“It’s okay.” Nat rubs his chest, his face turning red. “You pack a punch, Riles.”
I soothe his chest with my fingertips. “Better now?”
“I need something stronger.” Nat taps his mouth. “You know, to help distract from the pain.”
Laughingly, I give him a close-mouthed peck. “There.”
Nat winces but, this time, it seems like he’s really in pain.
“Nat, are you okay?”
He shows me a strained smile. “I need a stronger dosage, Doc.”
“The mechanics will be here soon.”
His big hands tighten on my back and he nudges my nose with his, lips curling up in that irresistible ‘I’m yours’ smile.
I’m drawn to him like a magnet to steel.
Like a moth to a flame.
Like a coffee addict to her favorite cafe.
I lower my face to his and kiss him slowly, possessively, letting my lips glide on his, as easy as a finely-tuned engine left to idle.
It’s, perhaps, a little too intense of a kiss because Nat makes a strange, animal-like sound in response. His touch firms on my back and his other hand slides up my cheek and into my hair as he caresses me in a way that’s absolutely feral.
“Ehem!”
Nat and I pop apart.
“Ew.” My older brother points at our lips. “A saliva string…”
“Chris!” I scramble to my feet.
Nat moves at a more sedate pace and, it could just be me, but I think I see him looking at his left leg in worry.
Chris distracts me by folding his arms over his chest. “Here I thought I’d visit my sister’s new gig at least once before I head back home. Instead, my poor, innocent eyes are accosted by you two pawing at each otheron the floor.” He turns an accusing eye on Nat. “Doesn’t my sister at least deserve some cushion, bro?”
“I—”
Chris pales. “Forget it. Don’t answer that.” He scrubs at his temple. “I need a memory eraser.”
Nat straightens to his full height and nods at Chris. “I thought you said you were getting ready for the airport?”
“And I thoughtyousaid you were going for donuts?”
“I was.” Nat points to where the donuts have splattered on the ground.
Chris shakes his head.
“Thanks for stopping by, Big Bro.” I reach up to give Chris a hug.
He steps back, his nose scrunched. “Sorry, Riles. I know where your hands have been.” Chris arches an eyebrow pointedly in Nat’s direction. “Plus, you smell like W-D 40.”
I grin and stretch out my hands, slipping right back into the little sister role that I occupied when we shared the same house. “One little hug won’t hurt, Chris.”
“Riley, stay away from me,” Chris says, backing up.
