to you.” Scooting closer, he touched my face and I turned my head to better see him.
My throat felt tight as I responded. “That’s excellent. I’m attracted to you, too.” Leaning in, I stopped a brief inch away from him. “Very, very attracted.”
His smile got even wider and he closed the distance and kissed me. His lips were firm and warm against mine and his hand left my face to grip both of my thighs. Opening my lips to grant him access, we both moaned as our tongues swept against each other, and ran over each other’s teeth. He leaned over me further and before I knew it we were both on the lounger, hands and mouths exploring. He was leaning over me and my hands snaked under his shirt and ran up and down the ridges of his back before slipping into his jeans and kneading his firm ass. I could feel his rigged length pressing against mine through our jeans as our groins were aligned and we kissed like we were consumed. His hands raised my shirt and unsnapped my jeans, before sliding the zipper down and then, his warm hand started circling my hot sheath. I gasped and groaned as he worked me. He knew exactly the right pressure to exert and in no time at all, I was ready to explode. We continued to kiss the entire time. Breaking the kiss, he leaned in and whispered in my ear, “Give it to me. Cum for me, Erik.” And he started to move his hand faster. My eyes rolled back in my head, I bit my forearm to quiet myself, and my hips rose up as I shot my load all over his stomach and jeans. Once I could breathe, I opened my eyes, not sure of what I’d find. Joe was smiling at me and stroking himself.
Moving my eyes down, I took in the picture. His dick was long with thick veins protruding, but the head was huge and bulbous. I licked my lips and his eyes lit up. Then we heard a door slam in the house and he pulled his shirt down to hide his straining erection. I tucked my now softening dick into my jeans.
Looking over his shoulder and then back at me, he asked, “Do you want to come back to my room with me, Erik?”
Raising my brows, I asked him, “Your room? In the house?! What if someone sees us?”
He chuckled and replied, “What if they do? I’m out. It’s not a secret I’m gay.” He looked at me with a question in his eyes. “Do you hide it?”
Laughing I said, “No, I don’t hide it. Just not certain how a house full of drunk frat boys would react.”
He smiled at me as he held out his hand. I took it and I followed him to his room. The sex was fucking amazing that night. And every other night since then.
Neither of us is seeing anyone else and we are sexually exclusive as well, but he wants to tell people we’re together. We’ve been fighting about it.
Shit, what do I do? I like Joe. I’m not in love with him, but I like him and I care for him. I could probably love him. Do I want to take that step though?! Dammit. Why are you giving me ultimatums, Joe? Isn’t it enough that I’m with you and only you and you know it? Am I hiding it in some way? What the hell do I do?
Getting ready, I try to figure it out. We’re supposed to get the girls in half an hour. Micah calls out to me, distracting me from my thoughts. “So, Erik, this Bradi girl… is she hot?”
Laughing, I call back as I dry my face and wipe off the last of the shaving cream, “Only if you like blonde bombshells, dude.”
Within seconds, the door is flung open. “Blonde bombshells? What do you mean? She’s fine?”
Throwing my towel at him, I brush past him. “I don’t like chicks, Micah. But yes, she’s fine. And not what y
ou’re used to. Be afraid. Be very afraid.”
“Nah, chicks love me. I’m a babe magnet. Besides, she’s probably not that fine. You’re gay. What do you know?” He winks to show me he’s kidding before he turns toward his side of the closet and pulls out a button-up shirt.
Chuckling, I tease him. “Don’t you know? Gays are surrounded by the lovelies. They flock to us.”
He rolls his eyes at me and says, “Can’t wait to see what you call a bombshell.”
My computer pings with a new instant message and interrupts our banter. Pointing at it, Micah says, “Better get that.”
Rolling my eyes, I walk over and check the screen. It’s Joe.
“Thought about what I said? I mean it, EJ. It’s all or nothing. I want an answer tonight.”
Muttering under my breath, I groan. “I know you do and I don’t know what I’m going to tell you yet.”
Looking over, I catch Micah’s glance at the screen. He shrugs and says, “He’s a good dude. So are you. Hate to see you throw something away that could be really good because you’re scared, man.”
Groaning, I throw myself on my bed and answer him. “I know. When the hell did you become Yoda?”
