“So, what you’re saying is that you’ve played this game before?”
He snickers, tugging the piece of clothing to his chest. “Yes. With my sister. We did it all the way up to adulthood.” Sadness takes over his tone, a cloudiness filling his eyes, and he inhales the scent of the sweater. “Up until the last two years.”
“You miss them.” It’s an observation, not a question.
“I do.” He lays the homemade item over his lap.
“I miss mine too.”
“How long has it been?”
“A little over a year.” My throat feels raw, scratching like sandpaper with each next swallow.
“Maybe we can both find a solution to that soon.”
“Yeah.” My chest squeezes and I lay a hand over his. “Which leads me to this very next question . . .” I take a breath before continuing. “I was . . . my brother called earlier and you kind of came up and—”
“You told him about me?” Surprise flashes in his eyes.
“Yeah. I hope that’s okay.” My heart kicks in my chest.
“Only if it’s okay that I told my best friend,” he says half-heartedly.
“It’s very okay.”
“So what’s this question you want to ask?” His fingers wiggle against mine and he leans in with sparkling eyes.
“I . . .” I roll my top lip over the bottom. “My brother asked if I’d come to his New Year’s party and—”
“Yes,” he shouts before I can finish my sentence.
“You haven’t even heard the full question yet.”
“I’m assuming you want me to come with you, and if so, then yes, I’d love to.” His words are as welcoming to my ears as the harmony of my favorite song.
My heart warms. “Yeah? You sure? My family are huggers and they’ll probably bombard you with all kinds of questions.”
He gives a quick nod. “I think I like them already.”
“Just wait until you witness how overbearing my brother can be.”
“Looking forward to it,” he pipes up. “I also can’t wait to ask him for some embarrassing stories he has of you growing up.”
“And I’m sure he’s already thought up all the ones he wants to tell you.” I scoot back further against the pillow, kicking the blanket off my feet.
His eyes follow the movement and then his lashes gently flutter as they make their way back up my body. He can’t see me, but I feel as if he’s taking all of me in anyway. “What?” I say, tilting my head and leading his hand to my lap.
His mouth opens and closes before his lips part again. “Have I told you how much I like having you in my bed at night?”
“You’re telling me now,” I say with a lustful tone.
His chest rises and falls heavily. “I am, aren’t I? How about I show you too?”
I press his palm harder to my groin. “How about you show me while saying the words against my cock?”
He squirms, pressing at his own groin with his other hand. “I . . . I want to but—”
“But what?” I drag his hand up and down the tenting of my joggers. “Not ready to give up a little of the attention you’ve been getting?”
