Page 8 of Filthy Uncle To Go

“You think so?” I ask.

“I know so,” he says, taking a step toward me.

The sizzling air between us creates an undeniable steam. I could be wrong, but it feels like Uncle Drake is flirting with me. But I must be imagining the vibe I feel between us because there’s no way he would be interested in me. After all, I’m like a niece to him. Taboo. Totally off-limits.

“Thanks,” I mutter, trying to hide my blushing cheeks.

“I mean it,” Drake says, his eyes staring intensely at me. Oh gosh, it’s almost as if they have a hold on my heart. The look in his eyes draws me toward him, making it impossible to break free from his gaze. “It seems like you’ve grown up to be an amazing woman.”

“Thanks, Uncle Drake.” My voice quivers as the words flow from my mouth. I can’t stop staring at his lips. My heart begs me to lean in and kiss him, but my mind advises me otherwise.

“I still can’t believe you’re in college,” he comments.

“Yeah, time flew by,” I giggle.

“What are you studying?” he asks.

“I haven’t picked a major yet, but I’m thinking about studying sociology,” I say.

“Sociology? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that before,” he says dryly. I can’t help giggling, and to my surprise, he laughs too.

“It’s the study of societies and how people interact within those societies,” I explain.

“Isn’t that the same as anthropology?” he asks.

“Kind of.” I giggle again. “Anthropology is the study of people, but it focuses more on culture as opposed to the social world, like sociology does. But the two areas definitely overlap. There’s actually a sub-branch called social anthropology which takes into account both areas of study.” I pause as I glance up into his eyes. “Sorry. I’m rambling, aren’t I?”

“No, not at all,” he denies as he shakes his head. “I like listening to you explain the difference between the two. I’m impressed by the big words you’re using.” He chuckles again, causing laughter to flow from my lips as well.

“They’re not big words,” I assure him. “They’re just small words with an -ology added to the end of them.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll do well in whatever major you choose. You’ve always been a bright girl,” he says.

“Thank you,” I say, smiling from ear to ear.

“You’re welcome.” He gently places a big hand on my arm, sending a wave of tingles throughout my body. “It was great catching up with you, Jenna. If you ever need anything, just remember I’m a little closer to Marymount than your parents, and I wouldn’t mind helping you out if you were ever in a jam.”

He’s right – I’ve never been to his penthouse, but Mom and Dad told me it’s only about ten minutes away from campus. They told me I should call him if I ever have an emergency. It’s good to know that he’s giving me the go ahead to reach out to him if I’m ever in need. Yet I wish this moment didn’t have to end. If only it could last forever.

“It was good catching up with you too, Uncle Drake,” I say, gazing into his eyes one last time.

Am I crazy, or are sparks flying between us? The air around us feels magical; it’s like we’re in our own little world. He gently caresses my arm, sending another wave of tingles through my frame. My body is pleading with him to take me in his arms, but instead, he merely looks deep into my eyes. I wish he didn’t have to let go, but someone could waltz into the kitchen any second now and sense the heat between us.

He releases his grip and then takes another sip of wine before leaving the kitchen. I lean against the counter, my body still reacting to his touch even though he’s gone. I sigh, wishing he would come back and kiss me softly. I couldn’t have been imagining the vibe between us; it had to have been real. The feeling must be mutual, but neither one of us can act on our impulses. Instead, I’ll have to forget about the moment we just shared. After all, it’s what’s best for both of us.

6

Drake

The front door slams behind me as I step into my empty penthouse. I unravel the scarf from around my neck and toss it onto the coat rack along with my jacket. I place my hand on my six-pack abs; my stomach is still full from the dinner I just had with the Millers. I drag my feet down the hallway toward my bedroom. The sound of my footsteps echoes through my home, but it’s better than the silence that usually consumes my abode.

I place my hand on my bedroom door and slowly push it open. The moonlight beams through the large windows, illuminating my empty bed. I lie down on the cold mattress with thoughts of Jenna playing over and over again in my mind. Fuck! How can I be attracted to a woman who’s practically my niece? My late wife is her aunt, for Pete’s sake – not to mention she’s only twenty years old, and a sophomore in college. This is completely wrong, and even though I know it, I can’t get her out of my head.

I keep telling myself she’s off limits, but that doesn’t stop me from thinking about her. In fact, she’s been the only thing on my mind since I laid eyes on her tonight. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted – a beautiful, smart woman who’s kind and gives a damn about other people. I want her badly, but that young woman is innocent and pure, possibly even still a virgin.

Somehow, I managed to fight the urge to kiss her in the kitchen after dinner. I wanted to lock lips with her, but I didn’t want to frighten her. Sparks flew between us as I gazed into her eyes, but I knew not to push the envelope. So far, nothing has happened between us, and nothing will happen as long as I keep my distance from her.

But how do I fight these powerful urges? Jenna’s hips beckoned as they swayed from side to side. She had to have known she was hypnotizing me because I couldn’t take my eyes off of her the entire night. Luckily, no one caught me staring at her. At least, I don’t think so.