Chapter Four
Max
My arm is dead.
Pins and needles started in my fingertips a while ago, but I can’t bring myself to move.
This feels like a dream. I have always imagined what she would feel like in my arms, but nothing compares to the real thing.
Her vibrant auburn hair is fanned out behind her, making her look like a mythical creature.
I can understand why she has the nickname Sugarplum.
Lucy fell asleep halfway through the second movie and unconsciously buried herself into my side.
It was the gentlemanly thing to do to wrap my arm around her.
I’m keeping her warm, we are on the living room floor after all.
That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.
Brothers do this kind of thing all the time. But I’m not her brother, not really.
I have never viewed her as a sister, not even as a child.
She has always been my best friend. Lucy and I see things differently from most people, we view life as one big playground and make sure we enjoy every moment of it.
Or, we used to. Things have been increasingly different over the past few years.
Mainly since she moved away for college.
Even today, the hesitancy she showed towards me is so out of character for her. It has never been like this between us.
Does she know how my feelings have changed? How I don’t see her as a best friend, but something more? I need to come clean, it’s been eating away at me. I’m just worried she won’t see me the same way. And I don’t know how I’d cope if she didn’t.
Unable to control the urge, I gently play with the strands of hair that have fallen onto her face.
Moving them gently out of the way. She is so fucking beautiful, I can’t help but count the freckles that scatter along her nose and cheekbones.
Still asleep, she moves in closer to me, resting her head on my chest. A small content sigh escapes her lips once she’s found a more comfortable position.
I know she is completely unaware, but I am loving every minute of this. Well, I was until she decided to move again. She’s wriggling against me now, moving closer as her arm starts to lower down my body.
Holy shit.
The scent of her coconut shampoo, the curves of her body against mine, and now her hand is lowering down my body. If she’s going where I think she’s going, that certain part of my body will be happy to greet her. I’m going to have to wake her up, although I really don’t want to.
No, no, no… yes… no.
I only want this if she does, and her hand on my hard dick will be an easy giveaway to my feelings. I’m not sure that would be the best way for her to find out. I look down at her again, watching her even breathing as she sleeps. She looks so peaceful as her hand drives me wild.
Oh, fuck.
Yep, she is definitely doing what I thought she was going to do. Her full hand has wrapped around my dick. A shiver rushes over me at the feeling as blood rushes south, making me throb with need.
“Hmm, Max.” She moans softly, which has me pulsing beneath her palm.
Did she really just call my name in her sleep?
“Lucy?” I whisper, seeing if I can get her to wake up gently. “Luuucy.” I drag out, trying to keep my tone playful.
“Mhmm?” She responds, not quite in the world of the living yet.
“Wake up, Sugarplum.”
Her eyes open slowly as she tips her head back to look at me. A small smile tugs at her lips, bringing out one of my own in return. Her gaze is so warm. It’s like a caress… before it isn’t. Her brows furrow as her hand squeezes around my shaft, the realisation of what she’s doing hitting her.
“Fuck, shit, Max. I’m sorry.” She yelps as she dives away from me, her breathing rapid as she stares at me in horror. “I am so, so sorry.”
She rakes her hands down her face, trying to shield herself from me. If only she knew how much I loved it.
“Luce, calm down. Everything is fine.” I try to soothe her before she interrupts.
“Fine? I have just fondled you in my sleep. Never mind the fact I gave you a peep show earlier.” I didn’t think the girl could get any paler.
I know I shouldn’t laugh, I really shouldn’t. But fuck me, this is priceless.
“What’s so funny? Can’t you see I’m having a mental breakdown here?” She squeals. “I am mortified.”
“And moaning my name in your sleep?” I smile at her grimace. “Is there something you want to tell me, Luce?” My expression turned serious.
“Err..” She stammers, lost for words.
I can’t hold back any longer. I stalk towards her, my steps slow but precise. My eyes never leave hers, and the funny thing is, she doesn’t back away.
“Was it just an accident? Or was it something more?” I ask, cocking my head to the side.
She still doesn’t answer. Her hands are trembling by her sides, but her eyes are burning. She’s nervous, that’s clear to see. But I know her expressions better than she does, she is also excited.
I’m so close to her now. One more step and I’ll be touching her. I lift a hand, tucking the stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes flutter at the touch before her gaze locks with mine.
“Tell me, do you feel this too? Or am I delusional?” I almost beg. I’m desperate to know the answer. I need to fucking know.
Yet still, she doesn’t speak. Her lips open as though she wants to, but she’s holding herself back. I know she wants this, but maybe she just isn’t ready.
I take a step back, and her eyes widen. I walk towards our makeshift bed on the floor.
“It’s okay, forget I said anything,” I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster.
“Max?” She pants, still frozen in the place I left her. “I… I do. Feel this too, I mean. I have. For a while now.” She rushes out. I stare at her, watching as her chest rises and falls rapidly.
Holy fuck. My brave girl. I didn’t think she would admit it.
I can’t keep the smile taking over my face at bay.
“And you want this? You and me? Because once you’re mine, that’s it. You’re mine for keeps.” I reply, just as breathlessly.
Both of us stand there, the distance between us too large as we stare at the other.
Her eyes shine with unshed tears as she nods her head.
That’s all the permission I need. I stride towards her just as she rushes to me.
When she’s in my arms, I lift her by the arse, which has her legs tightening around my waist. Her fingers thread through my hair, pulling ever so slightly.
“Kiss me.” She demands, her confidence well and truly back in place.
The moment my lips touch hers, I know I’m ruined.