She chuckled. “He is. But he’s like my baby brother who finally grew up. Sounds like you're feeling him too.”
I leaned closer to whisper. “I slept with both of them my birthday weekend.”
My sister squealed, “You slut.”
I hit her arm hard. “Shh...the whole world doesn’t need to know.”
“See, you got a little me in you. Always thought you were too proper about sex.... waiting and waiting for what? Sex is so much fun.” She grinned and tossed her weave over her shoulder. “Which one is better?”
I blushed. “I’ve only been with Grey twice and lost count with Carter. They’re different, yet both are addictive. Carter is more aggressive, but I suspect Grey can choke a woman out when he wants.”
She wrinkled her nose. “He’s still like my brother. I’ll take your word.” Danielle bumped my shoulder. “Which one do you love more?”
“Carter. But then Grey knows me better than I know myself, and I’m madly attracted. Yet I can’t deny that Carter steals my breath every single day," I groaned. "How did you know Nate was the one?”
Dani smiled dreamily. “I felt safe, and my heart sang every time I saw him. Still does whenever we’re apart, even for a few hours. He values me and our marriage. Like Daddy feels about Mama. I think any man willing to be your friend and lover and believes in commitment is a keeper.”
I looked back into the condo as Grey opened the door for Carter. To his credit, Carter held his fist out for Grey to bump before he came inside. My heart melted at his effort, knowinghow he truly felt about Grey. His jealousy had a basis, if I was honest. Maybe it was best that I distanced myself from Grey. I wasn’t fair to my relationship with Carter. A man who wanted to be my friend and lover and believed in marriage.
“Well, Carter just walked in. So come meet him.” I started toward the door, and she grabbed my arm.
“Hey...something’s up between Grey and Chelsea. I actually thought you were going to say they were hitting it when I came out here.”
“What?”Grey and Chelsea? I pressed against my stomach to stop the churning. “Why do you say that?”
“I came back upstairs while everyone was outside around the grill, and they were alone in the apartment in a heated argument. They both seemed embarrassed when I walked in. Grey immediately headed back outside, and Chelsea laughed at nothing and started boiling lemons for the lemonade.”
“They argue all the time.” I shrugged, though I knew it was something else. Maybe they had hooked up. Maybe they were thinking about being more. Before my birthday, I didn’t care if they did anything with each other. Now, it was different. I didn’t like it.
I didn’t like it one bit.
DINNER HAD BEEN A SUCCESS. My family loved Carter, though I noted curious looks between Grey and Carter as if both were trying to be cordial by finding similarities or something to like about the other. They’d engaged in sports talk with my brother and father on the balcony, drinking beer. Mama couldn’tstop smiling because Carter made it clear that he cared for me. Fixing my plate and being attentive, anticipating my needs. Around eleven, Carter excused himself because he needed rest for the big game. I walked with him next door to have a moment alone.
“My family loved you.” I hugged him.
He gave a lopsided grin. “Your fam is cool. Def can feel the love between your parents. Must have been nice to see that growing up.”
“I guess I took their love for granted. It’s all I know.”
Carter ruefully said, “I know a different example, and it’s not a good one. Sometimes, I wonder if I can have a healthy marriage if I never saw one.”
“Your grandparents.”
He nodded. “But I didn’t see them that often.”
I tiptoed to press my lips against his briefly. “You’re doing a good job so far. All any of us can do is take it one day at a time.” I looked up at him. “I love that we could talk this way. I’ll do better about warning you when Grey is around. I put myself in your shoes. I couldn’t stand it if you lived with a woman you were once with.”
He stiffened. “Please, Darren. Don’t like talking about him, especially seeing how close he is to your family. I tolerated him tonight because of your family. But other than that, he and I never need to be in the same close space again.”
I removed my arms. “Let’s not argue. I’ll come back once my family leaves.”
“Naw, don’t bother. Need to jog to clear my mind. Don’t need any more distractions when I have a game tomorrow. Like you wearing his jacket.” He turned without saying goodbye and bounded down the stairs.
I’d forgotten Grey had given me his team jacket on the balcony when I was cold.Fuck. Fuck.
Instead of returning to my apartment, I moved to the stairwell and watched him run. I did love him. I was in love with him and would lose him if I couldn’t give him my whole heart. I propped my hands underneath my chin, staring at him as he grew smaller. Grey ran toward the beach as I stared and took off quickly after Carter.
My heart raced as Grey appeared to be calling Carter’s name. Carter stopped and turned around impatiently. Grey slowed down the closer he approached Carter. Words were tossed at each other. Angry words, if their rigid bodies and agitated movements were indications. In the distance, the two men I loved were arguing.
About me.