“Shit, I’ve always been a genius. Looks and brains. I can’t lose.” Laughing, he ducks into the bathroom as I throw my pillow. It bounces off the door and my computer pings again.
“I care about you. You care about me too. We’re good together. See you in a few.”
I do care about him. I decide that once I get to the house, I’ll find him and we’ll go talk. We’ll try being together. Out in the open…
Maybe…
Chapter Five
Bradi
6 years ago
God, I’m so nervous. Why did I agree to this? How did this happen? I went to college fully expecting to have some fun, play with some boys, and get a degree. Now instead, I’m in a serious, exclusive relationship with the only guy I’ve dated since I started college and I’m going home with him for Christmas to “meet the parents.”
Way to stick to your guns, Bradi! It’ll be ok. I’m just meeting Micah’s parents. Who are fucking RICH and powerful. Oh my God… what am I doing?! I can’t do this. That’s it, I’m not going.
“What’s going through that gorgeous head of yours, Bradi?” Micah asks as he loads my last bag into his car. He leans on the top of the car and rests his chin on his crossed arms. “You look like you’re about to try to make a run for it.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I glare at him. “Shut up! I don’t do this, Micah. I don’t know why I have to go with you anyway.”
He stares at me a minute and then walks over to me and cups my face. God, I love when he does that.
“Baby, you don’t have to be nervous. My parents will love you, because I love you. And you’re coming home with me because I love you. You’re my girlfriend. We’ve been together for a year and they’ve never met you. They aren’t sure you really exist.” He kisses me softly on the mouth. “You ok?”
Sighing, I wrap my arms around his waist and press a kiss to his chest through his sweater. “I know you do.” I look up and catch him gazing at me with love in his eyes. Why does he love me? I shake off the feeling of foreboding and chalk it up to nerves and smile at him, before pulling his head down and kissing him. Breaking the kiss, I lean my head on his chest and say, “Ok, let’s go meet your parents.”
He hugs me and helps me into the car.
Micah’s parents are both lawyers and his dad is also a state representative. I’m a nobody with a loose mother, of course there’s no reason to be nervous. No reason at all…
A short time later, we turn off of the River Road and follow a long drive before we pull up to one of the most gorgeous, ginormous houses I’ve ever seen. I wipe my suddenly damp hands down my pencil skirt and take a deep breath as Micah turns off the car. I am staring straight ahead, giving myself a silent pep talk, when he calls my name, and gets me to look at him.
“Bradi, baby, it’ll be fine. I promise.” He smiles at me and leans in to press a kiss to my forehead. My stomach does a somersault and he wakes up the butterflies that flutter relentlessly inside me whenever he’s near.
Smiling back, I take another breath and straighten my sweater. “Ok, I trust you.” And I do. I trust him with everything I have.
His eyes darken and he leans in and captures my mouth as he cups the back of my neck. He pulls back and I’m breathless. Looking into my eyes, he whispers, “I love you, Bradi St. James.”
I smile back and reach for the door. He sighs at my lack of a reply, but chuckles as he opens his door. I hear him mutter, “I know you love me, even if you’re too chicken shit to say it back.” Then he’s at my side of the car, helping me out, and taking my hand. We walk to the front door of the mansion together.
I stop him as he goes to ring the bell. “Do I look alright, Micah?”
He looks at me and smiles the smile I love. “You look perfect, Bradi. Relax.”
He rings the bell as I whisper, “Easy for you to say…”
A beautiful woman with shoulder length, wavy brown hair opens the door and her face lights up as she takes us in, before she envelopes Micah in a hug. Pulling back, she turns to me with a smile. “Hello. You must be Bradi. I’m Olivia Stevens, Micah’s mother. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Her eyes take in my appearance and she reaches for my hands and pulls me into the house with a smile that reaches her eyes. “We’ve heard so much about you. I’m so pleased you could join us for the holiday!”
Looking over my shoulder at Micah, I see him wink as he follows us into the house. I smile at him and return my attention to his mother. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Stevens. Thank you for inviting me.”
She stops and just looks at me. It’s unnerving. “Of course. You’re very important to Micah and we have been dying to meet this mysterious woman who managed to make my randy son a one-woman man.” Micah starts sputtering and she laughs. “And please call me Olivia. Mrs. Stevens is my mother-in-law.”
