Maybe This Time(16)

“You were busy talking to some chick, and I just wanted to get away from my dad, so I left,” I admit. I didn’t want to bring up the girl because I didn’t want him to think I was jealous. There's clearly nothing between us, especially after what he did last night. We're just friends, and I suppose I could always use more of those. Truth be told, I like being around Reid. Sure, he may be surly and brooding sometimes - okay, most of the time - but he has this quality about him that I can’t help but be drawn to.

“About last night...” he starts, but doesn’t say anything else.

“You don’t need to explain anything, Reid,” I say softly, my eyelids feeling heavy.

“Why haven’t you asked me about my scar?” he asks, changing the subject.

I shrug. “I don’t even notice it anymore,” I say, meaning every word.

It’s a part of him, and it’s neither ugly, nor beautiful, it’s just him.





**


I wake up suddenly, sitting up in bed. I almost squeal when I see a blond head poking out of my leopard print sheets.

Reid is in my bed, fast asleep.

He looks so huge in my bed and he’s taking up a good three quarters of the space.

I lean over him, smiling to myself. He looks so peaceful and serene, I don’t want to wake him, so I quietly leave the room, heading straight for the shower. I take my time in there, dry myself and then stand naked in front of the mirror staring at my reflection. I've definitely seen better days. I grab a makeup wipe to remove the black under my eyes from my mascara, and put moisturizer on my face.

“Yep, this is as good as it’s gonna get today,” I mutter to myself, throwing on my pink fluffy robe. I open the bathroom door and walk out, the steam escaping the room with my exit. I take two steps down the hall before I face plant into a rock hard wall of muscle.

Reid Knox, shirtless.

I swoon.

His arms instantly come around me to stop me from falling over, and my face rests against his chest, his scent engulfing me.

“Morning,” I mumble into his chest. His body shakes with silent laughter.

“Morning,” he says huskily, as he steps back so our bodies are no longer touching.

“You slept in my bed,” I point out.

“I did,” he says, suddenly frowning.

“What is it?” I ask, curious at the flash of confusion I see in his eyes.

He clears his throat and shrugs his shoulders a little. “It’s nothing.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna need a little more than that.” I cross my arms over my chest, staring him down.

Reid scowls. “Can I go to the bathroom without being asked a million questions? Fucking Spanish inquisition.”

“Okaaaay, then,” I drawl, stepping around him and storming to my room. I lock the door behind me, letting my robe fall to the floor. I put on a pair of red panties and a matching bra, followed by some distressed light denim jeans and a white V neck top. Shoving my feet into my fluffy pink Ugg boots, I open my door and walk into the kitchen. I’m in the middle of frying some eggs and bacon when Xander walks in, gracing me with a huge smile when he sees I’m making breakfast.

“What? Your woman doesn’t feed you?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. Xander sits down at the breakfast bar and eyes the frying pan.

“Why would she have to? I knew I had my own little chef at home,” he teases, pulling off his shirt and throwing it on the counter.

“How was your night?” I ask, making a face when I realize what I asked. Xander laughs, looking amused. Reid walks out, freshly showered and wearing nothing but his jeans, which aren’t even buttoned. They're riding so low on his hips that I can see he’s going commando from here, and the thin trail of blonde hair from below his navel, disappearing into his jeans is enticing enough to lick.

“What are you doing here?” Xander asks, standing up and eyeing Reid.

“Who do you think kept an eye on your sis when you bailed last night?” Reid says, his narrowed eyes showing his unhappiness.

“Sit down, both of you,” I command, serving three plates. I take my own to the couch and turn on the TV. Moments later they both join me. We all eat in silence, and I watch as the boys both polish their entire plates in minutes.

“There's more in the pan,” I tell them, laughing when they both instantly get up to load their plates with second servings. The tension now broken, we all chat as we watch music videos.

“Ryan told me to come into work today, I think,” I tell Reid. I was a little drunk, but I’m pretty sure he told me to.

“I’ll take you in, I gotta drop by anyway,” he offers, which I think is sweet.

“What the fuck is going on between you two?” Xander blurts out, looking curious rather than angry.