Page 3 of Rolling with my Best Friend's Brothers

Tears brim in Avery’s eyes as I pull her in for a hug. I’m her safe place, and her frustration flows. “Why is life so twisted? Everything in my life was defined by my brothers, and now I’m giving up my apartment to move in with them. Am I crazy to think they’ll follow the list of rules I made? Should I have trusted I’d get enough money from being a camgirl?”

I squeeze her carefully then give her space. “It’s not all about money. You’re doing the right thing, ensuring stability for yourself and the baby. And of course, I’ll be around as much as possible.”

But those cursed brothers. If they’re not wearing leather and riding their motorcycles, they’re swinging axes and handling wood. No matter what they do, I end up flustered and tingly, which will remain my secret.

“Thanks for helping my pregnancy brain with that reminder. Money won’t solve poop explosions or colic, but it will relieve some concerns. Thanks again for pointing out I can cater to the foot-fetish crowd. It’s much easier than waitressing and pays far better, but I haven’t told my brothers yet.”

“I show a lot more than my feet on my channel. I’m not about to spill anyone’s secrets. Let’s go before we need an ark.”

“Beatrix… that kitchen is where I learned to cook and proved that I could feed myself.”

“You’re a great cook.”

She points at the living room wall that the landlord liked and didn’t make her repaint upon moveout. “That’s my first accent wall. And this…” She taps on the front door. “That’s the door I slammed in my ex’s face when I realized he would never treat me right. Leaving is harder than I thought. Go on without me. I’ll just be a few minutes behind. And turn the crockpot off when you get there, please.”

“Sure thing.” How can supporting a friend feel so hard? She’s making wise decisions, which testify to how complicated life can get. Being an adult forces us to face wicked responsibilities. “Lock the door behind me.”

“Look who’s acting like a mom now.” She smiles and winks.

As I hurry through the rain to my car, I make a promise to myself that I won’t let my feelings for Avery’s brothers get in the way of supporting her in this chaotic time of her life. She needs our friendship now more than ever.

Three

Gabriel

The bridge at the end of our driveway is disappearing under a thin sheet of water as the creek rises. Wind whips raindrops into the garage, and I’m struggling over whether to call Avery and make sure they’re getting up the road okay when headlights shine through the darkness.

I’m relieved Beatrix’s small car made it up the road, but Avery will be a few minutes behind her.

I motion for Beatrix to pull into the garage, and the wind throws her car door open as she gets out.

She startles and her little yelp is way too cute. It also reminds me how young she is. Mammoth and Wyatt both cautioned me about respecting Avery’s space, which they believe includes Beatrix. I’m reluctant to admit they’re right, but I take a second to enjoy the moment alone with her before my brothers realize she’s here.

“Thanks for bringing the last load, but you shouldn’t be driving up the mountain in this weather,” I say, keenly aware her eyes have stopped on my bare chest. I step closer, keeping the car door between us as she gathers herself.

“She wanted me to come for lunch, so it made sense.” Her neck cranes as I set my hands on the top of her car door. Her mouth drops open and her chest heaves. Is she aware that she’s twirling her braid in her fingers?

Our eyes lock the way I swear has happened before. The stolen glances at the graduation party. Fuck, that’s a dangerous thought, especially with the way the rain plastered strands of hair to her cheek. It reminds me of her wet hair at the pool party, the way jealousy reared inside of me when she stepped out of the pool and water droplets trailed down her body. Being jealous of water drops was a new low for me.

I’d grabbed her towel and rushed toward her. She’d thought I was being kind, but really, I hadn’t wanted any other guys to get a look at her. Plus, it gave me a chance to touch her hand briefly. It was at that exact moment when she took the towel and stared up into my eyes, I’d felt something. I haven’t been able to let it go since, no matter how many times I told myself I imagined it.

This isn’t my imagination. We have something brewing between us, something wilder than the storm, and possibly more dangerous.

Seizing the brief moment, I extend a finger, stopping just shy of touching her breasts, or more accurately, the bold pink letters stretched across her vibrant blue long-sleeve shirt. “Be-You-Tiful. You definitely are.”

It’s the perfect shirt for her. She marches to her own beat and that is part of her beauty.

“Thank you.” Her response is breathless.

“You made it!” Wyatt says enthusiastically as he and Mammoth enter the garage.

Damn. Returning to the right side of Avery’s rules, I say, “Need some muscle to help unload this car?”

“I would love some help.” She seems to have to think about her words. Am I having that effect on her? I don’t know, but I’m sure going to have fun with this.

Until buzzkill Wyatt steps beside me and puts his hand on my shoulder. “Well, she needs muscle. I guess you’re out. Why don’t you pop the trunk, Beatrix? Mammoth and I can handle it.”

And like that, the spell is broken. She hustles to the trunk and with her older model car, she has to put her key in the lock to open it.

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