“Seriously, Mom?!”
I laugh too and she squeezes my hands.
Reaching over, she touches Micah’s face and smiles so brightly her eyes crinkle. She’s a female version of him and she’s absolutely beautiful. Looking back at me, she says, “The men are in the library, Micah. Why don’t you grab them to help you unload the car and I’ll show Bradi to her room.”
Laughing he says, “Yes, ma’am. Her room?”
She narrows her eyes at him and my cheeks flush. “Yes, son. Her room. She’s in the guest room across the hall from yours.”
My face is on fire. Micah sees it and chuckles. “Wow, Mom. You got Bradi to blush. I’ve been with her for a year and I’ve never really seen her embarrassed. Good job.” He winks.
Asshole. Oh, he is so dead.
Laughing outright, Olivia pulls me up the stairs and says, “I don’t have to put you in the same room; I figured across the hall was close enough.”
I’m mortified. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Stevens.”
She stops and looks at me with a twinkle in her eye. “Olivia. And, why? I’m not naïve enough to think you two have been together a year with no hanky panky.”
I don’t even know what to say. Is she telling me it’s ok to have sex with her son in her house? Oh my God… that is so not happening.
We reach the top of the stairs and she leads me to a door. Opening it, she gestures inside. I walk past her and take it in. Oh, wow. The whole room is done in creams and blues. Everything is exquisite. A canopy bed and a chandelier are in the center of the room. Jesus, how rich are these people?! Who has a chandelier in a guest room?!
Olivia sees my reaction and smiles at me with a kind smile. “I hope the room is to your liking, Bradi. Micah will be right across the hall.”
Smiling back at her, I reply, “The room is amazing. It’s gorgeous.” I don’t know what I was expecting from Micah’s mother, but this was not it. I’m overwhelmed and fighting the
urge to cry at her acceptance of me. I whisper, “Thank you.”
She seems to understand the words I’m not saying. “You’re very welcome, Bradi. You make my son happy.” Smiling one last time, she steps into the hall with one last comment. “Relax a bit. Micah will be up with your luggage in a few minutes. Drinks are at seven in the library.” And she shuts the door.
I sit on the bed because my knees are weak. Micah finds me this way a few minutes later.
He knocks and opens the door before I can tell him to come in. When he sees me, he drops my bags and rushes into the room. “Baby, are you ok? What’s wrong?” He sits beside me on the bed and I turn into his body and curl around him.
“Nothing is wrong. Your mom is just amazing, that’s all. You’re so lucky. She was so nice to me.”
Pulling back, he looks at me. Brown eyes meet green ones. He traces my face with his fingertips. “Of course she was nice to you. I told you she would love you, Bradi.”
Pulling my legs up, I turn and straddle his lap, and push him until he’s lying back with me over him. My hair creates a cocoon as I lean in to kiss him. He stops me just before I capture his lips and whispers, “I love you, Bradi.”
I crash my lips into his and we kiss awhile before he pulls me into his side and we just stare at the lights reflecting off of the chandelier and enjoy the silence.
I must have fallen asleep, because when I open my eyes, it’s dark outside the window, and there’s a note on my pillow.
“You fell asleep and I didn’t want to wake you. Ran out to get a tree with Mom, Dad, and my brother. We’ll be back shortly. Just get dressed and we’ll meet you in the library at seven, beautiful. I love you. Micah”
Checking the clock, I see that it’s 5:45PM, so I jump up and scramble to get ready. I’m ready by 6:30PM and instead of killing time in my room, I decide to explore the house. As I leave my room, I see all the photos on the stairwell, and I decide to check them out.
The photos are wonderful. Everything from Micah as a baby to some from a month ago. They show a happy, loving family. My heart pangs for what I never had. At the bottom of the stairs, I see a set of open doors, and books everywhere. Walking towards it, I gasp at the sheer volume of books and the beauty of the room. The fireplace is lit and with the books, dark chocolate furniture, and opulent desk, I can almost imagine what it would be like to grow up here. Walking over to the fireplace, I see a few more photos on the mantle. These are snapshots instead of professional photos and in them you can clearly see the love the family shares.