5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

WYATT

I step out of the shower to see Jameson stuffing himself back into his pants, completely focused on making himself presentable all over again. We look like a bunch of teenagers trying to avoid the walk of shame but the wrinkled sweater he’s slipping over his head and the clothes left for me to climb back into are very obvious.

Jameson also can’t lie to save his soul. His face is an open book even if Reggie can’t read him. I pass by him, wiggling my eyebrows before drying off and getting dressed as well. Jameson wasn’t wrong that we both had places to be and I usually open my bakery around seven or eight in the morning. It’s pushing eight thirty, not that I would have traded it for the time with Jameson.

“Call me later, babe,” he whispers after me as I shuffle downstairs to grab my baking tools.

I manage a few muttered ‘good mornings’ and head nods, trying my best to avoid any awkward moments with my brother’s friends. Sometimes I forget that he’s the older brother with the way his friends are sprawled across the living room in a way that our mother would have had our hides for.

By the time I lug my shit out to the car, Reggie is leaning against the hood, his arms folded across his chest. He looks like he hasn’t slept at all, large bags under his eyes as he tries to keep himself upright. “I’m surprised you stayed over, Wyatt.”

I have no idea why he sounds so accusatory this early in the morning but ignoring him will be difficult when he’s blocking my way. He disrespects my boundaries so often that even if I do explain why I slept over, he’ll just brush it off. “It was dark when I was finished. You know that I don’t drive late at night, Reggie.”

Reggie snorts, following me as I open the passenger side door to place my bag on the seat. “Wouldn’t be so you could spend more time with Jameson, would it? Oh, don’t pull that shit. I see the way you two look at each other and he all but admitted that you two have a thing going on.”

“Do you even care?” I ask, knowing that he’s the only one bothered by it. I’m not even sure why. I haven’t stolen Jameson from him.

“I told you my friends are off limits. You couldn’t respect that?”

This time, it’s my turn to laugh. Reggie knows nothing about respect. He does not deserve mine. “You can’t force feelings or shove them away, not completely. I get that you were looking out for your na?ve little brother all those years ago but I’m not him. Your concern is no longer welcome. It’s stifling and not needed.”

Reggie chews on his bottom lip, stepping away just enough for me to close the door. “So, you two do have something going on. Are you dating?”

I still don’t know why this concerns my brother. Axel would be floored to know that I finally acted on my feelings. Reggie’s energy feels hostile. “No, I’m not dating him. Not yet.” It never really occurred to me that Jameson and I have never asked each other out. We find comfort in each other’s presence and just went with the flow.

But words do have meaning.

And this question is one Jameson deserves to hear.

Reggie growls at me as I stomp back into the house, eyes peeled for Jameson. He’s leaning back against the counter, scooping cereal into his mouth like he’s out of time and somehow still not spilling milk all over his sweater. His brow raises at my entrance as I blow out a breath and gather the confidence to alert every last man in this house to who I belong.

He lays the bowl onto the counter behind him as I drag him into a rough kiss, Jameson easily giving in so that I can take what I need. Fuck, he’s perfect. When I pull away, he’s licking his lips, one of his hands slowly finding my throat and squeezing to bring me back to reality. “What’s that for, babe?”

“Date me.”

The shock on Jameson’s face is almost comical before he gathers himself. “That wasn’t what I was expecting this morning but absolutely. 100%. You sure about this?” His free hand slides to rest on my hip, squeezing in the same way the one around my neck does. I’ve never been submissive in public. There’s never been a need to be but with Jameson, he’ll have me melting in his hands every touch I get.

“100% sure.”

A smile spreads across my lips as he pulls me forward for another kiss, this one much shorter. It tastes like Fruit Loops, Jameson sighing as he releases me. Then he pats my chest before I summon up the courage to walk back out. I know that my struggle with Reggie isn’t over but for now, everyone knows and it feels like a weight off my shoulders.

Everyone knows that Jameson is mine.

That he’s my boyfriend.