Knox: A Suspenseful M/M Brother's Best Friend Romance, page 4
“Thank you,” I tell him, feeling a bit bashful at the moment, even though I have no idea why.
“You’re more than welcome. That’s what friends do, right?”
I nod, still not sure how to feel about this idea of becoming closer friends. On the surface, it sounds like a great idea, but underneath, I know it could blow up in my face. The closer we get, the harder it will be to keep my guard up, and if he finds out my feelings for him, I could not only lose this budding friendship but also highly piss off my brother. He’d blame me for making things awkward.
“I’m gonna shower and get ready,” I state after I’ve finished my coffee, stopping to wash my cup first.
On the way to my room, I realize Gunnar’s watching me with a thoughtful grin. It’s like he’s pleased that I’m cleaning up after myself. But isn’t that what everyone does?
It doesn’t take me long to get ready for the day, but when I step out of my room to find him waiting and looking like a fucking snack, I’m almost second-guessing letting Gunnar come along.
Gunnar is hot all the time, but he’s utterly mouthwatering in a pair of dark-wash jeans and a tight-fitting shirt. How am I supposed to hang out with him all day long looking like that?
“Ready to go?” he asks, typing away on his phone.
His eyebrows shoot up a little when he looks at me, and it’s confusing.
“Do I have toothpaste on my face?” I question, wiping at my mouth.
He shakes his head, and his cheeks turn a deep shade of crimson. “No, it’s just you clean up nicely,” he murmurs.
I’m not sure how to take the compliment. It’s not like I’m wearing anything special, just jeans and a T-shirt.
“Um… thanks,” I respond, shoving my hands into my pockets. “You too,” I add but instantly want to kick myself.
My sexuality isn’t something I’ve kept a secret from my friends or family. It makes me wonder if Gunnar is going to take my compliment in the wrong way. I’m sure he meant his in a bro-friendship-type manner. Mine definitely wasn’t, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Thanks,” he responds, still the color of a tomato but accepting the statement, nonetheless.
“Are you ready?” I repeat since we got sidetracked.
“Yup. I was just about to place a grocery order we can pick up on our way back. Do you need anything?” he asks, and I love that he’s trying to make me feel at home.
“I’m not really a big eater, but I do love some pasta and any type of protein,” I tell him.
“Perfect, I think I’ve got everything covered then. You haven’t turned into a picky eater, have you?” he asks after hitting his screen a few times.
“Nope. I just don’t love to cook. I eat a lot of pre-packaged junk,” I admit.
Gunnar chuckles, standing and putting his phone in his pocket. “That’s pretty common with people who work crazy shifts. Good news for you, though. I love to cook. I even ordered extra stuff to make lunches for you… if you want.”
“Really?” I question and grab the keys as we make our way out of the house.
“Totally,” he assures me. “Cooking is kind of a hobby for me. I feel super centered in the kitchen. It won’t be a hardship to double my recipes and make extra.”
“If it isn’t any trouble, then I won’t say no,” I tell him, and he beams at me, making my heart race.
I like that look on his face far too much.
“You’re never going to want to return to the pre-packaged shit once you taste my cooking,” he boasts.
“Careful, or you might not get rid of me,” I tease.
“Wouldn’t be the end of the world,” he replies with a shrug.
As fun as the last twenty-four hours have been, I’m positive that prolonging my stay would be catastrophic in a shit ton of ways. Yet the idea of staying with Gunnar for the rest of our lives is a tantalizing fantasy.
Too bad it’s not something I could ever have.
Chapter Six
Gunnar
We arrive at Knox’s house, and my heart immediately aches for him. There isn’t much left, and seeing it now reminds me that it was a blessing he got out alive.
“Shit.” He exhales in shock, staring at the rubble. “They were still putting out the fire when I left the other night. I didn’t realize it had gotten this bad.”
