Page 25 of Not That Guy

“No one does. And when that bastard is asked, Where’s your son?

Where’s Weston? How come he’s not here? he lies and says I’m too busy working in New York City.

If he ever once let me know, I’d get on a fucking plane and be there for her.

Not him.” I laughed. “Because they’ve never invited me for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any vacations they’ve taken.

I’ve seen their holiday cards, and it’s just the three of them. Like I don’t exist.”

Pale and stunned, Brenner touched my arm. “West, I’m—”

“Don’t say it.” I stared unseeing at the television screen.

“Don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t want pity—yours or anyone’s.

I only told you so that you’ll know why I am the way I am.

After I caught him in his sleazy affair, I didn’t give a damn about anything.

The one thing I knew was that I’d never be anything like him—it’s why I refused to go to his alma mater and chose a different school.

He was furious, but that only made me happier and more driven.

When we met in law school and you challenged me, I took out on you all the anger I’d bottled up over my father’s infidelity and my mother’s illness.

I focused on one thing—being number one.

I couldn’t lose. It had nothing to do with you personally.

It would’ve been anyone who stood in my way. ”

“Makes sense. I guess we both had secrets we weren’t willing to share. I figured you were a rich, spoiled kid who had everything handed to him and never had to work for it.”

My lips twitched. “I was a rich, spoiled kid who had everything handed to him. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t smart. Or didn’t work hard. Playing tag team with you for best in class was a great incentive.”

“Glad I could help.”

“Was that a joke, Fleming? Don’t tell me you have a sense of humor too.”

“I’m here with you, aren’t I?” he razzed, and I didn’t understand why I noticed how his eyes crinkled shut when he laughed.

“Don’t get too full of yourself, Fleming.”

You’re cute too, but I can’t say that.

“Polls are closed. They’re beginning to call races.” The humor faded from Brenner’s face as he glanced at me.

My lip curled in disdain as the networks called the primary for my father almost immediately. “Well, that’s that. The great Preston wins again—this time by twenty points. That’ll feed his ego.”

“What about his opponent in November?”

I shrugged. “No idea. But you see the polls. He’s leading. I may hate his guts, but the people love him.”

A smiling news reporter advised us that my father was about to make his victory speech. Brenner picked up the remote. “I’ll shut it off.”

“No. I want to hear what he says. I love when the lying, cheating fucker talks about family values.”

The set cut to the podium of the ballroom, where hundreds of supporters were packed in to hear him speak.

They didn’t have to wait long. He strode onto the stage, trim as ever in his navy suit and red-white-and-blue-striped tie, golden hair silvering at the temples.

His skin was tanned, unlined, and glowing.

Paige, with Emily in her arms, wore a red dress, her blond hair glittering under the lights.

“You don’t look like him except for the hair,” Brenner remarked.

“And thank God for that. I take after my mother’s side of the family. I’m named after her—Weston is her maiden name.”

“You’re from Texas?”

“Yeah,” I said warily, knowing exactly where this conversation was heading and hating it.

His jaw dropped. “Shit, are you…Weston Oil?”

I didn’t want to meet his eyes. “That was my great-grandfather. I obviously have nothing to do with the company, but I won’t deny that it’s where my mother’s family’s money comes from. They bankrolled my father’s career, never knowing he was cheating on her probably from the get-go.”

My attention was drawn again to my father as he basked in his glory before the music lowered and the din of the crowd lessened.

“My fellow Americans, we did it. Thank you for this win as we march to take back the White House. We have so much work to do. I look forward to the upcoming races and being your party’s nominee.

I called my challengers and wished them well and hope they stand by my side.

I want to thank you all for being here and all the hard work you’ve put in these past months.

This victory is yours as much as it is mine. ” The crowd roared with approval.

“He sure knows how to work a crowd,” Brenner remarked.

“A master.”

The cheering stopped, and Preston cast loving eyes on Paige and Emily.

“None of this would be possible without the support of my family. Paige has brought life into my heart. I didn’t know what having the support of a loving wife meant until she showed me with her tireless campaigning.

And my baby girl is the best thing to ever happen to me.

