He's the guy moms warn their daughters about. Bold, outspoken, and self-confident, Brian O'Brien returns to his hometown only to discover some things changed in his absence.
Brian has a new neighbor - a shy, smart girl Leah, who hates his guts since...
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I'm done with my classes earlier than usual. The teacher is sick, and they canceled our last period. Annie suggests we go shopping, but I tell her I have plans with Brian.
I don't have plans per se, but I'm going to see him at the garage. I didn't get a chance to thank him for the little stars, and he didn't answer my texts, which is quite unlike him.
The unease that grips my insides as I walk home morphs into worry when I'm next to the repair shop. Brian's dad is inside, but not his son.
"Good afternoon," I say, stepping over the threshold.
Brian's dad smiles. "Leah, what a surprise. Are you looking for Brian?"
I nod, hoping I don't look like a desperate, clingy girlfriend.
Mr. O'Brien rests the tool he'd been using on the floor and says, "Well, Brian wasn't feeling well, so I made him lie in his room. You've been there, right? Take the key; he'll be happy to see you."
I accept the small metal object from Brian's dad's hand. "Thank you."
"Not at all. Go cheer him up."
I leave the garage and stroll to Brian's house. Silence greets me, and I wonder if Brian's sleeping.
Once I'm upstairs, I open his bedroom door and peek inside. Brian is sprawled on the bed, shirtless. A pair of shorts ride low on his hips, and the sight makes my cheeks flush — I haven't stopped thinking about Brian and the way he touched me. I'm dying to feel it again, but I don't know if I can ask him. Would he find it weird if I did? Should I wait until we're alone again and he makes a move?
"Kitten."
Brian's eyes are open; they probably have been for a while. He's looking at me with a devilish smile on his lips. "I know I look good, babe, but you can say hello."
"Hi," I squeak.
"Hey, princess. Lock the door and come here."
I obey and approach the bed. Brian pulls me to him, and I make myself comfortable by his side. "Are you sick?" I ask. "Your dad said you weren't feeling well."
Brian groans. "Mac and Pops are acting like two nannies, I swear. It's nothing, babe, just a nasty headache. I took a pill, and it should pass soon."
"Does this happen often?"
Brian chuckles and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "Look at how she worries about me. Not too often, but I guess not sleeping and smoking half a pack last night didn't help my case."
"Why couldn't you sleep?"
Brian grins at me. "Cause I was dreaming about ripping the panties off your cute little ass and kissing you there until you scream my name. Kissing your girl, I mean. Your cute little ass, too, if you'd let me."
"Why did I have to ask?" I mumble, covering my burning face with my palms.
Brian laughs and hugs me. "Come here, Kitten. Let me be a good boyfriend and kiss you hello."
