I grin. “Nice term. Well, I think it’s a by-product of being raised by an actor. When I was little, my dad had that role on Days of Our Lives, and it afforded us a nice life. You’ve seen the house we grew up in. When he lost that role, our lifestyle was hard to maintain. We had a lot on the outside, but we couldn’t keep up with the neighbors when my dad was losing out on mouthwash commercials to the guy from Cheers. It made me realize how fleeting money can be.”
“That seems so strange to me. All those years of coming to your house, I never would have thought that you were worried about money. Everyone was always so … happy.”
“We were happy. Dad lived project to project, paycheck to paycheck, but Mom always had an income. We had to be mindful of our wants compared to other kids, but we also didn’t want for too much. Chad just wanted to play ball, and I … well, I just liked the little things.”
“What kind of little things?”
I smile as I raise my legs and then drop them down. “Ice cream cones on a hot day, a bike ride near the beach, fishing on a Sunday. You know, the experiences. My dad might not have been able to buy me Hermes or Louboutin, but he gave me moments that are priceless.”
My voice is soft, and my eyes feel like they’re twinkling, but it’s Wes’s soulful gaze and the glazed-over look he has as he listens to me talk that have my heart growing two sizes too big. I like that he’s looking at me like that.
“Anyway,” I continue, “he’s making awesome money now and killing it on Navy Captain.”
“He’s found success again. I love him on that crime show,” Wes says.
I smile at the role my dad has been playing as a Navy captain for the past two years. It started as a guest appearance, but he just signed on as a regular and is finally making good money again.
“That role has saved his career. Hopefully, he can retire after this, if he budgets and invests wisely.”
“I’m sure you’re on top of him about that.”
I laugh as I hold up my books. “You know it. I even took an elective that will help me manage his portfolio.”
The dryer is vibrating under my butt as I hold my book to my chest. He’s looking at the floor, seemingly lost in thought.
I take a breath and ask him, “Tell me more about your grandma. You were obviously very close.”
“She was the only decent person in my family. When I was a kid, she was always in the stands of my Little League games. It didn’t matter if I struck out or hit a homerun; she was just happy I was out there, having fun.”
“Isn’t that the point of it at that age?”
He grunts. “You’d think, but like I said, she was the only decent person in my family.”
“What was her name?”
My question makes him widen his eyes, like he’s surprised I’d ask. “Lorraine. Lorraine Ann Wesley.”
Knowing Wesley Knight is named after his grandma, the only person he actually seems to like, warms my heart.
“Why do you still go to the nursing home? Isn’t there something that has to do with your major that you’d prefer to intern at?”
“That is my major. I’m studying psychology with a concentration in social work.” He pushes off the wall and lays a hand on the washing machine. “Financial issues, medical care, mental disorder … there is an entire system of people who are neglected by their families and society. Plus, I’ve always felt comfortable around old people. I like their stories. Bingo is fun, and they get all dressed up for these parties in the cafeteria. It’s kinda sweet.”
“I bet you’re a great dance partner.”
“You would know.” He eyes me, making butterflies swarm in my belly.
I blush at the memory and bite my lip.
Wes rubs his stomach. “I’m starving. You wanna get something to eat and come back down for this stuff?”
I turn my attention back to my book as I say, “No. I ate actually. Nathan and I went to that Sandwich Grill place.”
I feel his stare on me and glance up to see his brows popped up.
“You. And Nathan. Went for lunch?” His tone is uneven, and I’m not sure what that means, so I go on acting like it was nothing because it was nothing.
I shrug. “Sure. He was hungry. So was I. It wasn’t anything. He’s a decent guy.”
“He likes you.”
I dismissively shake my head and turn the page of my book. “That’s what Amanda says, too, but I don’t get that vibe.”
“But you still went with him?” He steps a little closer.
“Um, no. You can stop right there. You’re not going to be the jealous big brother again. It was just lunch. Nothing else.”
He pushes in between my legs and wraps them around his waist, moving my book off my lap and setting it next to me.
