Page 35 of Switch

“Right.”Wes agrees at a startling volume.“We don’t exactly, uh…”

Something’s weird here.It’s not like my brother to seem to be at a loss for words.He’s staring at me again with wide eyes, which reminds me I’m still only wearing boxer briefs, for God’s sake.

“Wes, it’s after ten.”

“I had a late shift at the hotel.”He makes no move to leave, not even an apology for barging in so late.Has Wes always been this bad at reading the room?

“Okay.Well, thanks for stopping by, but PJ and I have plans.”Is he not getting the hint, or is he being stubborn?

I even go so far as to put a hand on my brother’s upper back, gently steering him toward the door.

Wes, however, digs his heels in.“Cool.What’s going on with you guys?I’m starving.Ohhh, that ramen place is open late.My treat, huh?I’ll grab some beers.”

With that, he turns toward the kitchen, and I’m left staring at PJ, who’s glaring at my brother’s retreating form.After a beat, he asks, “Do you want me to leave?”

“I invited you here.Wes is the one who dropped by unannounced.”

PJ’s face hardens.“You want me to kick him out?I don’t have a problem pissing people off.Use me.”

Use me.Something sparks in my belly at that, at PJ’s desire to fix this for me.My blood is again rushing down to?—

“Dammit, I need to get dressed.”

PJ glances down, grinning.“Yeah, you probably should.If I try to jump your bones in front of your brother, things could get uncomfortable.”

Things are already uncomfortable.

This is the part where I tell PJ I didn’t call him here for sex.We’re so far past the “just friends” line I can’t see it anymore.Except I really do need to get dressed.

“I’ll be right back.”

I take the stairs two at a time and throw on a shirt and lounge pants as fast as possible.When I come down again, I find PJ and Wes huddled in the kitchen, seemingly exchanging harsh whispers.

There’s a creak as my foot hits the bottom stair.PJ pulls away with a whisper-growl of “Fuck you, man.”

I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’m grateful to see PJ appears to have washed his hands.

Wes looks up, his face tomato red.“Hey, great timing.I ordered noodles.PJ and I were…debating a movie.”

PJ’s looking this side of murderous.Something’s weird here, but I must still be too orgasm addled, because I can’t tease it out.

“Your brother and I aren’t seeing eye to eye,” PJ explains.“On movies.He has no appreciation for romance.”

Wes narrows his eyes.“Yeah, well, any guy who says he does is probablya fucking liar.”

PJ’s face reddens.He reaches into his pocket, the one I think he keeps a knife in.

Then I do something that surprises everyone, including me.I step between the two of them, pushing into my older brother’s space.

“Wes.Stop.”

As it is, I’m past tired of him trying to walk all over my love life.Letting him shit-talk PJ when I’ve invited him over is something I won’t accept.“PJ’s a guest, and you’re being rude.”

Wes’s mouth drops open.At least he’s silent.

“Hey, it’s fine.”PJ nudges his shoulder with mine.“I told him this should be your decision anyway.Right?”He gives Wes a look I can’t decipher.

Wes sags back against the granite countertop, looking apologetic and also like he’s tried to swallow a lemon whole.“Yeah, bro.Your call.”