Page 40 of The Brothers Next Door

He smiled and glanced up long enough to catch my gaze. “Yeah, I had that once.”

I wanted to learn more, but refrained from asking. I had a feeling this was where things got touchy with him. On the other hand, I was envious. I’d never really had that with Craig. I was sure I loved him, I’d dedicated myself to him, but deep down I also knew that he wasn’t the one. He wasn’t the soul mate I’d been waiting for all my life.

Which was how I came to be where I was now. Though some would argue that having two hot NYPD officers in my bed last night wasn’t too shabby a situation. It was still a volatile situation at best, with more uncertainties than I cared to admit.

“When I first moved here I wasn’t interested in meeting anyone. I figured I needed to spend some time discovering who I was without being in a relationship. My ex and I dated exclusively through college and then moved in together upon graduating. He’s originally from Bangor, Maine and wanted to go home. He didn’t feel he was a good fit for the big city so I moved.”

“So, what happened between you?”

“He wasn’t the one.” Damn, this was an intense conversation for first thing in the morning. I wished I could change the subject, but perhaps if I opened up he’d feel more inclined to as well. “In reality, he’s the one that decided for the both of us. I’m stubborn and determined. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t working, but I had too much pride to admit it, so instead of having an exit plan, I held on tighter. When he finally said it was over, instead of feeling sad, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.”

“Is my brother boring you yet?” I heard Nate say from behind me. Turning, I smiled when I saw Nate enter the room in his boxer briefs, unashamed that he was sporting a raging hard-on beneath his underwear.

“We’re just getting to know each other better over pancakes, which are delicious, by the way.”

“I know, Darrin makes an incredible breakfast, no one can debate that.” He went over to my cupboard and after a little searching for what he was looking for, he made himself a plate and sat down with us at the table.

“This is what I was thinking…”

Darrin and I didn’t speak, but quickly shared an amused look before focusing on him.

“Considering it’s Saturday and its one of those very rare occurrences where both of us get the entire weekend off I’m figuring that we should all spend the weekend together.”

I had a fair amount of work that I brought home from the office to complete over the weekend, but that was before I realized I’d have plans. It was the extra credit, suck up to the boss stuff, not mandatory.

Nate looked directly at me. “As long as you’re free.”

I crinkled up my nose at him, pretending to consider it. Finally, I replied, “I think I can squeeze you two in.”

“I’d be forever grateful, ma’am,” he replied with a wink.

“What do you have planned?”

He leaned forward and tapped me on the nose with his index finger. “You’ll find out when I take you there.”

~*~TT~*~

Darrin

I don’t dance. But if that were the case then how did I end up at a salsa club?

Looking to my left and seeing the smile on Layla’s face as the three of us entered the Latin club was my answer. When my brother suggested it, she lit up like a Christmas tree. How could I say no and be a buzzkill, even if it meant I stood on the sidelines and watched her and my brother bump and grind on the dance floor?

“This way.” Nate led us to a small table at the corner of the club. Once we were settled he took off to get us all some drinks.

“You don’t look excited to be here.” Layla looked over at me, concerned.

“No. It’s cool.” I tried to add some excitement to my tone, but failed miserably. “This is a nice place.” Looking around, I had to admit it was better than nice. The décor was a combination of reds, yellows, and oranges. The music was loud enough for the dancers on the floor to lose themselves in, but not so loud that you couldn’t carry a conversation.

“Are you going to dance with me?” She ran her index finger along the length of my inner arm, sending a pleasurable chill through me, making my cock come alive.

“Nah.” I looked out onto the dance floor. Everyone dancing seemed to be having an amazing time. But more importantly, they knew what they were doing. I didn’t have a fucking clue how to do the moves they were performing.

“Why not?” Her lips took on a pouty look.

Laughing, I shook my head. “Because I have no idea where to begin with those moves. I’m not exactly coordinated.”

Her fingertip slipped its way back up my arm to the elbow. “It’s just a matter of moving your body to the rhythm. I’ve experienced first hand how good you are working into a rhythm.” Her dark eyes stared into mine with such intensity that I had to force myself to remain seated and not pull her onto my lap.

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