Leaning in, he speaks over the loud dryer, “For the record, I’m not being a jealous big brother. In fact, there’s nothing brotherly about my actions. Do you want to date Nathan?”
I tilt my head. Testing him. “Would it bother you if I did?”
“Yes. Now, will you answer me? Do you want to see him? Because if you do, I’ll back off and let you.”
He motions to step back, but I grip my legs tighter around him. “No. I don’t want him. Actually, I really want you.” I stare straight into his eyes.
“Stacey, wait. We can mess around, but …” He pauses, and I get the feeling he’s struggling with what he’s about to say by the way his Adam’s apple bobs. “We can’t go any further than this. Than what we’ve been doing. Sex complicates everything, and that’s not a risk I’m willing to take. If something goes south, I can’t lose my best friend too. He’s all I have.” His voice cracks slightly, and my chest tightens.
I place my hand over his heart, feeling the beat under my palm. “How do you think it’s not already complicated?”
He closes his eyes briefly and takes a breath. “It’ll be exacerbated. I know we have insane chemistry. Believe me, I know. I love fucking around with you, but I won’t fuck you. I feel guilty enough as it is, messing with my best friend’s sister. There will be too many emotions if we go past … whatever this is.” He tilts my head up, so I’m looking into his eyes. “Are you okay with that?”
At this moment, I don’t know what the answer is. Everything he said makes sense. And it’s only been a few days. Everything is new. What’s new can become old very quick. And I agree; sex does complicate things.
As we stare at each other, there’s only one thing I know for sure. I’m not ready to walk away. Not yet.
“Yeah, I am,” I whisper as I lean in and kiss his luscious lips.
If this is all this is going to be, then I’m going to take advantage as much as I can until we both move on.
Sliding off the dryer, I lay my hands on his chest and let my tongue glide over his as my hands roam south to his belt buckle and jeans.
“What are you doing?” he mumbles against my lips.
“Make sure the door is locked.”
“Already done,” he speaks as I release his mouth and lower myself to my knees, undoing his pants and lowering them to the floor.
Dipping a hand inside his boxer briefs, I release his swollen erection and stroke it in my fist.
“I’m about to enjoy you.” Licking my lips, I place my mouth just on the tip and let the head glide against my skin.
Wes’s head falls back to the concrete wall as his hooded eyes look down in pure adoration. “You’re going to be the death of me, Stacey Marie.”
I open my mouth and take a lick. “That’s the plan.”
When you’re hooking up with a man who won’t sleep with you, a blow job isn’t just a pit stop along the way. It’s the main event. I know Wes isn’t one for shallow praise, so I skip telling him how big he is or how good he tastes, and I take him into my mouth fully and hear his groan in pleasure.
“Baby, your mouth feels like velvet,” he growls.
His hands are in my hair as I bob and suck, lick and swallow. My hands grip his as
s and pull him toward me. I let the head hit the back of my throat and hum as I look up at him. His hands are in my hair as he holds me steady but doesn’t overpower me. Wes is letting me take the lead, doing what I feel comfortable with and making sure I know just how much he enjoys it.
I go slow and fast, moving my hands from his ass to his balls, and then massage his shaft, pumping out his pleasure. When his orgasm hits, I’m thankful for the spin cycle that drowns out his moans, which I’m sure can be heard through the pipes.
I swallow and then swipe my mouth with my sleeve as I rise to my feet. No sooner am I erect than Wes’s hands are on the sides of my head, pulling me in for a kiss and pressing me back up against the dryer.
“Is this your way of saying thank you?” I chide.
“It’s more,” he whispers. “So much more.” He drinks in my kisses and then moves to my neck and jaw, sucking and nipping the skin, leaving goose bumps in his wake. “Just because I said I won’t sleep with you doesn’t mean I don’t crave it.”
“Then, break your own rule,” I breathe.
“I’ve already broken too many. But damn, if you were any other man’s sister, I’d go to hell and back just for one night with you.”
