Not Just Friends (Brookfield)

by Wolfe, Lacey

  It didn’t take long for Cody and Matt to arrive—thank God! As they approached, she noticed how angry Matt looked. Tom didn’t seem as upset. In fact, Tom stood up to greet Matt, but Matt avoided him and slumped down in a chair.

  Cody took his seat as well and appeared to be extremely uncomfortable.

  “Matt, I’m so glad to have found you,” Tom said.

  Alyssa glanced at Cody, who shook his head. She wanted to laugh. This was not at all what she’d been expecting.

  “I wish you’d just left me alone,” Matt snapped.

  “We want you to come home.”

  “No.” Matt shook his head.

  “You’re being silly,” Tom argued in a calm tone.

  “I am not! I’m staying here in Brookfield.” Matt shot a look at Alyssa with a pleading eye. “Alyssa and I are starting up again.”

  “What!” Alyssa chimed in.

  “You’re being childish, Matt,” Tom said.

  “Don’t bring me into this.” Alyssa crossed her arms. “I’m with someone else.”

  Cody held his hand up. “I don’t get what’s going on. Are Matt and Tom having a lovers’ quarrel or something?” He looked at Alyssa. “This is getting weird.”

  She grinned at him and let a slight giggle out. She had no issue with Matt and Tom having a relationship, she’d just never expected it.

  “We’re not discussing this with them,” Matt said to Tom.

  “Oh, come on. We’re involved in this anyway because of you brought us in to it.” Alyssa’s tone filled with amusement.

  Tom cleared his throat. “I won’t give too many details, but Matt, Diane, and I are in a relationship together.”

  “I’m with Diane. You and I have never—” Matt crossed his arms.

  “Wait a minute,” Alyssa interrupted, “Diane has sex with you both. Yet the two of you don’t have sex with each other?”

  “He’s supposed to be back door only,” Matt added. “But Diane wanted to switch it up.”

  “This is more than I want to know about my sister.” Cody stood. “You got this, Alyssa?”

  She nodded. This was very entertaining.

  “Text me when this sex talk is over. I’m going to go in the store next door.”

  She watched as he walked away shaking his head. She returned to the two men. It started to make sense now. Diane was pregnant and Matt said it wasn’t his. Because of the one time Diane had sex with Tom, Matt assumed she’d gotten pregnant by the other guy.

  “So, Diane and Tom were to only have sex…” she cleared her throat, “analy?”

  “Yes. I didn’t want another man’s stuff going inside her. But Diane and Tom have been getting closer and soon he was getting much more attention than I was.”

  “I love you both,” Tom said.

  “I love Diane only.”

  Tom cleared his throat. “We never meant to make you feel that way. But sometimes in a relationship as complex as ours, this happens. That’s why communication is key.”

  “But she’s pregnant and it isn’t by me,” Matt argued.

  “We don’t know this.”

  “Oh, I know.”

  “Are you guys practicing safe sex?” Alyssa asked.

  “Yes,” they answered together.

  That was good to know. “Where is Diane? Did she not come with you?”

  “No. She’s had horrible morning sickness. She decided to stay home.” Tom looked at Matt. “She misses you. Will you please come back with me?”

  Matt shook his head. “I’m not ready. I need some time.”

  Oh, great. They weren’t getting rid of him yet.

  “Just don’t break the communication with us, okay? You’re the missing piece and I think Diane is more upset you’re not there than with morning sickness.” Tom scooted his chair back. “It was nice to meet you, Alyssa.”

  “You too.”

  “I’ll be in touch, Matt.”

  Tom left and Alyssa was left sitting there with only Matt. She could see the distraught expression in his face. A part of her wanted to ask if he was okay, but the other was still trying to make sense of what she’d just learned. She couldn’t help but find it slightly funny. This situation was complicated and it was going to require Diane to step in and set things right.

