Tempting Adeline

10

ADELINE

After that stupid play with the faucet, I haven’t seen Croix anywhere for the past three days. I already started work and because of him, I ran late that day too. I am standing by the counter when Croix walks in with his black sweatpants hanging low on his hips. Is there a ban against clothes here or what?

He bites his bottom lip as he moves closer. Stilling, he plays with his lip ring, making my stomach instantly drop. The way he tongues that lip ring makes me wonder about the feel of it. I blink and dart my gaze away.

He stepped closer, opened his mouth, his hot breath against my ear reaching my skin. “That’s not an appropriate way to look at your roommate and brother,”

He backs away as he leans around me, pouring me a cup of coffee before heading towards the kitchen table to prepare breakfast. This morning, he appears to be tame and that’s a good thing.

He begins frying the onions and garlic, the aroma filling the air. It shouldn’t bother me the way it does. But the sight of him in an apron is a sight to behold. I am in a whirlwind of confusion. How did I look at him? What did I look like looking at him?

Wesley comes out of his bedroom and I stand straight trying to rid myself of the toxicities of this new brother of mine.

Croix’s eyes darted to me and I could’ve sworn he chuckled.

“Good morning, you two.” Wesley announces, happy as ever. “A couple of early risers, huh?”

Neither of us responded to his rhetorical question. He walked up to me and kissed me on the lips, his lips lingering there.

“You look beautiful in this outfit. I am sure that they’ll employ you immediately.”

“The f**k, Wes? I got the job and it’s my third day at work.” I hit him in the chest. “How many times do I have to tell you?”

He chuckled. “Sorry babe. Classes got the best of me and work stuff but I won’t forget next time.”

Croix’s eyes peek from behind his shoulders, watching us from the corner of his eye so I put more effort into the kiss, basically telling him to screw with it. “Damn angel...Last night and now this? I must be so lucky.”

Yes, last night we f****d but as usual, I didn’t get off. It burns me to finish off at the thought of Croix. I giggle bashfully as his hand slides up my back and then his other hand grabs a handful of my ass.

I peer at Croix whose brows are drawn together as if he’s contemplating the origin of cowpeas.

“I’ll pack you lunch. Are you heading out soon?” He asked me to grab the sandwich from the fridge.

Feeling a bit flustered and embarrassed, my nails digging into my palm, my throat itchy and my smile struggling,, I waved the lunch off.

“You should give me the car keys now. I’m off to work.” I said and Wesley’s expression became solemn.

He ran his hands through his hair and a squeezed expression fell on his face.

“About that? I am sorry but I kind of crashed your car and sold it off since it won’t be useful.”

“What?!” I screamed and tossed whatever my hand grabbed at him. “You sold my freaking car?!”

I took deep breaths. I can’t afford to lose my cool this beautiful morning. “What about the money for it?”

He gave me an apologetic look and I knew instantly that I’m not getting that money. I took a deep sigh and sat down on the couch. I remembered that he’s going through some financial s**t at the moment and maybe I shouldn’t overreact.

“Who’s gonna take me to work now, Wes?”

“Well Croix can.” Wesley pointed out.“Right, Wes?”

Croix regarded me for a moment, his dark eyes on me.