I take a breath and ask him, “Tell me more about your grandma. You were obviously very close.”
“She was the only decent person in my family. When I was a kid, she was always in the stands of my Little League games. It didn’t matter if I struck out or hit a homerun; she was just happy I was out there, having fun.”
“Isn’t that the point of it at that age?”
He grunts. “You’d think, but like I said, she was the only decent person in my family.”
“What was her name?”
My question makes him widen his eyes, like he’s surprised I’d ask. “Lorraine. Lorraine Ann Wesley.”
Knowing Wesley Knight is named after his grandma, the only person he actually seems to like, warms my heart.
“Why do you still go to the nursing home? Isn’t there something that has to do with your major that you’d prefer to intern at?”
“That is my major. I’m studying psychology with a concentration in social work.” He pushes off the wall and lays a hand on the washing machine. “Financial issues, medical care, mental disorder … there is an entire system of people who are neglected by their families and society. Plus, I’ve always felt comfortable around old people. I like their stories. Bingo is fun, and they get all dressed up for these parties in the cafeteria. It’s kinda sweet.”
“I bet you’re a great dance partner.”
“You would know.” He eyes me, making butterflies swarm in my belly.
I blush at the memory and bite my lip.
Wes rubs his stomach. “I’m starving. You wanna get something to eat and come back down for this stuff?”
I turn my attention back to my book as I say, “No. I ate actually. Nathan and I went to that Sandwich Grill place.”
I feel his stare on me and glance up to see his brows popped up.
“You. And Nathan. Went for lunch?” His tone is uneven, and I’m not sure what that means, so I go on acting like it was nothing because it was nothing.
I shrug. “Sure. He was hungry. So was I. It wasn’t anything. He’s a decent guy.”
“He likes you.”
I dismissively shake my head and turn the page of my book. “That’s what Amanda says, too, but I don’t get that vibe.”
“But you still went with him?” He steps a little closer.
“Um, no. You can stop right there. You’re not going to be the jealous big brother again. It was just lunch. Nothing else.”
He pushes in between my legs and wraps them around his waist, moving my book off my lap and setting it next to me.
Leaning in, he speaks over the loud dryer, “For the record, I’m not being a jealous big brother. In fact, there’s nothing brotherly about my actions. Do you want to date Nathan?”
I tilt my head. Testing him. “Would it bother you if I did?”
“Yes. Now, will you answer me? Do you want to see him? Because if you do, I’ll back off and let you.”
He motions to step back, but I grip my legs tighter around him. “No. I don’t want him. Actually, I really want you.” I stare straight into his eyes.
“Stacey, wait. We can mess around, but …” He pauses, and I get the feeling he’s struggling with what he’s about to say by the way his Adam’s apple bobs. “We can’t go any further than this. Than what we’ve been doing. Sex complicates everything, and that’s not a risk I’m willing to take. If something goes south, I can’t lose my best friend too. He’s all I have.” His voice cracks slightly, and my chest tightens.
I place my hand over his heart, feeling the beat under my palm. “How do you think it’s not already complicated?”
He closes his eyes briefly and takes a breath. “It’ll be exacerbated. I know we have insane chemistry. Believe me, I know. I love fucking around with you, but I won’t fuck you. I feel guilty enough as it is, messing with my best friend’s sister. There will be too many emotions if we go past … whatever this is.” He tilts my head up, so I’m looking into his eyes. “Are you okay with that?”
At this moment, I don’t know what the answer is. Everything he said makes sense. And it’s only been a few days. Everything is new. What’s new can become old very quick. And I agree; sex does complicate things.
As we stare at each other, there’s only one thing I know for sure. I’m not ready to walk away. Not yet.
“Yeah, I am,” I whisper as I lean in and kiss his luscious lips.
If this is all this is going to be, then I’m going to take advantage as much as I can until we both move on.
Sliding off the dryer, I lay my hands on his chest and let my tongue glide over his as my hands roam south to his belt buckle and jeans.
“What are you doing?” he mumbles against my lips.
“Make sure the door is locked.”
“Already done,” he speaks as I release his mouth and lower myself to my knees, undoing his pants and lowering them to the floor.
Dipping a hand inside his boxer briefs, I release his swollen erection and stroke it in my fist.
“I’m about to enjoy you.” Licking my lips, I place my mouth just on the tip and let the head glide against my skin.
Wes’s head falls back to the concrete wall as his hooded eyes look down in pure adoration. “You’re going to be the death of me, Stacey Marie.”
I open my mouth and take a lick. “That’s the plan.”
When you’re hooking up with a man who won’t sleep with you, a blow job isn’t just a pit stop along the way. It’s the main event. I know Wes isn’t one for shallow praise, so I skip telling him how big he is or how good he tastes, and I take him into my mouth fully and hear his groan in pleasure.
“Baby, your mouth feels like velvet,” he growls.
His hands are in my hair as I bob and suck, lick and swallow. My hands grip his ass and pull him toward me. I let the head hit the back of my throat and hum as I look up at him. His hands are in my hair as he holds me steady but doesn’t overpower me. Wes is letting me take the lead, doing what I feel comfortable with and making sure I know just how much he enjoys it.
I go slow and fast, moving my hands from his ass to his balls, and then massage his shaft, pumping out his pleasure. When his orgasm hits, I’m thankful for the spin cycle that drowns out his moans, which I’m sure can be heard through the pipes.
I swallow and then swipe my mouth with my sleeve as I rise to my feet. No sooner am I erect than Wes’s hands are on the sides of my head, pulling me in for a kiss and pressing me back up against the dryer.
“Is this your way of saying thank you?” I chide.
“It’s more,” he whispers. “So much more.” He drinks in my kisses and then moves to my neck and jaw, sucking and nipping the skin, leaving goose bumps in his wake. “Just because I said I won’t sleep with you doesn’t mean I don’t crave it.”
“Then, break your own rule,” I breathe.
“I’ve already broken too many. But damn, if you were any other man’s sister, I’d go to hell and back just for one night with you.”
Chapter Twelve
It’s Saturday night, and we’re all at the Triple Rock Brewing Co. The girls—Nicole, Amanda, and I—are at a four-top while the guys—Chad, Wes, Adam, Matt, and Nathan—are at the larger round table next to us.