  * * * *

  Connor sat at a table as Alyssa finished her closing duties. She was in a radiating mood this evening. Then again, after the story she’d shared with him, he didn’t blame her. It wasn’t that she found her sisters life amusing just unexpected. He could hardly keep a straight face as she told him about the mystery man showing up and the lovers’ quarrel at the café. He’d have loved to be there to see it. Hopefully, this would all be behind them soon and he could concentrate on just him and Alyssa.

  The first thing he had to do for himself though was give in to his feelings. He liked her a lot, but he still hadn’t told anyone he was seeing her. In fact, Jay and Stan wanted him to go out this weekend. He’d avoided them for quite some time. They wanted to bar-hop and place bets on picking up women. It was time he told them.

  He also wanted to go out. The idea of one last night out sounded good. He didn’t have to pick a woman up. He wasn’t a cheater. But just to get sloppy drunk with the guys and tell them he was seeing someone and it was serious.

  “I’m almost done,” Alyssa called from the front register.

  “Take your time. Though the food won’t stay warm forever.” He smirked.

  Tonight Connor had stopped by Luigi’s and bought them each a calzone. There was no way he was going to eat another one of those frozen meals. Somehow he had to wean Alyssa off those gross things. Something was seriously wrong with her taste buds if she enjoyed eating them.

  “Okay, all done.” Alyssa plopped down in the chair. “It smells delicious.”

  Connor pushed her container toward her. “It’s Luigi’s.”

  “Brookfield’s best-kept secret.”

  “Nah, I think The Reading Corner wins that award.”

  She blushed. “Once this author comes and goes, things will return to normal.”

  “You think?”

  She nodded. “I hope, though, we can get some more authors. Julie’s been very impressed and wants to bring another one of her clients in town for a signing.”

  “That’s great.”

  “I think so too.”

  Connor took a bite of his calzone. “Are you okay if I go out with the guys Saturday?”

  “Go for it. I’ll be exhausted after the signing. I won’t be good for anything that evening.”

  “I want to take you out for dinner Friday. Think Tina can close?”

  She laughed. “You don’t have to take me out just because you’re going out with the guys.”

  “I want to. We’ve been staying in so much. I want to see you dressed up again.”

  “And here I thought you found me sexy in my PJs.”

  Connor grinned. “You’d be sexy in a paper bag, but I want to take you out and show you off.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  As they finished their meal, they had the basic chit chat. She asked about his day and questioned him about the stock market. It meant a lot to him that she actually seemed to want to learn. Most women liked his money and didn’t care how he was making it. But that was one of the reasons why he was falling for Alyssa. She was the down-to-earth woman. She’d make an amazing mother and wife.

  Crap! Had he just thought that? He supposed that was coming. Alyssa was the whole package that he wanted. It was his time.

  He looked up when he noticed she was standing and the table was clear. “Wow, I was really lost in thoughts.”

  “Must have been some daydream. Want to come up?”

  More than anything, but he still hadn’t brought that change of clothes. “I forgot my bag.”

  “That figures.”

  Connor stood and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. “I meant to, really.” He kissed her neck. “Maybe
our first sleepover should be at my place to make it easier.”

  “Zoe—”

  “Is a cat and will be fine for one night. All she cares about is that her food bowl is full.” He trailed his lips up to her chin and then her mouth.

  She sighed into his mouth as he drew light circles on her tailbone. She’d probably let him take her right there in the store, even with people walking by and seeing inside. He groaned at the thought of laying her across the table behind him, spreading her legs open, and pumping into her. She’d cry his name out and beg for him. And he’d give her just what she wanted.

  Connor picked her up and did just that. He set her on table and forcefully pushed her thighs open, squeezing his body between.

  “Connor,” she called out.

  He captured her lips again to quiet her and then began working at her shirt. He wanted his fantasy to come true.

  But then Alyssa shoved his hand away. “We can’t do this right here.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s dark outside and bright in here. People can see us.”

