by Todd, E. L.
“Yeah.”
Jared breathed a sigh of relief then stood up.
Ethan stared at him. “By leaving you here alone with her, I’m trusting you. You do anything to make her uncomfortable or disrespect her in any way, I’ll come after you.” Jared said nothing. “And I have two brothers. I won’t be alone.”
Jared nodded. “You have my word.”
Ethan nodded then pulled me away. We walked out the front door then got into a cab. Ethan wrapped his arm around me and held my hand. We were back to normal. I was relieved that we resolved our fight. I was surprised he forgave me so easily. I was wrong in every way.
“Ethan, my brother isn’t a bad guy. He wouldn’t hurt or pressure your sister. He understands she’s a widow.”
He sighed. “It’s nothing personal, Sadie. I would treat any guy like that. I’m just very protective of her. She won’t experience any pain that I can prevent.”
“I know. And I like that about you.”
“If she agreed to meet him at a restaurant, I wouldn’t be so anal about it, but leaving her alone with him in the house is a different story. The kids are in there too. It doesn’t matter if they are asleep.”
I nodded. “It makes me realize how much you care—love me.” He looked at me. “You treat me the same way as your sister.”
“What?”
“I mean in terms of protection and security. You are just as concerned about my safety as you are of hers.”
“Well, of course. I love you, Sadie.”
“I know. It makes me feel special.”
He kissed me on the head. “It should.”
When the cab pulled over, Ethan paid the driver then we walked up to my apartment. When we were inside, I looked at the roses he gave me. They were beautiful. I filled the vase with water then returned it to the table.
Ethan stared at me. I felt the sexual tension in the room. We were both hot and bothered. Ethan patted my dog on the head then walked into my bedroom. I immediately followed him. When I got inside, he was already naked. I ran my hands down his chest and kissed his body. I could do that all day. He was already hard.
Ethan stripped my clothes away then guided me to the bed. When he lay on top of me, he locked his gaze onto mine. “Call me crazy, but I knew I loved you when I saw you.”
“I thought you were annoyed with me.”
“I never said I wasn’t.” He parted my legs and pressed against me. “But I love you. I’m stuck on you. I can’t live without you.” He inserted himself within me and I gasped.
“Ethan.”
He moved inside me. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you too.”
“You are mine forever. That’s it. End of story.”
“I’m so sorry about earlier.”
He increased his pace. “Don’t worry about it. Just think about this right now.”
I moaned. “How can I not?”
Ethan’s breathing increased. “You feel so wet. You’re always wet for me.”
I gripped his back and dug my nails into his skin. “You make me feel—so good. God, Ethan.” The orgasm made my toes curl and my body shake. He always rocked my world—every time.
When Ethan saw me come, he stiffened. He released himself inside me and pressed his face against mine. “Baby.”
“Ethan, you’re the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”
“I know. Me too.”
“And I can’t live without you.”
“I know that too.” He pulled out of me then lied beside me. He pulled me to his chest and wrapped his arms around me. My eyes closed and I started to drift away. Koku rolled over on the bed but I was too tired to pull him to my chest.
When I heard the sound of a phone vibrate, I opened my eyes. Ethan was texting. I wasn’t worried that he was doing something he shouldn’t, but I still wondered who he was talking to that late at night.
Ethan kissed my forehead. “I’m talking to my sister.”
I yawned. “You don’t have to explain yourself.”
His phone vibrated again and he read the message.
“Is everything okay?”
“I’m just checking on her.”
“Is my brother still there?”
“Yeah.”
I looked at the clock. It was past midnight. “Really?”
“I told her to text me when he leaves.”
“Why?”
“I just want to know.”
“Well, if Jared is still there, she must want him to be.”
“It still worries me.”
“Maybe she likes him.”
“She might, but I don’t know.”
“Why don’t you just ask her?”
“She’ll talk about it when she’s ready. I don’t want to pressure her by asking.”
“Would you approve of my brother if she wanted to date him?”
He was quiet for a moment. “If he treated her right. I don’t know him that well.”
“Well, he’s a good guy.”
“You are biased.”
“I know my brother loves me and he wouldn’t fool around with your sister unless he really liked her. Whenever he’s had a girlfriend, he’s always been loyal and honest, but I’ve never seen him in love with anyone.”
He sighed. “We’ll see what happens.”
“This really bothers you.”
“Well, this person is going to be the children’s stepdad. It’s a big deal. I want to make sure that she’s in good hands.”
“Jared would do a great job if she ever picked him.”
“We’ll see how it goes.”
“Okay.”
He put down the phone then rested his face in the crook of my neck. “Good night, baby. I love you.”
I loved hearing that. “I love you too.”
18
When I woke up the next morning, Ethan was still fast sleep. I knew he was up late last night texting Elisa. Their codependent relationship was annoying, but it was also a little overwhelming. I would hate to have Ethan as an older brother when it came to dating. I could tell that he was the protective, over the top, defensive brother. I felt bad for Jared.
