Page 43 of Wrecked Rose

I shake my head. “Hell to the no. We’re close, but we don’t need to bethatclose.”

He cackles as he shakes his head. “True, true. But remember that the next time you hurl yourself into the bed with me and Lyla.”

I roll my eyes to the ceiling and blow out a breath through pursed lips. “Got it. Now get the fuck out of here so I can finish what I started.”

“Going.” He holds his hands up. “It’s clear one of us hasn’t gotten any lately.”

As the door closes behind him, all I can do is drop my chin to my chest and laugh. And put my dick away because after all that, I don’t think I can relax enough to rub one out anyway.

I cover my face with my hands. One thing is for sure. Watching the two gay men in that video had me harder than a rock. I’d thought for sure I’d take a look once they really got into it and think to myself,Nope! No can do.But that hadn’t been the case. I’d fallen into a very dirty, filthy fantasy of what it would be like to be inside Max’s body… or have him in mine. I’m not sure if I’d be picky with the whole top and bottom thing. But is that all it is? A fantasy? Plenty of people dream about things they’d never do in a million years in real life. Right?

The question is, do I have the nerve to go there?

Chapter 28

Griff

Acareful knock on my door interrupts my naughty thoughts. With a sigh, I raise my voice, “Come in.”

Lyla stands on the other side in yoga pants and a T-shirt, fresh from her shower, nibbling on her lower lip.

“Oh”—I throw my hands up in the air—“nowyou knock?”

She gives me a sheepish grin. “Sorry.” Walking slowly toward me, she clears her throat. “Um. You get a chance to finish whatever you were—?”

I give her an exasperated look. “Ha-ha. You’re adorable. There was no finishing once I had both you and my brother in here. Especially after you saw what I was watching.”

She climbs up on the edge of the bed so she’s facing me, legs folded up to her chest. “You didn’t have to let me look. I was joking around.” Her voice hitches. “If you’d said no, I would have respected your wishes. I hope you realize that.” Her pretty brown eyes hold a hint of worry, and she starts chewing on her lip in earnest now.

I reach out, tugging on her foot. “I know.”

“Griff, do you remember way back when I was hurting over everything that was happening when I first got here and didn’t know anyone that well yet? And you promised me that if I wanted to talk to you that you wouldn’t say a word to anyone else about it? You explicitly told me I could trust you. With anything.”

I nod cautiously.

“Turnabout’s fair play. I’m not going to force you to talk. But if there’s something going on and you need an ear, I’m here.”

My eyes connect with hers. “What if I ask you not to share it with Beau?”

She closes her eyes for a moment, then they flicker open, locking on mine. “I would keep my mouth shut. If he outright asks me about something, I won’t lie to him. I’ll tell him to talk to you. But I won’t open my mouth and spill your secrets. I’ve had plenty of things I’ve kept hidden in my life. And sometimes secrets need to be kept until the timing is right.”

I shift around, sitting up further on the pillows. “I have a feeling you have an idea of what’s been going on with me lately.” My jaw sets, tense.

She inhales deeply, her eyes searching mine. “Do you want me to say what I think is happening or do you want to tell me?”

“I mean, you saw what was on the screen…” I clear my throat, my shoulders inching toward my ears before I let them drop.

“I’ve noticed some other stuff, too.”

The surprise and worry must be written all over my face because she pats my leg. “I don’t know what other people notice. But I watch people. A lot.”

Stiffly, I mumble, “Say it.”

She gives me a small smile. “I’ve noticed a… a spark of sorts, anytime you and Max are together. Am I heading in the right direction?” At my short nod, she wets her lip. “So, that first day I hung out with all of you watching thatStar Warsmovie? I didn’t know any of you, but I noticed there was an odd vibe between the two of you. And I think it was because he was starting to think differently about you. You were kinda flirty with Daph—just being cute. And I thought he was jealous of it. But that was before I realized he was gay. It never clicked until now that Iwaswitnessing jealousy—not because he wanted her, but because he wantedyou.”

I hold up my hand. “For the record, I don’t have a thing for Daphne. She’s sweet and a good kisser”—I throw Lyla a smirk—“but she and Micah are perfect together.”

“Not to mention, he’d throttle you if you made a move on her.”

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