Crazy Twisted Love (Crazy Love Series Book 3) by MF Isaacs (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2017 M.F. Isaacs

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places and events are the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

 

Publisher ©M.F. Isaacs

Edited by Krystyn’s Editing and Proofreading

Proofreading by Brandi Blair

Cover Design by Cover Me Darling

Interior Design by Cover Me Darling

 

ISBN -  13: 978-1979024785

ISBN - 10: 1979024782

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dedication

 

 

Michele this is dedicated to you.

You likely don’t remember but many years ago, while in eastern Washington you openly talked about sex toys while we floated around in the pool. It was my first peek outside the box I was in. I hope this book will open the box for others, just as you did for me.

Fuck Cancer, sometimes you have to say it out loud! Sending my love and strength.
XOXO, M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warning

 

Crazy Twisted Love is book 3 in the Crazy Love Series. While not completely necessary to read books 1 and 2, there’s a lot of references made to things that took place in those books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prologue

 

At the age of 16 when most of our buddies were experimenting sexually, Steve and I were saying good bye to our parents and our sister Sophia. Our normal lives were suddenly turned upside down, normal no longer existed. My life before they died consisted mainly of sports and occasionally some social event Steve made me go to. Even though we are twins, I have never been like him. I have never put much effort into building friendships outside of my teammates and my siblings.

 

I know my athleticism was something that made my parents proud. When they died, I completely walked away from sports. My drive, my determination, my goals in life died the same day they did. Grandma Rose and Grandpa Buck tried to get me to stick with it but I knew I couldn’t do it. I was too angry, my fuse was too short, I didn’t have control of my emotions; it was safer to just walk away.

 

I turned my energy into protecting Sierra. I didn’t do anything to protect Sophia, which is something I will live with for the rest of my life. I wasn’t going to make the same mistake with Sierra. In addition to becoming my running partner, she became my best friend.

 

Grandpa Buck forced Steve and me to go to college; he forced us to walk away from Sierra. Without her, I teetered on the edge of control.  Steve made me pledge Phi Delta, which meant I was forced to socialize and was exposed to partying. I spent the first two years at Western State in a vicious cycle. I would party my ass off, make poor choices while under the influence, beat myself up for the poor choices, then close myself off and punish myself in the gym.  Then repeat. I managed to keep my grades just high enough to stay under the radar, but even that was part of the cycle. Catching up and cramming were the standard way I managed.

 

I knew when Steve made the choice to save himself sexually. We didn’t even have to talk about it, I just knew. I also knew I wasn’t making the same choice for myself. I lost my virginity within a week of being at Western State. I met Jimmy at the gym, we were both there early in the morning to lift and the friendship was instant and easy. He came with Steve and me to our first frat party. That night after several drinks, Jimmy and I hooked up with Stacy and Maddi, two best friends. They invited us back to their room, where we played an extreme version of spin the bottle. The bottle determined that I kiss Maddi; the kiss carried on despite the fact that Jimmy and Stacy sat there watching. I got lost in the kiss, so I honestly don’t know how long they watched. All I know is that Maddi and I ended up naked in her bed. Before Maddi passed out for the night, we switched partners. In the middle of going a second round with Stacy, I could feel Jimmy watching us. The intensity was indescribable and the experience opened my eyes to so many confusing thoughts and feelings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART 1

 

Spring 2016

 

“Seriously, turn the fucking thing off if you aren’t going to answer it.” Steve was pissed, I couldn’t blame him because Jimmy wouldn’t stop calling my phone. I couldn’t turn it off; I needed it to be on just in case Sierra called. She didn’t usually call me, but if something happened I had to have my phone on. “Why don’t you just answer it?” I couldn’t explain it to him. Twin brother or not, I didn’t want to talk to him about it.

“I don’t want to talk to him.” At this point I didn’t want to talk to anyone, including my twin brother. I needed to get out, go for a run. Already dressed in shorts and a tank top, I slipped on my running shoes and grabbed my headphones before making my way towards the door. “I’m out. Going for a long run. If you hear from Sierra before I get back, tell her I’ll call when I am done.”

I was out the door before he could respond. He didn’t have to say anything verbally; I knew he was judging me. Not in the ‘I’m better than you’ way, just in the ‘I think you’re making a mistake’ way. We’ve been on this roller coaster ride for almost two years now. It usually starts Friday night, sometimes Saturday, with a party. Party usually means smoking weed or drinking enough to let my guard down. With my guard down, I inevitably end up hooking up with some random chick. Most of the time it’s Jimmy and I picking up two random chicks, although it has happened that we go separate ways finding a random chick on our own and a couple of times the two of us find one random that we share. By Sunday night, I am sick to my stomach over the substances I have put in my body in addition to what I swore a week ago I wasn’t going to do again. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I lock myself away. I spend those days berating myself while I try to catch up on the homework I swore I would get done over the weekend. By Thursday, I am desperate for a long run where I can clear my head and kid myself into thinking I have forgiven myself for all the things I am doing wrong with my life. Thursday nights are usually the only night during the week that I get a decent night sleep. Friday morning, I feel like a million bucks and repeat the process.

 

Today happens to be Tuesday. I am standing outside the frat house stretching before I head out on what usually doesn’t happen for two more days. Things changed last weekend and I am not willing to do it anymore. I have to make the change myself, I am committed to breaking out of the fucked-up cycle I have been on. If I am honest, I have felt the shift happening for a while with Jimmy. His focus hasn’t been on finding two randoms like it was in the beginning. He has been pretty verbal about wanting to find one to share.

 

Friday night we ran into Stacy, who quickly ditched Maddi and Maddi’s boyfriend Chase when Jimmy asked if she wanted to go back to his room with us. To begin with, I was totally down with what I thought was going to take place. Jimmy and I have shared the same random more than once and I never left disappointed.

 

When we got to his room he and I smoked a bowl taking turns giving Stacy shotgun kisses. A couple hits and I was good, I had no problem skipping my turn because Stacy wasn’t fucking around; she was already topless as she groped the front of my jeans. I think Jimmy took a couple more hits because I didn’t notice him until Stacy was on her knees with my cock hitting the back of her throat. He’d taken the time to strip naked and stood right next to my spread legs watching her suck me off all while stroking himself. I pulled her off my cock and guided her swollen lips to his angry looking dick. She kept one hand stroking me while she used the other to guide him into her mouth.

 

While she sucked him, I reached around the back of her and ran my finger through her wet folds. She was dripping and I was ready, I made quick work of rolling on a condom before shifting them around. She released his cock from her mouth while backing herself onto my cock. I held her hips as she rocked up and down on me in reverse cowgirl. Jimmy stood in front of us where she was able to easily return to blowing him. With my eyes closed I got lost in the erotic pleasure of Stacy riding me, the fact that she was also giving pleasure to Jimmy did nothing for me.

 

I felt myself getting closer to cumming when Stacy started rubbing her clit and my balls. I could feel her orgasm starting which caused her pussy to start milking my cock. I realized she wasn’t still sucking Jimmy because she started chanting words of encouragement, “Oh yeah, fuck me. Your cock feels so good. Don’t stop.” When she continued with “Oh yeah, lick my pussy” I realized it wasn’t Stacy rubbing my balls it was Jimmy. As soon as that dawned on me he sucked my balls into his warm wet mouth, the wet pressure sent me into orbit. My hips bucked with more intensity than I have ever felt. Jimmy didn’t leave his spot between our legs, he released my balls only to lazily run his tongue over them and her still pulsing clit. As soon as she came down from her orgasm she stood, releasing my still hard condom covered cock. Jimmy was there waiting. Before I could protest, he was removing the condom and using his mouth to clean off my cock. Stacy flopped down beside me on the couch, watching and coaching him as he gave me the best blow job I have ever had in my life. He sucked me perfectly, I am not small yet he had no problem taking all of me. Stacy, at my side, started kissing up my neck towards my ear where she proceeded to tell me, “Hottest fucking thing I have ever seen. Fuck his mouth, give it to him. Cum for him, let him taste you. Oh fuck yeah, I’m gonna cum just watching you.” I glanced over just in time to see her plunge two fingers into her swollen pussy. Watching her head fall back and her body shiver in response to her own orgasm at the same time as Jimmy used his hand to cup my balls sent me over the edge. I didn’t even have time to warn him, the first spurt of my hot seed only increased the pressure Jimmy used to suck me. He swallowed every drop then licked me clean.

 

I slowly opened my eyes and found him standing in front of me stroking himself. I could see the hope in his eyes that I would return the favor, but that wasn’t going to happen. I quickly tossed him a condom and helped Stacy get into position for him to take her from behind. I needed time to recover after two back to back orgasms, so I sat back and watched as Jimmy pound into her. I could feel his eyes watching me despite the fact he was balls deep inside her. I made the mistake of making eye contact with him and I could see the hurt in his eyes. I couldn’t get dressed and out of there fast enough.

 

I was four miles into my run by the time I finished replaying the events of Friday night. I left them. I haven’t talked to Jimmy since I bolted from his room. I haven’t answered his calls, I don’t know what to say. I haven’t been to the gym for our early morning lifting sessions. There are only two weeks left of the school year, then Steve and I would be heading home. I needed to figure out what I was going to do. Ignore Jimmy for the next two weeks? Face him and pretend like nothing happened? Face him and tell him I was done? Face him and admit that it I liked it but couldn’t do it again? It feels like no matter what I do, our friendship is going to be over. He is the first friend I have had that wasn’t from sports or from Steve. He is my friend that I made by myself.

 

At mile eight, I was able to be completely honest with myself. I loved having him blow me. I love our friendship. I am not gay. I can’t have a relationship with him. I need to walk away. I need to be man enough to tell him all of that. Easier said in my mind while punishing my body than it will be to say to his face. It was the hurt look in his eyes that sent me scrambling out of there Friday night. I don’t know what is going to happen when we have this conversation.

 

Steve wasn’t around when I finished my run. I sent Jimmy a text asking him if he wanted to meet up. He responded immediately saying he had an indoor soccer game but could afterward. I jumped in the shower and called Sierra while waiting to hear from Jimmy. Talking to Sierra always lifted my spirits. I knew she was having a rough year but it was almost over; she was graduating High School within days of Steve and I getting home for the summer. I hung up with her when I got Jimmy’s message saying he was heading back from his game. We made plans to meet at the coffee shop that sat on the edge of campus.

 

He was already waiting when I walked in. He was still in his soccer gear, sitting off to the side at a table for two. He’d already gotten a smoothie and gave me chin lift as I made my way to the counter to order my own. I could feel his eyes on me as I waited to pick up my drink. His eyes on me felt different than when girls checked me out, but only slightly. He didn’t speak as I sat down across from him. For the number of times he had called, I thought for sure he would be chomping at the bit to say something. Instead he just watched me as I prepared myself to say what I needed to say.

 

“I am sorry. I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have bailed like I did on Friday night. I also shouldn’t have ignored your calls since then.” I pulled in a lung filling breath before I continued. “I’ve spent the last couple of days trying to work through shit on my own. If I am being honest, it’s fucking sucked.” I couldn’t help but look in his eyes, I needed him to know I wasn’t just going off half-cocked. “I need you to know you are the first friend I have had that wasn’t due to sports or Steve. You are the first person I have let into my life simply because I enjoy spending time with you. I don’t know or care if you’re gay, but I’m not. I can’t sit here and tell you that I didn’t love having your mouth on me, because I did. But I can’t do it, which makes me a shitty friend and I am sorry. I need to walk away. I can’t continue knowing that you want that. I can’t be that person for you, I’m sorry. I am not willing to go there.”

 

He doesn’t so much as look at me. He is lost in thought looking out the window. I wish he would say something, but I am not going to force the issue or beg him to say something. If he wanted me to know, he’d tell me. We sat there for a little bit before I finally caved, “I’m sorry. I am heading home for the summer. Sierra will be here in the fall which means my current life style of partying is going to be different anyway.”

 

He finally turned his gaze my way, and for a brief second I saw the friend I’d had before Friday night. Just as quickly I saw the guy with hurt in his eyes. He gathered his garbage and spoke before he stood, “Good luck Curtis. I wish things could have been different for us. Your friendship has been the one thing I never questioned. I am sorry man. I wish we could go back, but I can’t.”

 

With that he walked away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2016

 

Being back on campus was kind of a catch 22. I was happy to have Sierra here, saying I missed her was an understatement. On the flip side, having her here was going to be hard. I couldn’t go back to the lifestyle I had been living over the last two years. Steve instantly fell head over heels in love with Sierra’s roommate which meant he was around more than I expected. But I still had the responsibility of protecting her.

 

I didn’t talk to Jimmy at all over the summer, I don’t know why that surprised me but it did. I know he said he couldn’t do it, but I thought he might change his mind. I missed him, which made it harder for me when Sierra asked about meeting him. He’d been a huge part of my life over the last two years which meant I had told her a lot about him. It was natural for her to expect to meet him.

 

She was there with me at the gym when I saw him for the first time since he walked out of the coffee shop last spring. When I introduced them, she instantly wrapped him in a hug that caught him off guard just as much as it did me. It was obvious I hadn’t filled her in on the status of our friendship, and thankfully he didn’t throw me under the bus. Sierra invited him to workout with us but he politely declined saying he was just finishing up.

 

I didn’t have the heart to tell her what went down between us, so it just hung there unresolved. Every time she saw him, she made an effort to invite him along on whatever we were doing. I knew he wasn’t going to say yes, but each time he turned her down it stung just a little.

 

The first Phi Delta party of the year was truly the first college party I was attending without Jimmy by my side. It felt wrong, I felt like I was missing something. Sierra and her roommate Hannah had it in their mind that they were coming. In the beginning, I had every intention of bringing them by quickly before things got crazy. It didn’t happen that way because I started drinking early.

 

Without Jimmy, I was a mess. I was hammered long before the party even got started. My guard might have been down due to being drunk, but the reality is, I missed him. I missed him so much that in my fucked-up state, I rationalized in my mind that I could do it. When Jimmy showed up with a bunch of guys from his soccer team, I couldn’t stay away from the group. I don’t know if it was because I was drunk or because I wanted to make up with Jimmy, but I agreed when one of the guys asked me to fill in for him the following weekend. I hadn’t played organized sports since before Sophia and my parents died. It was one of the many things I had shared with Jimmy, so he knew instantly the magnitude of me agreeing to play.

 

Jimmy started to walk away from the group but I quickly followed him. Without even looking at me, he knew I was beside him, “Why did you do that? And don’t tell me it’s because you want to play soccer.”

 

“Okay I won’t. I did it because I miss you.” I could practically hear the whoosh of air as he whipped his head around to look at me. The look was a question that he didn’t need to speak out loud, the look asked if I was crazy.

 

“I’m not having this conversation with you right here, right now. I don’t know what you think is going to happen, but I can tell you right now whatever you think, it’s wrong.” Again, he tried to walk away and again I followed him.

 

“Can we at least go somewhere else and talk about it?” I could hear the desperation in my own voice. In a flash of sobriety, I realized my desperation sounded like Cody. I could vividly hear him begging my sister to take him back. It was the day before he killed her and my parents. The day he scared the shit out of our whole family and Sophia refused to let us step in. I couldn’t wait for Jimmy to answer, I had to get out of there.

 

I couldn’t drive, but I could run. I knew Sierra was mad because I didn’t pick her and Hannah up for the party, but I also knew she wouldn’t turn her back on me. I think she could take one look at me and know I just needed her support. I ran to her dorm, where I used my own key to get in since she didn’t answer when I knocked. Her empty room was explained in a text message from Steve letting me know that she and Hannah were safe in our room back at the frat house. I didn’t bother responding, instead I clumsily stripped down to my boxers and crawled into Sierra’s bed for the night.

