And I don’t want to have to explain why an objectively weird gift is the perfect present for him this season.
Knowing Jules, she’ll just ask if I’m mad at him, and wouldn’t that be ironic.
I was, for so long. But even the little flare of resentment I had when we were counting trees faded away pretty quickly.
“Bechdel Test,” I simply say as I hand over money for both the timer and the cocktails book.
And then Cassie joins us.
“You got cheese?” I ask.
“So much cheese.”
“Cider next?”
Jules links arms with me on one side, and Cassie on the other. “I mean,yes, finally!”
Chapter 15
Garrett
I’m stretching out on Rory’s bed, reading, when the girls get back from the market.
She comes barrelling in, then pulls up short when she sees me, and shoves her hands behind her back. “Oh! Hi. You’re here.”
I swing my legs off the bed. “I was taking a break.”
“Can you close your eyes?”
“Sure.” I blink my eyelids shut and listen to her rustle around. A drawer opens, then closes. “What are you doing?”
“Hiding something small I got you at the market.” She comes closer, until she’s standing right in front of me.
I keep my eyes shut.
She steps in between my legs, her knee brushing against the inside of mine. Nudging my thighs wider.
Reflexively, my hands come up to her hips.
“Is this okay?” My voice is low and rough. Can she hear the need there? Fuck. “Maybe blurs the lines of friendship. You said you didn’t want?—”
“I know what I said. But this might be the last chancewe get to be alone, so….” Her fingertips ghost over my lips. Her hands push against my shoulders as she leans in, her soft sweater so close it’s tickling my jaw. Her lips brush my ear. “If you keep your eyes shut, and just let me play with you, it’s sort of like it’s not really happening.”
“I promise you that it feels very, very real.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
Fuck no. “I didn’t say that.”
She exhales, sweet apple cider and secret need swirling around me. “I don’t want you to think I only ask you to scratch an itch when it’s overwhelming.” Her hands trail down my chest. “I don’t want you to think I’m…selfish.”
With a gentle shove, she sends me tumbling back.
I blink my eyes open and stare up at the ceiling as she unbuckles my belt.
“Your family,” I manage to get out, rolling my head up to look at her.
She wraps her hand around my bare cock and shrugs.
