I looked up at him and laughed. It almost seemed like he remembered that our clothes were all over the room. Had he made me give Rob the tour on purpose? I didn’t understand sibling pranks at all. James smelled so good.
“Your girlfriend and I had lots of fun while you were in the shower,” Rob said.
“What was so much fun?” James said.
“Well, let’s see. All sorts of stuff. I think we really hit it off. Especially after I gave her a proper spanking. Oh, and here’s your girlfriend’s bra back.” Rob pulled my bra out from behind the bar and tossed it at James.
Oh God.
James lowered his eyebrows. “I guess you decided to keep being inappropriate?”
“Absolutely. Besides, if I recall correctly, you’ve stolen a few girlfriends from me.”
“That was a long time ago. And you weren’t in love with them.”
“Love? Really?” asked Rob. “I just assumed it was about the great sex. I thought that was all you really cared about?”
James’ body seemed to stiffen slightly. “That was also a long time ago.”
“So Penny’s bad in bed? I find that very hard to believe.”
James laughed. “No. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t part of the reason I fell in love with her.”
“James.” I lightly pushed on his chest. This conversation was so awkward. They were talking about me like I wasn’t there.
“What, it’s true.” He put his lips to my ear. “You’re also amazing on the pool table.”
I could feel my face turning red again. “You guys are super immature.”
“Said the hot 20 year old.” Rob put down his empty beer bottle. “Okay, come on, James. I need to get laid before I steal your girlfriend.”
“I’d really rather stay in.”
“You’re my wingman.”
“You two should go. You’ll have fun.” I smiled up at James.
“Yeah, I don’t know.” He looked down at me. I knew he was concerned about me. Professor McCarty hitting on me. Me snapping at the reporters. It hadn’t exactly been a good day.
“Really. Just don’t be super sleazy like your brother.”
“Hey! I’m not sleazy. Horny, yes. Sleazy, no. I’ll take care of your boyfriend. I won’t let him do anything stupid.”
“See. You’re in good hands.” Kind of. I wasn’t sure how much I trusted the hands of James’ sleazy, horny younger brother. But James needed to blow off some steam. And if there was anything I was sure of, it was that Rob was fun.
“If you’re sure you’re okay.”
“I’m fine. You got me that huge T. V. I think I’ll be plenty entertained.”
“Awesome. Let’s go,” Rob said and walked past us.
As soon as Rob was out of the room, James leaned down and kissed me. “I want to stay with you.”
“Yeah, me too. But I think maybe a night out with Rob will be good for you.”
“I’m sorry that he’s so… well, inappropriate.”
“I think he’s great. I mean, yes, super inappropriate. But I think he’s just trying to be funny. I hope. I don’t know, I like him. He’s nice.”
“Nice isn’t exactly the word I’d use for him.”
I shrugged. “So you’re all about sex, huh?”
He ran his hand through his hair. “No. I mean, I told you about my past.”
“Does Rob know about everything? He won’t let you go… overboard?”
“Yeah, he knows.”
“So you’re in good hands.”
“I guess.” James smiled down at me. “If he’s ever bothering you, just let me know. He’s all talk. He’s harmless.”
“He’s fine. I’m getting used to taking care of myself.”
James frowned.
“I just mean I’m getting thicker skin. I didn’t mean because you aren’t taking care of me.”
“Okay.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Tomorrow I’d like to go shopping for some stuff that will make our apartment more comfortable. Whatever you want. I want you to feel at home here.”
“That sounds perfect.”
He leaned down and kissed me again. “Try not to fight with the press while I’m gone.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Me too. Text me if you need anything.” He kissed me once more and pulled away from me.
“I will.” I picked up my pants off the floor and folded them.
He smiled at me on his way out the door. I heard him and Rob laughing and then it was completely quiet. I wondered if they always acted that way with each other’s girlfriends. I had expected James to get super angry with Rob. But he had just thought it was funny. It was so nice seeing him laugh. I grabbed the rest of our folded clothes and walked down the hallway.
After putting our clothes in the hamper, I went back out into the living room and sat down on the couch. James had finished mounting the T. V. on the wall. I turned it on and picked up one of the many remotes. It took me awhile to figure out how to use it, but I eventually got Shark Tank on. I loved watching Kevin O’Leary make fun of everyone. This was probably my top choice for a Friday night. Although I’d prefer to be snuggled up with James while I watched it. His apartment seemed eerily quiet despite the T. V. being on. I turned up the volume. I had never been alone here before. Maybe after we picked out a few things together I’d be more comfortable.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out. James had sent me a picture of him and Rob sitting at a bar. Rob was giving me the middle finger. Or maybe he was giving it to James. I laughed. It was the only picture I had of James. I touched the screen. He was so handsome. He’d probably have to beat off all the drunk girls at the bar with a stick. Hopefully Rob would just give the middle finger to everyone that came up to them.
I had an unread message from Tyler. I opened it up and smiled. “I hope your day was okay. I was thinking about you. Did you meet Eli?”
“Yes, Eli saved me from having to stand in the corner of the lecture hall. Thanks for telling him to save me a seat.”
I was surprised to see my phone buzz right away. I guess since we were just friends now, there was no protocol about waiting a certain amount of time to text back.
“I’m glad I could help. What are you and Professor Hunter up to tonight?”
“He’s out with his brother who’s visiting from out of town. I’m watching Shark Tank.”