The MC’s Little Brother (Bikers and Babies #3)

Chapter 23

23

Melissa

M y mind was a jumble of emotions. Elation, joy, surprise. I didn’t think he’d kiss me back. It was a whim. A need to prove to myself that I was imagining the flirting, the affection in his tone, the interest. I wanted to banish the idea that he saw me as more than just Wyatt’s little sister. I fully prepared for him to push me away, to turn me down.

He didn’t.

He chased me, kissing me back like a starving man given his first taste of something real. It was gentle, but fierce; intense in all the ways that made my toes curl. He didn’t push immediately to stick his tongue in my mouth. He wasn’t that guy. He took his time exploring my lips with his, sipping and tasting like he wanted to savor it. I was the one who pushed for more, nipping at his bottom lip to demand entry.

I might have made the first move, but every inch I gave him, he took it and ran with it. Sliding his tongue into my mouth in a sensual caress that made my stomach do cartwheels. My hands slid up his chest, arms wrapping around his neck to draw him closer. We were chest to chest, and it still didn’t feel close enough .

He took a few steps forward until my back was up against the door to his room and he had me caged against it. When his hips rocked against mine, I felt the length of him pressed against me. It only made me burn hotter, knowing he was just as affected as I was.

He pulled away, dragging kisses along my jaw instead. I bit my lip, tangling my fingers in his silky hair. I couldn’t get enough. Never wanted him to stop. I tightened my grip when I felt him pull away, desperate to keep him close. But I could tell he was starting to come to his senses. His body grew tense and his kisses slowed. I whimpered, knowing he was going to stop us but willing to do anything to change his mind.

“Don’t stop. Please,” I breathed, twisting to capture his lips again. He kissed me back, but his heart wasn’t in it. And when he finally straightened, the resignation was written all over his face.

“We can’t, Mel.”

My heart broke at his conviction, but before I could protest, he spoke again.

“Not until I talk to Prez.”

Surprised, I looked up at him. “What?”

He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against mine. “You’re not some hang around I’d meet for a quick fuck. You’re too good for that. If we do anything, it’s with the full intention of seeing where this goes. If that’s not what you want–”

“It is!” I interrupted, lifting onto my toes to kiss him again. It was quick, more of an emphasis, but he responded in kind, kissing me hard before he forced himself away. He put a few feet between us and I felt the loss, just like I had at the arcade. Like his presence kept me warm and the minute he walked away, cold enveloped me.

“Then I have to talk to Prez. I’m not sneaking around behind his back. I won’t do that.”

He said it with such vehemence that it made my heart skip a beat. He didn’t want a hookup. He wanted to date me. And he wouldn’t do it without telling Wyatt first. I wanted to argue that Wyatt shouldn’t have a say, but Wraith was loyal. He’d never betray his friendship by keeping this kind of secret. Especially since he intended to see it through.

“Okay,” I finally murmured. It was the only thing I could think to say .

He nodded once, then turned on his heel and walked away. Stunned, I followed him, watching as he grabbed his keys and went for the front door.

“Wait. Right now?”

He looked over his shoulder at me, his expression oddly serious. “Yes, now. I can’t have you so close to me, knowing we both want this, without being able to touch you. I’ll be back.”

He disappeared out the door and I heard the engine of his bike roar to life a second later. I could only stare at the door as the sound disappeared down the street.

“Mel?”

Sucking in a sharp breath, I hurried forward so Xander didn’t think he was home alone. Thor sat at his feet, looking completely content. He’d gone to lie down with Xander when we got back and didn’t seem bothered in the slightest that Wraith had left him behind.

“Hey, honey. What’s up?”

His eyes flicked toward the window above the door, then back to me. “Did Mattias leave?”

I nodded, waving a hand toward the front yard. “Yeah, he had to go talk to my brother about something. He’ll be back soon. Did his bike wake you?”

All three bedrooms were on the same side of the house as the driveway, so I could understand that. When he nodded, I offered him an apologetic smile.

“Sorry. I know they’re loud. You can go back to sleep if you want? We’re not in a hurry to be anywhere.”

He shook his head, coming downstairs to join me. “I’m a little hungry.”

I winced. “Ah. Okay, well as your bestie, I’m going to warn you that I can’t cook. But I do know someone who can, and I need to talk to her anyway. How do you feel about visiting a friend of mine?”

Thankfully, I knew today Maggie was at Skylar’s place. Skylar, being the superhero she was, volunteered to play with Zoey part of the week so Maggie could study in peace on days when Wyatt didn’t need her in the office. She was studying part time to become a paralegal to better help Wyatt and Danielle in their law office. In exchange for babysitting, Maggie cooked dinner for Skylar’s family. I almost always came over to indulge myself because Maggie’s food was amazing. Her traditional Japanese dishes were my favorite.

I texted Wraith to let him know where we were and gave Thor a treat to distract him while we were gone. Xander looked a little apprehensive about going somewhere new, but I really shouldn’t have been responsible for feeding him unless takeout was involved. And while he was healing, healthy meals were better.

I parked out front since the driveway was already full with Skylar and Maggie’s cars. There was a familiar bike out front too, which made me snort.

