Dating My Brother's Best Friend

by Kate Swain

  I had no idea.

  All I knew was that, at this moment, I really wanted to find out more about him.

  10

  Mark

  “Okay,” Adam said, grunting as he stood up from where he’d been kneeling. “All done. Now we just have to check the brakes.”

  “Yeah,” I nodded. I also stood up, stretching my back, which ached after an afternoon of bending over bikes. A customer of ours—one of our regulars—had come in with emergency repairs. He needed the bike ready for a big trip tomorrow, and we’d worked hard on it to complete the work.

  I looked around the workshop. The sun had set while we worked, so I guessed it must be almost seven p.m. already. I stretched and yawned.

  “It’s been a long day,” Adam commented.

  “Yeah,” I nodded. “Let’s go, huh?” I looked around. Carter had already left. Matthew was busy packing up—he’d stayed late today too, taking on extra repair jobs that were supposed to be done today. He was drying his hands off on a towel, ready to go.

  “Yeah,” Adam nodded. “I’m finished.”

  “Yeah.” I looked at him with a mix of annoyance and concern. He had been sneezing all day, and I reckoned he was getting the flu. He looked under the weather. I wasn’t too worried about getting it. I hardly ever got sick. But he looked like he needed rest.

  “I’ll just…” he trailed off, about to sneeze. I shook my head, grinning.

  “Hell, man. Go home. Look, I’ll tidy up.” I pointed at the tools, and the patches of oil on the floor. There was no point for both of us to hang around when he needed sleep. I could clean up what was left.

  “Really?” He looked surprised. “Thanks, man.”

  I nodded. “No worries. I’ll get it done in no time. You go and rest.”

  “Thanks,” he said again. “I appreciate it.”

  I went over to get some water, while he headed out. As I came back from the water fountain, I could hear the sound of a motorcycle heading out of the parking lot. Adam must be on his way home already.

  “Matt,” I raised a hand to my brother. He was dressed for riding and on his way to fetch his helmet from the locker-area. “You off?”

  “Afraid so,” he nodded. “Sorry, man. I need to make dinner.”

  I shrugged. “No worries.”

  I went to finish tidying up, aware that I was the only person left in the building. As I swished the mop over the oil spots, I thought I heard footsteps outside the shop.

  Odd, I thought. It was probably Matthew, coming back for something. I was about to shout a wisecrack when the door opened.

  “Maddy?” I stood up, leaning on the mop. “Why are you here?”

  She grinned. “I have news! Where’s Adam?”

  “He just left.”

  She looked disappointed, but then she smiled at me. “Well I guess I can’t keep it a secret! I’m just too excited.”

  “Oh?” I said with interest. She was all smiles and, I thought, she looked more beautiful than I had ever seen her. I swallowed hard. My body was on fire for her now, and I was doing my very best not to make that obvious.

  “Yes! Guess what? I found it! My dance studio!”

  I stared. Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself reaching to give her a hug. She stared in surprise. Then she wrapped her arms around me, laughing and smiling.

  “Well done,” I murmured, biting my lip as my body belatedly realized that Maddy was pressed to my chest, her soft, full breasts pushing against me, her scent in my nostrils.

  “Thanks!” she stepped out of my embrace, grinning up at me cheerfully. “It’s so exciting! I can’t believe it!”

  “I’m so happy for you,” I said softly.

  It was at that moment, I think, that we both realized that we were alone, in the warehouse, and that we’d just embraced. I swallowed hard. She breathed deeply.

  “Well,” I said awkwardly. “Where is it?”

  “It’s downtown. Not the best area, but it’s amazing!” she held her hands together and a happy expression on her face. I found myself smiling.

  “I’m so happy for you,” I said. “Shall we celebrate?”

  Again, there was an awkward moment when we realized that we were alone and that this was the most unguarded we had ever been with each other. Then, she nodded.

  “Okay. But I should be back at home by about eight,” she added, glancing at her watch.

  I looked at the clock. It was seven p.m. That gave us an hour. A whole hour! I nodded. “Let’s go.”

