"You're such a wicked girl for tempting me like that. You know how weak I am."
Nothing about Bram is weak. I've never known a stronger man in my life. "I'd say the opposite is true."
I smile behind my bottle of water when Owen returns to the kitchen. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah, but I need to use the bathroom first."
I bet he does. "And I need to get into my dress."
I follow Bram down the hallway. "Have fun in there pumping your pickle. Unless you want me to come in and help you out."
"While I'm taking care of what you've done to me, I'm going to fantasize about spanking your ass so hard."
I take his hand and put it on my butt. "Ooh, spank me hard and then do me from behind."
He yanks his hand away and groans. "Fuck, Claud. You don't talk or act like a virgin."
It's impossible to be prim and proper when you're always hanging out with three rough-and-tumble boys. "I grew up around you, Owen, and River. What did you think was going to happen?"
"I had no idea we were turning you into this."
"You like this. Admit it."
"Can't lie. I fucking love it."
"I want to come over tonight."
Bram exhales slowly as he adjusts his cock through his jeans. I could make him feel so much better if he'd just let me. "Not the best idea, bae. Odds are good that Owen and River will crash at my place after we watch the game."
"If they're passed out, they'll never know I'm there. I can slip in and out and they'll be none the wiser." I'm good at being sneaky when I want to be.
"It's too risky."
I clutch the front of his shirt. "I want to see you."
"I want to see you too but not if it means blowing everything we've worked so hard to keep from them." He cradles the side of my face and strokes his thumb over my cheek. "Only five more weeks, little dove. You've got to hang in there."
I turn my face toward his hand and kiss his palm. "Okay, but text if they don't stay."
"I will."
"Love you."
"Love you, too."
I lightly tap on the bathroom door as soon as it closes, and Bram cracks it. "No, you can't come in and give me a hand job or blowjob or any other kind of job."
I put my mouth to the crack and whisper, "Hey, when you do me from behind, I want you to pull my hair."
"Oh, no worries. You're going to get it rough."
I'm still smiling-and maybe giggling a little-when I return to my bedroom.
"That big grin wouldn't have anything to do with running into a certain calculus tutor, would it?"
Why in the world would she say something like that? "Mommm. No."
"You're a terrible liar, Claudia."
This isn't good. What do I say to throw her off our trail? "He's … Bram. I've known him my entire life. He's Owen's best friend."
"And you've loved him your entire life. Just as he's loved you."
Shit. She knows. There's no denying it. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. It's written all over your face."
She has the power to make serious trouble for Bram and me. "Are you mad?"
"No. I adore Bram. Why would I be angry?"
God, what a relief. "Because he's so much older than me."
"It's never felt like there were that many years between you, especially after you got a little older."
I feel the same. "We worry people will be opposed to us being together."
"I never have to worry about Bram hurting you. That gives me peace of mind."
I hadn't thought of it like that. "We're planning to tell everyone after my birthday. What do you think Dad will say?"
"Bram is like another son to us but he's also a grown man. Your daddy still sees you as his little girl. He might not be won over as easily as me but he'll come around after the idea has had time to sink in."
"We're worried about Owen's reaction."
"Your brother is protective of you. I wouldn't expect him to like it much at first, but I think he'll come around after the shock wears off."
"Will you keep our secret until we're ready to tell everyone?"
"Yes, but first I need to know one thing. Are you being safe?"
"More than safe. He hasn't touched me."
My mom's brows lift. "I suppose with Bram that shouldn't surprise me. It would be just like him to handle you with the utmost respect. He'd never do anything to upset us or your brother regarding you."
It's an enormous relief to have my mother's approval. "Thank you for being so understanding. You're the best mom in the world."