Page 51 of The Home Grown
“You did not fancy me!” she said.
We’d revisited that point—several times.
“I did. And honestly, I wish I’d kissed you for real that day.”
“No, you don’t,” she said.
“Oh, yeah?”
It was all giggles and smiles and close faces. Completely out of character from the Ellie that was sharing the space in the kitchen with me mere hours before.
And she tilted her head in such a way that had me leaning in close several times. Almost to the point where our lips were touching.
Almost.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
For fuck’s sake. I can’t even reminisce in peace.
There’s a scrambling beside me and Ellie bolts upright in bed, pulling the duvet with her as she covers her chest. I will myself to remember if I got a peek at her boobs, but I’m sure I’d recall with minimal effort if I did.
“Oh, my God,” she says, her head moving at the speed of a trickle towards me.
Her eyes widen when our gazes meet.
“Morning, sweetheart.” I can’t stop myself from smirking, but she jerks her head away, setting her attention on the empty patch of wall directly ahead of her.
“Oh, crap,” she says again.
She scrambles out of bed, muttering something under her breath—a rare swearword, I believe, leaving me laying here in my underwear, my morning wood proud and snug against the grey cotton.
Ellie’s eyes drift south and stop on my bulge and the fact that I’m exposed, unprotected from her view has my dick thickening further.
“Fuck,” she says, under her breath this time, but I don’t miss it.
“See, I only told you it was little so you’d be pleasantly surprised.”
Her jaw drops, and she shakes her head before dashing out of the room at speed, almost falling over the threshold as my phone starts ringing again.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
I swear Johnny’s name looks angrier than it did a moment ago, flashing on my screen with rage reserved for the captain. And because I can’t face him right now, I let it ring off, enjoying the silence only for a short while before it rings again, winning my attention—although I should know better.
My sister, Kelly—or at least I think it is—until I answer and Johnny’s voice booms down the line at twenty decibels louder than it needs to be.
“Thank fuck,” he says, after I croak out a greeting.
“What’s going on? You need me for something?” I say, trying to sound casual.
“Need you for something? You’re kidding, right? Kelly’s been out of her mind … Hutch said you were at your folks’ house, but your mom said you didn’t show up. Then you weren’t answering my calls?—”
“Well, I’m fine,” I lie. “Never better, actually.”
“Where the hell are you?” Johnny says.
“I’m just at a friend’s house—I’m heading back to my parents’ place now.” I sit up in bed before setting my feet on the floor, trying to ground myself.
“A friend’s house? If I find out it’s Rochelle, then I’ll?—”
