Page 23 of Three Pucking Ex's Brothers

His warm smirk melts my insides a fraction.

“You guys really didn’t have to do this,” I say, leaning into his space without hesitation. I clutch my clothes to my chest.

I’m acutely aware of his hand where it still rests. Never moving. I shift a bit, the motion driving it lower to rest just above my ass.

“Don’t do that,” he says softly.

“Do what?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper. My head feels hazy from the alcohol, my recent orgasm, and the way Rush Sterling is looking at me right now.

Like he’sstarving, and I’m a damn buffet.

“Taking care of you isn’t an obligation, you know,” he says, his voice dark and warm. His gaze drifts to my mouth, where it hovers. “It’s what a man is supposed to do.” He swallows hard. “Make sure you’re safe. Happy.”

He bites his lip, swallowing hard. “Loved.”

His words are heavy, tinged with his own haze of drink and something else I can’t quite place. His hand gently tightens its grip, tugging me closer, and I follow without question, the motion driving us together. So close I could snake my arms around him like when we danced. So close I can feel the warmth from his body emanating against me.

And then I feelhim.

Or rather, his evident hardness. Heat flushes my cheeks as I realize I must’ve interrupted him when I came in, and the thought makes my damn pussy twitch. Again.

Seriously, what is wrong with me tonight? Is this the beginning of a mid-life crisis or something?

Rush reaches one hand out, pushing some wet hair behind my shoulder. “It’s what you deserve, Nora. Being a gentleman is the bare fucking minimum. Some assholes don’t understand that.”

“Rush…” I breathe his name as I lean in closer, the familiar haze hitting me all over. His scent, his dark gaze, his voice…

His words…they strike something inside of me.

He swallows hard and then removes his hand. He steps back.

“If you need anything, I’ll be up for…a while,” he says. “I’ll be in the living room catching up on my shows.” His voice shifts to one I know better. Vibrant, friendly.

“Okay,” I say as he leaves me in the bedroom.

I set my clothes down and get in bed. It feels weird. Awkward.

Not just because it’s in their house, but because it’s bigger than the guest room bed at my brother’s but smaller than the one I shared with Brett.

There’s no body to warm me. No cat to curl in my lap. There’s only the cold, stark reminder that I am alone.

I toss and turn, trying to get comfortable, but it’s no use.

So, I get up and head to the living room. Rush said he was going to watch some TV, so maybe if I zone out and watch some television, I’ll get tired enough to sleep.

Even though I’ve had enough to drink and my body is spent, my mind won’t shut off. All it wants to do is overthink and analyze everything, and I need something to numb the anxiety.

When I get to the living room, thankfully, Russ’s hands are spread out along the backside of the couch. The light of the TV illuminates him.

He turns to look at me. “You okay?”

I shake my head as I carefully walk over to the couch and take a seat on the other side. Russ looks at me in question.

“Can’t sleep. My brain it just…won’t shut off.” I twist my lips. “Thought maybe some mindless TV and some company would help?”

Russell nods like he understands. He pats the cushion next to him.

“Oh, no, I don’t want to encroach in your space, I’m okay over here.”