  “Doesn’t that turn you on?” He stared into her eyes and saw a slight twinkle.

  “It doesn’t matter if it does or not. I’m not doing it.”

  Connor stepped back, breaking the contact. “You’re right. I got caught up in the moment.”

  Alyssa hopped off the table, wrapped her arms around him, and hugged him. “Maybe we can compromise.”

  “Really, it’s fine.”

  She gazed up at him and smiled.

  “I need to get going.”

  She stepped back, releasing her hold on him. “Okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, I guess.”

  He nodded and kissed her cheek. She walked him to the front and let him out. He turned and looked back, feeling this overwhelming need to say I love you, but bit his tongue and went on to his car. He needed to get his emotions under control.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Alyssa stretched and tossed the covers back. She needed to get out of bed, but it was so hard. She’d spent much of her morning laying there daydreaming about Connor. She was hopelessly falling for him, even though she knew he wasn’t the settling-down type. He claimed he wanted to be, but she’d known him for years. She couldn’t remember a time she’d ever seen him with a girl more than a week. So she supposed she was pretty lucky she’d made it this long. In a weird way, she felt flattered he had chosen her to be his first relationship. Or perhaps the drama in her life kept him around. Her sister’s story would make an interesting romance novel. Either way, she hoped it lasted a bit longer. She enjoyed her time with him and how he made her feel.

  Whenever he looked at her with that twinkle in his eye, it made her feel as though she were the only woman alive. And not to mention his flirtatious banter. He also knew how to make her smile and put her out of whatever funk she was in. And there was also how incredible he was in bed. She’d never been with such a skilled lover. He’d certainly ruined any other man for her.

  Finally Alyssa dragged herself from the bed. Tina and her friend had opened the store and told her not to come in until after lunch. It was funny to be bossed around, but they knew how busy it had been. And Alyssa really did need the extra sleep and relaxation. Especially since she’d been putting off the call to Diane. At least with the new developments, she had a much better idea what was going on. And by now, Tom was surely back with her sister. Did Alyssa really need to call? Yes, she did—unfortunately. Besides, if a baby was coming, they had to put their differences behind them. She’d really like to be an aunt to the child.

  First, she’d have a cup of coffee.

  An hour later, she sat on the couch with nothing else to do. She couldn’t put it off any longer. With Zoe curled up in a black ball next to her, getting up wasn’t an option.

  Letting out a loud sigh, hoping it would wake the cat, she picked up her cell phone and scrolled down to Diane’s name.

  “Hello,” her sister answered with a groggy tone.

  “Hey, sis. How are you feeling?” Alyssa swirled the cat’s tail between her fingers.

  “Like shit.”

  “Sorry. I don’t know much about pregnancy, so I don’t have any advice. I assume Tom has made his way back to you?”

  “Yeah, but I threw him out when he came back without Matt,” Diane snapped. “I don’t understand why Matt won’t come back and why he’s so hung-up on you.”

  Ouch! “It could be because of the way you treat him and others.”

  “I just know what I want. Something so wrong with that?”

  “I guess not. But it doesn’t hurt to be nice every now and then.”

  “Honey, why? I have two men. More than you can say.”

  Alyssa felt her anger begin to boil and she couldn’t hold back. “Why do you think you’re so much better than me? Who cares that you’re screwing two men? It makes you look like a slut. And now you’re knocked up and you don’t know who the father is. Your life is a mess.”

  Diane groaned. “You’re jealous.”

  “Oh, please. I have nothing to be jealous of. You’re bitter and a mean person. And the only way you can feel good about yourself is to hurt others. Look what you did to me over a stupid fight on where to take Cody for his birthday dinner. When he chose my place, you got so pissed off that you stole my boyfriend. You have serious issues!”

  The line was silent. Alyssa pulled the phone from her ear to see if the call was still connected and saw it was. Had she really just shut her sister up?

  “I’m so…” Alyssa began.

