My Brother's Best Friend

Dinner with Ben

We pulled up to the same sports bar we were at the first night. This time it wasn’t so packed. We headed in and Ben picked a booth in the back corner. Even being nervous I was starving. I sat across from Ben. The host had placed water glasses by us and said the waiter would be over shortly.

“I saw you running this morning with that freshman guy. I take it he likes you” Said Ben.

“Ya, I don’t know we are just friends though” I say back.

“You might want to mention that to him” Laughed

The waiter came over to get our drink order, and with how tired I was I ordered a diet coke. Hailey and I had sent out for fake Ids from a company Stacy and Bridget had set us up with but they didn’t come yet and I definitely wanted to keep my wits about me being around Ben.

“So what is this bonfire going to be like?” I asked Ben.

“It is just some upperclassmen that are having one for the start of the year. They live off campus in a nicer house with a big yard. The neighbors are further away so it is less likely to get the cops called on them. It also won’t be as big as the party we were at last night.”

“Well that is a relief.” I said with a sigh.

The water came back with our drinks and asked if we wanted something to eat. I ordered a Turkey burger with fries. Ben ordered a burger with the same side.

“So, how did you get stuck having to take me to this?” I asked

“Your brother called me, He knew I was home and going to be heading that way and didn’t want to ditch you.” Ben answered. We spent the time talking about our high school years. Ben told me how he became the quarterback. His dad hadn’t put a ton of pressure on him, they were very supportive. His home life sounded similar to mine, minus the death of a sibling. Ben was an only child. In the back of my mind I couldn’t help myself from wondering why he was being so nice to me. Is he doing Caleb a favor or does he like me?

The food came and we were talking between bites. It was nice not having a swarm of girls surround the table this time. I felt very brave and I asked him if he was seeing anyone. His right eyebrow lifted after I had asked him.

“No, like your brother I was super focused on school and the game. I feel more relaxed now I am starting this year but of course there is always the stress of getting drafted now but I still have two years of playing. I was Redshirted like your brother." Both Caleb and Ben were going for Finance. “How about yourself, are you interested in Riley?” He asked.

“RIley is nice, but I haven’t been in any serious relationships. High school was filled with immature boys. I dated a few but some were just using me to get out on the water. None of them actually liked me.” I failed to mention the high school relationship before Matthew passed that nearly broke me. Jarod, we dated for 2 years and then I found him cheating on me. I was too nervous to have s*x, I just didn’t feel ready. He was ready and found Brea Donovan who basically threw herself at him. I was crushed, but that feeling quickly was replaced with mourning Matthew. Jarod and Brea both go to this university, they are not together anymore and hopefully with how big this campus is I don’t have to run into them. Jarod was on the hockey team so he would hopefully be in a different circle than my brothers and I. I thought Eric was going to kill him when the news broke. I would say it's water under the bridge now, however, that bridge is burnt to the hot coals.

“I don’t see how anyone could just use you to get out on the boat. Between how great your family seems and how fun you are, it would be an honor to be in your presence. You are right, boys in high school are nothing but immature.” He said. At this point our meals were finished.

“Should we head out to the bonfire?” I asked Ben.

“I suppose,” He said.

Ben paid for the meal even though I tried to split it with him, he wasn’t having it.

We got in the car and headed to the bonfire. Before getting out of the car Ben grabbed my hand.

“Listen, I like you. However, being this is my big year with football and you're my best friend’s little sister, I am hesitant.” Before he could say anything more I interrupted him.

“I understand, but just so you know, Hailey being my first friend and roommate, didn’t stop Caleb from making his move the first chance he got. I don’t think he would mind us hanging out.” I answered

“Oh he minds, He minds very much. He made that clear the other night when I took you home.” Stunned, I didn’t know what to say. Caleb has been protective but never like this. “He is worried, you're his little sister, you're still healing from last year and this is your first year on your own. He is a good older brother and as his friend I need to respect that.” Ben finished.

“Ok so what does that mean?” I asked.

“It means I like you and I am completely unsure what to do.” Said Ben.

“Well nothing has to be decided, we can be friends for now” I said, trying to hide my disappointment and play it off like this was no big deal. He turned towards me, not thinking I leaned towards him. I just wanted to know what it would be like to kiss him. We were parked far from the bonfire with plenty of cars in front of us. It’s not like anyone would see. As I was leaning he took his hand and placed it behind my neck. I felt the warmth of his lips against mine. Kissing him felt easy, he knew what he was doing. He smelled so good, before I came to my senses I was climbing over the center console of his truck straddling him. His hands trailing along my back and up my sweatshirt. His hands felt up my back bone all the way to my sports bra. I could feel him getting hard in his jeans.The new pressure against my inner thigh struck me with a stomach full of nerves. Without stopping I quietly used my right hand to find the door handle. I propped the door open and slid off him till my feet were on the ground. I turned and faced him.