I’d never viewed myself through that lens before, but I’d never really been part of such a tight-knit group. They all seemed to know each other so well. I wasn’t sure I’deverknown anyone that well.
Not even Flynn.
He’d moved out when I was a young teen, and we’d only had occasional calls and texts until Mom ditched me. Between that and all his time in prison, we’d been brothers—but always at arm’s length.
I didn’t know how to relate to family or friends up close and personal.
I glanced over my shoulder, inadvertently catching Knight’s gaze on me. I flushed with embarrassment and refocused on clearing my plate, so I could go home and hide—not to avoid Knight, but to avoid seeing myself through his eyes.
CHAPTER 10
KNIGHT
Sweat poured down my back,and it was only nine in the morning. Too damn early for a workout, but I’d finally finished trimming back the shrubs along the entrance of the park.
I tugged my shirt out of the back pocket of my jeans and swiped at the sweat on my chest as I opened the front door. The air-conditioning washed over me like a cool wind. Damn, that was nice.
A table sat next to the door, holding a basket filled with mail, keys, and a few butterscotch candies that Aiden kept leaving around. It was a strange candy to prefer—I hadn’t seen a butterscotch since visiting my grandfather as a kid—but my mouth tasted like dust, so I grabbed one and unwrapped it.
Laughter trickled out from the kitchen. I glanced over and froze. Aiden stood on the other side of the breakfast bar, phone raised to his ear.
His smile stole my breath away.
“Haley! That’s ridiculous.” He laughed again. “You don’t have to exaggerate to make me feel better.”
Damn, I wanted to be the one to make him smile likethat. I’d almost forgotten how adorable he could be when he was happy and carefree. That night in Omaha, he’d smiled easily.
Aiden’s gaze flicked to me as I put the candy into my mouth. He probably wouldn’t be happy to see me. When was he? And here I was stealing his candy, to boot.
I couldn’t bear the idea of seeing that smile disappear. I turned on my heel and went straight into my bathroom.
I turned on the shower and adjusted the water to a lukewarm temperature. I had no desire to scald myself after melting outside.
I tossed my shirt into a laundry basket in the corner, then unlaced my boots and kicked them off. I shoved down my pants and underwear roughly, frustration leaking into my movements.
My one hookup with Aiden had been perfect. Why did he have to be Flynn’s brother? Why did he have to be so close and yet so damn far away at the same time?
Bad idea or not, I wanted him again.
I got into the shower and soaped up, trying to ignore the thoughts that kept seeping into my brain. The thought that if I kissed him, he wouldn’t stop me. That if Ireallytried, Aiden would melt for me the way he had before.
Would his mouth taste like butterscotch? I groaned softly at the thought and sucked harder on the candy.
Aiden had gone so soft and pliant in my hands in Omaha. His whimpers and moans had been so fucking sweet.
My cock hardened between my thighs. Inevitable when I couldn’t stop thinking about sex. I took myself in hand, not even trying to force Aiden from my thoughts. If he was going to torment me by being gorgeous and untouchable, then I was damn sure going to revel in my memories.
The taste of his skin, his musky smell when I nosed alonghis groin, the way he’d rolled his hips, forcing his dick deeper into my throat.
So fucking hot.
And then he’d cried out, and everyone in the room knew I was taking him apart. He’d liked it a little, knowing people were listening to us. Knowing we were putting on a little bit of a show, even in the dark.
I stroked my dick harder, pleasure surging up and out. I groaned loudly enough that Aiden could probably hear me. Fuck it. I wanted him to know what I was doing. I shouldn’t be the only one suffering with this damn craving.
I damn near choked on the candy when my orgasm hit. Wouldn’t that be fitting?
My cum spilled over my fist, the water washing it away as if it were never there. So I could go on pretending that Aiden and I were just roommates.
