The Better Brother Read online

  “I know you don’t want to run into him,” Bethany said.

  “Who cares?” I said, waving my hand casually.

  “Really?” Bethany raised her eyebrows.

  “Joshua who?”

  I pranced off down the sidewalk with Bethany laughing beside me.

  CHAPTER 14

  Michael

  My jaw dropped when I saw Julie step out of her house. She was wearing a floor-length blue dress. It was the exact same shade as her eyes and, for a second, I couldn’t breathe. My eyes trailed down her body, taking in the full effect of her appearance.

  The dress hugged her breasts and waist, fanning out at her hips and then trailing lightly down to her feet. It was strapless, so she wore a sheer wrap around her shoulders. Her high heels matched the wrap perfectly, and when she spun in a circle, I felt my insides tighten. My body reacted to her without my permission, driving me forward until I was standing right in front of her.

  I reached for her hand, holding her at arm’s length so I could keep admiring her. She blushed slightly, making her look even more beautiful. When I kissed her lips, she sighed and rested her hand on my chest. It took all my strength to pull away from her. The limo was waiting, and I couldn’t afford to be late to my own party.

  “Come on,” I said, tugging her gently toward the car. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

  “Change your mind about what?” Julie asked.

  “About going to this stupid party,” I said.

  “It’s your party,” she laughed, as I held open the back door of the limo.

  “Which is why we have to go,” I said with a sigh. “But that dress looks like it was specifically designed to torture me.”

  “Oh?” She raised her eyebrows as I slid in beside her. “You like?”

  “I love,” I growled.

  I kissed her quickly, sliding my tongue deep into her mouth. Her answering shiver was all I needed. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer to me while she tangled her fingers in my hair.

  The driver pulled away from Julie’s house, but we barely noticed. We were lost in each other’s bodies, our hands roaming freely wherever we chose.

  It wasn’t until I ran my fingers through her silky hair that Julie finally pulled away. She was flushed and breathless, her pale blue eyes burned with desire.

  “We should stop,” she said, panting slightly. “Before you completely wreck my hair.”

  “That’s not possible,” I said softly. “Come here.”

  I kissed her again, but she pushed me away gently. With a soft smile, she settled in beside me so we could both calm down. Looking down at my lap, I knew she was right. I couldn’t exactly show up to the Four Seasons with a raging erection.

  I kept my arm wrapped tightly around her while we drove toward the city. When we arrived, the party hadn’t started yet. Marcy insisted I show up early so I’d be able to greet all the guests as they arrived.

  “This place looks amazing,” Julie said when we walked into the grand ballroom. “I can’t believe you did all this just for a company party.”

  “The better you treat your employees and clients, the more successful your business will be.”

  I grinned as Julie rolled her eyes at my professional rambling. Marcy and I spent over two months planning this party, making sure every detail was perfectly in place. Now that Julie was on my arm, I wanted the night to be even better.

  “Let me get you a drink,” I said as we slowly made our way farther into the room.

  “Oh, I can get it,” Julie said. “I know you have stuff to do.”

  “Not yet,” I said. “Marcy took care of everything. I just have to greet the guests when they start to arrive.”

  “When will that be?” Julie asked.

  “Twenty minutes or so,” I said.

  I led her over to the bar area and got us each a martini. Julie sipped hers slowly while I downed my first one in record time.

  Julie chuckled. “It’s that kind of night, huh?”

  “To be completely honest, I hate these things.,” I said with a shrug. “Besides, I reserved a hotel room upstairs, so I wouldn’t have to worry about getting home tonight.”

  “Oh?” Julie eyebrows shot up so high they disappeared behind her hair.

  “Oh!” I said, suddenly understanding the implications of my words. “The limo is paid for through the morning, so you’re free to leave whenever you want to. You don’t have to stay. I mean, you can… I mean, I would love it if you stayed, but…”

  I realized I was rambling and quickly trailed off, letting the end of my sentence disappear. Julie just laughed and took a step toward me. She drank the rest of her martini in one gulp and then turned to order another.

