Page 116 of My Brother's Enemy
I snorted. “I wish you were more into women too.”
“Men are just so… Not Nolan, though. Nolan’s the best guy I’ve ever met.”
I frowned again. “You cannot date my best friend.”
She sighed. “I know, but why does he have to live all the way in New York? Not fair.”
“I’m not enjoying this conversation,” I informed her. “Before I forget, should we bring anything with us?”
“No. I have it all covered.”
I paused. “You ordered Chinese, didn’t you?”
“Yep. On your credit card.”
“That’s for emergencies.”
“It is an emergency. It’s a holiday, and I forgot to go to the grocery store yesterday. So hence, I used your card today. Thank you, big brother. I’ll see you when you get here.”
I was grumbling as she ended the call, but then Rain came out of her bedroom, and I was blown away. I stood, going to her. “You look incredible.”
She’d been brushing her fingers through her hair and stopped to look at herself. “I’m in a sweater and jeans.”
I shook my head. She didn’t have one clue how beautiful she was. “It’s not the clothes, babe.”
“It’s not?” She continued frowning at herself.
I drew her to me, brushing a kiss over her forehead. There was that same aroma—cupcakes. I caught an added underlying hint of lilac. My two new favorite smells. “Your jeans show off this seriously sexy ass.” My hands dropped there, cupping her as she chuckled against my chest. “But it’s just you, babe. You could be wearing anything and my dick would get hard, but I like you best in nothing. Let’s skip all the parties and start our own tradition: naked Thanksgiving. I’m thankful every time you’re naked for me. Let’s celebrate.”
She laughed, but I was serious.
Lifting a hand to my chest, she looked up at me as if she wanted to say something.
“What is it?” I prompted.
“I had a boyfriend once, my longest relationship. I used to give him compliments all the time. He made fun of me, so I eventually stopped. Looking back, I was attracted to him because he was like my family, or I knew he’d treat me the same way they had. I was attracted to what I knew. But I want to be different with you. I want to change and heal. So because of that…” Her hands flattened, fingers spreading apart. “You’re hot, Tyler.”
My lips curved up. “I’m aware but keep going.”
“You’re very hot.”
I tugged her against me. “You’re making me hard.”
“You are sexy.”
“Mmmm…” I nuzzled under her ear, feeling her shiver. “Say more. Please.”
She laughingly pressed a finger to my forehead and pushed me back. “If we don’t get going, we’re going to be late. I can’t be late for Coach’s dinner.”
Tugging on my hands, she led us out of there and to the elevator. There was a couple already inside. The guy recognized me, but we got to the lobby before he could say anything. I didn’t mind the random fan. It didn’t happen that often, but it felt weird on Thanksgiving.
On the way to Coach’s, Rain was quiet. I reached over for her hand. “You okay? It’s Thanksgiving. Normal families do family things. Did you want to try and see Mal at all?”
She went eerily still, her eyes going vacant for a moment before she shook her head. “No. I think it’s too soon. Maybe next year.”
I said, “Maybe Christmas?”
She was quiet again before she jerked her head up and down. “Yeah. Christmas. I’ll mention it to him.”
