He almost laughs, but there’s no joy there. “Right, because that’s the only reason she’s with me? I should just take your leftovers and be fucking happy about it?”
“That’s not what I’m saying.”
“I thought I’d met someone I really connected with, but I’m just your brother,again. Just the easy lay that gets them closer to you,” he hisses.
Now’s the time for the pitch. As much as I don’t want to give an inch, as much as I want her all to myself, it’s not possible. I take a slow breath. “We both know she’s amazing, one of a kind. Maybe there’s something we can salvage here.”
“What are you talking about, Stephen? You know I fucking hate riddles.”
“Do you like her?”
He blinks a few times and sits back down. “Yeah. Obviously, I do. Honestly…I think it’s more than that.”
“It is for me too.”
“So what now? Trial by combat? Winner gets the girl?” He scoffs.
“No.” I take a deep breath. “I…I watched you two…last night.” His incredulous, horrified face makes me rush. “I didn’t mean to, but it happened. It was hot and gave me an idea.”
“Hold up. I must have a fucking hockey puck in my fucking ear because I heard you say that you watched me fuck your ex? And that it was hot?”
Yeah, there’s the judgment I expected. But I have a feeling that he won’t say no once he understands. It’s insanity, but it’s the only way to keep Olivia in my life, in both our lives. I need her as badly as I need to keep the peace with my brother.
“So, here’s what I thought. Olivia can be part of both of our lives. We just have to be on the same page. And we need her on the same page too.”
“And you think…this could work?” He’s not ready to let go of his anger, but there’s an easy way to fix that.
I pull out a brick of bacon, setting it in front of him as I rub my jaw out. It’s stiff from biting back everything I actually want to say. “I think it’s something worth trying. I don’t know about you, but I think she’s worth the try.”
He eyes the bacon, then lifts his gaze to me. “I’m not making any promises. We can try whatever this is. Maybe just talk to her.”
“And, just to make sure we’re good, I’ll feed you as much bacon as you’d like,” I promise.
He rolls his eyes, but I see a hint of a smile under all his worrying.
We spend the day talking things out, really making a plan so that this has a chance to work. Between our jealousy and our normal possessive natures, it’s an uphill battle, but we manage to see past that for the sake of Olivia.
I nod to Chase as we eat dinner. He pulls out his phone and texts Olivia. Just an invitation to come over. He shakes his head at the phone. “I don’t understand why she didn’t tell me.”
“Normally she’s straight as an arrow.” I shrug. “But I can’t imagine she’s happy about the situation.”
“Well, you said she saw you, so she can’t be too unhappy.”
I arch an eyebrow at him. He takes a deep breath and rolls his eyes. He checks his phone and nods before handing it to me. Total honesty now, total transparency, as we agreed.
Olivia’s reply is almost immediate and, of course, it’s positive:I can’t wait! I really want to see you again. I’ll be there soon.
I type out a reply:Tonight is special. Come to the main house.My brother won’t be home tonight.
She starts typing, stops typing, then starts again. Okay…
Chase speaks around a mouthful of potato chips. “Tell her to wear the dress she had on when we first met. Even if it did look better by the pool.”
I grin and type it out. Another yes and a promise to come over. Chase and I both shower; we get ready for her in our own ways. The idea of giving her orders, of telling her how to please, of directing her, is so wild that I’m already getting hard.
She’s going to be here, with my hands on her, with my guidance, without clothes or excuses. Just pure need finally getting a release. This is truth being rewarded and all of us having a taste of what’s possible.
Chase heads upstairs and points at me. “I’m starting to regret this.”