I thank God every day for giving me the blessing of this child.

She is the light of my life, and everything I do is to make the world a better place for her and all the children. ”

“Shut it off.” Without waiting to hear what Brenner would have to say, I jumped up from the couch, headed for my bedroom, and slammed the door behind me. I’d had enough soul baring for the evening and had no desire to hear his pitying words.

I sat on the edge of my bed, hands clenched into fists, trembling down to my toes. My eyes stung with unshed tears. That bastard had wiped away his whole life with us.

A knock sounded, and I brushed at my face. “Not now.” The door opened, and Brenner made his way into the room. I hadn’t turned on the lights, but the drapes were half-open, enough to illuminate Brenner’s grave expression. I scowled. “I thought you were smart, Fleming. Those were two little words.”

“And you should be smart enough to know I can see right through your bullshit.” Using only one crutch now, he set it by the night table and joined me on the bed. “I’m sorry, West. That had to be hard to hear.”

Unwilling to trust my voice, I lifted a shoulder. I wanted him to leave. I wanted him to stay.

I want him.

He sat silent. Waiting.

“It’s like the first part of his life didn’t exist. He doesn’t care about me, fine, I don’t give a damn. But to not even acknowledge my mom…she supported and helped him before she got sick. But it doesn’t matter because she’s gone.” Bitterness rose in my chest.

“You matter too.”

I shook my head and tried to stand, but Brenner put a hand on my arm, holding me still, his eyes wide and silently questioning.

“What?” I asked, my heart thundering.

Our eyes locked and I shivered but leaned in, and he met me halfway.

Our lips brushed, hesitant, but after the first touch, the second and third bloomed with growing need.

A switch flipped inside me, and everything I thought I knew about myself faded away as our breaths mingled.

Brenner’s lashes fluttered against my face, and I cupped his cheek, hungry for more.

“Don’t leave.”

He covered my hand with his. “I’m not.”

When his tongue touched my lips, I opened and licked it with my own.

Like a backdraft, fire exploded inside me, sending me spinning out of control.

“Fuck,” I groaned, and Brenner’s hand curved around my nape, tangling in my hair, yanking me closer, pain mingling with pleasure.

So much damn pleasure, I thought I might die from it.

“West—”

“Don’t stop.” I covered his mouth with mine, the kiss frantic and desperate.

I reveled in the rasp of his late-night scruff.

I wanted to drown in his sweat and heat.

Our tongues slid together, rubbing softly, then hard, in a dance I’d never planned to learn but instinctively knew the steps to.

Brenner increased the pressure of his mouth on mine, and our teeth clashed. I bit at his lips.

“More,” he moaned. “West, please.”

Mindful of his injuries, I laid him down, my attention focused on the thick bulge in his sweats. I rubbed him through the thin fabric, and he quivered violently. I did it again and again, until he lay gasping, his hips bucking up.

“You like it?”

“Feels so good, fuck, don’t stop.”

I bent closer, smelling his desire, which only fueled my own.

We’d traveled this road already, and I needed to keep walking the path to see where it took me.

I pulled off his pants and briefs, my gaze latched on his dick, rising stiff and red, the tip gleaming.

His eyes met mine, and without thinking, I swiped my tongue over the wide head.

It tasted bitter and salty, not unpleasant, and I wanted more.

“Oh Jesus, oh God, do it again,” Brenner panted, and knowing I was giving him pleasure was the biggest fucking turn-on of my life.

Giving in to what we both wanted, I licked him, and recalling how I liked my dick sucked, I put my lips over the crown and slid down as far as I could.

Velvety soft against my mouth, yet hard as stone when I pressed on it.

Brenner’s groans and sighs rose in the room, and his hands slapped the mattress.

“Gonna come, can’t…stop…” He stiffened, and I tried to pull off, but I still caught some come in my mouth before it hit my lips, chin, and cheek. In wonder, I watched him shake and gasp through his orgasm.

Brenner opened his eyes. “I should’ve been making you feel better.”

I pulled off my T-shirt and wiped my face. “The night is young.”

A smile tugged up the corner of his mouth, and my heart tumbled.

We’re just having fun here, aren’t we?