Still under editing

Chapter 10

Brandon

I memorize every detail and expression of her face as she comes undone. I’m obsessed. She smiles contentedly as she catches her breath, until her expression turns into sudden panic. Before I can speak, she slides off the counter and hurries toward the stairs. I sigh and run my hand through my hair. I pick up her panties off the ground, wishing the situation wasn’t so complicated. Simply for her sake, since I don’t regret it. I don’t know if that makes me a jerk or not, but it’s the God honest truth.

So far, Audrey and I have managed to act like nothing happened. I spend most of my time at work but when I am home, she’s as sweet and polite as usual. I stand in my office, gazing out the window overlooking the bustling city streets. My mind drifts to Audrey. My thoughts have been centered on her since the moment she arrived, and I can’t get over this fixation on her. She’s a temptress. I’m jacking off like a virginal teenager with raging hormones again. I hear a knock before the door opens without a response, which means it could only be my father.

“Morning, son. How’s it going?” I update him on stats and monthly revenue, per usual.

“Your mother would like Ethan to come visit for the weekend.”

“Yeah, sure. I know he’d like that. Maryanne and James have been hoping to have dinner with Audrey soon, so I’ll be sure to let her know so they can plan for it.” He studies me for a moment, evident curiosity and question in his eyes. Thankfully, he doesn’t pry. I don’t doubt the old man’s ability to read his only son. After talking a bit more, he eventually excuses himself and I spend the rest of the day working. When I arrive home, Audrey and Ethan are lounging comfortably in the family room. They look so natural and content together, as they talk about some kid’s cartoon show they’re watching. In this moment, I oddly feel like a man coming home to his family. We had a nanny - well, before the naked one, that is - for years, but I never developed any intimate feelings for her. Strangely, it’s like some part of my brain instinctually considers Audrey being mine. And that in itself is troubling, considering how sensitive and complicated the situation is. I’ll never be able to give her what she deserves. Why couldn’t she have been an only child? Or the elder sister? I love my son, and I could never regret him. I just wish I could have had him, and Audrey. It takes them a moment to notice me, and when they do, Ethan jumps up and rushes to greet me with a hug. Audrey smiles at his joy and excitement before her eyes meet mine. She averts her eyes but I fail to miss the evident blush to her cheeks.

At dinner, I inform Audrey about Ethan spending the weekend at my parents. They occasionally take him and it’s usually when I take the opportunity to get laid. But I’d begrudgingly stuck to celibacy since the whole Katie fiasco. We finish our meal, and Audrey takes Ethan upstairs to prepare for bed. I walk to my study and grab a glass of whiskey. My phone rings with a call from Lionel.

“Anything else happen?” He’s way too excited over all this.

“No. I mean, she does have more reason to feel guilty. She was her sister. It’s the only thing that’s complicating matters. But if she ever gives me the ‘go ahead’, I don’t think I can hold back.”.

“You dirty dog.” he says laughing. “You both have already crossed a line though. Just let her process, she’ll come around. It’s clear the feeling is mutual and she wants you too.”

“Yeah I know.” It’s not surprising my man-w***e of a best friend is encouraging me to break my half year of celibacy, with my sister in law. I can always talk to him about anything without fear of judgement. After checking on a sleeping Ethan, I get into bed. I spend the next hour tossing and turning, my mind racing and overwhelmed with mixed emotions.