My Brother’s Best Friends Entanglement (Delicious Entanglements #2)

Prologue

Six Years Ago

She shivers as she collapses into my arms, her taste still on my lips.

She's everything I ever imagined she'd be, and more.

Her hand reaches for me, and just the gentle graze of her fingertips against the outline of my hardness has me almost impossibly close to release.

"Later," I whisper against her damp temple. "I just want to enjoy feeling your body in my arms."

The little sound that bubbles out of her is sunshine and icing sugar and perfect summer night kisses all at once, and I know it will forever be the sound of sheer contentment for me.

I guide her back down onto the bed, letting her head fall onto my still-heaving chest, and I wonder if she knows my heart is beating her name.

And we sleep.

The text message notification catches me between the dreamworld and dawn. Wavy, red-tinted hair is strewn all over my chest and arms, and for a moment I forget where I am, who I'm with.

"If that goes off one more time, I'm going to throw it out the window," the voice murmurs, her lips tickling the skin of my torso.

And I remember.

"Shh, go back to sleep," I whisper, running my fingertips down the curve of her pale cheek as I reach for the phone.

Leon:

Hey, what happened to you last night? You didn't end up showing at the bar. Expecting a full report at breakfast.

You dirty dog. You’re paying.

An entire tub of ice water dumps itself over my body, and suddenly the bubble of last night bursts, waking me from what could only ever have been a dream.

I fucked up.

I fucked up big time.

I lie there for another minute, counting the seconds, letting myself enjoy the feel of her against me for these last few perfect seconds. Memorising the look of her face in sleep, her sweet scent welcoming me to the day.

Two and one. Get up.

Pressing a kiss to her lips so softly she doesn't even stir, I gently ease her off me and onto the bed, pulling the sheet over her naked body.

I get dressed in the dark, in the quiet, in utter regret and despair.

Grabbing the hotel notepad, I scribble a note I knew was coming but never wanted to write.

A,

I'm sorry. I wish this could've been something. But you know why it can't be. Just know, I'll never forget it. I'll never forget you.

Xx

I scrunch it up and tuck it into my pocket.

It's better this way.

Then with one last kiss to the top of her head, and a stroke of her cheek, I go.

I close the door behind me, and leave behind the only thing I ever wanted.