Koku and I went outside so he could sniff around the bushes then we returned to the apartment. Since it was Saturday, I made breakfast and brewed a pot of coffee. I moved around the apartment as quietly as possible so I wouldn’t wake up my ridiculously hot boyfriend who was madly in love with me.
When there was a quiet knock on the door, I felt my heart fall. If it was Alex, I swear to god that I’d kill him. I didn’t know how many times I’d asked him to leave me alone. When I opened the door, I saw Jared standing outside. He was wearing the same suit from last night. I knew that was bad.
“Hey. Is Ethan awake?”
“No.”
“Can I talk to you?”
“Come in.”
He walked into the kitchen. I had breakfast on the stove. I always made too much, so I had plenty for my brother.
“Are you hungry?”
“Yeah, sure.”
I placed the plate in front of him and a cup of black coffee. He started to eat. I sat next to him while I drank from my mug.
“So, what happened?”
“Nothing.”
“You were there all night.”
“I mean nothing physical happened.”
“Then what were you doing?”
“Talking?”
“About what?”
He shrugged. “Anything and everything. I left right before the kids woke up. I didn’t want them to see me there in the morning.”
“So you like her?”
“A lot.”
“Jared, be honest with me. What is this?”
“Sadie, I really like her. I’m not just saying that. I don’t want to sleep with her then never call her back. I’m not Ethan.”
I glared at him.
“Sorry. But I mean it. I really like her as a person. I think she’s amazing, actually. She’s sweet, smart, loving—beau
tiful. I like being with her—talking to her. I—I want to be with her.”
“What about her kids?”
“I really like them too.”
“Jared, you would be a stepdad.”
“And I’m okay with that.”
“She’s a widow, Jared. She’s always going to be emotional and upset. I mean, it’s a lot to take on. You could find someone who’s easier to be with.”
“You’re right,” he said. “But I don’t want to be with anyone else.”
“Does she feel the same way?”
“She didn’t explicitly say it, but I think she does. I doubt she would stay up all night talking to me if she just saw me as a friend—we are barely that.”
I sighed. “Jared, this is a big deal. Please don’t pursue this unless you are absolutely certain that you want to be with her. You will make my life really difficult and painful if this doesn’t work out. You would piss off Ethan, and you would piss off me.”
“Now you’re pissing me off.”
“What?”
“I love you, Sadie. We are family. I would never do something like that and you know it.”
My eyes softened. “Why her, Jared?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Yeah, she’s absolutely gorgeous—beautiful, but I love her smile and her personality. I just love everything about her.”
“You just met her.”
He smiled. “Now I guess I know what you were referring to.”
“So, are you going to talk to Ethan?”
“Should I?”
“Uh. yeah.”
He sighed. “Now I wish I wasn’t such an ass to him.”
I laughed. “That is ironic.”
“I don’t want to push her too fast. Let’s do a family day at the park or something. I think going on a traditional date with her is too intense. This would be better. And when she finally expresses her interest verbally, I’ll talk to Ethan.”
“Well, Ethan is going to talk to you anyway.”
“Why?”
“He was texting Elisa all night so he knows you were there the whole time.”
“I figured that’s who that was.”
“Well, you know how he is.”
“He doesn’t trust me, does he?”
“It isn’t personal, Jared. His sister has been through a lot. Ethan is just protecting her and the kids. He doesn’t want her to get her heart broken again.”
“Well, I don’t intend to break it.”
“You dragged Suzie along for six months before you dumped her.”
“Well, Elisa isn’t psycho. And even if she was, I wouldn’t mind.”
“You remind me of me.”
He laughed. “That can’t be good.” He picked up his fork and finished his meal. My brother ate like a starving cow. When he was done, he pushed his plate away. “I guess I should go to sleep now.”
“Yeah.”
“What do you guys have planned today?”
“Nothing.”
Jared looked at the vase of flowers. “He got those for you?”
I smiled. “Yeah.”
He nodded his head in approval.
“He left a note saying, ‘I’ll love you until the last one dies’. And one of the flowers was fake.”
“So, you guys are really serious now?”
“We’ve been serious.”
“Now I’m worried you’re going to get married.”
“No,” I said sadly. “That won’t happen for a few years.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he supports Elisa until the kids start school. He won’t be able to move out and get married for at least a year or two.”
Jared nodded. “Maybe she’ll find someone else to take care of her before then.”
I looked at him. “You love her?”
“I think so.”
“Wow. I’ve never heard you say that.”
“Yeah.”
My bedroom door opened and Ethan walked out. His hair was a mess and he looked sleepy. Thankfully he put on some clothes before he walked out. I didn’t mind him being naked, but I think my brother wouldn’t feel the same. He was wearing blue pajama bottoms and a plain shirt. Even in the baggy attire, he looked delicious.
When he reached me, he kissed me. “Good morning, baby.”
“Morning. You sleep well?”
He looked at Jared. “No.”