  When she turned back to face me, she was grinning devilishly. My stomach flipped as she moved closer. Her hand was on my chest before I could blink. Then, her lips were on mine, and the entire world disappeared.

  “Having a room upstairs sounds perfect,” she whispered as she pulled away.

  I grinned and wrapped my arm around her waist. The party would be starting soon, and I needed to get back to the entrance.

  “There you are!” Marcy called out as Julie and I came into view. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

  “We were at the bar,” I said simply. “Marcy, this is Julie. Julie, this is Marcy.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Marcy said with a smile.

  “You too,” Julie said.

  “Mr. Smart.” Marcy turned her attention back to me. “The guests are beginning to arrive. The valet is directing them this way now. Are you ready to open the doors?”

  “Of course,” I said. “Whenever you are.”

  Marcy nodded and hurried forward. She threw open the doors to the ballroom and then stood back. I could already hear footsteps approaching.

  “Marcy?” I said.

  “Yes?” She turned to face me.

  “Remember to have fun tonight, okay? You’ve earned it.”

  Marcy smiled. Her entire body seemed to relax. Julie squeezed my arm, and when I looked at her, she was smiling appreciatively.

  “What’s that smile for?” I asked quietly.

  “You’re a good boss.” She shrugged. “It’s just surprising, is all.”

  “You thought I’d be a tyrant?” I asked.

  “Something like that,” she teased me with a wink.

  In seconds, the entrance was crowded with people. I greeted everyone personally, keeping the line moving as quickly as possible. I tried to introduce everyone to Julie, but people were arriving so fast that I didn’t have the chance.

  Soon, everyone was inside the ballroom, and the party could really begin. I led Julie around the room, stopping to show her off to my clients whenever possible. I loved having her on my arm. I brought a date every year, but none were as beautiful or charming as Julie. I wanted everyone to meet her, to see just how amazing she was.

  Julie and I drank and laughed all night. We danced, spinning each other around the dancefloor. I’d never had so much fun at a company party in my life.

  As the night began to wind down, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out with a frown. Who would be texting me now?

  “Sorry I couldn’t make it to the party this year,” Josh wrote. “How’s it going?”

  “Great!” I typed back. “I brought a better date than you.”

  Josh replied seconds later. “That same girl?”

  “Yup.” I pressed send and went to tuck my phone back in my pocket. Before I could, it vibrated again.

  “When can I meet her?” Josh asked.

  “I’ll set it up,” I typed, just to get him off my back. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but I’d deal with it later.

  I sent the message off quickly and then turned my attention back to Julie. She was swaying slightly to the music, laughing with the wife of one of my client’s. It was amazing how easily she got along with everyone in the room.

  “
Having fun?” I whispered in her ear.

  “I am.” She smiled at me, and her eyes swam slightly. I could tell the alcohol was having a strong effect on her. She wasn’t drunk, but she definitely wasn’t sober.

  We said our goodbyes and headed upstairs to our room, giddy as two teenagers at Prom.

  CHAPTER 15

  Julie

  Michael had reserved a room on the top floor. We stepped onto the elevator along with three other people, but by the time we reached our floor, we were alone. My body was alive with the alcohol and excitement. Michael’s party was amazing. We laughed and danced for hours. It was as if the outside world just disappeared. We were alone, the only two people in a blur of blissful happiness, and I never wanted the night to end.

  “Did you have fun tonight?” Michael asked as the elevator continued to rise.

  “So much fun,” I said.

  I turned to face him, and my eyes dropped to his lips. He was just inches away from me now, and my entire body was crying out for him. I took a step forward, my wrap falling from my shoulders. My hands were already on Michael’s chest, my lips reaching up for his.