Without thinking, I reach over and place my hand on his bicep to offer comfort. It’s thick under my slender fingers, and he jolts, but as soon as he’s over the shock of my touch, he offers me a sad smile of thanks.
“Not much to take inventory of,” I point out.
“How does it happen so fast?” he questions, keeping his eyes on what used to be his house.
“Fires are crazy things. They have a mind of their own.”
He nods, taking a deep breath, his broad chest rising with the inhale and falling as he slowly blows it out.
“I think I’m just going to take a few pictures. There isn’t much to document,” he states, then opens his door and climbs out.
I follow behind, not that I’m needed. But I offered to be moral support, and I don’t want to let him down.
Knox shakes his head as he snaps pictures and walks around the property. We’re both careful to avoid broken glass and pointy debris as we quietly roam the area.
The slamming of a car door breaks quiet, and we both turn to see Malcolm storming up the path. “You were supposed to call me,” he scolds his younger brother, who huffs out a breath.
“I didn’t need you,” Knox responds aloofly.
“Why is it such a problem that I wanted to help you? You shouldn’t have to do this alone,” Malcolm responds, sounding defeated.
“I’m not alone,” Knox bites out, gesturing toward me.
Malcolm blinks, grabbing the back of his neck. “Shit. I think I had tunnel vision for a moment there and didn’t even see you. I’ve been calling this dumbass for the last hour. He keeps sending me to voicemail. I figured I would do a drive-by. I wasn’t surprised to find him here, but I am shocked to see you.”
“I also figured he shouldn’t be alone and offered to come with,” I inform my best friend.
“We’re almost done here anyway,” Knox says, walking away to take more pictures.
“Why is he the most stubborn person alive?” Malcolm murmurs.
I can’t help but chuckle and elbow him in the arm. “It’s a family thing,” I remind him.
“At least you could get through to him. Knox living with you might turn out to be a good thing. You could be a positive role model for him.”
“He’s thirty-five, not a child,” I remind Malcolm.
He shrugs. “Doesn’t act like a grown-up that often.”
“That’s because he’s your little brother, and that’s all you see. You’re always going to look at him that way unless you stop and look objectively. He’s all grown up now, not the little boy who used to follow us around. He’s his own man. You can let go of the reins a little now,” I suggest.
“I’ll think about it,” he grumbles. “Oh, since you’re here, I forgot to tell you about a new coworker of mine. He’s a great guy. I really think you two would hit it off.”
I shake my head, sighing. “Will you stop trying to set me up? I’ll find someone when I’m ready.”
“I promise he’s exactly your type.”
“Who is?” Knox asks, joining our conversation.
Of course, he’s done now, and of all conversations for him to walk into, it had to be this one. Malcolm is always trying to meddle in my love life. I know he means well, but it has to be on my terms.
“This new guy from work. I’ve been trying to get Gunnar to date anyone since he’s been back, but he keeps refusing,” Malcolm says.
“You’re bi?” Knox asks with his brows pinched together, taken aback.
“Didn’t anyone tell you?” I question, clearly just as confused as he is. “I came out when I got back from overseas. I made my parents and dumbo here promise to not make a big deal about it. I didn’t think that meant not filling everyone else in on the news.”
“Who are you calling dumbo?” Malcolm grumbles like a toddler.
“If the shoe fits,” Knox utters.
Malcolm charges at him, and the two go down in a wrestling match.
“Have either of you grown up?” I sigh, but they aren’t paying me any attention.
It’s kind of comical watching two full-grown men play fight. It’s obvious that Knox is in much better shape than his brother and quickly pins him down, dangling a loogie over his face like he used to do to Knox when we were little.
“Uncle! Uncle!” Malcolm calls out, and Knox sucks the spit back into his mouth.
They laugh as they get up and give each other a brotherly pat on the back.
“But seriously, please call me if you need anything,” Malcolm pleads.
