Page 23 of The Downside of Love
It might have been her looks and smile that captured me first, but as I continued to get to know her through Colby, I fell more and more.
Now, I want to discover everything about her.Withher.
Digging into the pancakes after dousing the fluffy cakes with maple syrup, I take a giant bite.
Fuck me, these are good.
Damn it. I should have known Rory could change my thoughts on breakfast for dinner, because if this is what it’s like, then I’ve been missing out my entire life.
“Okay, so what’s going on?” Ryan asks, mouth stuffed full of pancakes and clearly not caring about talking with her mouth full. “When you asked if you could bring pancakes over, I figured there had to be a reason why we’re digging into our comfort food.”
Turning in her seat and leaning against the armrest of the couch, Rory sets her fork down in her to-go box. “Other than that I think Stryder should be initiated into our little world with our signature meal, I wanted to talk to you both about a slight snafu I ran into.”
“Does this have to do with our living situation?” Ryan asks.
Rory confirms with a tilt of her head. “I talked to my mom about staying with them a few days in the week and she said no.”
That seems weird. I don’t know Rory’s parents, but given the woman they created, I’d assume they’d have the same beautiful hearts as Rory.
Not even batting an eyelash, Ryan quietly asks, “Bryan?”
“Yup,” Rory answers not sounding upset or irritated, just confirming Ryan’s thoughts. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it first, but when Mom brought it to my attention, it’s obvious why I shouldn’t. We don’t want to confuse him, lead him to hope I might be living at my parents’ again. It was hard enough when I moved out.”
Shit, that never would have crossed my mind. How many other situations do Rory and her parents have to consider for Bryan?
“Totally understandable. Don’t worry about it, Rory. Stryder can just stay with me.”
This feels awkward. I feel like I’m invading their conversation even though it is about me.
“No.” Rory shakes her head slightly, the tips of her hair brushing over her breasts with her movement. “I got an air mattress today. It’s a little twin mattress, but it will do. I can tuck it away in the corner and we can have some slumber parties.” She chuckles, the sound so sweet. “It will be like we’re in high school. We can gab all night.”
Sounds like a good fucking time to me. Where do I sign up?
“Rory, your place is so small. I wouldn’t want to do that to you.”
“And I don’t want you to miss out on your date with Scottie this weekend either because you have a guy staying at your place.”
They bounce back and forth, my head volleying between them.
“I really don’t mind,” Rory continues. “We can have our own space, and I’ve got headphones if I want to tune him out.”
I step into the conversation. “Nah, you won’t need to tune me out. I’m entertaining as fuck.”
“See?” Rory points. “Entertaining as fuck. I can’t pass up on that.”Hearing Rory say “entertaining as fuck”is entertaining as fuck.
Stuffing another forkful of pancakes in her mouth, Ryan says, “I mean, if you want to share your studio apartment with your ex-boyfriend’s best friend, then go for it. Just don’t come to me when you realize how awkward it is when he’s walking around in only a towel looking for a clean pair of boxers in his duffel bag, water glistening off his back, tempting and arousing. I will just tell you I told you so.”
Ryan paints a pretty picture. Hell, I hope Rory gets aroused with me walking around in just a towel. I make a mental note to make sure I create that little scene at some point.
Bare, nothing but a towel separating my aching cock from her lithe, little body. I could totally get on board with that fantasy.
Yeah, I probably shouldn’t be fantasizing about Rory, but fuck, I can’t help it. My need for her hasn’t dissipated. If anything, it’s grown. It’s grown tenfold.
But how off limits is she?
According to bro code, she is completely off limits, but then again, when was the last time I talked to Colby?
That night, when we were slugging back Scotch, he said he’d keep in touch, that he’d make sure I felt like I was there with him.
