Page 42 of Shattered Dreams

“Not really,” he says.

I don’t know if that’s an invitation to stay, which I wouldn’t hate, or if he’s really just not hungry.

“Me either,” I answer.

And I don’t think I am, but I’m also not thinking right. It’s too early. I’m still slightly asleep, maybe.

“Were you drunk last night?” he asks.

I know what he’s asking without saying the words.

“No,” I answer honestly.

He gives a slight nod of his head. “Good.”

Good? Good?

Does that mean he wanted me to keep going? That he wanted me to kiss him? Because I was definitely about to do that. Had my phone not rang, we would have been kissing.

It’s insane to think about, but it’s the truth.

“Good?” I finally ask out loud. “Why is it good?”

“Because I’ve been thinking about what would have happened if the kids hadn’t called.”

My heart starts pounding again.

“You have?”

There’s a heavy silence between us; not awkward, but more like… uncertain. Curious.

“Do you still want to find out what it would be like?” he asks.

How does he know that’s the exact thought going through my head right now? How is he always in my head, just knowing the right thing to say or do?

“Yes…”

Paul leans in without hesitation, his lips pressing against mine. They’re warm and soft, and this doesn’t at all feel weird. My hand drifts to his hip as I turn on my side, our chests pressing against one another as we deepen the kiss. His tongue sweeps into my mouth and I chase his, grasping the back of his neck.

When we break apart, we’re both panting.

I’m confused as hell. But my dick is really hard.

Chapter Sixteen

Paul

I can’t believe I just kissed my best friend! What the hell is wrong with me?

Am I having, like, a pre-mid-life crisis? Is it the stress of the fire?

No.

No, I don’t think I can blame this on stress no matter how badly I wish I could.

I swallow the lump forming in my throat as I wait for Andre to say something, anything. Hell, I’d even take a, “Fuck you, what you were thinking?” at this point, because the silence is making me feel like I’ve just totally fucked up somehow.

“Dre, I—”