Page 24 of My Favorite Secret
I love how he doesn’t ask whether I want to sit with him, he just moves my body as though I’m his girl.
Pre-Italy, whenever Tyler held my hand or hugged me, I would feel cherished and protected. Post-Italy, his touch makes me hot and needy.
An image enters my mind, of him handling me like this during sex.
What the hell is wrong with me? I’m so fucking perverted and am making our friendship awkward, suddenly always thinking about the two of us getting naked.
The most vulgar images have been entering my head recently, of what he would look like jerking off. What he would taste like between my lips, coming down my throat. Worst of all, I’ve been thinking about Tyler enjoying the sight ofmewith my fingers between my legs.
I don’t know what has spurred on all these thoughts. They’re not me. I don’t want sex.
Idon’t.
Tyler starts brushing my hair, speaking during a lull in the movie. “Your parents told me you’re not settling in with Felix. You’ll let me know if he does anything inappropriate to you, won’t you? I won’t let him treat you poorly.”
I think about the first day here when Felix cornered me in the car, slid between my legs, and said he’d have fun playing with me. I should tell Tyler, but I’m fearful Felix will retaliate by sharing details about that moment in the car I want to keep hidden.
I bet you’re soaking wet for me right now.
Or worse. Felix could tell him about the dagger.
Arousal spreads through me at the memory of how hard Felix was between my legs.Imade him hard.
And here I am, back to the sex thoughts again. I swear, these two brothers are going to drive me insane.
“I don’t want to talk about Felix.”
“Harp, I know you don’t want to hear this, but maybe it’s a good thing you two are living together. Maybe you’ll become friends again.”
“Not going to happen.”
Right as I say the words, my phone lights up beside us on the couch. I glance at it, not paying attention to the screen other than to check if I’m receiving an incoming call. The screen turns dark again. A text message, probably from Cindy. I’ll check it later.
“How’s ballet?” Tyler asks, dividing my hair into sections.
“Fine, I guess. I’m taking class up here but it’s not the same as being in my regular classes.”
My phone lights up again.
“You going to get that?” Tyler passes me my phone. His hand pauses halfway to me when I feel his muscles stiffen. Before I can register what’s happened, the mood shifts from lighthearted to tense. “Who thefuckis Paul Ferguson?”
My throat constricts with panic. I snatch my phone, reading the message on my screen.Hi, beautiful. Had a great date with you last week. When do I get to see you again?
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Ah… that’s not what it seems. He’s no one?—”
Tyler slides out from beneath me, putting space between us. The look in his eyes is dark.Furious. My heart pounds, having never seen him react like this.
“If it’s not what it seems, why the fuck is he calling youbeautiful?”
I’m instantly clammy, knowing I’ve screwed up. I didn’t want Tyler to find out about Paul like this. I didn’t want him to find out at all. Paul is some boring guy who means nothing to me.
“My parents are pushing me to date this guy. He’s theson of Dad’s boss. I’m not interested in him. I met up with him one afternoon at the juice bar after ballet to shut my parents up. It wasn’t a date.”
“Are you sure he knows that? Tell me what the fuck is really going on.”
I swallow hard, knowing the truth will hurt Tyler, and that’s the last thing I want to do. “I think my parents are… hoping I’ll marry him.”
