Page 1 of Kissing My Brother's Best Friend

1

ANNA

There are over a hundred people at this party, and I only really know two of them. And, in classic older brother fashion, one of them is passed out on the front lawn.

The other is his best friend, and now my only lifeline, Liam Brown.

I've never regretted going to college online and living at home to save money, but seeing the way my brother lived did give me a heavy dose of FOMO. When I'm home binge-watching the latest Netflix series, he's out partying for the fourth time in a week, seeing the wilder parts of life that I chose to miss out on.

He's two years older than I am, so for the first year, I was content enough to ignore everything he posted on social media, but once year two rolled around, there was no avoiding the awful truth—I was jealous.

We aren't total cliche siblings. Both of us had been reasonably popular, gotten good grades, and graduated with solid plans on what we wanted to do next. The issue was that my brother, Brody, had graduated with a wildly successful high school football career under his belt, and he was shipped away to sunny South Carolina, about four hours from home. Scholarship money is a hell of a thing.

The second issue is a little more nuanced. Brody wasn't the sole football star in his grade. His success was earned side by side with his best friend, Liam, which is how the two ended up at the same college. They were a package deal.

So I'm definitely a little jealous about all the fun Brody has been having, but most of all, I'm pissed that he took Liam away. It's not like Liam even looks at me like that, but I've been in love with him from the second Brody brought him over for dinner one night years ago.

Childhood crushes are supposed to fade, not deepen, but when Brody finally invited me to stay with him over spring break, and I'd come face to face with Liam again after two years of absence, I realized it had never gone away.

He’s tall, with dark blond hair he kept cut short during the football season and deep blue eyes. With a strong nose and wide, always smiling mouth, he’s always been popular with women but mostly uninterested in serious relationships. His lack of real dating history had done nothing to dissuade me of my crush.

The party tonight was a rager, but by now, it has died down to something much more my speed. Brody's friend group has happily absorbed me for the week, and while my superstar brother is unconscious in a patch of grass somewhere, everyone else is playing games…

Including Liam. But I'm trying not to look at Liam too much. I know Brody said I could just have fun tonight, but I don't think I'm having fun. I think I'm suffering.

"So, what do you think, Anna?"

"Hm?" I snap back into reality when I hear that oh-so-familiar voice.

Liam grins and leans in. "About playing this game with us."

It takes me a second to catch up. "What is it again?"

His grin deepens. "Truth or dare. Keep up, kid."

I blush when I realize what he means. The game can go in some pretty raunchy directions. "I don’t know. What would be a good truth?" I ask, glancing around at everyone.

"For example." One of Brody's friends raises his hand. "Why did you stay at home after you graduated high school?"

"Easy," I answer, laughing. "I'm an introvert. College parties aren't for me. Plus, I'm saving money, so when I move after I graduate, I won't have to pay any rent for the first few months."

He nods. "I get it. You're smart. Okay, who's next?"

The game goes on. I'm nursing a Rum and Coke that is 99% Coke and just enjoying the show, figuring since I just played my part, I have some time before anyone bothers calling on me again.

That is, until someone decides to take advantage of the fact I've let my guard down.

"Brody's sister, truth or dare?"

"I already chose!" I protest.

"You're the guest. The guest gets another turn. So, truth or dare?"

I sigh. Might as well mix it up a little. "Dare."

There's a small chorus of whoops and hollers, and then one of Brody's friends pipes up. "I dare you to kiss the hottest guy in the room."

Oh, shit. I laugh, but there's a panicked edge to it. "And who would that be?"

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