Even if a solar flare made a direct hit on this roof, it would have nothing on the heat between us.
The sun must be getting to me. Is there such a thing as a heat fantasy?
“Come here.” Carson would demand.
Wait. He really did. The fantasy world vanishes, leaving me to make a real-life decision.
Nathan clears his throat and shifts. I meet his eyes. They’re different, darker. What I’m feeling is real. If I had to choose between the two guys, the only reason Nathan would be my second pick is his closeness to Natalie.
I give myself a mental shake. My job. The couch my boss is letting me sleep on. My best friend. This is insane. Until I finish bartender classes and get a job doing that, it’s time to shut this mess down.
Slightly egged on by my daylight fantasy, I say, “Thanks for the shirt, and the buttoning advice. I better finish cleaning.”
Rounding the end of the lounge chair, I keep a wide berth.
The corded muscles of Carson’s neck flex and his hand extends toward me, falling short as if rethinking his decision.
Be a good girl and do what you’re told.Hints of Carson’s husky voice blow through my mind as the fantasy resurfaces.
Now I have another reason to save up money and get over my fears of living on my own. I need an intimate session with my vibrator, which I won’t be getting on Skylar’s couch. My college roommate worked nights so I had plenty of free time to “deal with things”.
Perhaps because my fantasy has made my legs weak, or because my body has turned traitorous, I stumble. Carson catches my waist and my arm.
If there was any doubt about the weak legs and traitorous body, my lack of movement delivers the answer. Carson’s grip is firm and perfectly matches the way his gaze has caused me to soak my underwear. It’s also a perfect pairing for the sexy banter I so desperately want to draw from him.
The back of his hand trails up my arm, which is frustratingly covered by his giant shirt. It’s a momentary disappointment though as he continues over my shoulder, up my neck, then unfolds his fingers to cup my jaw.
“You okay, Goldie?”
I nod, forcing myself not to look at Nathan. It’s bad enough that I’m certain he can tell how badly I want his brother.
Carson’s hand grips my neck and his lips part. Or maybe I’m having another heat fantasy?
I’m melting into him when suddenly we’re thrust apart. Nathan shoves a hand on Carson’s chest, causing him to let go of me.
The heat of Nathan’s body on one side of me and Carson’s on the other grants my unstated wish. Is there a world where I don’t have to choose?
Nathan’s arm briefly grazes my breast as he separates us. He pulls it back like he’s been burned.
“Hey neighbors,” someone’s words faintly pass through my mind and I’m in a whirlwind of confusion.
Who is that? We’re on the roof.
The weight of denial, or is it rejection, burdens my chest.
“Oh, sorry, did I interrupt?” A man’s voice calls from next door. The houses aren’t crammed together, but they’re not exactly far apart. As I look over the half-wall, I easily see the neighbor standing on his balcony.
“Fuck off, Lincoln,” Carson says and takes my hand to lead me to the other side of the deck where the neighbor can’t see us.
The magic is broken.
“That’s weird, Lincoln’s not usually so relaxed,” Carson says.
Nathan’s shaking his head. “This is wrong. You’re here to clean. Put your clothes on as soon as they’re dry, and leave as soon as you’re finished.”
As we take the stairs into the house, I question if I’m foolish to hope we can recapture the moment. Since I was raised to do what I’m told, I’ll finish cleaning then leave.
Three