 

I didn’t go out of my way to avoid Jimmy, but I also didn’t go seeking him out either. The following Thursday night, I got a text asking if I was going to fill in for the soccer game. I responded that I would, but just for the one game. He sent me the details and that was all I heard from him until the Sunday game.

 

Uncomfortable with more than just the idea of playing soccer for the first time, I invited Sierra to come watch. She is more observant than she lets people believe, which could be a good thing in this situation. It’s not that I want to talk about what is going on, but quite frankly it scared me when I realized I sounded like Cody. I know Sierra loves me more than anyone else does and that won’t change if I tell her everything. Shit, I’ve told her more than I should have at this point. She knows Jimmy and I have swapped girls and shared girls so this might just be the next progression, or not.

 

I dropped my gear bag next to Sierra and made my way down onto the indoor turf.  A few of the guys were already stretching, including Jimmy. I quickly fell in step with them warming up my legs. Everyone but Jimmy took off to run a few laps, I hung back with him. Neither of us spoke, until we started on our own laps. He spoke first, “Before you say anything, I need you to know that I met someone. She is amazing and I am not willing to risk my relationship with her to talk about what may or may not have been with you.”

 

I think I tripped on thin air, because before I could formulate a response I was face first on the turf. I did not expect to hear him say that. He met someone, someone being a female. What the hell? He put out his hand to help me up but I managed on my own. My thoughts are racing a million miles an hour but before said anything he closed the door on me. “I can’t share her with you. I know that is what you’re thinking, but stop. It won’t happen.”

 

I stayed silent the remainder of our warm up laps. I was so lost in my head that I hardly even noticed that I was playing a team sport again for the first time in years. I didn’t even allow myself the opportunity to miss my parents being in the stands. I played better than I thought I would, given how long it had been. Several of the guys invited Sierra and me to lunch after the game, which she quickly accepted.

 

The group of us were already sitting around a huge banquet size table when Jimmy walked in holding hands with the prettiest woman I have ever seen. She was tall and curvier than what I normally would find attractive. I wouldn’t consider her fat, but I imagine she probably thought she was. She looked like she just stepped out of a salon, her long dark hair had the most natural looking highlights. Her pale skin was perfect, I knew she had makeup on but it wasn’t caked on; she didn’t need it. Her eyes were what drew me in the most, they were dark brown and looked like chocolate. When Jimmy introduced Shelley to the group, it became apparent that she was new to everyone not just me.

 

Shelley and Jimmy took the seats directly across for Sierra and me. I observed silently as Sierra visited with Shelley and Jimmy made small talk with a few of the other guys. Listening to the girls talk, I learned that Jimmy and Shelley went to High School together but didn’t start dating until recently. They both grew up less than a half hour away, which is where she still lives. She appeared shy but Sierra managed to get her talking by asking all the right questions. Shelley had a huge crush on Jimmy throughout High School, so when he looked her up on Facebook over the summer, she ditched her girlfriends at the opportunity to hang out with him.

 

I could feel Jimmy looking at me but I couldn’t make eye contact. I couldn’t mask the thoughts flooding my system. I couldn’t stop the roller coaster from twisting and turning. When our food arrived, I was the first one to finish eating. Sierra was still picking at her food when I told her it was time to go. She quickly made her way around the table and gave Shelley a warm embrace, telling her how nice it was to meet her. My sister is like me, she doesn’t make friends with people easily. So to see her hug Shelley like they have been friends forever, made the whole situation hurt just a little more.

 

I walked away from the table knowing that there would never be a chance for Jimmy and me to reconnect. Whatever could have been between us, wasn’t anymore. In that moment, I knew I had to move on with my life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Week Later

 

My world changed while standing on the street corner waiting for the crosswalk to change. Sierra, Steve, Calvin, Hannah and I were heading to meet up with Norma and Alfred to tail gate before the away football game for Western State when a group joined us at the crosswalk. I don’t know who started the conversation first, but it was apparent, looking at me with the others in my group, that I was odd man out. In hindsight, I know it was Will who made the comment that there was a vacancy in their group if I wanted to join them.

 

We were all headed in the same direction so the conversation continued until we made it to the waiting motor-home. Jay introduced himself to me first, telling me he was their bonus friend. Will introduced himself and Callie before Rich introduced himself and Marissa. Marissa broke the ice even further and explained that she and Rich are married but have an open relationship which is where Jay comes into play sometimes. By the time we arrived at the motor-home, Alfred already had the grill going and quickly invited my new friends to join us. I continued getting to know the group as we ate more food than anyone could possibly need.

 

They invited me to join them in their open seating section for the game. I could see that Steve was wrapped up in Hannah and Calvin had Sierra covered so I didn’t think twice about ditching them in favor of the group of people I’d just met. Throughout the game, I spent most of the time talking with Will; we had the most in common. Just looking at him, it was clear he spent as much time in the gym as I did and he wasn’t shy about being openly affectionate with Callie. More than once I watched as he pawed her ass or caressed her tit as he kissed her, while making eye contact with me. Each time, I was forced to adjust myself so it wasn’t obvious to the crowd that watching them was turning me on. He saw me and it was clear I didn’t need to hide it from him.

 

When the game ended, I touched base with Steve to make sure he had Sierra covered before I quickly agreed to head out with Will and Callie. I didn’t care where we were going, I didn’t even care if Rich, Jay, and Marissa were coming too; I just knew I wasn’t ready to walk away from them yet.

 

Turns out that they all live in the same apartment complex not far from the stadium. Jay has a studio to himself. Marissa and Rich have a ground floor unit that looks across the courtyard towards Jay’s unit. Callie and Will have the unit directly above Marissa and Rich. Which is where Will was headed as Marissa wished us a good night before closing the door to their unit. Callie was directly behind Will. As they started up the stairs she reached out for my hand, showing me that they wanted me to follow them.

 

Once inside their apartment, I was instantly impressed with their set up. It was clear they weren’t your normal broke college kids; their furniture was quality and clearly expensive. The living room was decorated nicely with a large leather sectional that took up most of the room. Callie asked if I wanted a beer as she made her way into the kitchen. I accepted before asking where I could find the bathroom. Will told me it was down the hall as he got comfortable in the middle seat of the couch. I watched him from behind the couch briefly before heading down the hall. I couldn’t make out everything he was doing but it appeared to me from where I was standing, that he freed his cock and was stroking it.

 

I stayed in the bathroom longer than I needed, trying to get myself under control. I didn’t want to walk out there with any expectations, but I also wasn’t going to hide the obvious excitement I had straining in my pants. I could hear them before I could see them and there was no mistaking the sounds of their actions. As I made my way into the living room, I just watched as she shamelessly took pleasure from riding him. She saw me from the corner of her eye which caused her motion to falter. She slowed as Will spoke, “Come watch.”

 

Her gaze followed me as I walked all the way into the room. I made my way to the far side of the couch, where I adjusted myself before sitting down. Will was busy sucking as much of her tit into his mouth as he could. I wasn’t sure if he heard her when she told me, “Play with yourself while you watch.”

 

I had my dick in my hand within seconds. As soon as I had him free, I took the time to strip off all my clothes. With my legs spread wide I slowly stroked myself as I watched her ride him as he watched her and she watched me. I followed her directions without reservation or concern for what Will wanted, “Come closer so I can see better.”

 

I stood just out of her reach as I slowly stroked myself. Will had released his suction on her tit and was using his hands to caress them. Callie looked up at me through her lashes, never stopping the motion of her hips. There was no missing the precum that poured from my straining cock. It was Will who told Callie and me what to do, “Move closer. Callie taste him.” his directions were short and breathless, but it didn’t stop either of us from following them. As soon as I was within her reach, she cupped her tongue as she swept it along my leaking slit. She swallowed before opening her mouth for more, carefully she kissed the tip of my cock using her lips, teeth and tongue. The kiss sent instant shivers down my spine; there was nothing I could do to stop the thrusting of my hips as I desperately wanted further into her mouth. She gave me exactly what I wanted when she opened wide, allowing me to hit the back of her throat in one thrust. I could hear Will smacking her ass, but I couldn’t pull my eyes away from her mouth as she took as much of me as she could. She gagged but didn’t stop, it was impossible for me to stay silent as she sucked me so good. “Holy shit, oh fuck yeah. Just like that.”

 

Within minutes I was ready to unleash in her mouth. I know she could feel the swelling of my already fat cock, along with the constant flow of precum. Before I could unleash fully, she released me from her perfect fucking mouth. There was nothing I could do to stop the whimper that escaped me at the loss of her mouth. She continued to stroke me, which felt good, but nowhere near as good as her fucking mouth. But when she looked at me through her lashes, I quickly forgot the disappointment I felt moments ago. With her swollen lips and fuck me eyes, I almost shot my load when she told me, “I want you to cum on my ass.”

 

I darted a quick glance at Will to make sure I wasn’t crossing any boundaries they might have. With a quick nod, he gave me the go ahead that I needed to move behind her as I straddled Will’s legs. I used my hardness to smack her on the ass leaving a trail of my dripping wetness behind in its path. I held my breath as I watched her dip her middle finger into her tightest hole. Will must have felt the pressure, because he used one hand on each ass cheek to pull her open. Without warning, I lost my load, spurt after spurt all over her ass just like she wanted. I watched in awe as the two of them spread my seed all over her ass, using it as lube for his finger to join hers.

Without hesitation, he spanked her ass and instructed her to flip over. I took a half a step back as she followed his instructions. Facing me she hovered over his pussy drenched cock and slowly lowered her ass. She started to lose her balance, so I held her steady as she continued working until he was fully seated. As soon as she took him in completely, she let go of my hold so she could use one hand to play with her nipples and the other to play with her pussy. Seriously, the hottest fucking thing I have ever seen. I didn’t hold back on telling them exactly that, “So fucking hot. Watching him fuck you in the ass while you play with your pretty pussy. Oh fuck yeah, I can smell your pussy from here.”

 

“You want to taste her? Go ahead, she tastes better than she smells. Let him taste you Callie.” I didn’t need any further encouragement. I was on my knees between their legs before either of them could change their mind. Normally I would swipe my tongue ass to clit, but since her ass is already full I started at the bottom of her folds. It wasn’t until I was on my third bottom to clit swipe did I realize my stubble covered chin was brushing against Will’s balls. I didn’t let it distract me from my mission to make her cum on my mouth.

 

Her orgasm hit without much effort. The result, I am sure, of having Will in her ass and groping her tits as I went to town eating her pussy. I lapped up every last drop of her release before backing away from her still twitching folds. As I sat back on my heels, she begged us both, “Please fuck me, both of you. I want you both. Curtis fuck my pussy while he’s fucking my ass.” One more quick glance at Will to make sure he’s still okay with what is happening, I could see that he’s lost in his own pleasure, eyes closed head tilted back. I paused for a half a second before she pleaded, “Please Curtis.”

 

I scrambled for the condom I had in my wallet and had it on before she could beg again. I slid my condom covered cock between her folds until she made eye contact with me and said “Yes, fuck me.” It was all I needed; Will was still lost in his own world of pleasure. As soon as I inched my way inside her slick folds Will’s eyes popped open locking with mine.

 

We just stared at each other for a second before I told him, “She begged me man” my eyes rolled from the pleasure and it took effort to look at him as I continued to tell him, “Please don’t make me stop, I’m balls deep and she feels fucking amazing.” We were alternating our thrusting, he pulled out as I thrust in, neither sensation felt better; both were amazing. Even with the condom on I could feel the ridges of his cock along with the already amazing feel of her pussy. He didn’t tell me to stop, so I continued with the most amazing sex of my life. I could feel her orgasm approaching and there was no way I would be able to maintain once it hit. “Give it to us Callie, I can feel you pulsing. I can feel you, oh fuck yeah. Oh shit, I’m gonna cum too.” She started the chain reaction of massive proportions. Before I could hold the condom in place as I pulled out I could feel wetness on my balls. With three of us there, I couldn’t be certain whose fluids they were. I inspected the condom as I removed it, I felt relief seeing that it was still fully intact. Last thing I need is to knock her up.

 

I made my way to the bathroom without any discussion of what happens next. I wasn’t smart enough to grab some, or all of my clothes, as I made my way down the hall. I jumped a little when Will opened the bathroom door after giving a short quick knock. He was still totally naked and completely comfortable with the fact that I was too. He walked over and started the shower before telling me, “Let’s clean up, Callie will be here in a minute she is just ordering some pizza first.”

 

The shower was big enough to fit a party of five. There were seriously four shower heads and he’d turned them all on. I made my way to the far end, thinking he’d stay on the other end. He didn’t, he took the shower head right next to mine. I tried keeping my eyes closed as I rinsed myself off, but I could feel his eyes on me. When I opened my eyes, I discovered I wasn’t wrong. He was watching me and the knowledge made my dick thicken. He took a half a step closer to give me a squirt of body wash and rather than taking the half a step back once I had it, he stayed close. I tried not to notice his already hard cock, I tried to keep my eyes on the glass door hoping I would see Callie walking in.

 

Callie wasn’t there and Will was getting closer. Before my mind could run wild with all the familiar panicked thoughts I felt his touch. I tried to back away, but only ended up with my back against the cold tile wall. Within seconds Will was on his knees stroking my quickly growing cock. He mimicked Callie’s kiss from earlier and he got the same response as she did, my body’s natural reaction; full hip thrust into his mouth. He responded exactly like she did, open mouthed as I hit the back of his throat. I don’t know when Callie joined us, I was too lost in the pleasure he was giving me. I couldn’t help but thread my hands into his short dark hair as I thrust my hips, full on face fucking him. Not once did he stop, he opened his throat to take all of me repeatedly. I could feel Callie’s hands caressing down my back as I felt the tightening in my balls. Without verbal warning, I shot load after load down his throat and he swallowed every last drop. I stumbled to the side, collapsing onto the wooden sauna style bench where I desperately tried to get my breathing under control.

 

Lost in my own world, I barely acknowledged the fact that Callie was using my knees to hold herself up as Will pounded into her from behind. If this had happened earlier it would have been the perfect opportunity for her to suck me off while getting fucked. Instead, I really was just a sturdy object that she could hold onto to prevent falling face first into the glass door.  Will was already keyed up from sucking me off and watching it must have had Callie ready as well because both climaxed within minutes.

 

Will stepped out first, quickly wrapping a towel around his waist, before handing Callie and me each a towel. I felt like I was higher than I’ve ever been in my life, yet I was stone ass sober. All of the nerves in my body were hyper sensitive from the multiple orgasms and the amazing ultra-soft towel Will handed me didn’t help the situation at all. Callie stood on her tippy toes before pulling my arm to get me to lower myself to her reach. Once I was there, she swiftly kissed my lips and told me she would grab me some clothes before walking away.

 

When she returned, Will was gone and she stood before me in a flimsy tank top and sleep shorts that were short enough to be called underwear not shorts. She’d brought me a pair of boxers, athletic pants and a t-shirt. She stood off to the side as I got dressed in what were clearly high-quality apparel. Neither of us spoke until I was fully dressed, at which point she broke the ice, “I don’t know what you’re thinking. I don’t even know what Will is thinking. But I want you to know what I am thinking before we go out there. What happened in here is not something that has happened before.” I couldn’t help but scoff at what she was trying to sell me, there was no fucking way he hadn’t sucked someone off before. “I’m guessing by your reaction, you don’t believe me. Please hear me out...we have been together since we were 15. We have been through a lot together and moving in here has been eye opening for us. We’d never been around anyone like Marissa, Rich, and Jay until two months ago. Since we have gotten to know them, I have seen the way he looks at Jay. I know it’s been in the back of his mind wondering what it would be like. He and I have talked about it and he admitted it was something he wanted to try. I didn’t honestly think it was something he would actually do, so when I walked in and saw him with you I was shocked.”