Knox presses his lips together but nods. “Okay. But really, I’m doing fine. I’ve got a place to live, a car to drive until mine gets replaced, and amazing friends…” He pauses and looks at me with warmth in his eyes which look almost golden right now.
The gaze has my heart racing a little, and I try extremely hard not to blush. Why the hell am I reacting like this and in front of Malcolm, of all people?
“But if anything comes up and I need you, I’ll call,” Knox adds.
Malcolm seems to like that response and is thankfully completely oblivious that I’m attracted to his brother. He leans in for another hug before saying goodbye and heading back to his car.
“Sorry about that,” Knox says after his brother is gone.
I shake my head. “It’s not a big deal. I know how protective your brother is of you.”
“It’s annoying sometimes,” Knox murmurs. “I’m all done here. Why don’t we head to the farmer’s market,” he suggests.
“Sounds like a plan,” I say, then turn to head to the SUV.
“Is there a reason you keep turning down everyone my brother is trying to set you up with?” Knox asks as we drive through the city.
His question throws me for a loop because we’ve never talked like this in all our years of knowing each other.
“Honestly, I tried at first. Heck, I went out with three of his friends. The problem is Malcolm thinks he knows my type but gets it wrong. Maybe on the surface level, he’s close, but I want more than looks,” I admit.
“What’s he getting wrong?” he questions, keeping his eyes on the road.
“When he sets me up with girls, they are gorgeous but all superficial. If I’m going to date someone, I want to be able to have a conversation that isn’t one-sided,” I start. “When he sets me up with guys…” I pause, trying to find the right words without spilling everything. “Let’s just say it’s hard to find a guy who’s compatible with me.”
“In what way? Are you into some kinky shit?” he asks. This time, he makes quick eye contact with me, and the smirk on his lips is enough to make me blush.
I chuckle, trying to play it off. “Not kinky, I’m just into bigger guys, bears to be specific, who like to bottom. I know there are guys like that out there, but from my experience, most guys see me as this slim, shorter guy and expect me to bottom. It’s obviously not the end of the world, and sometimes we’ll still have fun, but in the end, I’m looking for a forever partner. Your brother says I’m being picky, but I know what I want, and I’m willing to wait until I find that person.”
Knox nods, pulling into a parking lot.
Wow, that drive went by fast. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been so into a conversation that I’ve lost track of time, but talking with Knox is easy.
“My brother can be an idiot,” Knox says as he puts the car in park. “You deserve someone as perfect as you are. Don’t settle.” With those words, he gets out, and I’m left a little flabbergasted.
Did Knox Hanes just call me perfect?
Chapter Seven
Knox
How did I not know Gunnar is bi?
I guess it’s not something that normally comes up in casual conversation, but I thought Malcolm would have told me something like that. Not that Gunnar being bi changes anything.
I still can’t pursue him, even if we’re perfectly compatible. When he said he was into bears that bottom, my heart started to race because that’s me. I’m into smaller guys who like to top. I don’t need someone bigger than me to throw me around.
Of course, Gunnar has to be a perfect match for me because the universe hasn’t had enough fun fucking with me.
“How many people are going to be at game night tonight?” Gunnar asks as we stroll through the farmer’s market with a couple of bags in tow already.
“It could be anywhere from the four of us to twenty,” I reply with a shrug.
“I’ll get two dozen cupcakes then,” he says with a perfect smile and saunters to a booth with all sorts of baked goodies.
His happy attitude is contagious, and I follow along with a pep in my step.
“Got a favorite flavor?” he asks, eyeing the mouthwatering treats.
“I’ve only ever had the basics,” I reply, but my eyes zero in on a strawberry Nutella cupcake.
He gasps. “You’ve never had upscale cupcakes?”
“Is that some sort of crime?” I tease.
Gunnar glares at me, but there is a smirk on his lips, and I can’t help my grin from growing.
