Page 32 of My Brother's Best Friends

“I think I’m going to need sunglasses for this,” she says. “Just looking out at the snow earlier almost gave me temporary blindness.”

Kellan chuckles. “Oh, I agree. Remember the first time we all went skiing and the sun was out?”

“My eyes still burn just remembering,” Alex grumbles, his cheeks slightly flushed.

“What happened?” Makayla asks, looking at each of us.

“Alex was too cool of a skier to wear sunglasses,” I say, the memory still vivid in my mind as I smile. “Perfect 20/20 vision, even in glaring sunlight, he said. I don’t need glasses, he said.”

“By the time we were done and at the bottom of the slope, his eyes were bloodshot,” Kellan adds. “But only the exposed parts. Whenever he looked up or down or to the sides, you could see the white parts clearly.”

“And it stung like hell,” Alex confesses. “Truly a humiliating moment.”

“But a lesson learned,” I chime in. “So, yes, Kay, we’re definitely getting you sunglasses. You may or may not need them. It’ll be up to you.”

“I’m nervous,” she confesses.

“Of falling or making a fool of yourself?” I reply.

“Both,” Makayla giggles. “Also, the possibility of losing control at high speed and going off the slope. Bryan said it’s rocky and jagged down there, and that the thick snow blanket makes it incredibly dangerous. Potentially deadly, even.”

“Your brother has a tendency to exaggerate,” Alex says. “Besides, remember, you’ve got us by your side. We’ll be with you, every step of the way.”

Twirling her hair, she gives us a soft, sweet smile. “I’m lucky, then, to have three courageous and strapping, handsome gentlemen like you watching over me.”

Kellan and Alex simply lean up against the wall, watching her work her magic.

The elevator door opens and we get in. We’re alone in an enclosed space, the only thing stopping us from clinging to each other are my misguided sensibilities. I can imagine sliding my fingers through her hair, pressing a hand against the small of her back and drawing her to me. She would melt in my arms and we would give up this losing game, allowing ourselves to be truly free.

My mind wanders. The elevator chimes and the doors open before I realize that any time has passed. Makayla and my brothers get off, leaving me stunned, my crotch painfullyswollen. I’m not going to last a second longer if I can’t get a hold of myself.

I stride down the hall, passing the trio by without a word. This is going to be torture; I need to get my head in the game. I reach the room and swipe my keycard, letting myself in.

“Did it take you long to learn how to ski?” Makayla asks Alex.

“Not really, but then again, My coordination’s pretty solid,” he says. “You have good reflexes, though. I’m sure you’ll pick it up quickly, especially since you’ve already skied before.”

“I want to say it’s like riding a bike,” I cut in, assuming a spot in the center of the room where I can make sure that everyone is following my directions. “Now, off to our rooms. Meet back here in twenty.”

Kellan gives me the military salute. “Yes, sir.”

Alex chuckles. “He’s yanking your chain.”

“Twenty minutes,” Makayla replies. “Don’t let me get in your way.”

“Oh, but please, do,” Kellan shoots back, inching close enough that I can hear her breath hitch. “I’m open to any opportunity to hide in the warm comfort of a bedroom right now.”

“We made her a promise,” I say.

“Oscar,” Makayla scolds in her silky soprano.

“We promised we’d help you out on the ski slope,” I insist. I don’t want them to think that just because we’re alone in the suite that we’re going to abandon the plan. “At least give us an opportunity to be true to our word.”

She lowers her gaze in a dangerously seductive manner. “Granted, there’s nothing sexier than a man whose actions match his words.” She pauses and looks up. As soon as our eyes meet, I know I’m a dead man. “Let alone three men…”

Her lips part, slowly, and it takes superhuman strength for me not to give into my own instincts. Then she turns on her heels and walks into her room, closing the door behind her. Kellan scoffs and shakes his head.

“You’re smooth, I’ll give you that,” he says.

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