  Giggling, she waited for me to put the tools away and change my clothes. Then, walking swiftly beside me, she followed me as we locked up. I found myself in the parking lot with her.

  “We can walk down there,” I said, gesturing down a small street. It was not the best bar, the Midnight Flight, but it was close and open. I shrugged.

  She nodded. “Let’s go.”

  We walked down the street. I was quiet for a long while, thinking about what she’d said and what we would be doing. Then, I cleared my throat.

  “You say it’s in this area?” I asked.

  “Not exactly. It’s just on the edge of the industrial zone. It’s a big room.”

  “Sounds great,” I nodded. “And the rent is affordable?”

  “That’s the best part!” she grinned up at me, stepping ahead and turning her head so that she could look up into my gaze. “It’s cheap, and big, and exactly what I want!” she clasped her hands. Her eyes shined.

  When she was happy like this, she shone. I wished I could tell her that. Her eyes were like stars, her cheeks rosy from the cold, and her whole body happy. I found myself staring at her face, longing to kiss her.

  I realized that I hadn’t said anything, and flushed red. “Sorry,” I said. “I was a little distracted.”

  She giggled. “No worries. It’s the cold. I think it gets into the brain.”

  “Thanks,” I said with gratitude. “I think.”

  She laughed. “Oh, isn’t it a beautiful evening?”

  “It is,” I whispered. “So beautiful.”

  She gave me an odd look. She raised an eyebrow and must have decided to ignore me, because she walked along beside me cheerfully, quickening her pace in the cold.

  We walked briskly into the bar. I looked around, and we took two seats at a table for two in the corner. I raised a hand, calling for the server.

  “A whiskey for me,” I said.

  Maddy shrugged. “Me, too.”

  I laughed. “Really?”

  She lifted her shoulders. “Well, this calls for a celebration.”

  We were both still laughing when the whiskey arrived. I sipped mine appreciatively, feeling the drink warm me from head to toes.

  “So,” I said, feeling a little unsteady about what to do or say next. “How are you going to start? I mean, you have the studio now. What’s next?”

  She sipped her whiskey. “Well, now that I have the space, what I’m going to do is create class schedules, prices for private classes, and advertising. This is the bit I’m not sure about. I consulted with a friend from college, and she recommended a guy near here. He’s quite pricey, but I figure that I can make back the money if I get a bunch of students. I can maybe borrow some money from my uncle in the short term, if I have to.” She took a breath, looking up at me with wide eyes.

  I didn’t know what to say. I never even thought of starting my own business, and I felt amazed. She had guts, she really did.

  “You’re amazing,” I said.

  She looked at me. “Really?”

  I just grinned. “Yeah. Really.” I knocked back the rest of my whiskey. The room spun a little and I blinked, steadying myself. I hadn’t had much to eat today, and that must be why the drink was hitting me a bit harder than usual. She sipped hers. Her cheeks had reddened. I could feel how close she was and I ached to kiss her.

  “Another drink?” I asked. “And maybe some fries or something?” I pressed my stomach, indicating that I was feeling a bit queas
y.

  “Sure,” she nodded. “This one’s my round.”

  “No way,” I said, gently. “We’re celebrating your success. Let me.”

  “Okay.” She nodded, and her eyes held mine.

  I found it impossible to look away. My stomach twisted and I shifted in my seat. She was so close, and her hands were near mine on the table. I lifted a hand and placed it over hers. She swallowed hard. I looked away, feeling my heart pound.

  “I’ll get the server,” I said. My voice sounded strained. I lifted one hand, but left the other one where it was, resting on her pale, soft skin. I loved the way it felt under my touch. I wished I could leave it there forever.

  The waiter saw my gesture and came over and took my order. This time, Maddy and I ordered wine. I also ordered fries, hoping that they would counter the effects of drinking on an empty stomach and the racing, swimming feeling in my head. Not that it was an unpleasant sensation. I could happily have lived with the sensation. The only problem was that it was getting increasingly hard to ignore the urges that rushed through my body.

