Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
“What troubles you?” Matteo says.
“Nothing,” I answer automatically.
“It is not nothing,” he says softly.
“Nothing worth worrying about.” I have enough trouble as it is without imagining more.
Matteo holds me close all through the drive, occasionally nibbling up and down my neck or kissing me again, but he doesn’t try to go further. Still, by the time we reach my apartment building, I’m wishing I could bring him inside. I wish I could bring them both inside.
Fiero walks me to my door. “Goodnight, Daniela.” He pulls me close for a final kiss – and uses it to make up for every touch his brother claimed on the ride home.
I cling to him as heat and pressure swell between my legs. When he finally lets me go, I’m desperate with lust – and utterly desolate. It’s all I can do not to cry as I let myself into the building.
The farther this goes, the more I want them. Both of them. Why can’t I make them see that choosing is not a viable option?
Squirm In His Lap
When my alarm goes off on February 14th a few days later, a bubble of happiness forms in my chest as soon as I’m awake enough to realize what day it is. Ever since I was old enough to be interested in boys and romance, my birthday has always been tinged with an edge of disappointment at not having a Valentine.
Not this year.
This year I have two.
I ignore, for the moment, the unbearable choice they want me to make and the way they both have me constantly horny and more sexually frustrated than I’ve ever been. It’s my birthday, and there are two gorgeous men in my life. I’m choosing to look on the bright side.
I’m styling my hair when my phone rings with a call from my mom.
“Hi!”
“Good morning! Happy birthday to you, dear Dani.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
My dad’s deep voice comes in from the background. “Happy birthday, honey!”
“Thanks, Dad!”
“Any fun plans today?”
“Just the usual. Classes and work.” I’m not a secretive person, and don’t like the feeling of keeping something from my parents, but how can I possibly explain that I’m dating two men and one of them is my professor? And if I bend the truth and mention only Fiero, my mom will get excited and ask about the prospect of marriage. It’s easier if I just don’t bring any of it up.
“We’ll get to celebrate your birthday together next year. Your dad and I can’t wait to have you back home after you graduate.”
My sister moved away after high school, and when I left for college, my mom didn’t cope well with an empty nest. I voice agreement with her, but I’m afraid I don’t sound as excited as I normally would.
I love my family, and life in the little town where I grew up, but I’ve also enjoyed my summers working up in the mountains, and Matteo and Fiero have made life here in the city much more exciting than it used to be.
Will I still be happy back in my home town?
“You’ll be home for spring break as usual, right, dear?”
“Mm-hmm.” I apply liner below my eyes, something I can do with one hand while I hold the phone.
“I saw Steve Hopkins the other day, and he asked about you.”
“That’s nice.” I always thought Steve Hopkins, a guy from my high school, was cute, but I’m having trouble picturing him at the moment.
Mom and I chat for a few more minutes before I need to finish getting ready. I put on the red blouse I bought specially for today, a long-sleeve wrap top with hints of red lace at the edges, and I wear my hair down in loose waves.
I’m looking a bit fancy for school, but it will be perfect for spending the evening with the Bestias.
Running late after the phone call and extra time spent getting ready, I’m rushing out when I almost trip over something in the hall. Two single red roses have been left right outside my door.
They’re lush and beautiful, and I don’t want to leave them, but carrying them around all day might draw questions, so I quickly find a vase and put them in water, inhaling their fragrance before I hurry off to my first class.
A few hours later, when I meet Matteo in his office, I wrap my arms around him as soon as the door is closed. “Thank you for the rose this morning.”
“Happy Birthday, Daniela, and Happy Valentine’s Day.”
He pulls me close and presses a sweet kiss to my lips. I haven’t even set my bag down yet, and when it bumps into us, I’m reminded of what’s inside.
“Wait, I have something for you.” I fish out one of two small boxes wrapped in red paper, and a wave of shyness hits me. It’s my first time choosing a Valentine’s gift, and I didn’t realize what a tricky prospect it could be.