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Monroe
Sleepovers just aren’t the same. Spending the night at my best friend’s house doesn’t quite look like it used to. Emerson insisted I stay over last night, but it was their wedding night, so we compromised that I would stay in what we declared to be my room at Forrest’s place.
Forrest has always been a big brother to me. A hot-as-hell big brother, but there is nothing romantic there. Sure, I like to flirt and tease him because I love to see him get all riled up. I don’t see him that way. His friends, on the other hand, that’s a completely different story. All five guys turn heads and drop panties wherever they go. Forrest is my brother. Not by blood, but in my heart. Roman, well, he’s always been Emerson’s. Those two, I saw the longing between them way before they gave into temptation. I couldn’t be happier for them.
That leaves Lachlan, Maddox, and Legend. All are fine as hell, all great guys. I flirt with them without mercy every chance I get. Not because I think I have a chance with any of them, but because it’s fun. The banter and flirting with them is safe, and for me, that’s important. They know I’m teasing, and in turn, I don’t have to worry about them getting handsy or trying to take advantage of me. Not that I would mind any of the three getting handsy, but you know what I mean. They don’t take our banter as a green flag to take what they want. I’ve heard some horror stories, and after my last breakup with douchebag Henry, let’s just say, safe is important.
Henry was one of those guys who liked to present one way but was someone altogether different behind closed doors. He was a fraud, and a fake, and had a mean streak a mile long. Thankfully, I ended things before they escalated too far. He wanted things he didn’t earn, things I wasn’t ready to give him. He still corners me if he sees me out somewhere, but thankfully, my best friend is having a baby, and we’ve been hanging out at her place, or Forrest’s, since we’ve been back home. Not that we went out a lot before. We pretty much always ended up hanging out with Forrest and the guys because Emerson was smitten with Roman.
Everything worked out like it was supposed to. In my heart, I know those two are meant to be together, and I have no doubt they will go the distance. They fought hard to be where they are, and I’m thrilled to watch them flourish and start their family.
The sun peeking through the blinds tells me it’s way past time for me to get up and get moving. Tossing off the covers, I grab some clothes that I’ve left here over the years and head to the shower. Twenty minutes later, I’m walking into the kitchen. There is no sign of Forrest, but his door remains shut, so I’m sure he’s still asleep. I busy myself making coffee and decide to scramble us some eggs.
Just as I’m plating up the eggs, Forrest walks into the kitchen. His hair is rumpled, and there’s a line across his right cheek from where he was sleeping. “Morning, Mo,” he mumbles.
“Morning, sunshine. How did you sleep?” I’ve always been a morning person. It helps that I only had a couple of drinks last night and stopped earlier in the night so I could drive home and I still ended up staying over.
“Good. Too much celebrating,” he replies.
“Ah, the dreaded hangover. Nothing some breakfast and a little caffeine won’t fix.” I slide a plate across the island to him and quickly pour him a cup of coffee—black, just like he likes it.
“You’re an angel. How long have you been up?” he asks, taking his first sip of coffee.
“Not long. Thanks for letting me crash here last night. Emerson was insistent I stay and not drive home even though I was perfectly capable. I didn’t want her to worry, and I didn’t want to crash with the newlyweds.”
Forrest shudders. “Let’s not talk about that.” He emphasizes the word, and I toss my head back in laughter.
“Come on, they’re married and having a baby. You do know how babies are made, right?” I tease.
“We are not talking about this,” he grumbles into his cup of coffee.
Silence falls between us, and I can’t help but fill it. “They’re happy, Forrest.” I know he’s accepted them, but the best friend in me feels compelled to cheer them on, just in case.
He sighs. It’s a deep, resounding sound that tells me what he’s going to say before he opens his mouth. “I know. I’m happy that they’re happy, but it still doesn’t mean I want to think about them and… that.” His face scrunches up, and it’s adorable. I keep that thought to myself. I’d hate to hurt his manly ego and all that.
“Just wait until your niece or nephew gets here. You’re going to want them to do more of that to give you another one.” I flash him a wide grin.
He shakes his head, but a small smile tugs at his lips. “Yeah,” he agrees grudgingly. “You’re probably right. This damn house is too quiet now that she’s gone.”
“She’s next door,” I remind him.
“Not the same, Mo. It’s just not the same.” He’s pouting, and my heart swells in my chest for my best friend. She didn’t have it easy growing up, but the man before me, her big brother, he stepped up for her in a big way, and I love that he’s in her life.
“Eat your eggs before they get cold.” I point to his plate with my fork, and he does as he’s told.
“Thank you,” he says a few minutes later, standing with his empty plate in his hand.
“Did you even chew?” I ask, looking down at my still half-full plate. He laughs and ruffles my still wet hair on top of my head.
“I’m going to shower. Are you sticking around?”
“I need to text Emerson and see if it’s safe to go over. I told her I’d come back today and help clean up.”
“Wait for me, and we can go over together. I’ll be quick.” He dashes up the stairs while I sit and enjoy the taste of my eggs instead of swallowing them whole.
Twenty minutes later, Forrest and I are knocking on the newlyweds’ front door. Roman pulls it open, wearing the same grin he’s had on his handsome face since he found out that Emerson was pregnant.
“Come on in.” He steps back, allowing us to enter. “Em’s on the couch.”
