Page 10 of Five Brothers

I spot my keys on his bedside table and grab them, turning around to face him. “I’m going home.”

“Will you come back sometime?”

I’m taken off guard by the question.

No.

I won’t be back.

There’s nothing here that’s good for me, and it’s time I got my ass in gear. I need plans. Some direction. College, maybe?

But I still have no idea what I want to do with my life.

I never wanted to be a lawyer, a stockbroker, or a CEO.

All I ever wanted was to love waking up. To be counted on to make someone’s life better.

And I want a man who breathes me. Who craves me and needs me.

I’m not going to find any of that in Trace’s bedroom.

“Maybe I’ll see you around town.” I smile a little. “Over the next fifty years.”

He takes my face in his hand, his nose nearly brushing mine. “You need one more good memory to take with you.”

I shift my mouth away, about to push his hand off, but someone knocks on the door.

“Trace?” It’s a woman’s voice.

The door opens, and I peer around him as he releases me. A brunette peeks her head inside his room, and I think she was downstairs with Army’s date. I think her name is Carissa.

She sees me, smiles, and bites her bottom lip. “Need anything?” she asks us.

I stare at her.Do weneedanything?

Why would …

I turn to him, but he’s just watching me.

He leans down, planting his hands on the desk at my sides and gets in my face. “Tell her I’m yours tonight,” he says.

What?

It takes about a second and a half for me to realize she’s his backup plan. I shove him away and start for the door.

Jesus.So either I claim him or she will?

When I whip open the door, the girl slides out of my way. “You can stay,” she tells me. “We can both play.”

“Krisjen’s not brave,” Trace says like I’m not here. “Or is she?”

I’m not letting him bait me. “No, I am.” I toss him a glance. “Maybe I’ll do that someday. I’m just not going to do it with you.”

And I walk out, slamming the door behind me.

Motherfucker.I’m half-tempted to call his sister and rat him out, but she wouldn’t be surprised, and I have some pride left.

Plus, she loves the hell out of him.

---