Page 38 of Raise 'Em Up

He drops me back off at the coffee shop and kisses me again, getting some wolf whistles in return.

For the rest of the day, I’m in a much better mood. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I’m excited about it, for a change.

“Sooo. Do you think tonight will be the night?” Alex asks me in a teasing tone, his shoulder bumping into mine as we walk across campus.

I ended up crashing in his dorm room last night. I went over there to study, and we ended up talking about the whole step-sister thing, something I still don’t really want to think about. It’s too weird.

He said he would walk with me to the Cheer house because he wants to see Serenity. He was being a moody little bitch because she told him she was having girl time with Rylee, and was highly offended when they said he couldn’t join them.

He even tossed in the boyfriend and best friend card, but was still turned down.

Poor sap is so far gone for his girl. Not that I blame him, I’m getting there when it comes to Rylee.

“I don’t know. If it ends up going in that direction, awesome. If not, I’m not going to push it,” I tell him with a shrug.

“Dude. You gotta get in on that action. She’s getting it on the regular from four other guys!”

I shoot him a glaring look as a wave of jealousy at the thought hits me, but I push it down. “It’s not a competition, dude. I’ll wait until Rylee is ready, however long that might be, because I’m not with her just for sex. Also, I know best friends know lots of shit about each other's lives, but like… that's weird, even for you.”

“You think.” He raises a brow. “You're not the one who has to hear the headboards banging while you're trying to study with your girl.”

“No, because my girl is the one getting banged,” I deadpan.

“Right.” He grins. “Well, I’m rooting for you, man. If it helps, maybe do a little bit of role playing. You could use that step-brother and sister thing to your advantage.”

He stops and bends, looking at me over his shoulder. “Oh, step-bro, I tried to grab something from the bottom of the washer and now I’m stuck. Please, help me,” he says in an awful girly voice.

“Oh, fuck off.” I slap his ass hard, making him tumble forward a bit. He catches himself and laughs.

When we get to the Cheer house, I’m hardly through the front door before Alex takes off up the stairs. I’ve been here before, so I don’t feel weird following after him. I haven’t been in Rylee’s room since she moved here, but I know where it is, and that's where Alex is headed.

“Alex!” I hear Rylee scream as I reach the top step. Everyone's heads pop out of their rooms.

“Shit, fuck, sorry, Ry Ry!” Alex says, rushing out of the room.

“What the fuck happened?” I ask in a worried tone, as I look behind him to see a very pissed off Rylee. Her shirt is off and clutched to her chest.

“Next time, fucking knock, asshole,” she snarls as Alex stands there, his hands over his eyes.

“I was looking for my girlfriend!”

“Well, this is my room too, you know! And, she’s not even in here. She’s downstairs making breakfast,” Rylee huffs.

I don’t think she’s noticed me yet, she’s too busy shooting daggers at her best friend. I take the time to let my eyes roam. Fucking hell, she’s so damn sexy. Her wild red hair is sleep-rumpled, her face looks like she just woke up, and is all adorable and whatnot.

She’s only wearing a tiny pair of sleep shorts that sit high up on her toned creamy thighs. Is it weird that her bare shoulders are turning me on right now? Is it also weird to show up to a date with an erection? If so, I’m going to need a moment.

“How was I supposed to know?” he says, hands still covering his eyes.

“We share a room now. Do not barge in unless you know I’m not fucking in here,” she shouts.

“I mean, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. We roomed together for months.”

Her eyes widen. “Yes, and I always made sure to change when you were not around.”

“Or when you thought I was sleeping.”

“Alex,” she growls.

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