 

I sat there in complete silence taking in all that she was saying. I had no words. I imagine, where ever Will was, he’s lost in his own thoughts of what just happened. I risked making eye contact with Callie as I tried to come to terms with what I wanted to say. I don’t know what I expected in her eyes, but I know when I saw the affection and then continued attraction I was floored. “I don’t know what you want me to say. Everything that happened tonight has been different for me. My buddy and I used to share chicks before, but never like what happened tonight. I don’t know what you expect to have happen now, but I have to be honest and tell you I can’t commit to anything.”

 

“I don’t, and I think I can speak for Will here, we don’t expect anything. From what we have talked about recently, everything that happened tonight fulfilled our hidden fantasies. But that doesn’t mean we want you to run off. Let’s go eat pizza and drink some beers. Our sectional is super comfortable so it’s likely one or all of us will crash after filling our stomachs.” Just like that she turned, with her ass hanging out of her tiny sleep shorts, and walked down the hall.

 

I jumped into action when she started for the front door when the pizza delivery person knocked. “Do NOT answer that fucking door.” I didn’t mean to scare her or be too harsh, but there was no fucking way I was letting her answer the door while wearing what she had on. I could clearly see her nipples and seriously, the sleep shorts were not shorts. I still hadn’t seen Will since making my way out of the bathroom, which I took to mean he was still processing what happened. It also meant, in my mind, I was responsible for her.

 

I paid and tipped the guy before taking the food into the kitchen. She just stood there frozen, I don’t know if it was fear or shock. Regardless, I didn’t like the thought of being the cause of either one. When I made my way back to her, she didn’t flinch or move to get away from me, which quite frankly I was thankful for. “I’m sorry if I scared you. I didn’t want the delivery guy to see you in what you have on. Seriously Callie, you can’t call these shorts Babe and I can totally see your nipples. That’s not something you should be displaying for everyone to see.”

 

She just blinked up at me, I could see the tears coming and I was completely lost as to why she would be crying. I did what I had learned from Sierra, I opened my arms to hug her while allowing her to cry it out. Will walked in from the back deck to see us standing in a warm embrace. I didn’t have words to explain because, quiet frankly, I still had no clue as to why she was crying in the first place. When she turned her tear stained face toward him, I released her so she could go to him. He did exactly like I had done, opened his arms so she could fall into his embrace. I needed him to know I didn’t mean to scare her, “I’m sorry man. I don’t know exactly what happened. She started to answer the door wearing that and I told her not to answer the door. She froze while I answered the door, put the food in the kitchen and apologized for scaring her. As soon as I apologized the tears started and she hasn’t said a single word.”

 

“Don’t sweat it man. It’s a long story, you didn’t do anything wrong. Trust me. Let’s eat some food, it will probably make her feel better. Do you mind grabbing the boxes from the kitchen? We can eat out here.” I followed his request of grabbing the pizza boxes and made myself at home by grabbing a few drinks from the fridge too. I didn’t drink the beer from earlier and at this point, I wasn’t going to. I wanted a clear head for the remainder of my time with them. I dropped the food and drinks before heading back to the kitchen for napkins. When I got back, I could see that Callie had stopped crying and was taking a drink of one of the sodas I’d brought out.

 

We ate for a few minutes in complete silence. I couldn’t handle it, I know he said it was a long story and that I didn’t do anything wrong. But clearly, it was something I did so I was willing to walk away. I could take a cab back to the hotel my gang was staying at. As I finished my piece of pizza, I spoke up. “I am going to take off. We really aren’t far from the hotel. I am sorry I upset you Callie, it was never my intention. Thank you both...”

 

I could see the panic start to set in on Will’s face. I could see the tears returning on Callie’s face. I was stuck, not really knowing what to do. Callie finally spoke, “Just tell him Will. It isn’t going to change anything, but clearly we’re freaking him out.”

 

My gaze went back and forth between the two of them before Will finally spoke up and explained.

 

“Callie and I have known each other since we were in first grade. We come from two totally different backgrounds but grew up going to the same school. We started dating in the 10th grade and as soon as my family found out, they made it very clear that they didn’t approve of our relationship. So, all through High School we kept our relationship a secret, my parents were so focused on themselves it was actually pretty easy to keep it hidden. With the help of a couple of our friends, we were able to fake relationships with others so my family wouldn’t suspect anything.

“Our goal had always been to just make it to college, then they wouldn’t have as much control. The first year we managed just fine, we were forced to live in the dorms as a University rule. The second year we could live off campus, which is exactly what we did. I lied and we managed to keep it under the radar from my parents. They actually had no clue we were in a relationship, much less living together. That year everything worked according to our plan. It wasn’t until the middle of our third year that all hell broke loose.

“My mom caught my dad cheating on her, which was a huge fucking mess considering he’s a fucking Baptist Preacher. She left him and he thought she came to stay by me. So, when he showed up at our apartment in the middle of the day, the last thing he expected to see was Callie answering the front door.

In the blink of an eye the man lost his shit. He nearly destroyed our whole apartment. The neighbor called the cops and my dad was arrested for assaulting Callie and destroying our property.

“There are so many fucked up things that go along with the story. One: for the first two years, she never answered the door. She would always hide when there was a knock at the door. Two: after it was all said and done, my mom took my dad back. He was fucking the teenage neighbor girl and my mom took him back. Three: we, Callie and me, we are the bad guys here.

“I haven’t spoken to either of my parents since the day my mom called to beg us to drop the charges. She offered me money, 10K to drop the charges. Maybe I’m a dick, but I told her if she doubled the money I would. Within an hour, I had twenty grand in my account and I made the phone call.

“Now that you know the whole story, please don’t sweat it. It wasn’t you telling her not to answer the door. It was a flash back of what happened when it all when down.”

 

I couldn’t stop myself from pulling her into my arms, I just wanted to hold her for a minute. I just wanted her to feel my support. Plus, it felt amazing to have her in my lap. Before I released her, she whispered, “Please stay.” which was all I needed to hear. Callie was right when she mentioned how comfortable their couch was, the three of us passed out while watching a movie.

 

At some point in the middle of the night, I woke up to the sounds of them having sex next to me. When they discovered I was awake, they changed positions. Callie on her hands and knees, between my legs, as Will thrust into her from behind. He and I weren’t touching, both of us taking our pleasure from Callie, but our eyes were locked and the connection was there. In those moments, I felt a glimpse of what I believe Jimmy felt when he looked at me. My heart stopped and I was forced to close my eyes, afraid to feel what I was feeling.

 

All too soon, each of us climaxed and passed out. The following morning neither would allow me to take a cab back to the motor-home. They insisted on driving me back. When I offered to mail back Will’s clothes, Callie told me to hold onto them until next time. Will insisted I let him enter his contact information into my phone. I figured there was no harm in that, it didn’t mean I had to actually use it.

 

Standing outside the motor-home, saying good bye to them was harder than I anticipated it would be after only one night. None the less, I could see the tears welling in Callie’s eyes to which I couldn’t refrain from poking fun at, “Fine, answer the damn door yourself.” I kissed her forehead before turning to Will. He pulled me in for an unexpected full body hug that lasted longer than most men would normally hug. And honestly, in the moment, I was totally okay with that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter 2016

 

While my siblings were busy falling in love with the McMann siblings, I spent as much time as I could with Callie and Will. I couldn’t get enough of Callie physically, and Will was quickly becoming my best friend. Amy McMann insisted that I bring Callie and Will with me to celebrate Thanksgiving at their house. It was the first time everyone really got to see the three of us together. It was there that I admitted to everyone that I’d made the decision to transfer schools so I could be fully committed to the relationship with Callie and Will.

 

So many things happened that weekend, Sierra and Cal got engaged. When Sierra discovered that Cal had given her our mom’s engagement ring, her emotions bubbled to the surface. While Steve and I helped Sierra prepared to let Cal all the way into her life, we learned that Steve planned to do the same with Hannah. Telling them about our financial situation was the final step in acknowledging their commitment. Talking about it, I was forced to acknowledge that I wasn’t there yet. I thought they would have some sort of reaction to the news that I wasn’t willing tell Callie and Will. Their lack of reaction made me question for the millionth time if I was making the right choice.   

 

Everything changed so quickly after that. We all traveled to Las Vegas for Sierra and Cal’s wedding. I was honored with the task of walking her down the aisle while Callie stood with her as a bridesmaid. Thankfully it was small ceremony, because I felt extremely exposed having all eyes on us as we walked down the aisle. Once my task of giving away my sister was completed, I sat quietly next to Will and watched in awe as my younger sister declared her love and commitment to Cal. As I watched Cal return the declaration, I acknowledged in the back of my mind that I want what they have. I want one person who is willing to stand before friends and family to declare their love and devotion to me.

 

One fucking week later, I stood as my twin brother married the love of his life. It was clear to all of us who stood in their circle that their love was the forever kind. Two weekends in a row I was reminded that I wanted what they were getting. Their ceremony was original, Steve asked each of us to give words of wisdom or choose a quote from a handful he had printed. Callie picked one of the printed quotes about loving your spouse more than everything else. It wasn’t until later that night while lying in bed next to her and Will sleeping, that I really thought about the quote she chose. I questioned whether she included me or whether her thoughts automatically went to just Will.  I like to think she was thinking of both Will and me in terms of loving us more than anything else, but I couldn’t help but to doubt it.

 

The morning after Steve and Hannah’s wedding, Sierra and Cal announced that they are having a baby. The emotions I was already struggling with couldn’t be contained, everything was changing with this being the biggest change of them all. My little sister is going to be a mom, she’s going to be an amazing mom just like ours was. I quickly realized that I wanted it too. I also realized it was something I may never get if I continued in my current relationship.

 

Will and I took turns driving back to the apartment. When I was driving, I focused on the road ahead. When I wasn’t driving, I took the backseat where I pretended to sleep. I struggled to process what I was doing, what I wanted, and how I was going to get there. If I were Sierra, I would be in desperate need of a long hard run; unfortunately running didn’t always work for me. In the past when I felt like this, I was surrounded by Steve and Sierra which helped. Now they were moving on, building their own lives.

 

Will and Callie had a week left of classes before finals, which left me as the odd man out. The two of them had their studying and school routine, I just didn’t feel like I belonged. Monday while they were on campus, I spent a couple hours at the gym then found myself grocery shopping; buying everything I needed to make them the only meal I knew how to cook. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes; it’s my favorite so Grandma Rose made sure I knew how to make it. When neither Callie or Will bothered to let me know they wouldn’t be home until after 9, I knew I wasn’t where I wanted to be.

 

I think I could’ve handled it if they had been at the library or someplace studying. They weren’t, a group of them had gone for drinks after their final. That wasn’t really the issue either, it was that neither of them thought of me. That’s really what it came down to. I was an afterthought. Staying where I was, I would be settling for less than what I really wanted. So, while I waited for them to come home, I made plans to leave the next day. I didn’t know exactly where I was going, but I knew I couldn’t stay.

 

When I announced that I was leaving the next day, I could feel the tension whoosh out of the room. I wasn’t angry. I knew I was making the right decision, but I couldn’t help the fact that my feelings were hurt. In the back of my mind, I felt like they let me walk away from Western State and everything I had there, knowing that this was mainly physical for them. I wouldn’t say that I was in love with either of them, but it was more than just physical for me. That night I opted to fall asleep on the couch because I wasn’t willing to go back there physically.

 

In the middle of the night, it was Callie who crawled under the blanket with me. Her warm naked body next to mine felt amazing, but it was her words that made my heart race. “I am sorry it’s ending this way. I know we are making the right decision, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. Curtis, when it’s real you’ll know, you won’t be confused about it. Honestly, we’ve all been confused with how things have been going. I don’t know if Will and I will survive the fallout from this, but I will never be sorry for having you in my life.” I couldn’t see the tears, but I could feel their wetness as they rolled down my bare chest.

 

At first, I didn’t respond with words because everything she said was true. After a few minutes of cuddling, I became acutely aware of her naked body as it was pressed against mine. My brain may have understood that the relationship was over, but my cock only understood that a naked body was near. Neither of us could ignore the physical reaction I was having. Slowly, her hand moved from it’s place under her cheek on my chest, down my abs past the waistband of my boxers. With her soft touch, she slowly outlined my straining erection while her tongue lightly traced my nipple. I had slept on the couch trying to avoid anything physical, but I couldn’t deny the burning desire I had to be inside her. Her body fit mine unlike anyone I had ever been with before. So, I did nothing to stop her when she pulled my cock free of my boxers. I did nothing to stop her from covering it with a condom from the drawer in the coffee table. I did nothing to stop her as she slowly straddled me. I did nothing to stop her from lining me up with her warm, wet slit. I did nothing to stop her from slowly lowering herself onto my cock. I did nothing to stop her. I let her ride me, taking what I could give her one last time. I could feel her climax coming; the pulsing of her pussy increased and when it hit, I was flooded by her arousal. It took everything I had to hold back my own release. I sat up before dislodging her and the condom before setting her on the floor between my legs. With her naked tits at the perfect height, she wrapped them tightly around my eager cock. Within seconds, I gave her myself for the last time.

 

We took the time to clean ourselves up before she returned to the bed she shared with Will. The following morning, I was showered and ready to go before they came out of their room. I hadn’t unpacked all my stuff so packing was easy, it only took a couple of trips to the Explorer before I had everything. I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye, so I made a pot of coffee while I waited for them to emerge. Will came out first. It was clear right away that he knew what took place the night before. When he spoke, I knew he understood, “I’m sorry man. I know without you needing to say anything, that you were falling for her. I’ll be the first to tell you, I get it because she’s had my heart since I was 9 years old. I thought I could share. I thought what we were doing was something I could handle. I thought wrong. I want her for myself and you know what, you deserve that too. If something happened to me, I hope and pray she will find someone like you because I know you will love her with everything that you are.” Gone was the full body hugs, instead he gripped my shoulder with one hand while shaking my hand with his other.

 

Callie must have been listening, because she came out of their room trying to smile through her tear stained cheeks. I opened my arms and she fell into them before wrapping her arms tightly around my waist. I kissed the top of her head before slowly releasing her. They followed me to the door, where I didn’t stop for fear of what I might see. I was good with the goodbyes we’d already said. At the bottom of the stairs, I turned to see they were both still standing there. I smiled the best I could before making my way to the Explorer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

I drove for hours in silence. Every once in a while I would talk out loud but, for the most part, everything that took place happened quietly in my mind. I made the decision I was going to rent a storage unit that I could park the Explorer in. Then I was going to travel, alone. I knew I needed time alone to really figure myself out before I could give myself to someone.

 

I called Sierra after I signed a 6-month rental contract for my storage unit. I wanted to see everyone before I left town, plus I figured she could help me pick where I was going. I wasn’t surprised to hear she and Hannah were on their way to see the guys at work. Deciding to surprise them, I made my way to the Toyota dealership which was the most likely place they’d be.

 

When I pulled in, I could see Steve’s blonde head standing out in the lot with an older couple. Rather than interrupting, I made my way inside the show room. I saw Cal laughing and talking to a beautiful woman. If I hadn’t just watched him marry my sister, I could have been fooled into thinking there was something going on between the two of them. When I glanced back to the woman, our eyes connected and I was completely caught off guard with what happened next. My heart raced as I kept my eyes locked with hers and tilted my head to the side, asking with my eyes if she felt it too. Her body stiffened before she started to make her way toward me. I couldn’t pull my gaze from hers until she stood before me, her hand stretched out to shake mine. It wasn’t electricity I felt when our hands touched, it was more. Never in my life had I experienced what was currently taking place with my body. I couldn’t let go of her hand and the desire to pull her into my body and claim her was freaking me the fuck out. I had never felt this kind of instant need to have someone before.

