Page 27 of Stick Fight

“Babe.”I cup her face in my hands and kiss her deeply. She melts into me, her soft sigh vibrating through my chest.

When we finally break apart, she whispers. “Just until I can figure out my next move.” I nod and a warm, sated look moves over her face when she adds, “For the record, I have no regrets.”

“Same.” I brush my thumb over her kiss-swollen bottom lip, and that’s when her phone rings, shattering the intimacy of the moment.

At first she tenses, but then her shoulders relax when she glances at the screen.“It’s my mom.”

“You better get that. I’m sure they’re worried.”

She bites her bottom lip. “They’re expecting me to go back to California with them.”

My chest tightens. “Will they be upset?”

Her eyes soften, the love she feels for her parents evident, as she cocks her head to think about that.“I actually don’t think so. They only want what’s best for me, and right now, going with you is probably it.”

“Okay. Take that call. I need to get more coffee into me. Clearly.”

Giving her privacy, I pick up my cup and head to the coffee maker to refill it, and she clicks open the patio door and steps out into the morning sunshine. I drop onto the sofa, take a big sip and shoot my brother a message. I was looking forward to seeing him. He’s been working hard, completing his master’s in public policy at Cornell, but under the circumstances I’m sure he’ll understand.

Me: Hey, can we postpone your visit.

I wait a few minutes, and then his text comes back.

Nolan: Bro, why are you texting so early?

Me: Dude, it’s ten in Vegas and three hours later in New York.

Nolan: I’m on break, bro. Cut me some slack and it’s New Year’s Eve. I’m resting up to party tonight. How’s the wedding going?

I laugh and cut him some slack. Like Gabs, he’s one of the good guys. He’s following in Dad’s footsteps college-wise, but he wants to work in the not-for-profit sector. My bro has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen and I really hope I’m doing right by him as a role model.

Me: Good, uh, I just. Bringing a friend back to Boston with me.

Nolan: Shit bro, did you get married?

Me: Fuck no, Nolan. It’s a friend from back home. She’s in a bind and needs a place to stay.

Nolan. A bind, huh? Didn’t know you were into kink.

Me: Remind me to kick your ass when I see you. Can we look at March or maybe even later for a visit. I’m sure she’ll be on her feet then.

Nolan: No problem. Wait, do I know her?

Me: No.

Nolan: Just be careful bro and have fun tonight.

Me: You too, but not too much fun. I don’t need to be bailing you out.

Nolan: (Middle finger emoji)

I laugh and drop my phone. Naturally, I was joking about bailing him out. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, and when it comes right down to it, probably makes better decisions than me.

Was inviting Gabby home a good decision, Roman?

Yes.

I shake my head, because that answer came to me pretty fast. I have no idea why I have no hesitation when it comes to Gabby. I only know that I don’t. Probably because she simply needs a friend, and I’m not a guy to turn his back on anyone. It has nothing to do with last night, and how much I like pleasuring her. Nothing to do with how much I want to do it again.

---