Page 13 of Loving My Brother's Best Friend

I bite back a giggle, the thrill of almost getting caught and the euphoria of an amazing orgasm still racing through my veins. "Easy. We walk out and leave. It's all in the confidence, baby."

I rise to my knees, pulling up my underwear before standing and adjusting my dress. I know my hair is insane, but it'll have to do for now. Ethan tugs up his pants and runs a hand through his hair before doing up his zipper and buckle. He's definitely rumpled, and it makes my heart do a funny little skip. He's mine now.

"Do I look presentable?" he asks, quirking a brow at me. I'm still in his arms, and it makes me feel a little thrill of possession when he smiles down at me.

I smile and tug him closer. "Not even a little bit. You look thoroughly fucked, Hayes."

"Damn."

I grin and kiss him again. "I don't mind a bit."

The kiss is brief but deep, and he releases me. We exit the closet and the room together, walking calmly toward the exit. He puts a possessive hand on my back, and it sends another thrill down my spine.

I give him one more flirty smile before we walk outside together. It's started raining again, a steady, misting drizzle. I look up at Ethan, smiling. "You still owe me dinner, you know."

"I'll order you any takeout you want. Let's just get to my car and back to my place."

"Agreed." I let him take my hand, fingers linking together as he leads me towards the parking lot. "Can we shower while it's being delivered?"

Ethan makes a pleased sound in his chest. "Hell yes, we can. Just don't complain if we take so long the food gets cold."

I give him a look, which I hope communicates my total willingness to do just that. He laughs, and I don't think I've ever seen him so happy.

I can't wait to get to the shower and finally take off this damn dress. And I can't wait to have the rest of my life with Ethan. It’s a little soon for that thought, but who cares? I made the mistake of letting him walk out of my life before, and it’s never happening again.

EPILOGUE

ETHAN

One Year Later

Natalie's family Christmas party is everything I remember it being, but this is the first time I've attended where I'm old enough to drink. It definitely shines a light on why so many of these get-togethers were so wacky when I was a kid hanging out with Ryan.

They're more fun now, that's for sure. But I don't think it's the alcohol. I think it's the woman next to me, her hand strategically placed in her coat pocket as we get a breath of fresh, chill air. Ryan has joined us, and it's just like old times.

Well, except for the fact that Natalie and I are a couple. But that's a definite improvement.

"Why do they keep it so damn hot in there?" Ryan asks, fanning himself even in the nearly freezing outdoors.

"Because they're old," Natalie replies. "Old people always think it's freezing."

We all laugh, and I put my arm around her waist, tugging her close. She rests her head against my shoulder, and a wave of contentment rolls over me. Ryan looks at us smugly, like he has since the moment we announced that we were officially dating. He sees himself as the heroic brother and friend who brought us together when, in reality, I think Natalie and I have been destined to be together no matter what.

We've let Ryan have his fun, though. Tonight, we're going to shock him, and this is as good a time as ever.

I blow into my cold hands, giving Natalie a meaningful look. She nods, giddy.

"Ryan," I start. "We have to tell you something. We wanted you to know first before we tell the rest of the family."

"We're engaged!" Natalie squeals, holding out her left hand to show the diamond solitaire ring I put there just last week. Ryan drops his glass of champagne. I grab it before it can hit the porch floor, setting it on the railing in front of us.

"We know how badly you want to be the center of attention. This time, you'll have to share the limelight, brother." I clap him on the shoulder, feeling on top of the world.

"I'll share with the world. With everyone, if it means I can finally have my two best friends together. It was all I ever wanted." Ryan picks his glass back up. "A toast! To finally getting your heads out of your asses and getting together."

It's not the toast I would have made, but it's classic Ryan. Laughing, Natalie and I touch glasses, and when she kisses me, I don’t even feel the cold.

“I love you, Nat. Yesterday, today, tomorrow.”

Tears brim her eyes as she smiles up at me. “I love you. Yesterday, today, tomorrow.”

The End

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