Page 5 of Count On Me

6

JAXSON

Holy shit! I was so close to kissing her. To throwing her down on the sofa and showing her just how beautiful I think she is. But Edie deserves someone who can give her their entire attention. I need to focus on securing my place on the team first, making England my new home for longer than the unknown period I’ve got now. Taking our relationship to the next level would be fucking incredible, but the timing isn’t right. And I can’t do anything to screw up what we have. She’s too important to me.

She looked so sad when she told me what that prick said about her. She tried to hide the pain, but I saw it. That’s the problem with Edie, I see everything about her.

She doesn't see herself when she's laughing or smiling. Doesn’t notice how she lights up the whole damn room when she enters it. That everyone is transfixed when she speaks because she’s a fucking genius and cares about everybody effortlessly. But I see it.

She looks at her freckles and sees a defect, something that makes her look young and geeky. But I see them as adornments, part of what makes her beautiful and unique. I love the way they dance across her nose when she laughs. I love every damn thingabout her. She’s too good for the jerks of the world who see her as a “chunky ginger bird.” What the fuck is wrong with them?

I wish I could make her see herself through my eyes, help her realise just how amazing she is. She’d know how much people look up to her. Idolise her. Want to spend every fucking minute with her. Like I do.

But I can’t screw around with her. I could never sleep with her and then ghost her. Not that I ever would but… I’d never forgive myself for hurting someone so damn good. She’s worth too much to risk losing. She’s Edie.MyEddie. I can’t lose her friendship.

That was a close call. And I can’t afford any more close calls. I head out into the back garden and throw the pizza boxes into the recycling bin. My phone chimes in my pocket and a text from my teammate comes through.

Jordan

You’re missing a sick party, dude. You sure you won’t take me up on that offer?

I close my eyes and blow out a deep breath. I don’t want to do this, but after what just almost happened, I don’t think I have a choice.

Me

Actually, I think I will. Is tomorrow too soon?

Jordan

SWEET! We’re gonna have the best time!

I shove my phone in my pocket, pissed off at myself for getting into this mess. I don’t want to live with Jordan, but I can’t keep staying here with Edie. It’s too dangerous. If tonight taught me anything, it's that living this closely together is arecipe for disaster. I thought I’d be able to keep my hands off her, but I thought wrong.

I hang my head as I walk back into the kitchen, lock the back door, and switch the lights off as I head into the hallway. I sense her before I see her. The smell of coconuts washes over me bringing the happiness I always feel around her. My head snaps up and I’m met with big doe eyes, wide and unsure. She’s fiddling with the hem of her top, pulling the neckline down, flirting dangerously close to exposing even more of her cleavage. I force my eyes away from her tits and give her a nervous smile.

“Everything okay?” I ask and run my hand through my hair. She smiles at me and nods her head.

“It was Mum. She’s staying at Genie’s house tonight. Looks like it’s just you and me.” She giggles nervously and I nod my head and gulp at the news.

“So we should probably go to bed… I mean, I need to get to your bed. Shit, no, I meant, my bed. Yeah, you should definitely come to my bed. FUCK!” I grab my hair and tug on the ends as she laughs at my stupidity.

“Come on, Jaxy. Let’s go toourbeds.” She walks up the stairs in front of me and I desperately try to look anywhere but at her ass. Unfortunately my brain and eyes are on two different pages, and my gaze shoots straight to her backside, hypnotically swaying side to side with each step she takes. I swear she doesn’t normally wiggle like that.

As she gets to the top of the stairs, she looks over her shoulder and catches me ogling her round cheeks. She smirks and I frown at being caught once again. As I stand on the top step beside her, she licks her lips and tells me goodnight. I follow the movement of her tongue like a hawk watching its prey. She steps closer to me, reaching up on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around my neck, and I silently groan as she presses her body up against me.

My dick stands to attention at the smell of coconuts and the feel of her warm body moulded into mine. I want to pick her up, slam her against the wall, and dip my hand into her panties to see how wet she is for me. But instead, I clear my throat, kiss her on top of the head, and whisper, “Listen to your best friend, Edie. You’re perfect just the way you are. Hawaii. Goodnight.”

As she takes a little step back, I turn on my heel and hurry to the sanctuary of my bedroom, not able to handle the disappointment I know I’ll see on her face. I close the door and lean against it. I swear to God, if she knocks on this door, there will be no restraint. I’ll be powerless to stop it, let what we both want happen.

I hold my breath as I strain to hear any noise from the other side of the door. When I hear the click of her door shutting, I finally breathe out.

7

GROUP TEXTS BETWEEN THE BRADY BROTHERS AND SURROGATE SISTER PENNY

Jaxson

SOS Bradys. How badly do you think Mama will react if I moved out of Erin’s house without telling her?

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