Page 113 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

Fuck, that was the hottest call of my life.

Sure, I’ve dabbled in a little sexting in my time, but I’ve never experienced full-on phone sex. It was…wow.

I came so hard with the deep rumble of his voice in my ears, his dark blue eyes locked on mine.

It was a heady experience. And I can’t help but wonder just what it would be like if he were actually there and able to touch me.

My thighs clench at the thought of his fingers against my heated skin, his lips, his tongue, his cock.

I didn’t get up that morning until I’d got myself off to the memory of the night before, and then sent him a good morning message, which he replied to immediately, as if he was waiting.

Did he wake up desperate for me, too?

I really hope so.

The rest of my time in Idaho passes by in a flash. We spend Friday on a hiking trail that Mom and Dad found before going out for dinner, and then before I know it, we’re saying our goodbyes and Garrett and I are heading to the airport.

Usually, I’m not ready to leave our parents after the holiday. I love it so much when the four of us get together that no time is ever enough. But this time…I can’t deny that there’s a huge part of me that wants to be back in LA already.

I’ve never really had anyone at home waiting for me to return. Of course, over the last few years, I’ve had Bea. But that’s not the same. Not even close.

“I can’t believe it’s over already,” Garrett sulks as we wait to get through security.

“You sound really excited to be heading home,” I deadpan.

“Meh.”

I narrow my eyes at him. This is the first time he’s given any kind of hint that he might not be happy.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, my concern starting to grow.

“Yeah. No. I dunno,” he says, looking conflicted. “I think…I think I was expecting too much when I moved. I thought I was going to have the perfect life with the perfect job. It’s just not quite what I was hoping for.”

I frown, confused. I thought he loved his job and life on the East Coast.

“Oh, ignore me. I’m just feeling off after being home for a few days.”

I want to respond, but it’s our turn at security, and we’re forced apart while we get our carry-ons and bodies scanned.

“Forget I said anything,” are his first words when we meet on the other side.

“I’m not sure⁠—”

“Please, Sisi. I’m just feeling weird about going back. Once I’m settled back in, it’ll be fine.”

Unease trickles through me. I know my brother well enough to see that he’s putting on a brave face. Did he feel this way when he helped me move? He certainly didn’t say anything.

“If you’re not happy, Gare, you should⁠—”

“I am. It’s fine. Honestly.”

Fine. Is anything we describe as “fine” actually good, though?

“Okay,” I relent. “But you know where I am if you need anything.”

“I do,” he says, throwing his arm around my shoulder and giving me a squeeze.

We swing by Starbucks and grab coffees before finding somewhere to sit and wait for our gates to be called. We fall into easy conversation about our time at home and cycle back around to some of the things our parents told us. The smile on his face should be enough to settle my mind, but every time I look at him, I see something in his eyes. Reluctance, I guess. Reluctance to return to the life he’s making for himself.