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“It’s going down, little sister.” Forrest grins.
“I’ll be here,” I assure him. Not because I want or need a birthday party, but because he’s my big brother, and after everything he’s done for me, the least I can do is show up for a party he’s having in my honor.
Forrest grins. “I knew I’d wear you down.”
“On that note, I’m heading to bed. I’m exhausted.” I stand and give my brother one more hug. “Night,” I mumble before looking over my shoulder at Roman. His eyes are already locked on mine. “Night, Rome.” I smile sweetly and turn back around, walking toward the stairs.
“Night,” his deep, gruff voice replies.
I grin, feeling like I might have the upper hand where Roman is concerned.
Once in my room, I shut the door, grab my phone from the nightstand, flop down on my bed, and text Monroe.
Me: I saw him.
Monroe: Tell me everything.
Me: I told them I was going to bed. Too much to text.
Monroe: Not cool, Em. Not cool. You can’t tell me that you saw him and then leave me hanging.
Me: Fine, but I have to whisper.
Monroe: Go to the bathroom. That will help muffle the sound.
Sliding off the bed, I walk to the en suite bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind me. I already showered, so I can’t turn the water on as a distraction. I’m just going to have to talk quietly. Not that I’m not allowed to talk on the phone. I realize I’m acting like that’s the case and shake my head at the absurdity of it. That’s what the man resorts me to. Acting like a kid afraid to get in trouble for being on the phone.
I dial Monroe, and she answers immediately. “Hello.”
“Hey,” I whisper.
“Tell me everything.” She repeats the same words she said in her text message.
She wants the details, and I need to talk about this. About him. So that’s exactly what I do. I start at the beginning and tell her everything that has transpired since our earlier phone conversation.
“He wants you, Em. I told you that hot piece of tattooed, muscled man meat wants you.”
I don’t reply because I’m not sure that she’s right, but then I’m not sure if she’s wrong either. The way he touched me. The possessive hold he had on me. The way his green eyes blazed with what could only be described as desire… it’s got me reeling.
The last time when I was home on spring break, and we had our mutual self-love incident, he was drinking. I chalked it up to a night to remember and one he would either forget or want to forget, but now I’m not so sure. He’s bossy and seemed to be pissed about my clothing choice, but that could be because I’m his best friend’s little sister. But he’s never touched me like that before.
“You know I’m right,” Monroe says, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“He’s so damn confusing. He’s never been like this with me before.” I don’t elaborate because Monroe already knows what I’m referring to.
“He’s always watched you, Em. When he thinks no one is paying attention, he can’t take his eyes off you. I’ve been trying to tell you that for a while now.”
“I know, but you’re my best friend. I thought you were just supporting my crush and trying to make me feel good.”
A hearty, carefree laugh trickles down the line. That is everything that encompasses my best friend. “I’m your best friend, which means I will always be honest with you, even when the truth hurts. He’s into you.”
“Forrest is his best friend. All five of them have been thick as thieves since they were little. There is no way he will risk his friendship with my brother. And we both know me dating a man ten years my senior, brother’s best friend or not, Forrest will blow a damn gasket.”
“We need to find him a woman to keep him distracted.” She snickers.
“No, this is crazy talk. He was probably seconds away from warning me to never breathe a word to my brother or anyone about what happened that night, but Forrest came in before he could.”
“I want it to go on the official best friend record that I’m team Roman and Emerson, and when that team unites, I get to say I told you so.”
