Page 26 of Sticking Out

“Sure.” He unlocks his phone and hands it to me. “Meet me downstairs.” He leaves and that’s when I see that the messages on his phone are open. I’m about to slide my finger across the screen to close them, only to stop when I see Alec’s name. My heart lurches. Was Conner re-reading old messages from Alec. For the briefest of seconds, I think about reading the exchange, but stop. That’s an invasion of privacy. What was said between brothers should stay between brothers. It does make me wonder if whatever was bothering him had something to do with Alec.

I pull up his clock app, and take the stick out of the package. I’ve done enough tests to know how they work, so I don’t bother with the instructions. I pee on the stick, and set the timer. Honest to God, these are always the longest minutes of my life. I wash my hands and brush my teeth, and try not to stare at the timer. When it finally goes off, I take a big breath and pick up the stick. My chest deflates when I see that it’s negative. I wasn’t sure I expected it to happen this fast, and while I’m disappointed, I can’t deny that I’m looking forward to spending more intimate time with Conner.

I drop the stick into the trash can, and without bothering to dress, I tighten the belt on my robe and make my way downstairs. Conner is leaning against the counter, a cup of coffee in his hand when I enter. His body is tight and I’m not even sure he’s breathing. I slowly shake my head no, and he sets the cup down, quickly closes the distance between us and pulls me into his arms.

“I’m sorry, babe.”

He hugs me tight and I melt into his warmth and comfort. I always loved the way this man held me. “Are you okay?”

“I am.” A beat and then, “Are you?”

He inches back, cups my face. “I am, and hey, on the bright side, we get to have more sex.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

He guides me to a chair. “Sit, let me get your bagel ready and then I want you to tell me what I can do today to make you happy.”

I laugh as he grabs the cup of coffee he was holding earlier and hands it to me. I take a much-needed sip and moan my appreciation. He grabs the cream cheese from the fridge and I say, “This isn’t all about me.”

“Of course, it’s all about you, Dani.” He drops the tub of cheese onto the counter, and turns back to me, his eyes narrowed in deep concern. “This is all you’ve ever wanted.”

I gulp and try to hide my disappointment. He’s right. This is all about me. How could I ever have thought it wasn’t? That I let all this playing house go to my head, like something real was happening between us. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

“We don’t need to do anything special. Not for me.”

He takes the bagel from the toaster, drops it onto a plate and coats it with cream cheese. “Fine, if you’re leaving it with me, then we’re going to the park, having ice cream and doing some bird watching. I know you like that.”

Okay, so he’s not going to let it go. Why is he so incredibly good to me? He places a bagel with a generous amount of cream cheese in front of me.

He crinkles up his nose. “After you enjoy eating your stinky feet, we’ll go.”

I laugh, my chest loosening. “What is it about this cream cheese that you don’t like?” I swipe my finger through it, put it into my mouth and moan out loud. “Delicious.”

He backs up a bit, and adjusts his jeans. That’s when I realize what I’ve done. I dip my finger back in, and put it back in my mouth. “Oh my God, so good, Conner. You have no idea what you’re missing.”

“Actually, I do.”

“Oh?”

“Change of plans for the afternoon.”

Taking me by surprise, he lifts me clear from my chair, and carries me to the island in the middle of the kitchen. He sets me on it, grips my thighs and widens them. My bare sex warms in sweet anticipation. “If you’re going to put something in your mouth and moan like that, I am too.” With that, he lowers his head, plants his mouth on my pussy and moans as he eats me like a man starved. His head lifts, his eyes on mine. “Now this.” He lightly rubs his finger over my throbbing clit. “Delicious.” I moan, putting my hand on the back of his head and his chuckle fills the air as I guide his mouth back to where it belongs. I let loose a moan of pleasure.

Yeah, a girl could really get used to this.

10

Conner

The sun is cresting the horizon as I just about finish my run. I take off my shirt and wipe the sweat from my forehead. Tanner Bang has the cup at his place tonight, and he’s having a big get together. It will be the first time Dani and I have been out with anyone since we started having sex, and now, we’re going to tell everyone that we’re dating. I’m not sure how they’re going to react. Maybe they won’t be surprised. We do, after all, spend a lot of time together. Still, she used to be my brother’s wife and that can make things a bit awkward.

I head inside the house, and even though it’s a workday for Dani, it’s still early and she doesn’t have to be up just yet. I’ve been helping her out at the Airbnb, but soon enough, once school lets out at the end of June, just a week away, I’ll be busy helping with the hockey camps. I love helping out the younger players and giving back to the community. A lot of the guys who live in the local area like to help out too.

I tiptoe up the stairs and make my way to the shower. I pass by my room, and glance in to find Dani sound asleep. My heart squeezes tight at the adorable sight and while I’d like to climb back into bed with her, I’m too sweaty. She’s not ovulating until next week, but that hasn’t kept us from ravishing each other. I pass by her bedroom, and my chest tightens. I don’t want to sleep in my brother’s bed, which is why we’re always in the spare room.

What if you become a real family, Conner?

I step into the bathroom and tear off my shorts and socks as that thought bangs around inside my brain. Dani hasn’t even cleaned the place out yet. It’s pretty much the same as it was when my brother was alive. I don’t even think she’s emptied his side of the closet. I realize it’s because she still loves him, but when does one move on, and will she ever be able to love another?

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