 

I kept her hand in mine until Cal cleared his throat and spoke, “Hey Curtis, what’s up man? Didn’t think I would see you this soon. Anybody know you were coming?” I reluctantly released her hand to shake Cal’s.

 

“Hey Cal. I didn’t think I would be back so soon either. I actually just talked to the girls they said they were coming...” before I could finish my sentence Sierra and Hannah made their way into the showroom and saw me.

 

Sierra squealed in excitement when she saw me. I opened my arms and allowed her to fall into my embrace. I know she could feel my emotions with the way I held her, without words she knew I needed her. Before I was ready to release her, Cal made his request clear, “Let go of my wife. I don’t give a fuck if she’s your sister.”

 

Letting her go, I realized the woman who took my breathe away was still standing there. It was Sierra who made the introductions, “Curtis this is Natalie, Natalie this is my other brother Curtis. She’s new here, but has known Cal for a while.”

 

She spoke for the first time, “It’s nice to meet you Curtis.” I was instantly thankful that I was wearing my long wool coat because it was the only thing preventing everyone from seeing the excitement in my pants.

 

I had to clear my throat before I could respond, “You too Natalie.” I know my cheeks heated as I felt everyone look at me. Thankfully, Steve made his way back into the showroom and saved me from further embarrassment.

 

My sister, who had struggled not so long ago with depression, smiled from ear to ear before taking charge of the situation. “Curtis, are you going to be around all night?” I nodded unsure of whether my words would come out if I tried speaking. “Great. Let’s hit Jacks tonight. Natalie you’ve got to come with. I’m sure Luke and Amy will want to come too.”

 

I could have kissed Sierra, until Natalie said, “Oh, I don’t think I can. I am still getting settled and have so much to do after work.”

 

“Have you been to Jacks yet? It’s not a bar, it’s a restaurant. It’s actually where Steve and Hannah had their wedding reception. I guess we just ate there, you guys want to go somewhere else?” Sierra wasn’t letting Natalie off the hook.

 

It was Steve who spoke up next, “What if we just go down the street to the Greek pizza place? If we leave straight from here, would you be able to go?” He directed the question to Natalie.

 

“Oh, I don’t know.” She looked around and found all of us looking back at her. “I guess I could do that.”

 

I released the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I felt like my life was on hold as I waited for her to confirm that she could go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

Sierra abandoned her lunch plans so she could spend the afternoon with me. She climbed into the passenger seat of the Explorer before directing me to a small hole in the wall diner Cal must have taken her to. We ordered lunch before the flood gates opened. She has always been there for me, even when I wasn’t always there for her.

 

“I think I knew in the back of my mind that it wasn’t really what I wanted. I’m not sure why I thought I could do it. I couldn’t even do it with Jimmy and he was my best friend.” I know she wondered and at this point she deserved to know the whole truth. “I walked away from my best friend because I wasn’t willing to go there with him. When I finally decided I wanted to try, he met Shelley and wasn’t willing to share anymore.”

 

I was thankful that the waitress dropped off water and took our order because it allowed me a minute to gather my thoughts. I knew things changed the most for me when I watched my siblings get married. I worried if I told Sierra that, that she’d feel guilty for finding what she’s found. I would never want anyone to feel guilty for finding their happiness.

 

“What happened? I thought you guys were happy when you left here.” her question pulled me from my thoughts.

 

“I don’t know. No, I do know. Watching you and Steve both get married, I realized how much I want that for myself.” I tried to smile at her as I continued, “I am so happy for you guys. I see the way Calvin looks at you and I want to love someone that much. I see the way that Steve is with Hannah and I want to treat someone that way. And now,” I made eye contact with her so she could see what I was saying, “you are going to be a mom. It made me realize I want to be a dad. I want to feel the love you guys are feeling. In my heart, I knew I would never have that with Callie and Will. When it came to marriage, she would have picked him because they had been together longer. The reality is, Will said more than once he didn’t even want children. I decided to choose me and walk away.”

 

Sierra spoke around the waitress as she dropped off our drinks and side salads, “I’m proud of you. I know it wasn’t an easy decision because I could see the way you looked at Callie and I know you really cared about her. Honestly though, I am happy you decided it wasn’t going to be enough. So, what now?”

 

“I’ve decided to travel. I didn’t really think it through that well, I thought I would see you guys tonight and fly out tomorrow. Reality is, I haven’t even decided where I’m going first. So maybe I’ll take a week to figure it out and really plan it. I rented a storage unit for 6 months, someplace to park the Explorer.” She was laughing at me by the time I was done telling her how poorly I had planned my next step.

 

“You know, Steve bought a house down the street from Luke and Amy’s. I think they are moving in a week. He could probably use your help. You know you don’t have to travel to ‘find yourself’ right? I’m not telling you what to do, but you’re so fucking close to being done with your degree, why not finish that first?” I knew she was right, traveling was kind of like running away. I was close, everyone knew Steve was the smart one but the reality is, I wasn’t dumb. I’d taken extra classes as well, I just kept my nerd status hidden. “Before Cal proposed and we got married, I had been looking at places around here to live. I fell in love with some condos by the lake, they are brand new and selling pretty fast. Want to take a ride and go check them out?”

 

“Seriously?”

 

“Yep. Oh good, here comes our food. After we eat, I’ll show you. It won’t hurt to take a look. If nothing else, buying one might be a good investment.” I could see the mischief in her eyes and I knew she was going to do what she could to keep me around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

We pulled up to the sales office where there were four golf carts in the parking lot. Once we stepped inside, a middle-aged guy greeted us quickly. Sierra took charge and let the guy know we wanted to take a look at the show models. For the next two hours, he took us around the development, showing us everything from the show models to the club house and what would be a small shopping center. I couldn’t help but agree with Sierra, the condos were perfect and there were three currently finished and on the market. We toured those units before I filled out the sales contract for the largest one. It’s a waterfront unit that has three bedrooms, two and a half baths, plus a garage. After filling out their paperwork, Sierra came with me to get a cashier’s check which we brought back to the sales office before they closed.

 

We quickly stopped by Luke and Amy’s house for Sierra to change clothes, before it was time to meet everyone for dinner. Amy wasn’t nearly as nosey as I expected, she told me to take my bag downstairs to my room without questioning why I was there. She pulled me into a hug, much like I think my mom would have done if she were still alive. She didn’t speak, but I clearly felt the love that she expressed in her hug.

 

Amy told us she and Luke were having their own date night as Sierra and I made our way out the front door. As soon as we were in the car, Sierra informed me that we needed to stay gone for a long time unless we wanted to see her in-laws flirt uncontrollably until they went to bed. I trusted her when she said it wasn’t something I wanted to see. I think it’s awesome they still behave that way, but Sierra is right, it isn’t something I want to see.

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

Sierra called Cal as we drove straight to the restaurant. She confirmed that Natalie was still going to be there. I hadn’t forgotten about her, it took serious effort to keep my mind focused throughout the day. The thought of her was right there. It was with thoughts of her that I was willing to even consider buying a condo. I may not have had exact travel plans, but I was dead set on hitting the road quickly until I met her. Now, I actually think Sierra’s idea of finishing school before I travel is a good one.

 

Walking into the restaurant, I can see her across the room. She and Cal are sitting on either side of a large booth which seats 10 average size people, or 6 when they are as big as Cal, Steve, and me. Cal stands up to greet his wife with a kiss and hug. I ignore them as I slide into the seat right next to Natalie. She smiles at me and my heart skips as I give her a smile in return. Even though we’re the only two on our side of the booth, I can’t help but crowd her. I am desperate to touch her and I have an overwhelming urge to kiss her. As soon as I am as close to her as physically possible, she turns her body to face me, which pushes her thigh into mine but makes more space between our upper bodies.

 

I have never in my life felt as desperate to have someone as I do with Natalie. I can’t even explain it because I don’t understand it. I honestly want to ignore everyone and everything around us as I consume this woman. The only thing that saved me from making a crazy move, like kissing her, was the fact that my brother and Hannah showed up. I didn’t have to look twice to know they made a pit stop to screw. Now that they weren’t virgins, I imagine they are trying to make up for lost time.

 

Steve slid into the seat next to me so his wife could sit next to her brother. The waitress came by and took our order before any real conversation could get started. The pregnant one wasted no time ordering two Greek salads, Feta cheese bread, and two large Greek style pizzas before she even asked what everyone wanted. Steve and I knew better than to poke fun of her and Cal was still so caught up in her that he didn’t say anything either. Thankfully, Sierra took no offense when Hannah asked, “Are you going to use the excuse that you are eating for two to eat whatever you want while you’re pregnant?”

 

Sierra shrugged before telling the group, “Any of you could have added to the order. I just super-sized what Cal and I normally ordered. Besides, I know what is good here and you will all thank me later.” Just then, the waitress dropped off our drinks and Sierra made sure we were all good with what she ordered before she let the waitress walk away.

 

I could feel Steve gearing up to ask me the question I know they are all waiting to hear the answer to. I really didn’t want to talk about everything with Natalie sitting right there. Based on my physical reaction to her, I foresee coming to a point in time when I will want her to know my history, but that time isn’t today. So, rather than wait for the question, I gave them details without having to go into detail. “So, obviously things have changed a bit for me since I was last here. I am still exploring my options so I don’t have a lot of details yet, but I have decided to either travel for the next semester or take an extra heavy load of classes so I can graduate this spring. Sierra and I were busy today, she took me to see the new condos going in by the lake.” I could feel her smile of encouragement, which I desperately needed to get everything else out. “I was really impressed with one of the units, so I bought it. I have a ten-day waiting period before I can move in, but it will be perfect for me.” I looked around the table waiting for the question to come.

I knew it would come from either Cal or Hannah because Sierra already knew and I figured Steve felt it. He may not acknowledge the connected twin vibes like I do, but I know he can feel them. Cal didn’t disappoint, “Are you moving here by yourself?”

 

“Yeah man, I am.” I could feel Natalie shift next to me, but I kept eye contact with Cal as I spoke. “I realized I wasn’t going to get where I wanted in life, if I stayed where I was.”

 

Thankfully, my answer was enough for everyone at the table to move on. Hannah shifted the conversation to asking about the condo. “Do you already have furniture? We get to move into our house this weekend and Steve bought all the furniture they used to stage the house; which means we’ll have a bunch of fancy ass furniture that we may or may not even like. You want it if we don’t like it?”

 

“What the hell makes you think I’ll like it if you and Steve don’t? I can shop for furniture on my own. I didn’t think shopping for furniture could be that hard.” When Sierra and Natalie started to laugh, I questioned myself.

 

I felt her movement before her hand made contact with my forearm, and when she leaned into speak, I couldn’t help but lean in as well. “It’s a lot harder than you think. Do you want something that looks good, or is comfortable? When you find one piece that is comfortable but the rest of the set isn’t, do you get mismatched items or not? Then the whole color combos, there’s a lot to worry about. You don’t want it to match too much, but you want it to match enough. Then, when you find the perfect pieces, they are either too big or too small for the space. So, good luck furniture shopping.”

 

Sierra is cracking up. I am sure she is responding to the look on my face. I had to ignore her as I spoke directly to Natalie, “Fuck that’s a lot to think about. I am going to need your help. I’ve never been furniture shopping before. I’ve never bought a single piece of furniture. I haven’t got the slightest clue what the hell I even need. You gotta help me.”

 

Sierra’s laughter died as she watched and waited for Natalie to respond to my request for help. I could feel her wishing and hoping just as much as I was that Natalie would agree to help. When she started to shake her head, but before she could get any words out, Sierra stepped in. “Curtis nice try. She’s not going to fall for it. Maybe she’d be willing to help you after you buy a new car from her or something. You are much to old and not nearly cute enough to use the ‘You gotta help me’ trick.”

 

Holy shit, my sister, who just married the first guy she ever liked after knowing him less than three months, just called me out. Which, made everyone at the table laugh. I turned to face Natalie before I spoke, “Fine. You work tomorrow? It’s time to ditch the hand-me-down Explorer anyway. If you can help me pick a new car, I’ll let you help me pick furniture for the condo.”

 

She was speechless so it was Cal that piped in, “She is working tomorrow. She’ll be at the Land Rover dealership. I can give you directions later.” He wasn’t fooling me, he was helping her out because he knew I had the money to spend. Fine by me, I had no problem spending money if that is what it takes to get more time with Natalie.

 

Our food arrived and conversation carried on throughout the meal. The only thing that could have made the night any better was if my condo was ready and Natalie was coming home with me. As it was, I wished her a good night and told her I’d see her tomorrow.

 

I didn’t look back as I said good night to everyone before heading back to the McMann house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

I drove away from the restaurant, in my 2002 Honda Civic, happier than I had been in months. What are the odds that I would be the one working that day when Calvin came into the jewelry store to look at rings? Who would have thought he was serious when he basically offered me a job on the spot? When he came in a couple weeks ago to buy Sierra a wedding gift, I knew it was a sign I needed to move on with my life.

 

I’d been renting a bedroom from sister’s best friend Kim; partly to help her out, but mostly to get out of my parents’ house. It was cheap, so I couldn’t complain about her drunk dialing the ex-boyfriend once or twice a week. Those conversations were loud and ended with him showing up for a booty call or her crying herself to sleep. Before I moved in with her I had been living at home, I moved back in after graduating college. My dad worked out of town so it was usually just my mom and me. It wasn’t that bad, but living with my parents put a real damper on my sex life.

 

I didn’t love my job at the jewelry store, but I didn’t hate it either. I loved the jewelry and I loved helping people and, not to sound conceded, but I am really good at it. You don’t have to be pushy to be good at sales. Regardless of the job, I was in a funk. I went to college on the west coast, so none of my friends lived nearby. All of my high school friends have moved on, most who went to college didn’t come back. The only one still here is married with kids. My sister fell into that same category, plus she lived almost an hour away. I was just the odd man out. Living in a college town didn’t help, I was too old to fit in with students but not old enough to fit in with the professors.

 

Before Calvin had even walked out of the jewelry store with that beautiful diamond necklace, I was formulating a plan for myself. I made decent money, but I spent just as much if not more. I had never been good at saving money which meant that I would have to keep my fingers crossed that my November commission would be enough to get me into a place, and I would have to pray that my dad was willing to help me move my big stuff so I wouldn’t have to rent a moving van.

 

That night, I found a perfect studio apartment online. It wasn’t much more than I was paying for the bedroom and drunk dialing roommate I currently had. I took a leap of faith and filled out the rental application online, paid the application fee, and then waited to hear back. I had to tell someone, so I called my one local friend. When I called to tell her my exciting news, she shot me down as soon as she heard my voice, “Oh, sorry Natalie I thought you were Brian calling. He isn’t home from work yet. I really can’t talk. Can I call you back?” I heard the phone disconnect before I could even respond. Another sign that it was time for me to move on.

 

I knew better than to call my mom at night when my dad was out of town. She and my roommate would make great drinking buddies because they both hit the bottle as soon as they were alone and the sun went down. My sister was likely still working, so I didn’t bother calling her. I gave up the idea of sharing my news with anyone, instead I poured myself a glass of wine and scrolled through Pinterest until I was tired enough to sleep.

 

The next morning, as I was getting ready for work I received the call letting me know I got the studio apartment. After going over the details with the apartment manager, I gave her my credit card for the deposit and first month rent. I hated using my credit card, but figured I would be able to pay it off in full as soon as I got my commission check for November’s sales. Calvin’s purchase alone should be enough to cover a month’s rent and all my other sales combined should be enough for the deposit.

 

Everything was coming together smoothly. I called my dad on the way to work and asked if he would be willing to help me move. He was shocked that I was moving, but quickly agreed to help me. I needed to call Calvin and see about picking a start date after making sure he was sure. He was convincing when telling me that they had a handful of dealerships and they could use me at any of them. He was very adamant that the job would be there as soon as I made the call, but I didn’t want to be presumptuous. I also didn’t want to interrupt his wedding weekend. The last big thing on my list was to give my notice at work, I was prepared to give at least two weeks. With the holidays coming, I wouldn’t want to leave them short staffed.