Chapter Twelve
It’s Saturday night, and we’re all at the Triple Rock Brewing Co. The girls—Nicole, Amanda, and I—are at a four-top while the guys—Chad, Wes, Adam, Matt, and Nathan—are at the larger round table next to us.
Of all the nights I’ve spent at Berkeley, this is so far my favorite.
The place is filled with loud banter and music, and the beer is really good. Maybe too good because Chad convinced me to get a 42 ounce stein, which is an enormous beer, and I’m halfway done and feeling loopy. A good loopy though.
We might be at separate tables, but the eight of us are talking to each other, laughing, and having an awesome time.
“I’m on campus, and there’s always some loser protesting shit,” Matt says, adjusting his backward cap from his seat. “So, I went over to see what the deal was. As I got closer, I saw a sign that said, Free Hugs. Well, shit, I love hugs, especially coming from the good-looking blondes who were holding the signs. So, I walked with my arms open, right over to the girls, and this huge three-hundred-pound behemoth of a dude came swooping in, grabbed my skinny ass, and lifted me off the ground for the biggest fucking hug I’d ever had.”
Adam and Chad are in hysterics while Nathan asks, “Did you punch the guy in the face?”
Matt looks at him like he’s insane. “Fuck no. The guy could have clobbered me with his pinkie. And his hug was kinda nice. Plus, I did score some sweet points with those girls.”
Nathan and Matt fist-bump as Wes looks on, unimpressed, and asks, “You hook up with either of them?”
Matt turns sheepish. “Uh, no. Turns out, they were really into each other. I tried, but they were definitely not into a three-way with me.”
Amanda hits her forehead with her palm and shakes her head. “Why every straight guy thinks lesbians would love a three-way with them is beyond me.”
Adam looks at Amanda in amazement. “Are you a lesbian?”
She makes a face and gives him sass. “No. And if I were, it wouldn’t be any of your goddamn business.”
He lifts his hands into the air, as if he meant no foul, while Chad throws an arm around his shoulders and gives him a pat.
“Best not to mess with her, man. She’ll eat you alive.”
“Hell yeah, I will,” Amanda chants while Nicole gives her a high five across the table.
“Hey, Stacey,” Matt calls out to me. “What’s your deal? You dating anyone yet?”
I take a swig of my drink and shake my head. “Nope.”
He seems confused by my response. “Wait. You’ve been here how long, and you haven’t even hooked up?”
“I never said I haven’t hooked up with anyone,” my mouth says before my brain can process it. I blame the beer.
“No way. Who did you hook up with?” Nicole asks as Chad puts his hands over his ears in a mocking way.
“Don’t want to hear about my sister hooking up with anyone,” he says and looks to his baseball buddies. “I’d better not hear she hooked up with you dicks. Seriously, Stacey, if you do date anyone at school, don’t let it be these losers. I have too much dirt on them, and it’s all bad.” He points his beer to the four guys like it’s a threat.
“We don’t have to worry about Stacey. Squid only dates dweebs anyway,” Wes says from the far end of his table.
“Dweebs?” I ask mockingly. “The 1980s called, and they want their word back.”
“Connor Faughnan in the eighth grade,” Wes states, and Chad clinks glasses with him in agreement. “Dude had a retainer for his retainer.”
“He was sweet,” I defend.
“He also gave you a bouquet of daisies for Valentine’s Day and almost killed you because you’re allergic to them.”
I can’t argue with Wes on that one. He’s the one who had to run home and get my meds before my throat closed.
He continues, “Justin Koutrin, freshman year. Kid wore a fedora to school and walked around with a chocolate cigar.”
“He had style.”
“Kevin Heally, junior year. He made you look at his headshots every day and discuss the character he was playing in each pose.”
“He was famous in our school. Landed a commercial,” I explain to the girls.
“For hemorrhoids,” Wes adds, and I stick my tongue out at him.
“You’re right. I have horrible taste in men. Terrible really. I always go for the unattractive ones with no personality and zero consideration.” My comment goes over everyone’s head, except for Wes, who raises his brows in challenge while taking a long swig of his beer. “You know, I would have had more guys to date, but these two spoiled my chances.”
