Page 25 of Pucking Tangled
TWENTY-FIVE
Casey
Casey paced across the back patio. Jaw clenched. Fists balled up.
He bit his tongue. Pushed his own feelings so far down that it gave him heartburn.
First it was Luca, tasting what Casey wished was his.
Then Waylon made his move.
“Fucking idiot,” he grumbled to himself. For years, he kept his mouth shut. Never told Mia how he felt. Never tried to show her how deeply he really cared for her. More than just a best friend or a big brother.
Now she was slipping through his fingertips and falling for his best friends.
The slider door opened behind him. He didn’t bother to look since he knew exactly who it was.
Owen’s arms slid around his waist and he kissed him between the shoulder blades. “You okay?”
“Fuck no.”
Owen held on to him for a beat before spinning him around and forcing him to look him in the eyes. “Luca’s got hearts in his eyes and Waylon’s light fires. But she still looks at you like you’re her home. You know that means something, right?”
Emotions swelled in Casey’s throat. “Won’t fucking matter if I don’t do something, soon.”
Owen nodded. “I’m inclined to agree. I’m following your lead here, though. Maybe now that the rules have gone up in flames, it’s time for us to invite her out to dinner. On a date. Put everything out on the table and see what happens.”
Could they though?
Was Casey brave enough to tell Mia how he really felt and face the repercussions of whatever happened next?
“I didn’t expect to feel like this after knowing her and Luca…hooked up.”
Owen chucked. “Bullshit. Babe, you knew the minute you said you’d take a single step back that you were going to go nuts. Fuck, it was all I could do to keep you from storming into Luca’s room last night and claiming her like she was a dog in heat and you were her alpha.”
“Might be a hell of a lot easier if I was a dog. Or if this was one of those Omegaverse romances,” Casey snorted.
“That is the last thing we need.”
“Think it’s too soon for me to say something now?”
Owen raised a brow. “I want to say let her breathe. But I’m afraid if you don’t tell her soon, someone’s going to get hurt.”
Casey took Owen’s hand. “I’m going to find Mia.”
“Right behind you,” Owen said, following his lead.
Mia was curled up on the living room sofa reading a book, when they went inside.
Casey walked in and sat on the coffee table, right in front of her. All the pain, the heat, the fear, the desire burned deep in his chest.
Owen stood behind him with his arms crossed. Silently watching.
Mia set down her book and froze when she locked eyes with Casey.
“You and Luca,” Casey said, his voice low. Rough. Raw with emotion. “That happened.”
Mia opened her mouth, then snapped it closed looking like a fish out of water.
“I heard you,” he confessed. “Last night. Early this morning. And I could see it all over your face when you came to breakfast.”
She bit her lip, Unshed tears filling her eyes.
“Was it just his turn?” Casey asked. “Was that all it was?”
Mia blew out a harsh breath. “No.”
“Then what the hell am I supposed to do now?” His resolve snapped and his voice rose. “Just keep pretending I’m fine? Keep being your best friend while the rest of them take turns touching you?”
She flinched like his words were a slap across the face.
Owen stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder—grounding him, or maybe he was really holding him back. “Easy,” he said softly. “She doesn’t deserve your pain.”
Casey looked away, regret filling his soul. “I know. ”
Mia’s voice was barely above a whisper as she told him, “I don’t want to be just your best friend, Casey.”
He looked at her again. His anger wavered, giving way to the aching in his soul.
“I think that you’ve been mine for a long time,” she said. “Even before I realized it.”
The air crackled between them.
He leaned forward, reaching for her hands, and pulled her into his lap. “I don’t want to be the last one in line,” his voice cracked with deep emotion. “I don’t want to be the safe choice. I want you to want me the way I want you. Recklessly.”
She swallowed hard and her cheeks flushed. “I do.”
He hesitated—just for a second—and then kissed her.
He kissed her the way he’d dreamt about for far too long.
It wasn’t soft.
It was fierce .
Desperate.
Hungry.
Like he’d die if he couldn’t feel her. His hands cradled her face and his thumbs brushed her cheeks as he tried to memorize every single touch.
Owen stayed silent behind him.
Watching.
Waiting.
Casey finally pulled back, breathing hard.
His erection strained against shorts, begging for her attention.
Owen cleared his throat. “Is there room for two?”
Mia looked at him with wild eyes.
Casey didn’t move.
Didn’t argue .
He simply angled Mia toward Owen and gave his boyfriend a nod.
Owen stepped forward, slow and steady, his intoxicating gaze zeroed in on Mia.
Casey smiled to himself. He knew that look well. He was often the willing victim to that gaze. To Owen’s longing and passion.
“Casey isn’t the only one who’s been waiting, sweet girl,” Owen said. “And I don’t plan on holding out much longer.”