 

I thought I was doing the right thing by telling my boss that I would be giving notice soon. I told her I would be giving two weeks’ notice as soon as I had the exact dates. Instead, the bitch fired me. The only fucking reason she could come up with was inappropriate customer interaction. I know ultimately, she was trying to get out of paying me my commission, but she didn’t know who she was dealing with. I wasn’t walking away that easily. I knew the rules, I knew she had three days to have my final paycheck ready. I knew the loophole that would force her to pay my commission. She wasn’t smart enough to realize that I am smart enough to know the rules.

 

As I walked to my car, I called my brother-in-law, Greg, at his law office. I gave him the quick and dirty, he told me he would take care of it and I believed him. I sat in the parking lot on the verge of tears for about two minutes before I decided to make the call that would solidify the changes I was making in my life.

 

He answered on the second ring and knew it was me before I finished trying to identify myself. “Hi Calvin, this is Natalie. I am the...”

 

“Please tell me you are ready to take my offer?”

 

That phone call was four days ago, I did my new hire paperwork yesterday and today was my first full day working for Luke and Calvin McMann. I didn’t have any sales today, which is expected since I am just learning the ropes. Calvin told me not to worry about it, he said it could be up to a week before I had my footing. He did what he could to show me the ropes. As I was walking out of the restaurant, he pulled me aside and told me he wasn’t kidding about working at the Land Rover dealership. He said he would meet me there in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

I woke up feeling better than I have in months, maybe even years. My list of things to do was long, but it wasn’t overwhelming. First on my list was running and not because I wanted to clear my head, but because I actually enjoyed running. Dressed in my winter running gear, I stopped in the kitchen for some water before taking off. I wasn’t surprised to find Amy cleaning up from breakfast. She tried to fix me breakfast, but I assured her I would fix myself a post workout shake when I got back from running. I don’t know what made me do it, but I asked her if she wanted to go with me. Her face lit up like I had offered her the world.

“I won’t be able to keep up with you. You go ahead. I’ll just do my PIYO here.” she may have declined with her words but her eyes were begging me to convince her to come with me. So, I did.

 

“You are already dressed for it. Go get your shoes. You’ll keep up just fine. Give yourself a little credit, I can’t do PIYO. Plus, if I wait for you, I can eat a banana before we go.” I nudged her toward the hallway as I reached for a banana.

 

She paused for a half a second before making the decision to go for it. A few minutes later we were outside stretching in the driveway. As soon as we started out, Amy proved that she was in much better shape than I had previously given her credit for; she was able to chat and run at the same time. Sierra is the only other female I had ever run with and she was usually trying to get out of her own head, so talking wasn’t part of the routine. Conversation with Amy was thankfully light, I half expected her to bring up my failed relationship with Callie and Will; she didn’t. Instead, she asked me, “When you were a kid, what did you think you would do when you grew up?” The way she phrased the question brought it back to before life took a shit on me or on us. It also brought me back to a time when I didn’t have a shit ton of money. It allowed me to answer without regard for anything, just the truth of what I thought as a kid.

 

“I wanted to teach and coach high school. I actually have everything I need to get my teaching certificate, other than my student teaching.” Other than my adviser back at Western State, I hadn’t mentioned the possibilities of teaching to anyone. “I only have three classes left before I can graduate.”

 

“Wow, does anyone know you are that close to being able to graduate?” She was a little winded, but honestly so was I because we were heading uphill.

 

“No. I honestly didn’t have plans to graduate. I thought I would need to spread it out for the sake of watching after Sierra.” We both smiled at the mention of my amazing sister. “Now that I don’t need to do that and now that it’s time for me, I might actually look into student teaching this spring. I can take the three classes this summer and have my certificate in time for the fall. Wow. I don’t know if I am ready for it to happen that quickly. Maybe I’ll take the classes this spring and try to student teach in the fall.”

 

“Curtis, Curtis.” She had to call my name several times because I was rambling. “You are more than ready. You will make a great teacher and coach. Don’t panic, I think you should call your adviser and see what he suggests.”

 

We ran in silence for about a mile while I mentally added a few things to my to-do list. By the time we made it back to the house, I would guess we’d gone anywhere from 5 to 6 miles. Amy pretended that I killed her, but the reality is, not one second did she appear to struggle. Thankfully, I could joke with her about it, “You didn’t do too bad for being a Grandma.” My reflexes were good enough to catch the water bottle she tried to hit me with.

 

“I think I want them to call me GiGi or Mayme or something like that, because honestly, I am way too young to be a Grandma. Thanks for letting me run with you.” she said the last part as she was heading down the hall toward her room.

 

“Anytime Grandma.” I laughed as I saw her flip me off as she walked down the hall.

 

Next on my list was a shower and going to see Natalie; car then hopefully furniture shopping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

Walking into the Land Rover dealership, the feel was completely different than it had been the day before at the Toyota dealership. Nothing wrong with Toyota, but it’s like Target versus Nordstrom. Thankfully, I’ve spent enough money on clothes that I’ll be fine regardless of where they want me to work. Calvin was already there when I arrived, which made things easier since I didn’t know anyone else yet. We walked through the lot as he showed me all the inventory, he said it was something he liked to do at the beginning of each day.

 

There wasn’t a single model out there that wasn’t beautiful, the low-end model was still high end in my book. He paid me a great compliment when he said, “I love that you aren’t even blinking twice at the price tags.”

 

“Remember the first time you came in to look at rings. You told me you weren’t ready to buy, but you wanted to learn so you would know what to expect when you were ready. Buying a car is the same way. This isn’t the place they will come to learn about cars. If they are pulling in here, they already know what to expect price wise.” Out of the corner of my eye I saw an older model Ford Explorer pull into the parking area by the showroom. The site of him climbing out of the car cause my steps to falter. He was even better looking today than he’d been yesterday. Calvin put his hand gently on my back until I righted my steps. There was no way I could play that off, Calvin saw my cards.

 

“Let’s go get your first sale. I will tell you right now, he’ll buy anything you’re selling. Don’t let him fool you into thinking he can’t afford a brand-new Luxury Discovery.” He laughed like he knew something I didn’t.

 

Curtis saw us coming and waiting for us to approach him in the parking lot. Cal shook his hand as soon as we were close enough, then broke the ice for us, “Don’t be a cheap bastard Curtis. Honestly, Natalie could sell ice to Eskimos if needed, so don’t fight it. She’ll show you our inventory, I’m sure there is something here you’ll like.” And with that, he walked into the building without any further instruction for me.

 

I was shocked when he leaned into kiss my cheek in greeting. “Show me what you got hot stuff.” I was used to getting hit on, it is just part of being in sales. This, him calling me hot stuff, felt different. It made my heart race. He lightly rested his hand on my back to guide me back the way I had come. Suddenly, I felt nervous. It wasn’t about selling something, Calvin was right, I could sell ice to an Eskimo, it was about him.

 

I stopped at each model and opened the driver’s door as I gave him all the details I could. Not once did he look inside the car, his eyes never once strayed from me. When I finally got to the Discovery, I specifically asked him, “would you like to test drive this one?”

 

“No testing needed. I want it.” It took effort for me to keep my mouth from falling open.

 

I scrunched my brow as I asked, “Are you sure, you don’t want to at least take a look inside? Sit in the seat?” I was holding the door open for him, trying to encourage him into climbing in.

 

“No.” He hasn’t once taken his eyes off me, but when he takes a step closer I think he might be changing his mind. His hand returned to my back and with a little pressure he guided me into the seat. “You try the seat. If you like the seat, it’s the one I want. I want you to be comfortable when you drive my car. I want you to be comfortable when you come with me to pick out furniture and when I take you out. I want you...”

 

From the driver’s seat I interrupted him, “Curtis, I can’t sell you a car that you haven’t even looked at.”

 

“You heard Cal, hot stuff, you could sell anything. I need a new car and this is the one you gravitated to, which tells me you like it. If you like it, I want it. So, let’s get the paperwork done and then we can talk about furniture shopping and dinner.” He took my hand as I climbed out of the car. I pulled the papers from the vehicle before making our way into the sales office.

 

Calvin was waiting there with a shitty ass grin on his face. It wasn’t directed toward me, but I was the only one who saw it because Curtis was still only looking at me. At one point, I thought to myself that I should feel awkward having him openly look at me like he was; it wasn’t awkward, it was flattering. Curtis was still facing me when Cal asked, “You get him into a new Discovery?”

 

“Sort of, he’s buying the HSE Luxury in Corris Grey, but he didn’t technically get into it. I grabbed the papers, would you like to walk me through the financing process?” I asked as Curtis and I automatically followed Calvin to the main sales desk.

 

“Nah, I’m pretty sure he’s going to just write a check. Hey Curtis, you bring your check book or do you need the total so you can go get a cashier’s check?” For the first time since he’d been there, he looked at something other than me when Calvin asked the question.

 

“I think I have a checkbook in the Explorer. I’ll go check. Hey Cal, what time is she done working today? I want to try and get the living room and bedroom furniture done today.” He stood but didn’t walk away until Calvin answered.

 

“If you are really going out to get your checkbook, she could probably be done in two hours. So, go get your damn checkbook and buy the fucking car already.” Calvin was laughing. I wasn’t opposed to swearing, but I did feel funny at the thought that he was letting me go but only if Curtis was buying the car.

 

Curtis was back before Calvin could even show me how to do the paperwork. He explained that it went much quicker because Curtis paid in full, had he done a loan it would have taken much longer. At one point, Curtis walked out front to make a phone call. When he came back everything was ready for his final signature. When it was all said and done, it had taken less than two hours for me to get my first sale. I couldn’t help the bubble of excitement. Thankfully, Calvin felt generous and let me go right then.

 

As we walked out of the showroom, Curtis handed me the key fob for the new car before asking me, “You mind following me? I need to take this over and park it at the storage unit I rented.”

 

He was seriously asking me to be the first one to drive his brand new $70,000 vehicle. “I can drive the Explorer. You drive the new car.”

 

“Hot stuff, you look way better in the new one. It’s only like two miles down the road, come on, please?” Before I could respond, he leaned in and kissed me on the cheek just like he had when he arrived. I was caught off guard again, which gave him enough time to climb behind the wheel of the Explorer. I reluctantly climbed into the new car and followed him. He could have been leading me anywhere and I don’t think I would have hesitated for a second to follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

She was trying so hard to hide her excitement from getting her first sale. I was having a hard time hiding the excitement she caused in my pants. Seriously, I didn’t climb into any of the vehicles because it would have brought my lap closer to her line of sight. It was enough for me to know that she liked the one I got. As soon as she showed me the first car, I decided I would pick the first one she showed true interest in or the last one on the lot. I want her to like my car so if she showed interest, I figured that would mean she liked the car. If she didn’t show interest, I wanted to take as much time with her as possible thus picking the last car in the lot.

 

Once at the desk doing paperwork with Cal, I had to walk away before I reached out and touched her. It worked out fine because I needed to ask Sierra and Steve what they wanted to do with the Explorer anyway. Neither had an opinion one way or the other, which is why I was going to park it in the storage unit I’d already paid to rent.

 

After parking the explorer in the single car garage size storage unit, I was ready to climb into my new car for the first time. I still didn’t care to drive it, which is how we ended up having our first argument. She had a few choice words to call me, while I just smiled at her spitfire words. In the end, she realized she wasn’t going to win with me. I was willing to hang out at the storage unit all day, especially since she was there with me.

 

We are both new to the area, so while she drove I tried to use the fancy ass navigation system to find places we could shop for furniture. There was an industrial area that housed several major furniture stores, we headed that direction. On the way, she asked, “Any ideas what you are looking for? Oh, and do you know the dimensions of the rooms you are shopping for?”

 

“Fuck, I thought you were going to help me. You’re just making it harder and we haven’t even started yet. I’ll see if I can’t call the sales office to get the dimensions, if not we’ll have to go to the condo to measure.” Thankfully I had called the sales office from the bank the day before so I had the contact information. With one call, I had the measurements for the master bedroom, living room, and dining room.

 

At the first stop, we were ambushed as we walked into the store. I was instantly turned off and wanted to try a different place. The second place was fine for me, but I could feel the tension rolling off her. Once in the car heading to the next location, she asked me again if I knew what I was looking for. I was honest with her, “I have no fucking clue. I have no clue what kind of ‘decor style’ I like. I figured I would know what I like when I see it.”

 

“I have an idea. Why don’t we go get lunch, I’ll show you some samples on Pinterest? It is easier to pick what you like when you can see it. If I know what you like, it will be easier to shop.” I wasn’t about to turn her down.

 

“Good plan hot stuff. There are a handful of restaurants back toward the highway; I’m not picky, any of them will do.” I sat back and let her decide and drive.

 

I wasn’t shy about sliding in right next to Natalie when the hostess of the Mexican restaurant showed us to a booth in the back. She tried to scoot away from me, but I quickly reminded her “You’re going to show me samples on your phone, so quit scooting away from me.” I couldn’t help but reach out and hold her head still so I could kiss her temple. It was the first time she didn’t flinch at the gesture. I considered that a win.

 

With our drinks and lunch ordered, she pulled out her cell phone and opened Pinterest. After a few swipes, she handed me the device and told me to scroll through until I found stuff I liked. I followed her directions but I couldn’t ignore the red number at the bottom of the screen. I assumed they were her notifications and I was dying to click on them to see what I could find out about her. When the waitress arrived with our drinks, I took a chance and hit the button so I could see what her 12 notifications were. They were notices that people liked her pins, I followed the paths and hit the motherload. It must be her dream house, there were a handful of different living rooms, a couple bathrooms and different bedrooms. I don’t know if I liked them because I knew she did or if they were really my ‘decor style’. When she saw what I was looking at, I could see her instant embarrassment; I was having none of that. “I have never thought about what kind of décor I would pick. Honestly, I lived in my parent’s house where my bedroom consisted of sports posters. When I left there, my rooms while at Western State weren’t much better. This will be the first time that I have my very own place and I want it to be nice. I don’t want a bachelor pad, I want a home. I could spend hours going through this, but the reality is, I like these.” I held the screen out for her to see that I was choosing what she had already picked.

 

“You don’t have to pick everything I like Curtis. Just because you pick everything I like doesn’t mean I am going to like you more.” Her cheeks flushed pink as she used her shoulder to bump mine.

 

“You already like me don’t you hot stuff?” I couldn’t help it, she was so self-assured until it came to trying to flirt. “Don’t be shy. I will try to make it easy on you.” I winked and she shook her head at my over the top antics.

 

“So, um, your uh, financial situation is none of my business, but I have already done all the research for all this” she points back to the screen, “and it isn’t cheap. This living room is close to $25,000 and that is without any of the electronics. This bedroom is about half that, but could be more depending on what kind of mattress you choose.”

 

I don’t know what she was expecting in terms of a response or reaction. I wasn’t ready to talk specifically about my financial situation but I wasn’t afraid to let her know I could afford it. “So, you know where I can get this stuff? Not that I don’t want to spend the day shopping with you, but honestly, I thought furniture shopping would be more fun. Other than the company, buying the car was more fun,I guess the company was the same. Oh hell, you know what I mean.”

 

She blinked a couple of times, I am sure trying to gauge if I was joking or not. “Yeah I know where all this is from. It’s a one stop shop, let me see if we, I mean you can just order from here.” I handed her the phone back and she had everything in an online shopping cart within minutes. “They do free delivery, do you know what day you get possession? We” she shook her head again at the slip, “I mean you can choose your delivery date anytime within the next 30 days.”