  “Cheers,” Maddy said, after the waiter brought us wine. She touched her glass to mine. I smiled.

  “Wishing you success.”

  She sipped her drink. Her eyes held mine. They shone.

  “So,” I said, drinking a sip of my wine, “is it weird being back?”

  She frowned. “Not really. It doesn’t really feel like I’m back. Not exactly.”

  “Why is that?” I asked.

  “Well…” she took a deep breath. “When I lived here before, really lived here, we were with Mom. And, well… that was difficult. It was a daily struggle for stability and peace.”

  I nodded. I knew from Adam that the relationship with their mother had been hard. Their mom had problems with alcohol and, as I understood it, she was currently undergoing rehabilitation. Adam had told me about it once, but I was ashamed to admit I didn’t remember much of the story.

  “Mom’s doing better, or so Adam says,” she said softly. “I don’t know.”

  “You haven’t seen her?” I asked.

  “No. Not since I left for NYU.” She wasn’t looking at me. She rubbed at a mark on her hand somewhat distracted.

  “I understand,” I said. I thought I did at least. I wouldn’t have wanted to get involved if my mom was in that situation either. It was a painful thing to see, I imagined, and I could completely understand her need for distance.

  “Thanks,” she said. Her eyes held mine. “I feel guilty, sometimes. I just can’t bring myself to go there. We weren’t on the best terms for my upbringing. Let me say that. And now, when she’s recovering, I feel like a hypocrite for being involved. That sounds silly I know. But…” she trailed off, shaking her head. Her eyes, when they met mine, were full of sadness.

  “Maddy. You’re an amazing woman. You have nothing to feel guilty about. When I think of how you’ve risen above all that, how you’ve built an amazing life for yourself, with your dance, well…” I swallowed hard. “I’m just amazed.”

  “Really?” she whispered. Her eyes held mine. There was amazement there, and just a tiny glimmer of mistrust, as if she couldn’t quite believe what I said. I nodded firmly.

  “Maddy, you are amazing. I couldn’t have ever done what you’ve done.”

  She looked away. “Will you have some more wine?” she asked. Her glass was empty. I nodded.

  “Okay. One more glass.” I didn’t really want one, I just didn’t want to have to leave. I signaled to the server, and he brought each of us another glass. I ate some fries, wiping my greasy fingers on a paper napkin. Her hand was still under mine on the table. I drew a breath.

  “Maddy, I really know you’ll be a success,” I told her softly. “You’ve been amazing, doing what you’ve done. It must have been so hard.” I smiled to assure her. I hadn’t been to college. I couldn’t even imagine it. She must have seen something of that on my face, because she stroked my hand.

  “You’ve done different things,” she said softly. “I know your story too—or bits of it. It hasn’t been easy for you.”

  “Maybe,” I allowed. “But I had Carter. And you did this all on your own.”

  “With some help,” she smiled. “It was Adam’s idea I try out for the scholarship. He’s a good brother.”

  “I’m sure he is,” I said, somewhat grudgingly. “But you got the scholarship all by yourself. You’re an awesome dancer.”

  “You’ve never seen me,” she said.

  I didn’t say anything. I just gave her a look of gentle disagreement. She swallowed and nodded, as if she remembered.

  “Well, okay,” she countered, sipping her wine. “But, then, you have to come to the studio for opening night. I’ll give a demonstration then.”

  “You will?” I nodded. “I’ll be there.”

  She laughed. “You’re too flattering, you know.” She tipped her glass at me. “I know your sort.”

  “It’s not flattery.” I held her gaze. I was hurt. I was serious. I admired her more than anybody I could think of.

  “I’m sorry,” she murmured.

  “Don’t be,” I said softly. “Just admit it. You’re amazing. I always thought so.”

  She stared at me.

  In that moment, it felt as if the whole bar had disappeared. It was just the two of us, alone at a table, glasses of wine between us, and those eyes holding mine.

  I leaned forward, my hands still resting on hers, and my lips touched hers. I felt the softness of them touch my mouth and I thought I would actually pass out.

