Page 8 of Desiring My Brother's Best Friend

I wish I could believe my own words.

3

LENA

Well, I got what I wanted, and it all blew up in my face.

Hooking up with Owen was mind-bogglingly good, and even if he hadn't meant something to me already, I'd still probably be obsessed. But caring about Owen and now knowing how good of a lay he is has ruined me, and he's all I can think about.

Except for the ugly fact that he basically rejected me as soon as we both came. I should've known better. He said as much earlier that the flirting had been harmless, but I thought it was obvious there was something between us.

I've tried to convince myself over the last week that Owen's rejection doesn't hurt, and that I don't regret my impulsive behavior in the attic. That I don't think about him every minute of the day, wondering what would have happened if I hadn't said anything and let the moment pass.

But I do.

It's hard to stay focused on getting the studio ready, though at least it's a distraction from the gaping hole in my heart. It doesn't help that Owen shows up to work, but he barely speaks to me, treating me more like a client than an old friend. He definitely doesn't speak to me like someone who fucked me right there on the attic floor just last week.

It takes a few days, but eventually, I'm done wallowing in my self-despair, and I jump right back into getting under Owen's skin. He doesn't want me? Fine. But I'm going to make it hell on earth to resist me.

I wear shorter shorts, tighter tops, and lower-cut bras that peek through my shirts. I bend over as often as possible, showing off my ass and legs. I touch him whenever I can, brushing my fingers along his arm or hand when we're talking, even when it's not necessary. I know I'm driving him crazy, and I get a twisted sort of satisfaction out of it.

"What's your problem?" he asks one day, snapping at me after I've dropped my third power drill of the day. "You've never been this clumsy before."

I shrug. "Maybe I'm just distracted by how good you look with all your manly tools."

He huffs his eyes but doesn't take the bait. "Just be more careful, okay? I don't have time to waste fixing your mistakes."

His words are harsh, but he has a point. We're behind on the project because of my silly crush, and I need to get over it. "Fine. Sorry. I'll try to focus."

He grunts in response and gets back to work.

The rest of the afternoon is spent in relative silence, except for the occasional request for a tool or piece of equipment. Owen is focused on his work, and I do my best to keep my thoughts—and hands—to myself. But as the sun starts to set and we get ready to call it a day, something shifts between us. The tension from before is still there, but it feels different now, charged with something else. I might be mistaken, but I think he's getting to the end of his rope. The thought makes me grin.

As we pack up our tools, he catches my eye. "What?"

"Nothing," I say innocently. "I'm just looking forward to finishing the floor tomorrow."

His eyes narrow. "I bet you are."

I give him my best sultry smile. "What can I say? I like watching you work."

He lets out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "You're killing me, Lena."

I take a step closer, unable to resist teasing him further. "You've been so distant lately, it's hard to believe we ever hooked up at all."

He shakes his head. "That's what I've been trying to tell you. It was a mistake. I never should have?—"

I cut him off, pressing my lips to his. He freezes in place before groaning and cupping my face in his big, rough hands, kissing me back. It's even better than I remember. He tastes like mint and smells like sawdust and his warm, amber cologne.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily. Owen rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. "We shouldn't be doing this, Lena."

"Why not?" I ask softly. "We're both adults. We both want this."

He sighs, opening his eyes and gazing into mine. "It's complicated. I don?—"

I press my finger against his lips. "Shh. Can we just put a pin in it tonight? I'm not going to be able to take it if you reject me, and I think we both need some time to think it over."

He nods, letting out a sigh of relief. "Okay. Yeah, that sounds good."

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