Page 88 of Roses in Summer

“Let’s get inside,” he offers, holding out his hand for me to take. I slide my palm against his, unhesitant and sure. I’m not concerned as he weaves through the parking lot, up the front steps, and to the elevator. Even when he selects my floor and waits beside me as the metal cube ascends, I’m not worried.

He’s never been here before; he shouldn’t know the first thing about my living arrangements. Yet, he does, and I have my sister and future brother-in-law to thank for that.

As soon as the elevator doors slide open, I step into the hall and lead Lincoln down the corridor until we arrive at my door. I release his hand and fish my key out of my purse, jamming it into the lock without finesse. My buzz from earlier has worn off, leaving me a mess of thoughts and feelings, and I wonder if Lincoln will help distract me, either with more alcohol… or something else.

I feel the door unlock as I turn the key and press down on the handle.

It’s then that all the concern I should have felt at Lincoln’s intimate knowledge of my apartment complex comes surging forward.

Except, it has nothing to do with Lincoln and everything to do with the scene in front of me. The very naked scene of my sister grinding on a man’s lap.

Did I mention naked?

Very, very naked.

“Holy fuck,” I screech, covering my eyes. “Bianca!”

I hear a bang followed by grunts and nervous laughter. “What are you doing home?”

“I live here, Bianca. Why are you naked?”

“I live here,” she mimics. “We’re covered. You can stop acting like your retinas are burning.”

Dropping my hand, I open one eye, relieved to see both Bianca and her stranger have blankets draped over them. I’ll have to burn them and the couch. The blankets, not the people.

Looking at my sister’s face, I realize there’s a hollowness there that’s never been present before. She looks tired, and it strikes me that I’ve been so consumed with my own problems that I really haven’t stopped to consider hers. Releasing a sigh, I look toward Lincoln and see the humor on his face. “It’s not funny.”

“Kind of is, ciern.”

“B, can I talk to you in the kitchen?” I ask, ignoring Lincoln.

“Fine.” Bianca gets up, readjusting her blanket as she stands. I watch her walk to the breakfast counter and lean against the granite, the blanket dwarfing her body as she hunches over. Lifting my hand, I wave at Lincoln, silently letting him know I need a minute, and walk to my sister.

“What the hell is going on?”

“Don’t ask questions you know the answer to.”

“B,” I groan at her tone, lowering my voice. “Have you been drinking? Do I need to kick this guy out?”

“Have you been drinking?” She raises an eyebrow, volleying my question back at me.

“Dammit, Bianca. Stop answering my questions with questions. Just answer two questions. Did he take advantage of you, and do you want him out of this apartment?”

“No, but.” She looks over her shoulder, dropping her voice before answering, “Yes.”

I nod once, turning on my heel and walking to the naked guy lounging on the couch as though he belongs there. “You. Time to go.” I bend down, grab the discarded jeans from the floor, and hold them out.

I’m not sure what I anticipate, but the half-hearted shrug isn’t it. Standing up, B’s guest drops the blanket, showcasing his semi-hard dick to the entire room.

“What the fuck?” I mutter, looking to the ceiling as Lincoln surges forward, grabbing the guy’s jeans from my hand and shoving them at his chest.

“Out. Now.”

“But, man, I need to find my shirt. It’s here somewhere. I know I saw it…” He trails off, turning around and bending over, inspecting the couch while we stand front row and open-jawed to his bare ass.

“Kev, we see your anus,” Bianca yells from across the room.

“Alright, that’s enough.” Lincoln grabs Kev’s arm, forcing him to stand straight, and drags him to the door. With one hand still clutching Kev’s arm, Lincoln wrenches open our front door and pushes him out, still completely naked with only a pair of jeans covering his dick. “Have a good night. Bianca will give you your shit tomorrow. Or whenever.” Lincoln throws it closed, leaving Kev confused and Bianca and me stunned.

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