Nicole leans into my side. “I need to know some details about these two. What is something no one knows about them that they’ll kill you for saying?”
Chad levels his eyes at me. “Tread carefully, little sister.”
I playfully rub my hands together. “This is my chance for revenge. Okay, well, Chad used to write love letters to Ariana Grande. He was the local president of the Arianators fan club.”
Wes and Matt nod in understanding, mumbling things like, “She’s hot,” while Adam and Nathan are laughing along with the girls, who think it’s a mixture of adorable and embarrassing.
“And Wes …” I close one eye and try to think of what I want to say. “You know that tattoo he has on his arm? Well, when he first got it, it was a Chinese symbol he thought meant perseverance, but when we Googled it, we found out it really meant hot dogs.”
The table erupts with laughter, and he looks like he’s going to kill me.
“You really want to play, Stacey Marie?” he dares.
“Oh snap. It’s gonna get ugly!” Adam laughs as he pushes his shirtsleeves up.
I narrow my eyes at Wes in warning to be nice. He doesn’t seem to care as he gives a cocky grin and declares, “She used to kiss her pillow.”
“Stop it. That’s not true.”
Chad nods his head. “It’s true. We totally caught you one day.”
My mouth is open, like I’m trying to catch flies while I muster up the words to defend myself. “Whatever. Fine. I was practicing for the real thing.”
“Did it work? Was your first kiss any good?” Nathan wants to know.
I pause before answering. Not because I don’t remember the details of my first kiss. It’s because I remember them all too well.
“It was,” Wes says, and I blink up at him in surprise.
The gang turns to him in shock, including Chad, whose eyes are bugging out. “Wait. What?”
Wes and I stare at each other across the table, and I’m surprised to see he’s okay with discussing this in front of everyone.
Turning to Chad, I start, “I was in the seventh grade. You guys were in the eighth. It was at a party. We w
ere playing Spin the Bottle. I don’t know where you were.”
“Upstairs, playing PlayStation,” Wes tells him.
Chad looks at Wes, utterly confused. “You were my sister’s first kiss?”
“I didn’t know I was her first until after. She told me in the closet.”
“In the closet!” Chad’s voice rises, which makes us all giggle and guffaw.
“It was the Seven Minutes in Heaven version of Spin the Bottle.” Wes’s face is covered in a smirk, like he’s thirteen again.
“If I had known, I would have socked you,” Chad says.
Wes puts his hand on Chad’s back. “Hence why you’re finding out about this years later.”
“No shit. If it were now, I would lose my shit.” Chad’s words wipe the smile off Wes’s face.
Nicole’s eyes light up as she hears the story. She leans in and whispers, “That’s so crazy. No wonder you two have insane attraction. It’s been festering since you were kids.”
I don’t respond to her because my attention is on the other side of the table. Adam nudges Wes when he sees a hot blonde with a tiny waist and large bust walking by. The two turn and watch as she sways her hips while walking to the back of the room. She turns just in time to catch Wes’s eye and giving him a wink.
“She’s your type,” Adam says to Wes, nudging him to go after the girl.
Wes shakes his head.
“What? You’re just going to let her walk by?” Chad looks surprised. “That’s not like you at all. What happened to thirty-one flavors?”
Amanda looks over in curiosity. “What’s thirty-one flavors?”
“The flavors of ice cream at a Baskin-Robbins. Wes’s goal freshman year was to sleep with thirty-one girls before graduation,” Matt states proudly for his boy.
Amanda sits back with an expression of disgust on her face, and I’m a bit put off myself. I mean, I can’t be upset by how many women Wes has slept with. I just don’t like the idea of it being a game.
Wes shakes his head again. “I’m just not in the mood.”
“You haven’t hooked up once this year—unless you’re getting some secret pussy we don’t know about,” Matt wonders.
Rebel Roommate: A Brother's Best Friend Romance Page 11