“It really might be a crime, but since I’m such a good friend and don’t want you to go to jail, I’ll buy an extra one you can eat right away. Best not to chance an investigator with the cupcake bureau walking by.” His tone is playful, and the way he’s beaming at me makes my heart flutter.
I know I’m blushing as I turn away and stare at the cupcakes again.
“Sorry for the wait,” an older lady with gray hair and a bright smile says. “
“Gentlemen, what can I get you today?”
“Can we get two dozen cupcakes and make them a mixture of everything?” Gunnar requests.
“Absolutely,” the lady replies, looking even happier, even though I wasn’t sure that was possible.
“Could we also get an extra strawberry Nutella cupcake packaged separately, please?” he asks, and I stare at him like a deer in headlights.
He was paying close enough attention to notice the one that caught my eye the most. Who does that?
“My friend here has only ever had plain cupcakes. That needs to change immediately,” he informs her.
The lady giggles and nods. “I absolutely agree.”
She gets busy packaging the cupcakes, and I can’t help but steal glances at Gunnar as she does.
Why does he have to be so observant, sweet, and caring?
It doesn’t make this stupid crush lessen. In ways, it intensifies it, and I hate it.
“Here you go, sweetheart,” the older lady says, pulling me from my thoughts.
She hands me the cupcake, and I take it with a nod of thanks.
Gunnar steps closer to me and breathes in my ear. “You better eat it now. Don’t want you to get arrested.”
His breath is hot on my face, and a shiver of lust rushes through my body, heading straight to my cock. I fight back a gasp and step to the side, trying to gain some distance. I hope like hell he doesn’t see how he’s affecting me.
Instead of responding, I open the container, pull out the cupcake, and take a big bite. My mouth waters, and unconsciously, I moan. “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” I gush.
“You’re going to give me a complex,” the lady says, giggling.
I take another bite and shake my head. “No, seriously, this is better than sex,” I tell her without thinking and immediately cover my mouth.
Thankfully, the lady isn’t a prude and laughs loudly. “I’ll take that compliment,” she states proudly.
Gunnar puts his hand on my shoulder and chuckles. “We should probably get going before you say more inappropriate things,” he teases. I roll my eyes and pop the rest of the cupcake into my mouth. “I’m sure we’ll be back,” he tells the lady, who waves at us as we leave.
“Did you need anything else?” I ask him as we mosey about.
He shakes his head, lifting his five bags. “I already have a lot more than I planned on getting.”
I chuckle, looking at my own bag. “I wasn’t planning on getting anything. But this jerky was too tempting to pass up.”
“How nice do I have to be for you to share?” he asks with a shit-eating grin.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was flirting with me.
“Considering you saved me from the cupcake bureau, I’ll let you off the hook and share freely this time,” I tell him with a wink.
In response, he gives me a forced smile and looks away.
I just fucked up, didn’t I?
I know better than to let my guard down, even a tiny bit. When I do, I end up doing stupid shit like winking at a man who is way off-limits and has no interest in me whatsoever.
Apologizing doesn’t seem like the right move. Instead, I pick up my pace and beeline it for my car. Gunnar stays hot on my trail but doesn’t say anything to fill the awkward tension between us.
“Is the grocery order ready?” I ask when we’re in the car.
Gunnar nods but doesn’t say anything else. The air feels thick, and suddenly, I'm starting to sweat from the awkward tension filling the space.
How did things go from good to fucked up in the blink of an eye?
Not wanting to dwell in this weird place, I hit the Bluetooth button on the console to connect my phone, and within seconds, music fills the confined space.
“I was thinking about picking up something to eat. That way, we don’t have to cook tonight before we go over to Dante and Nixon’s place,” I casually say as I put the car into drive. “Got any preference?”
“Do you still like pizza?” he asks, and I can’t help but chuckle, remembering how much pizza I ate as a kid.
“I do, don’t eat it as much as I did back in the day, though. I don’t think my metabolism is that quick anymore.”