 

It is supposed to be 10 days from yesterday. “Let’s pick 10 days from today just to be safe.” I watched until she got to the payment page. Without thinking twice, I handed her my debit card. I realized at the last second that I needed to contact my credit union to have them up my spending limit, so I pulled my own phone out to call them. “Hi Kelly, this is Curtis Morrison. I need to get my debit card limit upped.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

Seriously he just wrote a damn check for a $70K to buy the car and now he’s upping his debit card so he can spend $32,878 on furniture. He’s still going to need to get a mattress and bedding, probably another $2,000-$3,000. I got lost in day dreaming about that kind of money. It wasn’t until he nudged me did I come back to reality. “What?”

 

“Hot stuff, I just need to know what the total is so they can fix my limit?” He waited for me to find the total.

“This total is $32,878.” I held the phone out for him to see.

 

“But we aren’t done yet, are we? That didn’t include a mattress, right?” I just shook my head to confirm. “Sorry Kelly. Can you up the limit to $36,000 just for today. My normal limit resets tomorrow, right?” He listened to her before confirming his information, “Hey thank you Kelly. Have a good day.” As soon as he finished the conversation he gave me the go ahead, “Hit the button hot stuff.”

 

A half hour later, we finished lunch and made our way out to the car. This time, I refused to drive his car, it is seriously the nicest car I have ever driven. I don’t normally mind driving my older Honda Civic, Maisie as I’ve named her, but after today, it was going to be a little harder. For the first time, he finally climbed in behind the wheel of his brand-new car. It was actually nice being the passenger, it gave me the freedom to look at him without being concerned for the road. Damn, he was hot. I mean, I already knew he was good looking, but being able to really just look, I could catalog everything that was hot about him. His baby smooth skin just begged to be petted like an animal. His perfect five o’clock shadow also begged to be petted. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with mischief that I was desperate to uncover. His hair was short on the sides and longer on top, I wanted to run my hands over the short sides and grip the longer locks. I could see the muscle definition through his expensive sweater. It was clear without having to study him, that he has an athletic body. I was hooked even though I knew very little about him.

 

I thought he would take me back to the dealership, but he turned in the opposite direction. It wasn’t until we were pulling into a development with new construction going on that I realized where we were going. When he flashed me his panty dropping smile, I couldn’t help the giggle that slipped out. “I figured now that we got the bedroom and the living room done, I’d show you the place. I still need help furnishing the rest of the space.”

 

He pulled into the sales office and told me to sit tight while he ran inside to get the keys. A few minutes later as he came out, I could see a tall dark haired woman watching him through the window. I couldn’t help but narrow my gaze. If she had been looking at me, she’d have felt the daggers I was putting out, but she wasn’t, her gaze was fully locked on Curtis. I could feel the heat rising within me, my fuse ready to blow; I have wondered more than once how it is possible that I don’t have red hair. The second he climbed back into the driver’s seat, he knew I was on the verge of something. To his benefit, he cupped his huge hand on the back of my neck and pulled me halfway across the center console where he proceeded to kiss my lips for the first time. Open-mouth without tongue was the most erotic kiss I had ever had. He didn’t release his hand even after he pulled back from the kiss. He held me there and pressed his forehead to mine all while looking me directly in the eye. I forgot all about the woman in the window along with everything else I ever knew. This man made my world stop and my heart race.

 

When he finally released his hold on me, he only did so long enough to shift out of park. As soon as he had it in drive, he reached over and held my hand. I have never, not once in my whole life, felt the buzz from holding hands until this moment. I couldn’t contain the smile that overtook my face.

 

He parked in front of a beautiful brand new condo. He squeezed my hand before telling me to wait for him to get my door. I took the 10 seconds alone to collect myself. He opened my door and held out his hand to help me climb down. He didn’t release my hand once I was standing alongside him. 

 

We slowly made our way to the front door, where he unlocked it but didn’t open it. I glanced at him to see what he was waiting for. For the first time, I could see a small glimpse of insecurity shining through. I watched as he turned to me, then quickly turned away before turning back to fully face me. He grabbed my free hand and held on until we were facing each other like a bride and groom. “I’m sorry, I am having these overwhelming feelings and no matter how this plays out, you’re going to think I am fucking crazy. I can’t help it, if I don’t do this I am afraid I will regret it for the rest of my life. Please bear with me.”

 

Without further warning, he flung the door open and quickly scooped me up like a bride and carried me inside the condo. On instinct, I wrapped my arms around his neck and shoulder. In a crazy move, he maneuvered me around until he had me suspended off the ground with both his arms wrapped around my waist. In this position, I was forced to look down and he had to look up. Without preamble, I started cracking up, it’s how I deal with stress. Laugh or cry, it’s just what I do.

 

Thankfully, Curtis laughed with me. To further the crazy shit that was taking place, he spun around in circles. We ended up in a heap on the floor. When our laughter died, he rolled onto his side so he could face me while I lay there on my back. “Thank you for spending the day with me. I want to show you the condo. I want to share this with you.” I am sure he saw the freak out on my face and it caused him to backtrack. “That didn’t come out the way I intended. Although I have already proved I’m crazy, so I may as well be honest and tell you I do want you here with me. It’s too soon to tell you all this, shit. Okay wait.” he sucked in a lung full of air before he continued to speak. “Never mind that I said that. What I really am trying to say is, I want to show you the condo. I want you to see it because I still need your help getting the rest of the stuff I need.” Before I could respond, he was standing over me, reaching a hand out to help me up. 

 

He once again kept hold of my hand as he showed me the condo. It was beautiful, it still smelled of construction and fresh paint. I asked about what he had planned for the extra bedrooms and he simply responded by shrugging his shoulders. As we stepped into the master bedroom, he released my hand to answer his ringing phone. He stepped into the hallway to take the call in private. Walking into the master bathroom, I couldn’t stop that little tiny seed of hope from growing because I fucking loved this bathroom.

 

I was so lost in my fantasy of living in this bathroom that I didn’t see or hear Curtis when he walked in. As soon as I saw him, I could see that something was different. His previously flirtatiousness was gone, he was withdrawn and lost in his own thoughts. I observed him for a few minutes as we made our way out of the master bedroom. The phone call was obviously messing with him but I didn’t know how to help him. Instead of asking a bunch of questions, I just let him be lost in his thoughts and guided him out the front door. I locked up and lead him back to the passenger seat of the car. I drove back to the sales office, where I was the lucky one to return the keys to the dark-haired bitch that wants Curtis.

 

As I pulled out of the parking lot, I steered the car back to where we started, the dealership. I honestly didn’t know what he needed and since I’d only known him a day, I was pretty sure I wasn’t the person he wanted to talk to about the phone call. I was surprised when he asked me if he could stay by me, he spoke clearly but his eyes were glossed over. When he reached out and touched my forearm before begging, “Please. I don’t want to see the McMann’s right now and Sierra and Steve have their own stuff.” I realized the phone call was personal. I could relate to needing someone but not having anyone willing to be there, so I couldn’t tell him no.

 

We drove in silence until I pulled into my apartment complex. Knowing the man spent just over $100K in one day, I was suddenly self-conscious about my small studio apartment. With his hand resting on my lower back, he didn’t even bat an eye as we made our way inside. Without prompting, he kicked off his shoes and flopped back onto my bed. The only furniture I have, well other than the small card table and two chairs I borrowed from my parent’s basement.

 

Seeing him in my bed was almost enough for me to ignore the fact that he was dealing with something that knocked him off balance. I’m not a prude, I’ve had plenty of sexual partners but he was way hotter than anyone from my past. Not to mention it’s been awhile for me, but I couldn’t ignore the shift in his personality after receiving that phone call. So, I went with the safest route, “Would you like a beer? I don’t have much here but I do have leftover beer that I bought for my dad when he helped me move. He had one and left the rest behind. If you’re hungry I can order pizza, I still haven’t gone grocery shopping.”

 

“Sure, I’ll take a beer but I’m not hungry yet.” he slowly sat up against the headboard as I moved around the cramped space to get us each a beer. I felt his eyes on me as I made my way over to the bed. When I handed him his beer, he patted the bed beside him indicating he wanted me to sit. “I kind of ruined the day, didn’t I?”

 

“Not at all.” He quirked his eyebrow at me, like he didn’t believe a word I said. “Okay, fine. It was a pretty quick 180 after you received that phone call. You want to talk about it?” I didn’t want to force him to spill it but I wanted him to know I would listen if he wanted or needed me to.

 

“I’m not sure I am ready to talk about it. A piece of my past popping up when I least expected. I’m sorry.” I watched him struggle with whether he wanted to talk or not. “It’s hard because, today has honestly been one of the best days, if not the best day, I’ve ever had.” He smiled at me, but it wasn’t the same one I’d seen earlier.

 

“It’s been a great day for me too.” I smiled back and continued, “You don’t have to tell me anything, there are plenty of things I wouldn’t tell you at this point.” He chuckled, which is what I was hoping for. “Just so you know, I moved here for a fresh start. Calvin was the only person I knew before I packed up and moved. Well I’d met Kyler too, but even with that I don’t really know either of them. I guess what I am saying is you are my first friend here. I know what good friends are like and I know what shitty friends are like, I can be a good friend for you.”

 

His smirk changed a little, “Thanks hot stuff. I’d like to be a good friend for you too. So, tell me why the fresh start?”

 

We spent the next two hours talking about all kinds of random stuff. I told him about being stuck in a rut. I lived it up in college; I partied, I traveled, I experimented and yet I ended up right back where I started. I told him about my crazy family and what it’s like having a niece and nephew. I knew a little bit about Sierra and Calvin’s relationship from Calvin; but he told me the whole story along with Steve and Hannah’s story. My heart hurt when he shared the story of how he lost his parents and sister Sophia. I felt comfort in the way he spoke so frankly about the abusive relationship between Cody and Sophia.

 

When he shared his recently thought out plan of trying to student teach this spring, I was overcome with excitement for him. He already showed me his desire to help guide teenagers by the way he talked about Cody and Sophia. He acknowledged so many areas that the warning signs were ignored. 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

I hadn’t been kidding earlier when I told her it was the best day I’d ever had, or damn close. I enjoyed just talking to her. After we ate pizza, we shifted from sitting up on the bed to laying down. As soon as the silence washed over us, I was brought back to the phone call I wasn’t prepared for. Instantly, my heart began to race and I could feel the panic bubbling within me. I was caught off guard when Natalie touched my forearm with her small warm hand. The presence of her hand pulled my thoughts away from the phone call.

 

Her words were calming, “Hey Curtis, I can feel you stressing out all the way over here. You worrying about whatever it is, isn’t going to change anything tonight.”

 

She was right and the feel of her hand on my arm was just as calming as her words. Without further thought, I took hold of her hand, linking our fingers together before bringing her hand to my mouth for a simple kiss. She rolled until she was facing me with our hands still locked together, she used her other hand to hold onto my bicep. I don’t know which one of us fell asleep first, but I know it was the best night’s sleep I’d had since before life when to shit.

 

The next morning, we overslept and had to rush around to get her to work on time. She was scheduled back at the Toyota dealership. It worked out fine, Sierra was at the dealership when we arrived and offered to take me to get Natalie’s car. Before walking away with her Honda keys, I pulled her in for a soft kiss. It wasn’t the possessive kiss I wanted to lay on her, yet it was more than any I had given her the day before.

 

Driving away with Sierra, I could feel myself missing her already. It felt different than what I felt when I missed Callie and Will, I couldn’t put words to the feelings. It was more desperate, I felt more protective; simply put, I felt more everything. Sierra pulled me from my thoughts by asking what my plans were for the day.

“I need to see about doing my student teaching.” When she gasped, I forgot that I hadn’t talked to her at all about my plans. When I glanced over at her, she had tears leaking out of her eyes. It always sucks to see her cry, but it sucks even more when I’m the reason she’s crying in the first place. “Please don’t cry. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

 

She spoke through her tears as she pulled into a cafe parking lot, “When? Why wouldn’t you tell me?”

 

With the car in park she turned toward me, I swiped a handful of tears from her face before telling her. “It’s always been in the back of my mind that I wanted to teach and coach. But then I worried that I wouldn’t make enough money, so I picked a different major. I kept taking all the classes I needed for teaching but didn’t plan on doing anything with them. Yesterday, Amy went running with me.”

 

She cracked a huge smile and laughed. “Sorry, she was so funny last night limping around talking under her breath about kicking someone’s ass. Now, I’m assuming the ass is you.”

 

I’m sure it was, but she really was better than I thought she would be. “Anyway, talking to her opened my eyes. Despite everything we’ve been through, we are lucky we can afford to do what we like. So now my plan is to see if I can student teach this coming semester and take my last couple of classes in time to teach next year.”

 

Rather than picking up Natalie’s car, we went in search of food. After ordering, I stepped outside to make the phone calls I needed to get things rolling for my student teaching. It was easier than I expected, the High School Kyler attends has two teachers taking maternity leave starting in March so they are happy to help me get my hours because I am ultimately helping them.

 

After eating, Sierra dropped me off to get Natalie’s car. It felt like climbing into a shoebox after driving the Explorer and now my new car. Instantly, I was overcome with the sick feeling of worry. She drove this car, the tires were bald, the alignment was off and the brakes were bad. She shouldn’t be driving this. Without further thought, I drove to the storage unit, swapped the shoebox with the Explorer, and figured the problem was solved. She could drive my new car and I’d go back to driving the Explorer.

 

I made my way back to the McMann’s and spent the afternoon hanging out with Amy who was still limping around like she ran a marathon. I filled her in on all the progress I’d made since the day before, without thinking twice I started to tell her about the phone call I’d gotten from Callie the day before. I hadn’t been kidding myself by pretending it hadn’t happened. Being able to openly talk it through with Amy was so freeing. Freeing until my phone buzzed with a text message from Will, asking if I was free to talk for a minute.

 

I know Amy saw the message because I made no attempt to hide it. Without saying a word, Amy stood from the table, kissed my cheek and walked away. I sat there in silence for a few minutes before I made my way down to ‘my bedroom’ at the McMann house. Once inside, I made the call that could potentially ruin the relationship I’d been a part of less than a week ago, “Hey Curtis, thanks for calling.” He paused and I didn’t respond. I wasn’t going to volunteer information, if he had questions I’d answer. “Callie told me she called you yesterday. I just wanted to hear your thoughts.”

 

Okay, so he already knew. That relieved a huge amount of pressure from me, “I don’t know what you want to hear or if you even really want to hear it. I have enough respect to be honest with you. I don’t know if you understood why I walked away.”

 

“Go ahead and tell me. I thought I knew, until yesterday when I found Callie crying her eyes out.” I could hear the phone move as he blew out his breath.

 

“Watching Sierra and Cal get married, I thought ‘I want that.’ The thought was confirmed when I watched Steve and Hannah get married a week fucking later. Standing at their wedding when Callie read her quote of advice about loving your spouse more than anything, in my gut I knew she was talking about you. That insecurity was confirmed when you guys went out drinking after finals and didn’t once think about inviting me. Plus, Will, I really want to be a dad someday, that wasn’t going to happen if I stayed.” My throat was tight with emotion, because the reality is, I did have true feelings and walking away wasn’t easy.

 

“So, when Callie asked you to come back...” I could hear the emotion in his voice as well.

 

“Will, it wasn’t like that. I don’t know what she told you, but it wasn’t just her asking me to come back. It was her asking me to choose her. She wants the kids, the marriage where you love your spouse more than anything else. She needs to be the most important thing to you. Hell Will, that’s all anyone needs. I don’t think she really wants all those things with me, I was just willing to admit that I wanted them for myself.” Neither of us spoke for a few beats, after the conversation with Callie yesterday, it took me awhile to get out of the funk and it was only because of Natalie that I was able to do so as quickly as I did. “I know it is a lot so take in, but Will, I’m not coming back. It is not something I am going to fight for. You have already fought so much, don’t give up now.”

