In the hallway, I hear the sound of the water running coming from the gym. Lyndee didn’t shut the door she left open early this morning. The thought of her naked and wet in the shower has my cock right back to full-mast, ready to strip out of my pants and join her underneath the hot spray. I can just picture it now, me holding her against the tile wall and burying myself balls-deep in one stroke.
Adjusting myself, I forego that brilliant plan and continue down the stairs. She really does need to get going or she’ll be late and most likely be behind all day. As a chef, that’s the worst feeling in the world. Those are the days where you never seem to catch up, always feeling one step behind, and I refuse to do that to Lyndee.
I turn on the coffee pot, but then remember what Lyndee said about preferring tea. I dig out the kettle, fill it halfway with water, and turn on the burner. I check my pantry and find a few varieties of tea, all of which I purchased when I was trying anything and everything to help with my insomnia.
In the variety pack, I find a chai called Good Morning and drop two bags into a travel mug. I’m just pouring the water into the mug when I hear her soft footfalls on the stairs. I grab the lid just as she walks around the corner, looking fresh and gorgeous on this Monday morning.
“That smells good,” she says, setting her purse on the counter.
“I made you tea. I don’t know if it’s any good, but it has all the good shit you need to start your day,” I reply, carefully removing the teabags and screwing on the lid.
She grins as I hand her the mug. “Thank you. I can’t believe you remembered.”
I shrug off the compliment and walk her to the garage. I grab the spare opener off the shelf and stick it on her visor. “Just pull back in when you get here tonight.”
“I don’t mind parking outside,” she replies, throwing her purse onto the passenger seat.
“No need. I have the space and now your vehicle is already warm.”
She goes to pull her door closed but stops. “Thanks for bringing Dustin in a bit. I really appreciate it.”
“I don’t mind, sweets, really. He gets to rest a little longer, and he’s a pretty cool guy. I like hanging out with him,” I state with a smile.
She returns the gesture, her brown eyes sparkling with happiness. “He likes you too.”
Something passes between us, but we leave it unspoken. Whatever it is, it calms and roots me. “I’ll see you later,” I say, helping close her door.
I watch as she starts her vehicle, opens the door, and slowly backs out. Once the front end is clear, she presses the button and lowers the door. When I’m left in silence, I finally head back inside, suddenly anxious to start my day. Usually, this is the point where I start to plan and prepare for a busy Monday at Burgers and Brew, complete with the owners’ meeting in the afternoon, but all I can think about now is getting through the day and coming back home.
Because Lyndee will be here.
And surprisingly, that thought doesn’t scare me as much as I thought it would.
***
I’m pouring myself a second cup of coffee when Dustin joins me in the kitchen. He’s using his walker, though no obvious signs of limping like last night. “Good morning. Coffee?” I ask as he joins me at the island bar.
“Sure.”
I pour him a cup. “Sugar or milk?”
“No, just black.” When I set the cup in front of him, he offers a quick thanks and takes a sip. “Wow, that’s good.”
“It’s a dark roast from South America. One of my suppliers gets it for a fancy café a few towns over and always sells me extra bags. It’s my favorite. I have a hard time drinking Folgers after this stuff,” I tell him, enjoying my own sip.
“I like it. So, what’s going on with you and my sister?”
His question almost gives me whiplash. One minute we’re discussing coffee and suddenly he’s asking about my relationship with his sister. The one who slept naked in my bed last night after I did dirty things to her body.
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I don’t really know what to say.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I reply, my throat dry and scratchy.
“Do you like her?”
I meet his gaze head-on, refusing to look away. If we’re going to have this conversation, he deserves to hear the truth. “I do.”
Dustin relaxes in his seat and sips his coffee. “I don’t need to know details or anything, but I feel like I need to say this. Don’t hurt her. She doesn’t get to go out a lot and have fun. She’s devoted her whole life to making sure my needs are met, and not just since Mom died. She was that way before too.” He focuses on the cup in his hands. “I just want her to be happy. She deserves someone to put her first for a while.”
I swallow hard and lean against the island. His words hit me square in the chest with enough force, they could knock a man down. She does deserve that, and more. I just wish I was the man who could give it to her.
“We’re friends,” I start, trying to find the right words. It’s hard to have this conversation with him, especially since I haven’t had it with her. “I don’t know where this will lead, if anywhere. I like spending time with her—”
“And kissing her clearly,” he retorts with a smirk.
I almost spit out the coffee I just sipped. “Yes, well, that’s nice too,” I reply with a chuckle.
Dustin sighs. “She’s my best friend, Jasper. I don’t have a lot of friends and neither does she. We have each other. I’m not telling you to figure this out now. I can tell by the look on your face, you’re two seconds away from panicking,” he states with a huge grin. “All I’m saying is if you want something with her, go all-in. If not, don’t string her along, okay?”
I consider his words for a moment before nodding in agreement. “Deal.”
He gives me a decisive nod and brings his cup to his lips once more, ending the conversation. From the first time I met Dustin, I liked him. Now, I respect the hell out of him. He’s a good man and wants the best for his sister. He says she’s taking care of him, but I really think that road runs both ways. I think they take care of each other, even if they don’t realize it.
“What do you say we hit a Reds game this spring?” I ask, watching as the excitement fills his eyes.
“Really? I’d love that! Lyndee went with me a couple of years ago, but she doesn’t know a bunt from a home run,” he proclaims, a new energy filling the room. It’s an excitement, like walking up to the ballpark on Opening Day.
“Sure. It’s been years since I went, and I’m due. I think you’re just the man to join me for a day at the ballpark. Hotdogs, beer, and maybe a pretzel with cheese.”
“I’m in! Just tell me when.” His energy is contagious.
“When they release their schedule, we’ll take a look and see which game you think we should hit,” I tell him, feeling a bit excited myself, even if Opening Day isn’t for almost four months.
“Yeah, sounds good.” He takes another drink of his coffee before he asks, “Do you think the other guys would want to come?”
I stop, quickly realizing who he’s referring to. It’s not often that all four of us are off at the same time, but it does happen. Case in point, last night. We have a great team in place, and I’m sure they’ll get by without us just like always. “Walker and Jameson would be there in a heartbeat, but Isaac will take some convincing. He’s a workaholic,” I add with a teasing tone.