  “No, don’t apologize. You’re right. I get my feelings hurt and I lash out. It’s how I got in this whole mess. Matt pissed me off, so behind his back, I told Tom it was okay. I set it up for Tom to have sex with me in front of Matt.”

  Alyssa rubbed a hand along her face. She had no idea what to say about her sister’s love triangle. “I think you need to come to Matt then.”

  “Why? If he’d come home, I would make it up to him.”

  “Diane, sometimes you have to make compromises in life. And this is one of those times. I have no idea how you feel about Matt. But if you want him back, and to make things right, I think you’re going to have to come to Brookfield and get him. Probably even grovel.”

  “Eeew,” her sister said.

  “Yeah, it sucks. But it probably has to happen.”

  She was silent again and Alyssa hoped what she was saying to her sister was beginning to sink in. “Can I see you while I’m in town?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Don’t tell him I’m coming. Do you know where he’s staying?”

  “He’s with Cody, last I knew. I’ll tell Cody not to say anything, but to make sure he stays there.”

  “That would be great.” She sighed. “I wonder if Brookfield would be a good place to raise the baby. Do you think they would accept us?”

  “I don’t see why they wouldn’t. It’s something to think about. I’d love to have you around and help out with the child.”

  “This is getting way too gushy for me. I’ll text you when I get there.”

  Alyssa laughed. “Sounds good. Talk to you soon.”

  “All right. And thank you.”

  “No problem.” Alyssa ended the call and set the phone down.

  That conversation was one of the best they’d had in a long time. It had been nice to sit and actually connect. Alyssa was still shocked that Diane hadn’t gone off on her after Alyssa yelled at her. Now to just hope things worked out with Matt.

  * * * *

  Alyssa fidgeted in her seat as Connor pulled up in his driveway and pressed the button to open the garage. Dinner had been amazing—as always. Connor really knew how to woo a woman. And now she was staying the night with him. She was excited, but also scared silly about it.

  As Connor shut off the ignition, he pressed the button again and the door started to go back down. No turning back. She looked over at him and he grinned at her, causing the butterflies to race
around inside her.

  “I’m really glad you agreed to tonight,” he said.

  “Me too.”

  He leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her cheek before climbing out. She followed suit and pulled her bag from the back. As they entered his place, she gazed around. She was in awe of his décor. He must’ve hired someone.

  “What do you think?” He dropped his keys on the counter.

  “It’s great. Now I’m embarrassed that you’re always at my place and yours looks like this.”

  “Nonsense. Mine, I don’t feel comfortable in. Maybe it’s why I’m never here. Yours, I love. I feel at home there.” He wrapped his arms around her waist.

  Her cheeks burned. “Show me around.”

  Connor took her hand and gave her the grand tour. Everything was sparkling clean and in place. The décor was all black and silver and very modern. The living room cradled a big T.V. As they went down the hallway, she knew where they were headed next. They passed a room with a door open. She assumed was the guest room. Then a room was next to his that was closed.

  “What’s in there?” she asked.

  “My secret.”

  “Are you going to show me?”

  “I’m not sure. You already know my reading habits, but you might think I’m a dweeb if you see what’s in there.”

  “Oh, please.” She laughed. “My curiosity is piqued. I’m liable to sneak in here while you sleep.”

  He joined her in laughter. “I believe you would.”

  The door opened and Alyssa gasped. It was filled with a computer, another T.V., and gaming consoles. The walls were covered in posters. He had a big bookshelf full of books, as well as another with figurines. She knew he liked video games, but not to this extreme.

  Alyssa turned back and said, “Wow, you have an impressive room here.”

  “You don’t think I’m a dork?”

  “Heck, no. I love video games.”

  His eyes lit up. “You’re not serious.”

  Alyssa walked over and plopped down on the couch. “Let’s play.”

  Connor sat next to her and handed her a controller. “I think you’ve just stolen my heart.”

  “That’s been my plan all along.”

  * * * *