 

“Thanks man. Take care.” he hung up before I could respond. I hated telling Callie no yesterday, but I know she doesn’t love me and I knew I didn’t love her either, especially after spending the day with Natalie.

 

I changed into running gear and went in search of Amy. She was just putting two pans of lasagna into the oven when she saw me and shook her head. “I am not going with you. I can hardly walk from yesterday.”

 

“Oh come on. Your muscles will thank you afterward. Just a short 2 miles, just enough to get our hearts pumping.” My phone rang just when I thought she would cave. Caller ID said it was Cal, “Hey man.”

 

“Oh no, it’s Natalie. I didn’t have your number so I asked Calvin if I could use his phone. I was just calling because I thought you would have brought my car back by now. I’m almost done for the day and I have some errands to run.” As I listened to her talk I saw Sierra was getting ready to go get Cal and had a great idea.

“Hey Natalie, why don’t you give Cal a ride home. I’m at the house now, Sierra hasn’t left to go get him yet and I was just getting ready to go for a quick run. I’ll be back by the time you get here. Plus, Amy just put her homemade lasagna in the oven and I’m sure there is enough for you to join us. Right Amy?” For two seconds, I felt bad for putting her on the spot, but it vanished the second she confirmed there would be plenty of food.

 

“Are you sure? I could just drop Calvin off and get my car.” I could hear the hesitation in her voice, but I wasn’t giving up.

 

“Hot stuff, I am positive. We’ll see you soon.” I hung up and turned to the two women standing around. “Okay, one of you is coming with me. Can you run being pregnant? If I promise to take it easy? I just want to do a couple miles.”

 

Sierra went with, she could still run at this stage in her pregnancy. We took it slow and ended up just doing two miles. I told her about the phone call yesterday with Callie and the one today with Will; talking about it with her and Amy solidified it in my mind that I made the right decision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

I felt weird driving my married boss home from work. I felt even weirder walking into his home, but I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t see my car parked out front which means I had to go inside to ask Curtis where I could find my car. Walking into their house, I could instantly smell the aroma of homemade cooking which caused my stomach to make the loudest growling noise ever. I’m sure Calvin’s mom could hear it from where she stood in the kitchen.

 

I looked around from the entry way wondering where Curtis was, he said he’d be back before we got there. Calvin didn’t pause in the entry way, he bee lined for his mom but only to ask where his wife was. “She and Curtis should be back any second. They went for a quick run.” She walked around Calvin, making her way toward me, “You must be Natalie. It’s nice to meet you, please come in and make yourself at home. Dinner is almost ready. What can I get you to drink? I have beer, wine, soda, water...”

 

Before I can answer Curtis and Sierra came in the front door, sweaty from their run. Calvin had Sierra in his arms before she can even take her shoes off, apparently, he wasn’t concerned with getting her sweat on his clothes. Curtis tried to approach me, but I was concerned with my clothes so I held both hands out to keep him away from me. “Are you afraid of a little sweat?”

 

I glanced at Amy, because I suddenly felt a little uncomfortable with the line of questioning. “Um. Uh. No, but I um, haven’t found a dry cleaner here yet, so I don’t want to get your sweat all over my clothes.”

 

“Oh, makes sense. In that case lets go find you something else to wear.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek making sure not to get his sweat on me. “I’m sure Sierra has stuff you can wear.” He took my hand and pulled me be behind him down the hall.

 

With a handful of Sierra’s clothes, he showed me to his room. He told me to get changed while he grabbed quick shower. I am sure Sierra knew what she was doing when she handed over clothes for me to borrow at her brother’s request. There is no fucking way she could have possibly thought these clothes would fit me. So here I stand in the middle of Curtis’ bedroom with two choices, put my work clothes back on or walk out there in clothes so tight they are indecent. Glancing around the room I decided to check the dresser to in hopes of finding something, anything, else. Thankfully the dresser wasn’t empty, there were two jersey style dresses and some men’s dress wear. I quickly slipped on the black and white stripped dress and prayed that it was okay to borrow it.

 

When Curtis returned fresh from the shower he froze in the doorway. Instantly I felt like I was going to hyperventilate, it must not be okay that I borrowed this dress. I quickly turned to grab my work clothes and started to apologize. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have dug” He was standing behind me before I could finish apologizing, with his hands on my shoulders he turned me around to face him.

 

“Please stop. It is fine that you are wearing that dress. I am sorry if my reaction gave you the impression that it wasn’t. Seeing you in it,” he leaned back and ran his gaze up my whole body, which caused a shiver to follow in its path, “you look amazing. Please don’t change. Let’s go eat dinner with the gang, before I change my mind and lock you in here all night.”

 

We turned toward the door as I asked, “Whose dress is it? Are you sure it’s okay that I borrowed it?” He stopped at my question, I could see him hesitate to answer.

 

“I’m sure it’s okay. I bought it.” he paused longer than necessary and it suddenly hit me, the dress belonged to a girlfriend.

 

“Oh god. I gotta change. I can’t. Oh fuck. I’m sorry. Please, Curtis just let me change.” He hooked his arm around my waist trying to stop me from the panic that already hit. He pulled me against his body and held me so tight I couldn’t squirm away.

 

“Please stop. I’ll explain, but I need you to stop and listen. I bought both the dresses in there for Callie, she never wore them, they apparently weren’t her style. Please don’t change, I love knowing you are wearing something I picked out. I’m sorry if that is twisted, but it’s true. Please hot stuff?” He kissed the side of my head as he continued to hold me tight. We were pulled from the moment when we heard Luke yell down the stairs that dinner was ready. I hesitated for a second, but gave into his request to wear the dress when my stomach growled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

Holy fucking shit, I almost shot a load just looking at her. I know it’s fucked up, but I can’t help it. I bought the dresses hoping that Callie would wear them, she wouldn’t even try them on. She said they would show all her flaws. So, they ended up long forgotten in the dresser. The dress hugged Natalie’s curves and put them on display. I just wanted to run my hands up and down the curve of her body. I’d start at her tits, then follow the dip at her waist to the flare of her hips. Fuck me, I nudged her out the door toward the stairs before I slid my hand around her waist and pulled her back into my front so she could feel the hardness of my cock poking her. “Please stay close, if they catch sight of this” I gave her a quick thrust so she knew what I was referring to, “they are going to razz us all night. Fuck, you’re killing me hot stuff.”

 

As soon as we walked up to the table, I pulled a chair out for her right next to Kyler. That was stupid, I saw the way he eyed her and I had to clench my fists in an effort to stop the possessive feelings that hit me. Leave it to Sierra to break the ice, “Dang girl, you got curves. I didn’t realize that, otherwise I would have told my clueless brother my clothes wouldn’t fit. Maybe when I breastfeed I’ll get boobs like you.”

 

“Hey now. I do not need to hear about my sister’s boobs.” I didn’t know Natalie well enough yet to know if she had insecurities about her body, it was something I planned to learn quickly. I’d take great pleasure in helping her work through them if she has any. As far as I was concerned, her body was fucking perfect.

 

After eating, Natalie thanked Amy for dinner as she helped Sierra clear the dishes. As they were busy in the kitchen, Cal asked me about her car “Dude, where is her car? She was starting to freak out when she didn’t see it out front.”

 

“Have you seen what she was driving? No fucking way she’s driving that around, the brakes are shot, it needs new tires and the alignment is off. Who knows what else is wrong with it. I’ll just drive the Explorer and she can keep driving my new car.” Luke started laughing and Cal shook his head. I looked back and forth between the two of them confused with what was funny.

 

Luke squeezed my shoulder as he told me, “Good luck with that. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.”

 

I sat on the edge of the couch as I waited for them to be done in the kitchen. I was suddenly worried that Natalie wasn’t going to like the idea of driving my new car. Honestly, her Honda was a piece of shit so she should like the idea of driving a new car.

 

When she walked out of the kitchen with my sister, my heart started to race but everything else stopped. When she caught me staring, I just held my breath and watched as her cheeks blushed. Before she could ask me about her car, I invited her to watch a movie down stairs. She tried to decline, “I still have a few errands to run, plus I am not done unpacking. Maybe another time.”

 

I pulled her down the stairs, completely ignoring the fact that she turned me down. “I can run the errands for you tomorrow. Other than meeting with the principal, I don’t have anything to do. Please stay and watch a movie?” With full bellies, neither of us managed to stay awake for the whole movie. It was after midnight when I woke up snuggled with her on the couch. I slowly scooped her up and carried her to my bed. For the second night in a row, I shared a bed with Natalie and both nights all we did was sleep.

 

She was too focused on sneaking out of the McMann house the following morning to notice her missing car. I tried to explain that none of them would have an issue with her staying the night, but she was convinced it would make working with them uncomfortable. While I drove her home so she could shower and change for work, she went through all the things she needed to get done. The main thing that she needed was groceries and a stop at Target. I was willing to grocery shop without her, but there was no way in hell I was going to try and pick up her stuff at Target. I’ve been in that store and they don’t just have one kind of toothpaste, they have a whole fucking section devoted just to toothpaste; so that was a big fat no. Plus, it was only three days until Christmas so Target was going to be a mad house. If all else failed, I would take her there after work; it might not be that bad if we could go together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

He is actually going to do my grocery shopping for me, I think I’m in love. It is not that I hate grocery shopping, it’s that I can never just stick to the list. I kid myself every fucking time, but it never fails, I end up grabbing one end cap item after another. I know if I could just stick to the list, I would probably lose a dress size. Plus, he wouldn’t take my money, I tried giving him my credit card and he laughed at me. I’ll figure out a way to pay him back, maybe he’ll let me take him out to dinner after we stop at Target.

 

It is three days until Christmas and I am suddenly realizing that I haven’t bought a single fucking gift. The last couple of years I have been able to get my shopping done during lunch breaks at the mall. My list of people to buy for is usually pretty short: mom; dad; my sister, Caroline; her husband, Greg; nephew Alec; niece Ellie. This year, I found myself wanting to add to the list: Curtis and Calvin for sure, but it would be weird to buy Calvin a gift and not one for Sierra. And if I am going to buy Calvin and Sierra a gift I should probably buy Steve and Hannah one too. If I buy them one, I should get one for Luke and Amy. That would leave only Kyler without one and I wouldn’t do that because that is just rude. But seriously, what the hell do you buy people who don’t need anything?

 

Thankfully, the day went buy quickly with two cars sold. I worked most of the day side by side with Steve, it was fun until Calvin let him know in passing that I had spent the night with Curtis. Apparently getting up early and sneaking out didn’t fool anyone. The minute Steve heard that, he looked at me differently and for no other reason than that my mood soured. I didn’t expect him to open his arms and call me family, but I’d been hopeful he would acknowledge it positively. From the minute Calvin spilled the news, Steve didn’t say a single word to me.

 

I was still happy to see Curtis when he arrived to get me after work, but it wasn’t for the reason he was expecting. I didn’t say goodbye to anyone as I hustled out of the sales office. Curtis was already headed to the main door when I came tumbling out. I was trying to hold myself together, but knew I needed some time alone, “Hi Curtis. Can you just drop me off at my car? I am not feeling up to hitting Target.” I avoided his touch as I made my way toward his new car.

 

“Um. Uh. I can just take you home if you don’t want to go shopping.” He was clearly confused with my abrupt attitude. It wasn’t his fault his brother acted like me staying the night with him was the worst thing in the world. As I tried to open the locked passenger door, I heard Steve calling Curtis’ name.

 

“Can you please unlock the car, so I can get in?” What I wanted to say was, “I don’t want to stand out here while you have a conversation.” I could see the confusion on his face, but I honestly wasn’t in the right frame of mind to explain things to him. Plus, I honestly didn’t care what Steve had to say to him. Thankfully, he did what I asked and unlocked the car so I could sit inside while he talked to his brother. I tried to ignore the two of them, but when I watched the hand gestures I knew it wasn’t a nice conversation. They were out there for a lot longer than I would have expected, at one point I almost jumped out and called a cab. I just wanted to change into my yoga pants and take off my bra.

 

Whatever Steve had to say clearly rattled Curtis because when he finally climbed in behind the wheel, he didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to talk about it, I just needed him to take me to my car so I would have a way to get to work in the morning. When he pulled into my apartment complex and there was no sign of Maisie, I had to ask. “Curtis, where is my car?” just like all the other times I have asked him he doesn’t give me a straight answer, “Seriously, I need to get my car so I can drive myself to work in the morning.”

 

“The car will be waiting for you in the morning.” He wouldn’t look me in the eye, which was starting to piss me off more than his brother ever did. As I jumped out of the car as soon as he whispered the words, “Good night Nat.” Hot stuff was gone, now I was just Nat. Confused as fuck, I made my way into the studio apartment I now called home.

 

As I closed the door behind me, I fell back against it and let the tears fall. My heart hurt as I tried to figure out what Steve could have possibly said that would have caused Curtis to no longer want to be my friend. I hadn’t done anything to piss him off, I hadn’t said anything inappropriate, I had no clue what happened.

 

Seems like it is the story of my life, people are so willing to walk away from me without so much as a backwards glance. I can’t tell you how many guys just stopped calling or how many girlfriends just stopped putting in the effort. I thought Curtis was going to be different, I told him about my shitty friends so I thought he understood. Fucking sucks. I thought we were building something good. I thought we were taking it slow which meant it had a better chance of working out. I can’t think of the last time I just hung out with someone I was physically attracted to, normally I would have already gotten naked with them.

 

I gave myself a half hour to mope and cry. When my time was up, I changed into my yoga pants, took off my bra, and headed for the kitchen. My heart hurt and my eyes leaked a little when I saw everything he’d gotten and put away for me. He stayed fairly close to the list, added a few extra items but they weren’t all junk food like I would have done. He’d paid extra for the already cut veggie snacks and the name brand stuff, which seemed silly but the reality is, it made me feel special.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

Fucking Steve. I was excited to take Natalie to Target. Not true, I was excited to spend time with Natalie, it just so happened that we’d be doing that while at Target. When I saw her barreling out the door at the dealership, I knew something was wrong. I felt it before he called my name, it was delayed but I felt it. For two seconds I was confused, but then it dawned on me that my brother was the cause of her crushed look. Words were stuck in my throat as my twin brother made his way toward me. I was caught off guard when he tried to get in my face. “Seriously, you seriously had her spend the fucking night at my in-law’s house. What the fuck Curtis! It was less than two weeks ago that you had Callie and Will there. Don’t you have any respect for them? Yourself? What about her? You do know she works for them, right? Do you know that Cal basically announced to the whole showroom that you fucked her last night?”

 

This whole thing was fucked up. I was stuck between agreeing with him and wanting to punch him. It’s nobody’s business who I share my bed with, except when the bed is in their house they kind of do. Shit. Damn it. It didn’t matter that I didn’t fuck her or even touch her sexually in anyway, they don’t know that. “I’m sorry. Fuck. Steve, I didn’t fuck her. We fell asleep watching a movie.”

 

“Whatever.” Just like I thought, it doesn’t matter what we did or didn’t do. We stood toe to toe, both of us reeling from our thoughts.

 

“I’m going to take her home. When do you guys get to start moving in? Do you need help with anything? Maybe I should just stay in a hotel until my condo is ready?” I can feel the panic coming and need to get away.

 

“We’re basically already moved in; she was going to unpack boxes today. I don’t think we need any help. I’ll let you know when I get home. You know if you stayed at a hotel, it would crush Amy. Just cool the whole,” he nodded his head toward my car, “thing so it’s not awkward for her.”

 

“I hear you. Call me later if you guys need help. See ya bro.” I slowly made my way to the driver’s door trying to make sense of everything Steve just said and wondering what her take is on everything.

