My Boyfriend's Brother

My Brother's Girlfriend

XAVIER'S POV

I'm too old for this nonsense, but Trent's still trying to get me to join in. It's not like I'll know her for long, anyway. Next time I'm back from college, he'll probably be hooked up with another girl.... probably?... No definitely. Trent's always been a serial monogamist, never sticking with one girl for too long.

But there's something about Ash that's got me wondering if Trent might settle down this time. She's gorgeous, smart, and has this spark that's hard to ignore.

I glided my wheelchair closer, my fingers grazing her skin as I tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks bloomed with a tender flush, and I felt a stirring within me, drawn to the warmth of her response.

'Am I going to go through with this?' I asked myself, uncertainty creeping in. This wasn't my first time pretending to be interested in someone, but there was something about Ash that made me hesitant. She seemed different and genuine, and I didn't want to manipulate her emotions. But I had already promised Trent I'd play along.

"Want to listen to some tunes?" I asked, inching closer to her again.

Ash's response was subtle, yet unmistakable. She shifted slightly away, maintaining a cautious distance.

"Yeah," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

But it was that soft, melodious whisper that caught me. Calm and soothing, like a gentle breeze on a summer day. My senses perked up, attuning to the sweetness of her tone.

I smiled, undeterred by her retreat. "What kind of music do you like?"

Ash's eyes met mine, a flicker of surprise dancing in their depths. "Um, mostly indie and acoustic."

I nodded, already mentally curating a playlist. "My favorite."

"What if I told you I could play some tunes on my guitar?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Ash's face lit up, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, I would love that!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself grinning.

I stroked my wheelchair wheels, preparing to roll into the dining room to grab my guitar. But Ash suddenly stood up, her small, delicate hand covering mine.

"I can get it," she said, her voice gentle. "You don't have to worry."

Her gaze dropped, avoiding mine. Why?

I knew.

She was feeling something. Something she didn't want to acknowledge.

"Ash," I whispered, trying to get her to look at me. But she kept her gaze down, her cheeks flushing.

"I'll be right back," she murmured, releasing my hand. As she walked away, I couldn't help but smile. She was drawn to me. Trent's plan was working. But at what cost?

The sound of Ash returning with my guitar broke my reverie. "Here you go," she handed me the instrument.

Our fingers touched. This time, she met my gaze. For a fleeting moment.

"Prepare yourself for some mediocre music," I joked.

Ash chuckled. "I'm sure it'll be great."

I strummed the first chords, and Ash's eyes closed, letting the melody wash over her.

Her expression transformed, tension melting away, replaced by serenity. This was working. She was relaxing around me.

I continued playing, observing her reactions. Each note seemed to soothe her, calming her worries.

Ash opened her eyes, meeting mine. "You're talented," she said softly.

"Thanks," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, captivated by the beautiful smile on her face.

My fingers danced across the guitar strings again, and I surprised myself by breaking into song – a habit I'd long abandoned, even in Ava's presence.

I sang the old classic, its nostalgic melody filled the air. "To steal your heart," I sang softly, "and in your eyes, I've found my treasure there."

Ash's voice joined mine, our harmonies intertwining like the emotions that bound us. Together, we crooned, "Me and you."

My fingers hesitated on the guitar strings, and for a moment, time stood still. Ash's lips curved into a gentle smile.

"You know the song I asked?" I was really surprised, as people my age or hers hardly know the song. I thought I was the only one that listened to such. "I do," she replied. "I thought I was the only one that listened to it," she added. OH. WOW. We seemed to be having some things in common. "Would you love to learn to play the guitar?" I asked, intrigued by her interest.

"Yeah, I do," Ash replied, her eyes darting everywhere but at me. "I play the keyboard...not that well." She brushed her hands through her hair, her fingers grazing her scalp.

My gaze followed her movements, captivated by the subtle elegance of her gestures. As she licked her pink, plump lips, I felt a sudden surge of desire.

I wished I could bite back the urge, the image of those lips, slightly parted and inviting, had already taken hold of my imagination.

"Maybe you could teach me how to play the keyboard," I suggested, flashing my brightest smile, "and I'll teach you how to play guitar. Deal?"

Ash's cheeks immediately flushed a delicate pink, her eyes dropping momentarily before meeting mine again. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"D-deal."

I chuckled, triumphant in my attempt to make her blush. As we sealed our musical pact, Ash's smile grew, illuminating the space around us.

A heavy silence hung between us, not because I was at a loss for words, but because I was utterly captivated by Ash's gaze. Her eyes, like pools of warm amber, held me spellbound. But then, her focus shifted, drifting toward the door. Her expression changed to a subtle mix of anticipation and apprehension. She was waiting for Trent. The thought stung, a pang of jealousy I couldn't shake.

Ash's gaze returned to mine, her eyebrows furrowing slightly as if sensing my unease. I forced a gentle smile, trying to reassure her, but my eyes betrayed me, lingering on hers with an intensity I couldn't hide.

The silence grew thicker, heavy with unspoken emotions. Ash's fingers toyed with the hem of her sleeve, a nervous habit.

My phone chimed, breaking the spell between Ash and me. My instincts told me it was Trent, even before I glanced at the screen.

"Are you done?" his message read, succinct and demanding. I typed out a response, feigning ignorance.

"Done with what?"

My eyes met Ash's, her expression curious.

A faint smile played on my lips as I waited for Trent's reply.

The phone chimed again. "Don't play dumb," Trent's message snapped. "You know exactly what I'm talking about."

I typed out a response, my tone laced with sarcasm.

"Just come back already. I think your babe is already missing you ;)"