So much for Victor’s intel.
“Nah, I have plans.” I don’t reveal more than that. Sterling is the last person who needs to know I have a date. The fucker will read too much into it.
“Things must be getting serious with Liberty, hardly see you around.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” I place my signature on the last document. I’m not in the mood for his shit tonight, not when I’m still pissed about Dominic.
“Sure you don’t. Will you be bringing her tomorrow?” he asks, still not giving up on it.
“What’s tomorrow?” I file my paperwork and stand from my desk. My shift is over and I have a date to get ready for.
Fuck, a date. The thought should freak me out, but it doesn’t.
“Your mom has the brunch thing going on. Don’t tell me you forgot.”
Fuck.
“No, I remember. I just didn't know you were coming.” I cover my lie with a statement.
“Your mom invited me.” I nod. Of course she did. “That a problem?” His tone has me looking up.
“Has it ever been?” I give it back. I don’t know if he’s pissed at my evasiveness regarding Liberty or he’s got his own shit going on, but I’m not in the fucking mood.
“What the hell’s your problem, bro? You’re dating the neighbor, just admit it.”
“What the fuck does it matter to you?” I ask, still unsure why I’m keeping it on the down low. It’s not like it’s a big deal. Yeah, I’ve dated before. Maybe not in a long time, but I have dated exclusively. I’m just not ready to share it with the world yet.
“It doesn’t, Hetch. I just don’t get the secrecy to it.”
“You mean like the way you are with my sister?” I'm an ass. I know it. Giving him shit about Kota isn't cool, but if he’s looking for a reaction, then he has it.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” His body goes rigid, his stance defensive.
“You wanted to play it this way.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, but I know I crossed a line.
“No, I want to know what the fuck you mean?” His hands fist at his sides and I almost laugh at his discomfort, but I don’t.
“Sterling, you and I both know you're in love with Kota.” I lay it out for him, no judgment, no accusations. Just pure truth.
“The fuck I am.” He recoils, and I almost believe him. Almost second-guess how I've read the situation all these years.
If only he didn't get so defensive.
“Whatever you say, Sterling.”
“I'm not in love with your sister,” he repeats, his brow dipping in a deep scowl.
“Whatever, you keep telling yourself that.” I offer a quick wave and make my way out to my truck.
I'm done. It’s not my business. If they want to dance around the huge elephant in the room, they can have at it.
The drive home seems longer than normal. Running over my conversation with Sterling, I soon start to feel like an ass. I know some brothers may not be okay with their best friends going after their sister, but it's not like that with Sterling. When I say he's the best guy I know, I mean it. Kota couldn't do any better.
By the time I pull up to my apartment, my guilt has me reaching for my phone and calling Sterling. He doesn’t answer, so I leave a message.
“I’m a fucking ass. Can’t go out ‘cause I’ve got a date with Liberty. Fuck me. I can’t believe I just admitted that to you. Don’t be an ass about it. See you tomorrow.” My guilt doesn’t subside right off the bat, but when I notice Liberty’s car home earlier than expected, it soon fades.
I collect my mail and then take the steps two at a time.
Forgetting my apartment, I shove the mail into my back pocket and head right for her door, knocking with my standard force.
Yeah, we have a date tonight, but my need to see her now wins out.
Liberty opens her door, a huge smile on her face when she sees me.
Fuck, imagine coming home to her every day?
Whoa, calm down, fucker.
I push the thoughts out of my head and nudge her backward. Before she can argue, I kick her door closed, pick her up, and stalk to her bathroom.
“What are you doing, you big lug?” She laughs, trying to wiggle her way out of my arms.
“You and I have a date tonight.”
“I know. I’m about to start getting ready for it.”
“I need a shower.”
“Don’t you have your own shower next door?”
“Yeah, but I like yours better,” I tell her, placing her on top of the vanity.
“What makes mine different?” she questions as I reach into her shower and turn the faucet on.
“It has you in it, sweetheart.” I step back between her legs and finally kiss her. She responds immediately, wrapping her arms and legs around me.
“I want those lips around my cock.” I moan against her mouth.
“Is that right? She pulls back and rips her dress over her head, revealing one of her sexy, white lace bras and matching panties.