 

The drive was silent. I could feel her emotions rolling off her, I felt like one wrong step and the top was going to blow. I’d been around enough to know there was nothing I could say at this exact moment that was going to make her feel better. It was best to let her process, and hopefully calm down, before talking to her about what happened.

 

After dropping her off, I just sat in the parking lot. My thoughts were crazy twisted; I couldn’t focus on one thing long enough to decide what to do. I needed a run, so I drove back to the McMann house to change into my reflective running gear. I drove back to Natalie’s apartment and parked the car in a place where she would find it in the morning. She already had the spare key, even if she didn’t know it. I dropped it in her purse the day I bought it.

 

I took some time to stretch before running the 10 miles back to the McMann house. When I got there, Luke was attempting to wrap some presents in the dining room. He told me to take a seat, his tone of voice left no room for argument. I suddenly felt like a kid again, waiting to get yelled at for something I didn’t mean to do. As soon as he finished taping the last gift he took a seat across from me, “I am not, for one second, going to pretend I have any idea what is going through your head. I am going to tell you exactly what went through my head when I met Amy. Has anyone told you our story?”

 

I slowly nodded my head, it was a tragic story that thankfully ended with the two of them happily married with their three kids. But in the process of getting there, Luke’s Dad killed Amy’s Dad. Then Luke had to kill his own Dad to protect Amy from his attack. Amy had been an elite athlete whose scholarship was cut off due to the injuries he had caused.

 

“Good, I hate telling that story. But I would have if you didn’t already know it. In less than 24 hours I knew I was willing to do anything to protect her. I didn’t have an example of what a good marriage looked like, hell I didn’t even know what it was like to be a good boyfriend. But I knew I would do anything it took to be the best for her. I will tell you the same thing I told Calvin and the same thing I will tell Kyler when his time comes. None of us can tell you what a good marriage, or relationship, is because it will be different for each of us. The only thing I can tell you is, once you figure it out for yourself, you have to work for it. You have to stand up for it. And you can’t doubt it.” I know instantly what he’s talking about, Steve doesn’t get to decide for me. Asshole, I let his words, his opinion cause me to doubt myself and what I’ve been feeling. Luke smiled at me as soon as he saw that I understood his meaning.

 

I jumped up from the table ready to jump in the shower so I could go get my girl. At the doorway, I turned back to Luke to find him standing at the corner of the table. He beat me to it, “Don’t thank me. Not for this anyway, it isn’t necessary.” I followed his requested and hit the shower.

 

While in the shower, I went rounds with myself about whether I needed to call her before heading over or if I should just show up. I know what Steve said to me, I don’t know what he said to her. After my talk with Luke, I know I need to repair whatever damage Steve’s words or actions did. As I made my way toward the front door, I could see that Calvin and Sierra were heading out as well. “Hey, where are you two headed?”

 

I waited for an answer while Calvin helped Sierra with her coat. “We’re heading out for a few last-minute Christmas gifts. What are you doing?” Sierra answered while Calvin put his own coat on.

 

“I’m headed over to Natalie’s. I need to fix things. The plan had been to go to Target, until Steve fucked it up. Now I just hope I’m not too late.” The more time I had to think about it, the more pissed I got at Steve. I doubted myself and that allowed him the opportunity to get to me. Now, I was listening to Luke’s words of wisdom over the doubts I allowed my twin’s words to cause.

 

“Wow, I’ve never seen the two of you fight. Should we pull out the boxing gloves later?” Calvin clearly thought he was funny.

 

“Maybe, it depends on whether she’ll see me when I get there. If she won’t open the door for me, I’ll be forced to kick his ass. I didn’t say or do shit when he fell face first into loving Hannah.” That comment made me pause, instantly questioning where the hell that came from. I couldn’t possibly love Natalie after knowing her for such a short time. Suddenly uncomfortable, I made my way out the front door before Calvin or Sierra could say anything.

 

I had the heater in the Explorer turned on full blast, but it did nothing to kill the bitter chill that was rolling in. If Natalie agreed to heading out, we would have to take the new car. I decided not to call before heading over, I was afraid she would tell me not to come. My twin thing told me Steve did or said something, it didn’t tell me what. Regardless of what he did, it was my job to fix it and to do that, I needed her to open the door for me.

 

I showed up with no flowers, no gifts, nothing but me and I hoped it was enough. I took a few cleansing breaths before I build enough courage to knock. The movement I had heard before knocking quickly stopped at the sound of my knocking. I stood there for a few minutes before knocking again. When she still didn’t answer the door, I pulled my cell phone out and called her. I could hear her phone ringing through her door. I could hear her movement again but it was followed by her phone going silent as she sent me to voicemail. I stood there lost, I didn’t know what to do.

 

I headed back to the Explorer, it was too cold to stand outside while I tried to come up with a plan. I knew the battery was toast the second I opened the driver’s side door, the dome light was flickering and the door ding sound muted. I had to try starting it just to be sure, the silent click of turning the key confirmed my suspicion. Climbing out, my frustration already mounting, I realized I didn’t even have my key to the new car. At that moment, I was stuck outside in freezing temperature with one car that wouldn’t start and the other that I didn’t have a key too. “Fucking Steve.” It might not all be his fault, but in the moment, I was blaming him for everything.

 

I slowly made my way back up the stairs to Natalie’s apartment. It wasn’t the doors fault everything was going to shit, but you wouldn’t know it by the way I was knocking. I figured she would get tired of hearing me knock and eventually open the door. Thankfully, she didn’t make me wait, she opened as soon as I started knocking. I saw her red rimmed eyes as soon as she opened the door. “Hi Curtis.”

 

“I’m sorry hot stuff, can I please come in? I need to explain some things but I would rather do that while inside because it’s fucking cold out here.” I could feel the heat escaping out the door as we stood there face to face. I don’t know what she was looking for but she must have found it because she stood back and allowed me to enter. I spoke before she could, “Get your shoes on, we need to get to Target before they close. I know you have work tomorrow and I am not willing to pick out tampons for you. Let’s get Target done and then I’ll try to fix everything that went sideways today, please?”

 

She shocked the shit out of me by doing exactly what I’d asked. Within minutes she had on fur lined boots with her yoga pants, a wool coat on over her sweatshirt and a chunky knit hat. I filled her in on the dead battery issue as we made our way out to the Discovery. I knew the question regarding where her car is was coming and after the issues today, I didn’t want to tell her. We talked about our shopping lists on the way, the huge fucking elephant took up the back seat nicely.

 

Walking into Target she tried to get a separate cart but that wasn’t happening. I had plenty on my list of things to get, but the reality is I wanted her to help me pick stuff. We stopped at the bargain bins at the front of the store, she picked out a few little kid items for her niece and nephew. We took turns pushing the cart through the clothes. The last time I bought clothes for someone was the dresses Callie refused to wear, so I wasn’t sure about picking anything out for the ladies on my list. She picked a couple casual sweaters for her mom and sister. She tried to pick out a couple ties for Calvin and Luke, but ended up putting them back. She admitted feeling weird about buying gifts for the McManns and everyone she considered my circle of people, her words. I assured her she did not need to buy any of them gifts.

 

Two plus hours later, we had a cart overflowing with everything from the latest board games for Amy and Luke, and her parents. Picture frames for both sets of newlyweds, and her sister and her husband. A few Xbox games for Kyler. Clothes for her niece, nephew, and Sierra and Calvin’s unborn baby. I threw in a couple lap blankets because they were so cozy and I wasn’t sure I would have time to make it out to find something for Natalie. We bought scissors, tape, bows, gift tags, and wrapping paper.

 

I waited in the electronics department while she hit the feminine hygiene aisle. I quickly had the sales guy ring up the fancy ass headphones for Steve, Calvin, and Kyler; Apple watches for Amy, Hannah, Sierra, and Natalie. Last item was a new camera for Luke, something we’ll all be thankful for when the baby arrives.

 

I busted my ass out to the car so Natalie wouldn’t catch wind of me buying separate gifts. When we got to the front, she tried to separate our items while I tried to have the cashier ring them up together. Natalie managed to get most of her items bought at the check stand next to mine. I took everything out to the car like she asked, she said she forgot something.

 

I had the car pulled up front in the no parking zone by the time she made it out of the store with a bag from the electronic department. She wasn’t fooling me, I already had a couple of those bags in the back seat.

 

I knew she had a kitchen full of food since I’d done her grocery shopping for her, but I also knew we had a couple hours’ worth of wrapping to do if we were going to get it all done tonight. So rather than worry about cooking, we stopped for some Chinese take-out. The fancy ass computer system in the discovery told me the temperature was freezing each time I started it. Each time I saw the flash, I thought to myself no shit, considering the snow had started to fall.  I wasn’t worried, I knew my brand-new vehicle was well equipped to handle poor road conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

I was thankful he was driving; I was also thankful we were in his new Discovery and not my Maisie, her tires were old and bald. We tried to carry everything up to my apartment in one trip. Despite filling our arms completely, he had to run back for a second trip. We opted to eat our take out before trying to tackle the job of wrapping everything. I normally didn’t mind wrapping, but I also normally only wrap for six people.

 

He broached the elephant as we ate egg rolls, fried rice, and two different kinds of oriental chicken. “I know my brother did or said something to upset you today. I don’t know exactly what and it is totally up to you if you want to tell me. But honestly, it isn’t necessary that I know exactly what because I could feel it and that means it was significant enough. Top that with the conversation I had with him outside the dealership, I am afraid he took his frustration with me out on you. All that said, I am sorry. You did nothing to deserve it.”

 

He started the conversation, but I was still completely lost as to why Steve acted the way he did. “You don’t owe me an apology for Steve’s behavior. I guess I am still confused as to what I did? One minute everything was fine, next thing I know Calvin said something about me sneaking out this morning and it was like a light switch went off. Steve didn’t say another word to me all day, it was like I didn’t even exist. I was so uncomfortable, I just wanted to disappear.”

 

I knew a guilty look when I saw one and his whole face gave him away. I was a little surprised when he didn’t deny why it was there, “Steve pointed out to me that I was being disrespectful to the McMann’s by having a guest in their home. He informed me that Cal basically announced for the whole sales floor that we slept together. I explained what happened and he said it didn’t matter if we had sex or not, the impression was there. He reminded me that you work for them, as does he, and my behavior put you both in a spot light that wasn’t necessarily good.”

 

“Oh shit. Do you, do you think, they think, we? Shit, damn it, I should probably talk to Calvin.” She was nearing a full-blown panic attack.

 

I moved closer to her so I could rub her back, “Natalie, please breathe. You don’t need to talk to Calvin. I already spoke to Luke, he’s the reason I am here. You will learn quickly that he is a man who sees everything, seriously everything. He reminded me that a relationship is between two people, not each person and their families. Not each person and their history. Just two people. And it is up to those two people to determine what their relationship is going to be like. What is a perfect relationship for the neighbors may not be a perfect relationship for us and vice versa. So, that is a huge reason Steve had issues. The other reason is because, I just got out of a relationship. It is why I showed up here in the first place.”

 

Wow, that certainly wasn’t what I had been expecting. I had a rush of thoughts that twisted in my already vulnerable mind. First thought: I’m a fucking idiot, hello desperate rebound girl. Second thought: every single one of them knows he just got out of relationship and I spent the night and not one of them told me. That thought quickly switched to me getting pissed, I just spent more money that I needed to on fucking Christmas gifts for a bunch of assholes that didn’t have the balls to warn me about his recent breakup. I twist back to my first thought of being an idiot. I am still lost in my thoughts when I realize he is still rubbing my back.

 

I jump up from where I am sitting, simply so I can move out of his reach. I can’t even pause my mind long enough to formulate a response. For a brief second I think Steve might be the only person who had the balls to stand up for me, sure he didn’t go about it in the nicest way but it got the job done. What is the rule for warning people, I mean I spent more than half the day with Calvin he had plenty of opportunities to warn me. That thought reminds me, I’m the new person, why would he warn me? I’m not important, Curtis is his brother-in-law. Speaking of Curtis, he is still sitting where he’s been since we sat down to eat.

 

I could feel his eyes follow me as I paced around until I made my way into the bathroom where I shut and locked the door. I turned the water on to hide the major freak out I could no longer hold back. I gave myself two minutes. I’d taken a half hour later because, I knew Curtis was still sitting on the other side of the door. As I splashed cold water on my face, I tried to rationalize what was going through my head. I’m not hurt physically and he didn’t lie to me, so what is technically the problem? I set myself up for this, it’s not his fault I was expecting this to be different. Fuck, time to suck it up and ignore the bitch in my head that is trying to make this a bigger deal than it needs to be. Right now, the only thing I need to worry about is wrapping presents. I’ll send all the McMann gifts with him since I am heading to my sisters’ house right after work tomorrow anyway. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

She’s been in the bathroom for a few minutes. I can’t pretend to have any fucking clue what she is thinking. For the first couple of minutes I tried to look at things from her perspective but gave that up when I realized it looked familiar. Disappointment doesn’t look good from any angle. It reminded me of the feelings I had in the relationship I just walked away from. I know they weren’t trying to hurt me, it felt like they weren’t thinking of me at all. Should I have told Natalie I just got out of a relationship? Yeah, I should have. We haven’t done anything, but I haven’t been shy when it comes to my intentions. If she knew I had just come out of a relationship, would she have stayed the night? Magic eight ball says, “Not likely.”

 

I couldn’t change anything with her locked in the bathroom, so I got started wrapping presents. I pulled up Christmas music on my phone and got busy. I wrapped her watch first so it was done before she could see it. I had four other gifts wrapped before she walked out of the bathroom acting as if she hadn’t just spent twenty minutes locked in there. I didn’t pause in my wrapping as I joked, “For how long you were in there I sure as hell hope you sprayed.”

 

She chuckled as she made her way to the other side of the small table and joined me in wrapping. We argued a little about who the gifts were from. In the end, I added my name to all the gifts she was giving and planned to add her name to all the hidden gifts I was giving. It took us significantly longer than I expected; note to self, next year buy gift bags.

 

She loaded all the gifts into her laundry basket before asking me if I needed help carrying everything down to the car. Her question clarified the fact that I was not staying. It sucked because I liked sleeping next to her, but I couldn’t blame her. It wasn’t until I was headed out the door with all the gifts that I realized she would need a ride to work in the morning because the Explorer died.

 

“What time do you need to leave for work in the morning? With the Explorer dead, I need to take the new car, but I will be back to take you to work.” Before I was even done, I knew we were gearing up for a confrontation that she wasn’t going to appreciate.

 

“Curtis, I need my car back. I don’t know where you have it hidden, but I need to get it first thing in the morning. I am taking off right after work tomorrow for my sisters so we can make cookies for Santa Claus.” This was the first time I had heard she was going out of town.

 

“Are you staying the night, or will you drive back tomorrow night?” Even if I didn’t have her car parked in storage, there is no fucking way I would let her drive that car at night with the temperatures dropping and the roads being slick. If she was going there and back, I could take her. If she was staying the night, she could just take my car.

 

“I don’t know, why? You know what, never mind. I just need to get my car back in the morning. I will be ready at 8:30; I need to be at work before 9:30. An hour should be plenty of time to get my car, regardless of where you have it hidden.” I could hear the frustration in her words but they did little to help my resolve to keep her in a safe vehicle. “Good night Curtis.” She stood with her front door open letting all the cold air in, which was my clue to get out.

 

“Good night, hot stuff. I’ll see you in the morning.”

 

Driving back to the McMann’s, I replayed the events of the night. I knew her feelings were hurt and the fact that I wasn’t completely honest about the kind of relationship I just ended is only going to hurt them more. Damn it. I should have just told her everything. I made the decision to tell her first thing in the morning. She was already going to be pissed at the fact that I wasn’t letting her have her car back, one more thing won’t hurt.