Tempting My Brother’s Best Friend

9

Ethan’s shoulders tensed against the doorframe. The biology textbook in Mia’s hands suddenly felt like a weapon she was wielding against him. He could still taste her from yesterday, still feel the ghost of her body grinding against his c**k on the porch. Now she stood there, calm and challenging, offering him the chance to “teach” her while wearing that cropped tank that showed the soft curve of her waist and the faint freckles he had touched.

He swallowed hard, forcing his voice to stay steady.

“I’ll explain it to you later,” he said, the words coming out rougher than he intended. “Not right now.”

Mia’s eyes narrowed. She slammed the textbook shut with a sharp snap. “f**k this,” she muttered under her breath, loud enough for him to hear.

Ethan didn’t wait for more. He turned on his heel and left the room, pulling the door closed behind him a little harder than necessary. As he walked down the hallway, he swore silently to himself, a string of curses looping in his head. What the hell are you doing, man? She’s Jake’s little sister. Get your s**t together.

The rest of the afternoon dragged. Mia stayed upstairs. No footsteps on the stairs, no soft voice asking for anything. Jake and Sarah moved around the house obliviously — Jake fixing the pool filter outside, Sarah watching a rom com. Ethan kept glancing toward the staircase, jaw tight, wondering what was going through Mia’s head.

When she finally came down in the late afternoon, the sight hit Ethan like a punch to the gut.

She wore a skimpy little sundress — thin white fabric that barely reached mid-thigh, the neckline dipping low enough to show the upper swell of her perky breasts and the scattering of freckles across her chest.

The dress hugged her narrow waist and flared just enough at the hips to sway with every step. Her long dark hair fell in loose waves down her back, lips glossy, a touch of mascara making her eyes look bigger and brighter.

She looked stunning — soft, sun-kissed skin glowing, legs long and smooth, the kind of beautiful that made his mouth go dry and his c**k twitch despite every warning screaming in his brain.

Overnight, the little sister he used to carry on his shoulders had turned into this: a pretty, tempting woman who knew exactly what she was doing to him.

Mia grabbed her small purse from the entry table and headed for the door like it was the most normal thing in the world.

“I’m going to a friend’s party, I will be back soon,” she announced casually, not looking at anyone in particular.

Jake looked up from the couch, frowning. “No. I’m responsible for you while Mom and Dad are gone. You’re not going anywhere.”

Mia stopped, turning to face him with an exasperated sigh. “Home is boring, Jake. And I’m not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself.”

Jake shook his head firmly. “Say that to Mom and Dad when they get back. You’re staying put.”

Sarah glanced between them, then gave Jake a gentle nudge. “Come on, Jake. Let her enjoy her life a little. She’s eighteen. She’s not going to do anything crazy.”

Jake crossed his arms, unmoved. “Nope. Not happening.”

Ethan, who had been leaning against the kitchen counter watching the whole exchange, finally spoke up. His voice came out calmer than he felt. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

All three heads turned toward him.

Jake raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

Ethan nodded once, eyes flicking to Mia. She was staring at him now, that same mix of hurt and challenge from earlier still burning in her gaze. “Yeah. I’ve got it.”

Mia’s lips pressed into a thin line. She didn’t argue further, but the look she gave Ethan before heading outside said everything. The sundress swayed with her steps, the hem riding just high enough to show the smooth backs of her thighs.

Jake shrugged and went back to his phone. “Fine. Ethan’s on duty then.”

Ethan stayed where he was, arms crossed, he had volunteered to watch her.

Now he had to figure out how the hell he was going to survive the rest of the day without touching her again — or losing his mind completely when she kept testing every boundary he tried to set.

Sarah waved. “Have fun, you two. Don’t kill each other.”

Mia shot Ethan a sharp look but didn’t argue. She walked out the front door without waiting for him. Ethan followed close behind, the sundress swaying with every step she took, the hem flirting dangerously with the tops of her thighs. From behind, he could see the smooth curve of her ass and the way her long legs looked in the afternoon light. His jaw clenched as he tried not to stare.