  Our kiss was hot and fast. The second our lips touched, Michael’s body reacted. He shoved me roughly against the elevator wall, holding me in place with strong hands. I’d been dreaming of this moment since he first picked me up that night. Seeing him in a tuxedo was almost too much for me to handle. I knew what was beneath those clothes, and I was desperate to get my hands on him.

  “God,” I whispered as Michael’s lips found my neck. “I’ve wanted this all night.”

  “You have no idea,” Michael growled, his lips still pressed against my skin.

  His teeth bit down lightly, and I moaned. His hands roamed over my body, sliding over my hips and reaching around to grip my ass. Every inch of me that he touched lit on fire.

  “Come here,” I demanded, pulling his face back to mine.

  I kissed him so hard we were soon out of breath. My tongue slid inside his mouth desperately. I could taste the martinis he drank that night, and it only made my head spin faster. Alcohol coursed through my veins, propelling me forward. I was reckless. I was horny. The elevator couldn’t rise fast enough.

  Michael’s hand reached down for my thigh. He tightened his fist around the light material of my dress and pulled it upward. His finger caressed my bare thigh, moving higher with each stroke.

  I moaned and let my head fall back. Panting, I wiggled beneath Michael’s touch. He slid his fingers even higher, soon realizing that I wasn’t wearing any panties.

  When he touched my bare pussy, he groaned and buried his face in my neck. His fingers played with me, lapping up my wetness and then sliding upward to tease my clit. I moaned loudly and pushed my hips forward.

  “You’re the devil,” Michael said roughly.

  “I couldn’t wear panties with this dress,” I said. “They would have shown through.”

  “Trust me, baby,” Michael said. “I’m not complaining.”

  He pressed down harder on my clit and rubbed me roughly. The elevator door chimed behind us, and we jumped apart. My pussy was throbbing, aching for his touch, but neither of us wanted to get caught. We stood a few feet away from each other while the doors slid open.

  There were a few people in the hallway, so Michael dipped down to grab my wrap off the floor, and we hurried toward our room. Neither of us said a word until were safely tucked away behind the door.

  The second we were inside, Michael grabbed me and tossed me roughly on the bed. He crawled up below me, taking my legs in his hands as he moved. His lips traced light patterns over my calves as he moved upward, shoving my dress aside as he did.

  Soon, I was completely exposed to him. He gripped my thighs and buried his face between my legs, his tongue already lashing out at my waiting clit.

  “Fuck!” I cried out. For the first time in my life, I didn’t care about being overheard. I cried out his name repeatedly as his tongue flicked back and forth over me. Wet desire rushed between my legs, dripping onto the bed while Michael pushed me further toward the brink.

  He reached around to grip my ass, holding me tightly while his tongue took me harder. My legs shook, and just like that, I came so hard that my back arched. My mouth opened but no sound came out. The cry of pleasure got caught in my throat as my whole body shook with ecstasy.

  Michael stood up and tore his tux from his body. I wiggled upward just enough so that I pressed against the pillows. My eyes trailed down Michael’s body, growing wider when his rock-hard cock sprang free.

  “You’re so fucking sexy,” he told me as he climbed onto the bed, now fully naked.

  “Prove it,” I teased.

  Michael released an animalistic growl and lifted me upward. He settled me on his lap, rubbing my dripping wet pussy against his cock. I moaned as he pressed against my sensitive clit, making me shudder with need.

  My dress was hoisted up around my hips, but that wasn’t enough for Michael. He quickly unzipped the back and then lifted the material over my head. Our bare skin finally touched, and it felt like fire licked against my skin.

  When he slid inside me, I bucked my hips forward and moaned desperately. Michael rocked his hips upward, slamming into me with a reckless abandon I’d never felt before. I didn’t know if it was the alcohol or just the anticipation of having to wait all night to be alone. Whatever it was, we were both so desperate for each other that we could barely think.

  Michael fucked me hard, thrusting his hips upward while I rode his cock. I threw my head back and gave him access to my tits, so that he could bite and lick my nipples. I let my body take control, seeking out another release.

