Page 21

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Emerson

Kelton and I are on the couch, snuggled up underneath a blanket with a movie playing when the doorman clears Jerry and Alizabeth to come up. I try to slip away but Kelton grips my hip beneath the blanket and holds me to his side.

“We aren’t hiding it from her,” he states, looking back at the television. “Or anyone for that matter.”

I smile and settle in just as the door opens and the sounds of their laughter filter in.

“I think it’s cute,” Liz says with a laugh. “She was so into you.”

“She was sixty,” he deadpans, looking at her like she is crazy which only makes her laugh harder.

“It means she’s got more experience,” Liz adds and Jerry stares at here with a blank expression. “All I’m saying is she very well could be the woman that rocks your world.”

Jerry notices both Kelton and I turn looking back at them and points to Liz. “Is she for real?”

“I’m very real.” She winks, cupping her chest and Kelton lowers his chin to his chest, groaning in that annoyed tone he does when he’s met with something he doesn’t like.

I don’t miss the way Jerry’s focus goes to the very spot she is currently holding and she of course notices too.

“I’d offer you a feel to confirm, but feels weird now that we’re in my brother’s place. ”

“Very,” Kelton says, still looking at his lap.

“Maybe we should go back out to the hallway, or my car?”

“Jerry,” Kelton warns and I bite my lip to hide my smile.

“Hey, she offered, I’m just trying to make it less uncomfortable for you.” Jerry shrugs like it’s no big deal and he’s being so thoughtful.

“Keep your hands off my sister’s tits.” Kelton grips my hip tighter and I’m not sure he even notices. Of course Alizabeth and Jerry laugh. I’ll admit it is fun to fire Kelton up, he makes it too easy.

“What have you two been up to?” Liz asks, flopping down on the couch beside me. Reaching into our bowl of popcorn she grabs a handful, looking between the two of us. Kelton relaxes back into the cushion obviously not acknowledging her question, leaving me alone to answer.

“Movies,” I say, pointing to the screen chanting in my head for her to please not ask me what it is about. Because until ten minutes ago, her brother and I were naked doing naughty things all over this apartment. Dirty things, oh so dirty.

Instantly I feel my cheeks heat and she notices too. I know it the very second her eyes narrow like she is zoning in ready to pounce with the questions.

“I’ve seen this movie so many times,” she says without looking away from me. “What’s your favorite part?”

“I don’t know yet, because it’s still playing.” I hold her stare, hoping I can withstand her intimidation tactics.

“But if you had to choose, from the beginning til now, what would it be?” I don’t answer. “Or your favorite character. Mine is Trevor, I think he is the most adorable in a rugged kind of way.”

“Trevor is a good addition,” I say it before I even think. She has me, leaning in a whisper of a smile tugging at her lips.

“There is no Trevor.” She looks from me to her brother. “Do either of you want to fess up?”

“Hey, Kelton,” Jerry hollers out behind us, and we all look back in his direction.

He is facing away from looking out the window.

I assume he sees something down below and am actually thankful for the interruption until I watch it unfold.

It’s almost like it’s in slow motion. He leans in, lifts his hand and using his sleeve rubs at something on the glass.

“Are these palm prints on your glass?”

I know my eyes widen in horror, because I feel the realization of his discovery coursing through me in a hot embarrassing wave.

“Yup.” Kelton doesn’t even attempt to deny it. In fact, he goes one step further. “And if you go about three feet lower there’s an ass print too.”

Jerry chuckles and Kelton smiles proudly.

My stomach rolls, my pulse quickens, and ever so slowly I turn my head to look at my best friend. She is already looking at me as if waiting for the moment she can say, “Busted.”