Page 20 of We Never Kissed

“Oh, okay.” Even though I was hesitant, something about his response had me a little insecure. But then, he turned things right around.

“Great. But for now…” He winked, one corner of his mouth bumping upward.

“Alex, no…” I was tempted for sure.

“Okay, how about taking your top off.”

I laughed with him that time. “Come on…”

As the two of us reined in our laughter, I must have missed my bedroom door opening, because Gunnar landed with a soft thump on the bed next to me.

“What are we doing?” He turned to my screen. “Oh, hey, good-lookin’,” he said to Alex.

Alex and I both looked guilty, even though we’d literally done nothing of suspect.

“Hey, Gunnar,” Alex said awkwardly.

“I’m guessing by the clothing and uptight faces I didn’t miss the party.” He grinned and lifted his brows. “You know, three beautiful people like us could do some serious damage together.”

My mouth flew open, and I smacked him on the arm. “Gunnar!”

“Please tell me he’s joking,” Alex said.

“Sure, yeah, ha-ha.” Gunnar scooted off the bed and walked to the door. “You guys are no fun.”

When the door closed behind him, I said, “Maybe that’s my cue to go.”

“Wait, you mean I don’t get to watch you sleep?”

I tilted my head at him. “It’s not pretty, Alex.”

“Oh, I know that.” He laughed. “But I wouldn’t mind. Since I can’t touch you, I had other things in mind.”

“Oh, my God!” I made a face, even though the prospect of Alex making do while he watched me was not unpleasant at all. “Have you no self-control?”

“Honestly, I don’t know how I’ve done it all these years. You opened a door, Ava. The beast is out, and he’s hungry.”

Oh, God. I couldn’t wait to experience all he was referring to, but I still played along. “Down, boy.”

“I’m afraid it’s too late for that. Goodnight, Ava.”

“Goodnight, Alex.”

Chapter 12

Ava

Gunnar reached across the table and pulled a massive pile of poker chips toward him with a satisfied grin splayed on his face. As he re-stacked his chips, he said, “Have y’all had enough, or do you want to rebuy?”

“Wow, make yourself right at home, Gunnar,” I said with a giggle.

My mom pushed her chair back and stood. “If I had known you were bringing a card shark into this house, I would’ve said no.” But then she ran a hand over the top of Gunnar’s short brown hair like he was one of her own children and smiled at him.

It was strange how Gunnar fit right intoour family, doing things with us we’d done all my life. But instead of my brother at the table, it was Gunnar. He was just a naturally lovable person, and though he was unique in his own right, he was also a chameleon who could thrive in any situation. I was grateful he made this life change with me. It felt good to be home and made it less depressing that I’d ended a long-term relationship with a man who’d only treated me with kindness.

“Yeah, I think I’ve taken enough of a beating,” Dad said, getting up from the table. “Anyone else want ice cream? I was going to watch some TV before I go to bed.”

Gunnar and I exchanged silly grins. He and Dad had actually spent some time together in front of the TV, and though Gunnar wasn’t a fan of football, the two found common ground in golf.

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