  “Fuck me, Michael!” I screamed. “Fuck me!”

  “Jesus Christ.” Michael groaned. “Holy shit, Julie.”

  When I came for the second time, my pussy clamped around his cock and made my entire body shake violently. Michael still wasn’t finished with me, and already, the pleasure reached down to my toes.

  I held onto him tightly, riding out the orgasm while he continued to take me harder and harder.

  “Oh my god,” I whimpered. “Holy shit.”

  “Shower?” Michael whispered in my ear.

  I nodded, but couldn’t speak. My entire body was trembling with pleasure. My head was still spinning from the alcohol. Michael lifted me to my feet, and we hurried toward the bathroom, both laughing as we ran.

  Michael’s hands never left my body. He slapped my ass and groped my tits, caressed my skin and growled in my ear. When he reached around me to turn on the shower, his lips grazed mine, and I shivered again.

  I grabbed him around the neck and kissed him hard. He held onto me for a second, his lips lashing against mine until his cock became needier than he could control.

  “Come here,” he said roughly.

  He whipped me around and pressed my tits and stomach against the bathroom wall. His fingers slid around my waist, flirting with my clit while he pushed his cock into me from behind.

  “Oh fuck!” I screamed out.

  Michael rocked his hips forward and bit my shoulder. I cried out his name and pressed my ass back against him while the shower water warmed up.

  After he pulled me into the shower, he lifted me into the air and lowered me onto his dick. I held tightly to the shower wall while he bounced me up and down.

  I came for a third time, then a fourth. I don’t know how long Michael and I spent changing positions that night, but by the time Michael finished once, my entire body was weak with exhaustion. And yet, I never wanted him to stop. I could have stayed in that shower riding his dick all night long.

  “That was…” Michael began as we dried off and slowly made our way to the bed.

  I collapsed backward onto the pillows, Michael climbing up beside me. We each reached for each other at the same time. Michael pulled me to him. I cradled my head against his chest, and he traced his fingertips over my still-trembling skin.

  “You’
re amazing,” I whispered.

  “You bring it out in me,” Michael said, speaking just as softly.

  All the animal need from earlier seemed to vanish as we held each other. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about sex. It wasn’t just about seeking pleasure. It was more than that. It was deeper.

  Michael kissed the top of my head and played with my hair while my eyes fluttered closed. I fell asleep to the sound of his steady breathing and, when we woke the next morning, his grip on me was even tighter than before.

  CHAPTER 16

  Michael

  My head was buzzing as I slowly opened my eyes. Julie was still asleep next to me, curled on her side and still naked from the night before. I groaned and rolled away from the window to block out the sunlight streaming through the curtains. My head was already starting to pound with the beginnings of a hangover. After everything I drank the night before, I wasn’t surprised that my body was protesting this morning.

  With another groan, I squeezed my eyes closed and rubbed my temples. I hadn’t felt this hungover since college.

  “You’re awake,” Julie said softly. I rolled back over to face her. She was smiling at me, but her eyes were barely open.

  “Good morning.” I smiled back and moved closer to her. “How’d you sleep?”

  “I have no idea,” Julie said with a soft laugh. “I feel like ass.”

  “Me too.” I laughed, but immediately regretted it. The motion jostled my head and made my stomach lurch with nausea. “Oh god.”

  “We should eat something,” Julie said and pushed herself up. Her hand flew immediately to her head as she slowly adjusted to the new position.

  “I’ll order room service,” I said weakly.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Julie said. “We can go get something.”

  “No.” I shook my head firmly. “I’m not ready to leave this room. Maybe never again.”

  Julie chuckled and nodded. She sank back down into bed and closed her eyes again. I rolled over and grabbed the phone off the bedside table. As I dialed for room service, I could hear Julie’s soft moans of pain. We were both miserable, but there was a note of happiness buried beneath the misery.