  My tongue flickered along their tender edge, tasting the sweetness of her. She tasted like strawberries. I guessed it must be her lipstick. The effect of the kiss was racing through my body, making my heart race and body aroused. I could barely control myself and I wondered what she would do if I took the kiss further.

  I pressed my tongue between her lips and heard her gasp.

  She looked up at me, her eyes wide.

  “We should go,” she whispered.

  “Maddy?” I asked, feeling my heart stop. “Have I done something wrong?”

  “No,” she said gently. “But it’s late.”

  “Oh!” I gasped. It was half-past nine. She was right. I went red in the face. I hadn’t meant to keep us here for so long, but I couldn’t help it. The joy of having her here, with me, and being able to speak with her without worrying about what I was saying or what anybody would think had meant so much to me.

  “We should go,” I said softly.

  “Yes.”

  We looked at each other and I could see the same reluctance I felt reflected in her eyes. She pushed back her chair, ready to leave.

  “We’ll pay at the front,” I said, pushing back my own chair and standing up. I was unsteady on my feet. I looked around the room. I really felt the drinks. I lurched forward, thinking about driving home. It was not going to happen anytime soon.

  While I dug in my pockets to find the cash to settle the bill, Maddy went to the restroom. When she came out, picking her way hesitantly between the tables, I realized that she wasn’t much better off than I was. I frowned with uncertainty.

  “Maddy… I think maybe you should call a cab,” I said. “I’m not in a position to drive either.”

  She grinned up at me. “Nor am I!”

  We both seemed to find that funny. I took the receipt from the bartender, still grinning, and turned around to face the door, holding out my arm so that Maddy could support herself on it. It felt amazing when she slid her arm through mine.

  We headed out into the evening together.

  “Maddy, you are sure about moving back to Kansas, aren’t you?” I asked her as we stepped around a big puddle. It must have rained while we were in the bar.

  “Sure I am,” Maddy nodded. “I have never been more sure of anything.” She smiled up at me and I could see the wonder she felt at having found the ideal studio-space was undiminished.

  I felt my heart lift. “Go
od,” I said.

  “Why?” she frowned up at me.

  I swallowed hard. “It would be sad if you left,” I said softly.

  She looked up at me, her eyes wide. It was the most intimate thing I’d said all evening. It surprised me, too. I hadn’t known until that moment just how strongly I felt for her. It started to rain again. We were in the parking lot now and we stopped under the shelter of the awning.

  “Thanks.”

  I saw how she looked down, not wanting to meet my gaze. I took her hand. Then, before I could stop and think about it, I leaned forward again.

  My lips found hers and this time the kiss was clinging and passionate. Our lips glued to each other, tasting and sampling each other. I felt the plump firmness of her lip on my mouth, the softness of it, and my heart started beating strongly in my chest.

  “Mark,” Maddy murmured. She looked up at me. Her eyes were wide, her breath fast.

  “Maddy,” I said. My voice was raw and I felt my cock throbbing for her. I wanted to kiss her more, to push her back against the wall and push my body onto hers, to undress her, even outside in the cold, and feel my naked skin against hers.

  “I feel weird,” she murmured.

  I looked down at her, my longing changing instantly to concern.

  “Hell, Maddy. You look a bit ill, girl.” I could see how wide her eyes were, how pale her skin was. She clung to my arm and I realized that she really was sick.

  “I’ll be okay,” she murmured. “I’ll call… Becca… to fetch me.”

  “Good,” I said gently. She fell back against the door and called Becca. Becca said she was on her way.

  I gripped Maddy’s arm and drew her upright. In the process, I realized I was a little drunk, too, if I was being honest. But she looked ill. I held her against me. She began shivering. The rain picked up.

  “Hell, Maddy,” I said again. “We should get you inside. Listen,” I put my hand in my pocket, searching for keys. “I have the keys for the apartment over the shop. I can let you in there. It’s warm, and you can lie down.”

  She looked up at me. Her eyes widened. “Mark,” she whispered gently. “If I go up there with you… I don’t think I’ll want to leave.”