BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER

“I’m glad you came” he said to her, “I almost thought that you wouldn’t honor my invitation”

“Now why would you say that?” she asked, and he had to concentrate hard to remember what he’d said.

“I-I guess because you didn’t look very thrilled about it when I invited you.” he essayed at last, congratulating himself on his memory. “I’m glad you came Sasha”

Her lips were pressed together when she turned to give him a doubtful look, and Kaleb guessed she didn’t really believe him. Long lashes, several shades darker than her hair, shaded her expression, however, and Kaleb found himself imagining how they would feel against his lips. He wanted to kiss her, he realized. He wanted to press that slim luscious body against his own and ease his aching need between her legs…

“I don’t think that’s very fair, Kaleb” she said, and his arousal abruptly deflated. “You invited me in the weirdest way possible.”

An eyebrow lifted. He did?

“Walking into my truck…” she continued, “Helping Tilly and I, then randomly mentioning your new house and party. You can’t blame me if I looked… I don’t know…surprised. And it’s not like you and I have ever been….”

“Been what?” he insisted, deciding that he had nothing more to lose.

“… Close” Sasha completed and looked away, as if she was afraid to stare into his eyes.

He grinned at her. She was right, they had never been close, but now he wanted to be. He wanted to be really close to her… As close as possible. She still wouldn’t look at him, so he said, “Why are you so afraid to talk to me?” His dark brows elevated. “I am not so terrifying, am I?”

She turned then, balancing her hips again and folding her arms across her midriff. “I am not afraid to talk to you, Kaleb” she said, and he had to admire her spirit. “What do you want to talk about?”

Kaleb lifted one hand to wipe the moisture from his nape. He refused to accept that it was done to buy himself a little time, but there was no doubt that she had caught him off guard.

“All right. Tell me what you have been up to these past years. I want to know everything I can about Sasha Sullivan.”

There was a perceptible hesitation when that tempting tongue appeared and bit her lower lip, and then she seemed to straighten her spine before saying slowly, “Funny how you’re suddenly interested.”

Kaleb gave her a dry look. She looked down at her feet then, and Kaleb found himself doing the same, watching as she crossed one slim foot over the other.

“Your place is very lovely by the way” she said softly.

Kaleb grinned at her, “Would you like a little tour while we talk?” he asked.

She looked around. “It’s your party Kaleb. Won’t your guests miss you?”

“Trust me, they won’t” he said, placing his hand against the small of her back and leading her out of the room. “They might not even notice that I’m gone”

Sasha returned his smile, letting herself get caught up in his little teasing comments and letting him lead the way until a painting on the wall caught her attention. She’d hardly registered her surroundings, which was astonishing just like the room they’d just left. It was a hallway, and it was large. The entire house screamed money. Every piece of it was perfect and gorgeous. And so were the flower arrangements..

She headed over to the nearest pedestal, one of three that lined the hallway. Whoever did the flowers was a master. They were gorgeous and lush and perfectly suited that space.

“What are you staring at?”

She turned at Kaleb’s voice. “They’re fabulous.” she said,

“Certainly not more beautiful than the woman standing by my side.” he said.

Sasha rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

“I’m counting on it.” came his reply.

She flushed a little at his comment as he handed her a martini. She looked puzzled, then she realized that he must have gotten it on their way out of the party. He’d gotten himself a drink, too, she observed.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“This house is really amazing.” she said again.

He looked around. “There is a certain art to ostentation, isn’t there?” he asked, watching her face for a reaction. He wasn’t disappointed.

She gave him a look that made him smirk. “Indeed.” she said simply.

He took a sip of his drink and met her gaze. “So let’s talk. What has Sasha Sullivan been up to?”

Sasha sipped her martini a little too quickly, but dammit, she needed the courage. “Pretty much the same thing every adult is doing. Working… Pushing through… Working….”

Kaleb nodded, “Tell me about it. Sometimes it’s like we don’t have time for the little things anymore. Remember how simple it was when we were kids? It was so easy, you know. All we had to worry about was school, friends and parties”

“You certainly had a lot of friends yourself, Mr popular” said Sasha.

Kaleb grinned, “Nice try, Doll face, but we’re not talking about me right now. You’re the subject, so tell me, how on earth are you combining your business with school.”

She lifted a eyebrow in surprise, and Kaleb added helpfully, “Tilly told me you’re also studying to get your masters degree”

“Oh” said Sasha, wondering how much he and Tilly had discussed and how much he knew. They were siblings and even if she was an only child, she knew that siblings talked to each other… About a lot of things. “Well, it can be tiring obviously, but it certainly helps that Tilly is this too. We study together sometimes and she helps me at the food truck too. You know, your parents helped with a very good donation when I started things. They have been very helpful too… My parents and I are very grateful for their help.”

“How are your parents? I should come say hello to them soon. I can’t even remember the last time I saw them.”

“I’m sure they would love that,” Sasha replied truthfully. “You know, they didn’t really like it when I moved out. They insisted that there was no point since I’d still be living in the same town, but I had to leave. I know they love me but I felt like I was too old to keep living with my parents and I wouldn’t be able to figure out life on my own if they were always there… You know “