Gears leaves the room, shutting the door silently. Bear cups my face, turning it to him.
“Are you okay to go out?” Bear caresses my cheek. “I don’t want to do anything you aren’t comfortable with.”
I give him a small smile, nodding. It would be good to get some fresh air, plus, who can say no to those waffles?
“All right, do you need to change anything, or are you good to go now?” he asks.
I lift two fingers for the second option. Bear gives me a smile, agreeing.
“All right, well, let’s head downstairs. I bet Gears is waiting impatiently for us.”
Slowly, I get out of his lap and stand, watching him rise to his full height too. He grabs my hand, leading me outside. Everyonestares at us, but by now I am used to it. Living here for a month in Bear’s room has taught me not to care about their opinions.
“Finally! Come on, we’ll take the car. I’m driving,” Gears says.
We all hop into the car and make the short trip to the diner. It isn’t busy, but there are more people outside than inside.
“Gears, Bear, and Brooke! How are you guys? Want your regulars?” Jean asks when we walk through the door.
“We are good. How are you? Yes, please, we would love that,” Gears says.
“Doing better since I get to see Brooke. Your order will be up soon!” She says, walking off.
Bear, Gears, and I all make our way toward a table. Bear sits right next to me, and Gears opposite us. Both of them start talking, and I pay attention for a little bit, but eventually tune out.
I stare out of the window, waiting for our food. A male is standing in the busy crowd, looking at me. I look closer and hold my breath. It seems a lot like my ex-boyfriend, Jared, but it can’t be him. He is in prison.
“Are you all right?” Bear breaks me out of my trance.
I smile at Bear, turning back to the window to find the man gone. I frown; it looked so much like Jared.
“Here is your food, enjoy!” Jean places the food down in front of us, and my mouth waters.
Forgetting about the man, I eat my heart out. Ever since I came here, I have eaten way more than I normally do. I have gained weight, but I’m not complaining. I was too skinny before.
“How’s staying in Bear’s room been?” Gears asks.
I place my fork down before giving him a thumbs-up. Bear has been super nice about space in his room, and knows when I need some.
“He hasn’t been bothering you at all? No keeping you up all night?” Gears wiggles his eyebrows.
I shake my head, blood rushing to my cheeks. Why is everything related to sex with Gears? His jokes and insinuations have been nonstop since I moved in.
I feel a hand settle above my knee, and I look down. Bear squeezes my thigh gently when I try to shift my leg.
He trails his hand higher and gives another little squeeze. Jolts of pleasure run right to my core. I squeeze my thighs together, thinking he will let go, but he doesn’t. He inches closer to my pussy, and I try to subtly push his hands away.
His bigger and stronger hand wins. He trails his finger over my jean-covered pussy, and I take a deep breath in. I can feel my face heat with the pleasure and embarrassment I’m feeling.
Bear starts to stroke his finger harder, and I lean my head forward. I try to hide my face from everyone in the diner.
“Are you okay, Brooke?” Gear asks.
I nod, looking at Bear with a slight glare. His hand comes up to my face and touches my forehead.
“I think she might be coming down with something. Her forehead is slightly hot. Would it be all right if we went back to the club now?” Bear asks.
I stare at him in shock. I am not coming down with something, and he knows that. How dare he lie to his friend right in front of his face?