“Looks like Rooster is here to beg for a meal. He claims the favorite uncle title for most of the kids and uses that to get free food.”

Xander snickered, relaxing a little at the promise of a familiar, friendly face. I almost wanted to mention the favorite uncle bet the crew had going on, since it was getting annoying just how often Rooster won that battle. The only one currently who didn’t pick him was Gracie. She loved Wraith and wouldn’t choose anyone over him but her own daddy. I didn’t want to sway the results, though. I had to let Xander choose on his own.

The door opened before I had to knock, and Rooster beamed at me. “Back again so soon? Am I your favorite too?”

I rolled my eyes, urging Xander inside with an arm around his shoulders. “Not even a little bit.”

We came inside and I did a double take when I noticed Skylar laying on the floor. “Is everything alright?”

Zoey popped up, wearing tiny scrubs and a white coat. “Skylar sick. I fix it.”

Skylar snickered from her spot on the floor, masking the look and feigning illness again when Zoey turned around.

“Oh. My head hurts so much. Help me, Doctor Zoey.”

I chuckled to myself, shaking my head. “I thought you passed out or something. Doesn’t your back hurt?”

“Oh, I’m not moving until Butch gets home,” Skylar said plainly. “The girls wanted me to play and once I was down here, I knew I wasn’t getting back up. It’s fine, though. Ellie got me a pillow and her blankie to snuggle. Ryder is napping, so I don’t have to move any time soon.”

Leading Xander farther into the living room, I looked around for the toddler. I found her in Butch’s favorite chair, her head clumsily wrapped in fake bandages and a sippee cup in her hand. She mimicked her mommy, making groaning sounds.

“What about uncle Rooster? What’s his illness?”

Zoey shook her head and pointed at Rooster. “Nurse.”

“Oh, really?” I said, drawing out the word as I spun around.

He put a hand on his heart with a mock serious expression. “I promise to do the job justice.”

Cackling, I shoved his shoulder and nudged Xander toward him. “Give Xander a job and I’ll come play in a minute. I wanna say hi to Maggie.”

Rooster didn’t give Xander a chance to get nervous before he threw his arm around the poor boy’s neck and dragged him into the living room, calling for Zoey as he did. “Oh, Doctor! We have a new patient! Be nice to him. He’s a mighty laser tag hero.”

Snickering to myself, I ducked into the kitchen before Zoey could pull me into the game. I loved that little girl to pieces and if she pouted at me, I’d be doomed.

Maggie was humming to herself as she cooked, the air filled with the smell of fried food and deliciousness. I knew better than to sneak up on her when she was dealing with oil, so I entered her line of vision before announcing myself.

“Hey, bestie.”

Her smile grew, and she quickly flipped whatever she had cooking in the pan before wiping off her hands and giving me a hug.

“Hey, you. I figured you’d get here eventually.”

“Aw, you do know me,” I teased, bumping my hip against hers. “Do you have enough for two more? I brought Xander with me and I assume Wraith won’t be far behind us.” Unless things went horribly wrong with his conversation with Wyatt. In which case, I wasn’t sure what would happen.

My stomach sank. I hadn’t thought about that. Would Wraith put a stop to us before we’ve even started if Wyatt was against it? Would my impulsiveness make staying with him and Xander awkward? I should’ve thought this through better.

“Mel? Is everything okay?”

Drawing in a deep breath, I forced myself to smile. “Yep. All good. What are you making?”

She narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, giving me the look that she believed absolutely zero percent of my lie. I sighed, stepping forward to lean my head against her shoulder.

“I kissed Wraith.”

She startled hard, nearly dislodging me from her shoulder. “Oh!” She immediately turned down the heat on the stove, steering me to the table. “Hold on. Let me just–” She hurried out of the room, and a few minutes later, she came back with Skylar on her heels.

I made a face. “I thought you weren’t getting off the floor until Butch got home.”

She waved that away, taking the seat next to mine. “This is an emergency. So you finally told him how you feel?”

Blinking rapidly, I looked between her and Maggie. “Hold on. You knew?”

Skylar snorted, and Maggie pressed her lips together tightly to hide her expression. My mouth fell open.

“Since when?”

“I’ve known since I first got here,” Skylar said, raising her hand.

Maggie wrinkled her nose. “I figured it out pretty quickly, too. It’s kind of hard not to notice the way you look at him.”

I couldn’t decide if I was horrified or not. Embarrassed, sure. I didn’t realize I was so pathetic that people noticed my crush.

“Does Wyatt know?”

Maggie shook her head quickly and Skylar gave me a look that said I was being a little dense.

“Of course not. He’s a guy. They don’t notice things unless it's spelled out for them.”

I snickered, but my amusement was short-lived. Dropping my head onto the table, I groaned. Skylar put her hand on mine, and Maggie came around the table to hug me and rub my back .

“What’s wrong? Did it not go well?”

“No,” I said, sitting up. “It went great. Single-handedly the best kiss of my life. But then he got all in his head about it and said he wouldn’t go any farther until he talked to Wyatt. So now I just have to wait and see if I finally get the man I’ve dreamed about for years, or if my brother is going to be a jackass and ruin things before we even have a chance to start.”