Jared met his gaze. “Nothing happened.”
Ethan walked away and poured himself a glass of coffee. Then he grabbed his breakfast from the stove and sat down. “You spent a long time doing nothing. You just left?”
Jared nodded.
“What do you want from my sister?”
Jared sighed. “I want to date her.”
“No.”
“No?”
“I don’t want you dating her unless you’re serious about it. She has kids.”
I looked at Ethan. “We’ve been talking about it. Jared is serious.”
Ethan looked at him. “The answer is still no.”
“Let her decide,” he said. “I want to be given a real chance with her. I really like her. Let’s go to the park tomorrow—all of us.”
Ethan ate his food. “I’ll ask her and see what she says.”
Jared nodded. “Thanks.”
“If she doesn’t like you, I want you to stay away from her.”
“I understand,” Jared said. “But I’m pretty sure that she enjoys my company.”
“I’ll talk to her.”
“You’ll let me know about tomorrow?” Jared asked.
“Yeah,” Ethan answered.
“Okay.” He rose from the chair and turned to us. “I’ll see you later.”
“Bye,” I said.
Ethan didn’t say anything.
Jared left the apartment and closed the door behind him.
Ethan continued to eat his breakfast.
“I think you should give Jared a chance.”
“Drop it,” he snapped.
My eyes widened in shock.
“Since Jared is your brother, it makes this more difficult. We’ll see how it goes, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Look, I’m sure Jared isn’t a bad guy, but I have to make sure he understands what he’s getting into.”
“He isn’t stupid,” I snapped.
He stared at me. “That’s why we can’t discuss this.”
“Are we going to the park tomorrow?”
“I’ll ask Elisa how she feels about it.”
“If she stayed up all night with my brother, then she obviously likes him. You told me she hasn’t even looked at another man in three years.”
He sighed. “What do you want to do today?”
I fell silent. He never ignored me before. “I don’t care what we do. I just want to be with you.”
“My brothers want to go out tonight.”
My heart fell. I assumed we would spend the whole day together.
“I want you to come, baby. My brothers are eager to meet you.”
“They are?”
“They want to meet the woman who’s made me into an honest man.”
I smiled. “Well, I try.”
“Let’s take a shower together and get ready.”
I felt my skin prickle. “I love showers.”
“Yeah. They are fun to fuck in.”
I grabbed the plates and placed them in the sink. “Actually, I want to try something else.”
“You have my attention,” he said as he wrapped his arms around me.
I turned around and looked him. “A blow job.”
He smiled. “That’s a little advanced for you.”
“I thought you said you would teach me?”
“Yeah, baby. I sure will. But I just broke you in. And not to sound like a cocky asshole, but I’m pretty big. It’s going to be a challenge for you.”
“Isn’t that what practice is for?”
His eyes lit up. “Do you really want to do this
?”
“I’m starting to think you’re stupid, Ethan. If a woman offers to suck your cock, you just say yes.”
He smiled. “I do like getting head.”
When I thought about all the other girls who sucked him dry, I felt the jealousy spasm in my chest. I knew it shouldn’t bother me but it did. How many women was he comparing me to?
Ethan caught the look. “You’re everything to me, Sadie. I know having you do that to me would feel amazing, better than all the others, but I don’t want you to feel pressured to do that. I’m fine with making love, Sadie. I’m more than satisfied in that department.”
I walked away and moved into my bedroom. Koku tried to follow me but I made him stay in the living room. Like a moth to a flame, Ethan followed me. There was a noticeable bulge in front of his pants.
“Sit down,” I said.
He sat at the edge of the bed.
I kneeled in front of him and pulled down his pants and boxers. Ethan’s breathing picked up as he watched me. I could tell that he was excited. When I saw his cock spring upwards, I realized just how excited he was.
“How do I make you feel as good as I feel, Ethan?”
He moaned. “I love knowing that you’ve never done this before.”
“It’s not frustrating?”
“Definitely not.”
I licked my lips.
He took a deep breath. “Lick the tip.”
I grabbed the base and ran my tongue along the engorged tip. He started to leak fluid and it tasted sweet, delicious.
He moaned. “Yeah. Just like that.”
I started to kiss his cock the way I kissed him.
“Now move further down—slowly.”
I opened my mouth wide and took him in. I felt his tip slide down my throat.
“Don’t go all the way, baby. You won’t be able to do it.”
Just to defy him, I did it anyway. He was right; he was humongous. But I took it like a trooper.
He gasped. “Baby.”
I inserted him all the way then pulled out, licking the tip. Then I repeated the same thing.
Ethan started to breathe heavily. “I have nothing left to teach you.”
I moved faster and made him crumble beneath me. He was always in control of our interactions and I enjoyed being the commander of this escapade. His legs shook as I shoved him to the back of my throat. When I sucked the head, he moaned. He was weak before me, nothing like he normally was.
“Do you want to come, Ethan?”
“Oh—yeah.”
