Nope, Not My Brother

Okay, I may be sitting here trying to convince myself that living with Graham will be just like living with my brother.

But yeah, no, nice try.

There’s no way that one’s going to fly. Graham is way too gorgeous for me to view him in any familial sense. I mean, not two minutes ago I almost drooled when he crossed his arms over his wide pecs and his biceps bulged all sexy-like.

I could do nothing but imagine those strong arms wrapped around me. Only thing that would’ve made it better would’ve been if he had lost the pale blue tee.

Though maybe not, as that color really brings out his pretty blue eyes.

Stop, Eden. Just stop.

I sigh.

I wish I could stop. It’d make this all so much easier.

But I can’t fight the truth that I am wildly attracted to Graham Tettersaw.

Plus, bonus! He’s so freaking nice and easy to be around.

We’ve spent maybe an hour together thus far, but it already feels like I’ve known him for weeks.

I remind myself that I haven’t.

Graham is quiet after I made that comment about him reminding me of my brother.

I venture a peek over at him, and he looks less than thrilled.

I don’t really see him as my “brother”…but he doesn’t need to know that. One of us has to stay clearheaded.

So, in keeping up with the safest way to play this, I say, “Do you want to know what my brother and I always do when we have food on the way?”

Looking disappointed that this sibling theme is continuing, he replies flatly, “What do you do?”

“We work out ahead of time who’s in charge of pre-meal prep and who’s on cleanup duty. So tell me, would you rather gather the plates and cans of pop from the kitchen now, or do you want me to do it and you can clean up our mess after?” I pause, then add, “The latter option might help you with your leaving-dishes-lying-around problem, so you should seriously consider that.”

“Ha-ha, Eden. Just for that…”

Graham opts for pre-meal prep, and off he goes.

Mmm, his ass looks fine in those jeans.

Wait. Please smack me now.

I’m pretty good from that point on, meaning I behave and don’t entertain any further lusty thoughts about the guy I’m not supposed to have lusty thoughts about.

After our food arrives, we spread it out on the floor in the living room and position ourselves in front of the giant flat-screen TV up on the wall.

There’s a preseason football game on, and since one of the teams playing is the Dover Sharks and they’re scheduled to play against the Comets in an upcoming exhibition game, we decide to watch that.

“Do you follow football, Eden?” Graham asks sometime during the first quarter.

I shrug and take a bite of my calzone as the Sharks quarterback gets sacked.

“A little here and there,” I reply.

“Hmm,” Graham murmurs.

The next play is third down.

We watch as the Sharks quarterback drops back with the ball. He checks up the field and, finding no one open, lobs a lateral pass to his running back.

Instead of running, though, the running back tosses the ball back to the quarterback, who then throws deep…for a touchdown!

“Wow, what a great flea flicker play,” I remark. “It doesn’t always work out that way, though, right?”

“Right.”

Graham looks impressed, which for some reason makes me happy.

Smirking, he says, “Looks like someone knows more than a little about football.”

I smile. “Okay, I admit that maybe I played down my knowledge of the sport. I’m no expert, but I can hold my own.”

Softly, he says, “I think it’s awesome you know so much. It’ll make it so much easier, being able to talk to you about games.”

“Thanks.” I blush.

Why do I think it’s awesome that he wants to talk to me about games?

Before I dwell too long on that, Graham asks what I think about the Comets.

“Oh, I like them a lot,” I reply honestly. “The whole city is really behind the team. Even so, it was pretty rough last season. The Comets struggled a lot with their former, not-so-good quarterback.”

“So I’ve heard,” Graham says solemnly. “I guess that’s why he got cut and they hired me.”

A commercial is on, so I mute the TV. And then I say, “Yeah, but you know what?”

“What’s that, Eden?”

“I think you’re a really great addition to the team. I bet the Comets kick ass this season with you as their new quarterback.”

He raises a brow. “What makes you so confident that I’ll do so well?”

“Pfft. Don’t go all shy on me now, mister. Everyone knows you’re a great QB.”

Now it’s Graham’s turn to blush.

“Thanks, Eden. Let’s just hope I still have it once the real games begin.”

He’s so humble. It’s really kind of cute.

“You will,” I assure him. “Talent like yours doesn’t just go away. And I’m serious when I say the team is lucky to have you.”

Looking down, he says quietly, “Kind of like how I’m feeling lucky right now to have you.”

“Umm…”

Hurriedly, he holds up his can and adds, “As my fake girlfriend, of course.”

I tap my pop to his, and though it’s for the best, I can’t help but feel dejected as I say, “Of course.”