“That’s horrible. So you’re not close to your brother, either?”
“Understatement of the year, princess.” He quirked a self-mocking smile. “And here you were thinking you’re the undesirable one.”
“But if your dad went to the trouble to adopt you, surely he must love you.”
“Not necessarily.” Trip closed his eyes as if he could blot out the upsetting memory that had started playing.
Trip sneaked down the hall toward the kitchen for a late-night snack, starving because of the energy he’d expended taking his eighth grade football team to victory in the season championship game earlier that evening. As he drew near, he overheard Mason talking to his dad in the breakfast room.
“You love him more, just admit it. He’s the kind of son you always wanted—popular, athletic. I can’t wait to go to college and get away from having to watch you drool all over him.”
“Of course I don’t love him more, Mason. You’re my firstborn son. You came into this world wanted by your mom and me more than anything. Trip wasn’t born of love like you were, but he’s my son, too. What kind of man would I be if I turned my back on my own flesh and blood, especially after his mother died? He’s in our life now. You need to make peace with it. Show your brother some compassion.”
Hunger fled as Trip’s stomach clenched and his lungs burned. Despite his awkward, rocky start in this home, he’d begun to believe his dad actually loved him. But now he knew what he’d first suspected. He wasn’t wanted and loved, not really.
“Let’s just say I’ve never been convinced my dad loved me as much as he felt obligated toward me, that’s all.” Perspiration coated his skin, though whether it was due to the memories, the fireplace, or the nearness of Kelsey’s naked body, he couldn’t be sure.
“How could he not love you?” Kelsey tenderly ran her hand through Trip’s hair and along his cheek. “You’re his son.”
“I’m sure you can’t imagine it, but it doesn’t mean you’re right.” Trip flopped onto his back and stared at the ceiling again. “That’s actually what got me worked up today. My dad’s pushing for a family reconciliation. I wouldn’t mind being a better son to him, but I’ve no desire to mend fences with my brother or my stepmom. I tried for years, but they rejected every attempt. I’m done.”
He braced for a lecture about forgiveness and the importance of family. Instead, Kelsey rested her head on his chest and nestled tighter against his body, pliant and warm. “I’m sorry you’re still hurting. Maybe you can find some way to get closer to your dad without dealing with the others. In the meantime, you’re not alone here.”
“Because of Grey? He’s around less often now because of Avery.”
“Grey, and me.” Kelsey propped her chin on his chest. “Whenever you need a soft place to fall, you call me and I’ll listen.”
“I’m sure I don’t deserve that kindness.” A surge of tenderness washed through him, prompting him to pull her in for a kiss.
“Probably not, but I’m notoriously foolish.” She grinned. “Ask anyone.”
He rolled over, cradling her. “And anytime someone hurts your feelings, you call me and I’ll set them straight.”
“Deal.” Her fingers brushed through his hair again, shooting tingles down his neck.
“We strike good bargains, princess.” He kissed her while twisting a lock of her hair around his finger.
“So far.”
Somehow all this mushy talk had aroused him. He didn’t want to think about why, especially when he had a more immediate problem. “I want you again, but since I didn’t plan on coming here, I’m not prepared with extra condoms. Do you have any?”
“Why would a girl who normally doesn’t have casual sex keep condoms?”
Why did the fact she hadn’t had other lovers in a long time totally turn him on? He kissed her shoulder and then her breast. “Are you on the pill?”
“No. Maura told me her doctor made her go off the pill for three months before trying to get pregnant. I’m already thirty-one. Once I meet Mr. Right, I don’t want to have to wait that long to get started.”
He grimaced at being forced to think about babies when all he wanted to concentrate on was sex.
“So I guess I should stop kissing you, touching you.” He kissed her again as he slid his fingers between her legs, which she parted willingly. His body throbbed in response to her hot, wet center. “Kelsey.”