Page 137 of Burning Embers

Thank fuck.

There are some things you just don’t need to see, and your older sister getting handsy with a guy is one of them.

“Why don't we all take our seats?” Dad smiles at all of us. “Your mother slaved away all day to create this feast.”

Mom’s cheeks pinken with pleasure. “I hope you enjoy.”

And I settle myself in for alongevening, secretly wishing I were anywhere else.

Like with Izzy.

When dinner ends, Mom shoos all of us “kids” into the living room while she and Dad clean up. I try to protest—mainly because a part of me despises being referred to as a kid—but Mom simply gives me a glare and says, “Shoo.”

That’s how I find myself sitting in the living room on one of the armchairs, staring blankly at the roaring flames of the fire.

Dad chose years ago to decorate our house like a rustic cabin. No fucking idea why, considering we live in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. Still, wooden logs have been placed over the normal wall plaster, and the furniture pieces are bedecked in fur blankets. A faux animal rug rests on the floor directly in front of a stone hearth which features a mounted buck head.

Sydney and Grayson sit on the couch, and to my absolute horror, my sister stealthily places her hand on his upper thigh, inches from his crotch. Grayson immediately turns stiff and grabs her hand, forcing it away.

Probably feels uncomfortable being touched in front of his girlfriend's younger brothers.

At least one of them has some sense.

Ethan takes a sip from his water glass as Sydney turns her sparkling eyes onto him.

“Sooo…” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively. “Tell me about the girl.”

He begins to choke on the water.

“W-what girl?” he stutters out, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand.

My sister’s shit-eating grin only widens.

“Mom said that you have a crush on some new girl at your school. That you’ve been talking on the phone with her almost every night.”

The tips of Ethan’s ears turn crimson as he ducks his head.

“I don’t know what you’re talking?—”

“Her name is Isabella,” I interject, smirking.

I’ll never pass up on an opportunity to give my brother shit.

Besides, Sydney doesn’t need to know that I have a crush on Isabella as well.

Grayson goes rigid beside Sydney, and he slides his ice-blue eyes in Ethan’s direction.

What the fuck is his problem?

“Have you kissed her yet?” Sydney continues teasingly. “Or maybe gone further?—”

“I need to piss.” Grayson stands up abruptly, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Where’s the bathroom?”

Sydney smiles sweetly. “Ethan will show you.” She turns towards our brother. “And after, I was thinking you could show Grayson your new gaming system?”

Ethan’s brows bunch together in confusion. “Errr…sure?”

Sydney claps her hands together. “Perfect.” She leans forward to give Grayson a kiss, but just before their lips touch, he turns his face to the side and offers her his cheek instead.

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