I tossed the iPad at my sister. While I appreciated my parents providing a home for me growing up, I didn’t enjoy chatting with them now. Every muscle in my body tensed, and I wanted to go for a run.
Great idea. Run in sub-zero temperatures.
My negative thoughts ran rampant, but a small hand landed on my thigh. I glanced at Becca’s sweet face, her large eyes softening the longer I looked at her.
“Want to help me find ingredients for some hot chocolate?” she asked. “Maybe we could sneak something harder into yours?”
“God, yes.”
She’d given me an out, and I’d snatch it up. I led us out of the living room and into the hall toward the kitchen. Blair’s sly smile did not go unnoticed.
“Man, I don’t think I can complain about my parents ever again.” Becca shook her head, and a line formed between her brows. “Yours are kinda awful. No offense.”
Herno offensehad me chuckling, instantly easing the tension around my shoulders. “Literally, not a single ounce taken. It’s become a chore to talk to them and maintain the façade that we’re a happy family. The only reason Blair talks to them is to make sure her kids know their grandparents.”
“Why are they so…” She trailed off and bit down on her bottom lip, drawing all my attention to it.How long has it been since I kissed her?Hours. That wouldn’t do.
“Hey, come here.” I pulled her against my chest and wrapped my arms around her shoulders, cradling her head against me. She smelled so good and fit so well. The same heavy disappointment hit me, knowing our lives would return to normal the next day. She’d go back to the house and had no business being with a guy like me. I closed my eyes and hugged her. “Thanks for giving me an escape.”
“You’re welcome.”
I lifted her body so her face was even with mine, and she offered me a goofy smile that jumbled my thoughts into messy, emotional nonsense.
“I like your size, Harrison.”
“That’s what she said.” Instead of chastising me, she giggled. Thank God, because I could be immature.
“Well that, too.” Red traveled all the way up her neck. “I meant your muscles, your body. I’ve never dated—uh, been with—a big dude before. Not like you. It makes me feel petite, and I’m not a small woman.”
“You’re small to me. It’s cute.” I moved her legs until they wrapped around my waist. “I likeyoursize.”
Her grip tightened on me as her brows drew together. “I’m sorry your family makes you feel bad about yourself, but I’m glad you have Blair. I tell the girls all the time that it doesn’t matter your age, families are tough. Relationships can still be toxic even if you’re related to them. Sharing blood doesn’t guarantee a relationship. I know they’re your parents and brother, but no one should purposefully make others feel that way. No one.”
Validation. The tension ebbed and flowed through me, but for the first time in ages, I didn’t want sympathy. Vivian had told me to get over it. So having Becca validate the emotional turmoil I’d shoved down felt like a revelation.
“You’re right.”
“I often am. I tell the girls all the—”
I kissed her. It was a soft, thank-you kiss that started slow. She opened her mouth just enough for me to get a taste of her. The wine from dinner remained on her tongue, and I savored how the rich flavor mixed with her. She kissed me with as much patience and passion as my own, and it wasn’t until she ground her hips against me that I stopped.
“Damn, Becca.” My breath came out in uneven pants, the blood leaving my head and going to my dick. “I might need to hang out back here a minute.”
“You started it, buddy.” She pointed her finger at my chest and raised one brow. “I was telling you all the ways your family kinda sucks, and you were telling me how amazing and right I am when you planted those sexy lips on me.”
“Sexy lips?”
“I said what I said.” Her gaze moved from my eyes to my mouth. “I know what they can do.”
“You enjoy teasing me.”
She shook her head, running her fingers through my hair. “Nope. I’m just trying to take your mind off that call.”
“It’s working.”
“Success tastes sweet.” She adjusted her plaid shirt and blue jeans, giving me a long look before nodding to herself. “I’m not one who condones confrontation, but I think you should just unload on them. Don’t take their guilt and nonsense. Tell your brother to suck his own dick and hang up the next time they act like assholes.”
“Whoa, I didn’t realize sweet Becca had this mean side.”
