6. Chris

My fingers tap on my lips for what I assume is the hundredth time today.

Im acting like a kid who just got handed the candy he desperately cried for. Devoid of any alcohol prompting, I kissed Gianna. The kiss we shared in her living room was much more passionate and better than the one we shared at the club.

Just when I thought all I needed was her forgiveness, I got distracted by her lips and lost my senses. She wants me. Theres no more doubt about that, judging by her bodys response. I must have her in my bed, writhing under me and screaming my name. Blood rushes to my groin at the thought, and I groan.

Get ahold of yourself, Chris.

A part of me warns that shes off limits. That I shouldnt be messing with my sisters best friend. But the other part of me is curious. Curious to know more about her. Curious to find out if those intense feelings I feel whenever Im around her will continue after I have her. Any other woman would have readily jumped into bed with me but not G. Ive got my work cut out for me.

I dont give two shits about what’s wrong and what’s right. All I know is I want more of her. I need more of her. And I wont give up until I have all of her.

Who doesnt love a little challenge?

My bedroom door bangs open, slamming against the wall. Im about to shout at the intruder only to see that the culprit is Nala grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“Surprise!” She jumps on me, wrapping her hands around me in a tight embrace.

“You are choking me.”

“You deserve that for not telling me you and G are neighbors,” she squeals.

I stiffen at the mention of her name. She releases me from the embrace and sits in front of me on the sofa. She casts me a skeptical look and folds her arms.

I straightened the fabric of my button-up, which she had wrinkled with her hug.

“Do you still hate her?” she asks. When I dont answer, she frowns. “Its been years, Chris. If she wanted to hurt me, she would have done so by now. Stop being mean to her.”

“And who told you Im being mean to her?” I feel offended by her accusations.

She shrugs. “No one has to tell me. I learned all I needed to from your reaction the moment I mentioned her name. Its been years, get over it.”

I turn away from her and walk to the fridge. I open it and bring out my favorite sparkling drink. I take a sip of it, letting it cool me down.

“You are not saying anything,” Nala continues, obviously confused.

I turn to look at her, my eyebrows raised. “Am I supposed to say something when youve already jumped to conclusions?”

She gives me an unbelievable look. “You cant blame me, big bro. You treated her like trash and avoided her like a plague. Not everyone is out to betray us like Uncle Charles did to Dad.”

The mention of Charles causes me to crush the drink, its remaining contents splattering to the floor.

Her hands fly to her mouth as she realizes her mistake. “Im so sorry. I shouldnt have mentioned him.” She rushes to clean the mess I made while I try to calm my anger.

Charles had been a close friend of my father. They were as thick as thieves. Until Charles had Dad killed just to gain the total shares of Dads textile company.

We were oblivious to it. Thinking Dad had died because the brake of his car failed, not knowing it was Charles who hired someone to mess with the brakes. It wasnt until one of his men, whom he had discarded, told us the truth that we found out.

Mom could not handle Dads death. She lost her mind and died a year later.

Charles died in jail during a scuffle, butchered unceremoniously. I still think it was an easy death for him.

I had to grow up quickly and be responsible for Nala. Its why I have a small, trusted circle. I cant afford to make the mistake Dad made of trusting the wrong people. I cant. If not for my sake but for Nalas.

She touches my arm, and I take note of the clean floor. “Im sorry.”

I turn and hold her by her arms. “Its okay.”

“I just want you and her to get along. Thats all.” I can see the sorrow in her eyes.

“Will it make you happy if I tell you that I apologized to her a few hours ago?”

She stares at me in surprise. Her mouth opens slightly. “Tell me you are joking.”

I release her from my hold, smiling at her reaction. “I’m going to do all it takes to win her forgiveness. That reminds me. Now that you are here. Can you give me some tips on how to get on her good side?”

“You are serious!” She walks to the sofa and sits. “When did all this happen, and you guys didnt tell me? I just left her place, and she didnt mention you.”

“Did you ask her about me?”

She shakes her head and looks confused. “No?”

“Well, if you asked, she would have answered just like I answered when you asked me about her,” I argue.

She scrunches her nose. “How can you hide this important information from me when Ive been rooting for you two to get along for years.”

“I just apologized a few hours ago. She hasnt forgiven me. Stop acting like I betrayed you or something.”

She pouts, crossing her arms. Its times like this I wonder if I have spoiled her too much.

She suddenly smiles and claps her hands in excitement. “I will help you, but first you have to throw a house party.”

I give her an incredulous look. “And how does that help?”

She rolls her eyes in an exaggerated manner. “Im inviting her to the party. Thats a good first step to show her that you are no longer the mean, grumpy Chris.”

I frown at the adjectives she chose to describe me. Choosing to ignore her words, I sit beside her on the sofa. “Im in.”

“Great,” She goes over the plan with me, making me realize more and more what a brilliant sister I have.