I stood at the living room window, leaning my hip against the armrest of the couch as I watched my parents’ car disappear down the street. My hands played idly with the hem of my tank top—thin and snug enough to cling in all the right places. It was one of those tops that dipped just low enough to make my mom roll her eyes, but hey, she wasn’t here, was she? Besides, what’s so wrong with showing a little cleavage?
My denim shorts were short enough to make sitting feel like a strategic decision, but I wasn’t planning on moving much today anyway. The house was mine for the whole weekend. No parents. No rules. No one telling me to be “appropriate” or to “cover up.” Eighteen and free. It felt like heaven.
I flopped onto the couch, stretching my legs out, my bare toes brushing the soft cushions. My phone buzzed on the table, but I ignored it. The music blasting from the speaker was much more interesting—heavy on bass, the way I liked it. The beat thumped through the floorboards, rattling the glass doors on the cabinet by the TV.
I grinned to myself, imagining the next two days. Junk food, lazy movie marathons, maybe sneaking a beer or two from the stash Dad thought he’d hidden behind the flour canisters. I could do whatever I wanted. No one to nag me, no one to bother me. Absolute paradise.
Or so I thought.
The sound of a car engine pulling into the driveway snapped me out of my daydream. I frowned, reaching for the remote to mute the music, then peeked through the window. My stomach sank when I spotted the familiar outline of Carl’s old truck.
My older brother.
What the hell was he doing here?
Before I could even process it, he was already at the front door. I yanked it open just as he raised his fist to knock.
“Carl? What the hell are you doing here?”
He leaned against the doorframe, a smirk spreading across his face. His jacket hung lazily over one shoulder, and he looked every bit as smug as ever. Dressed in worn jeans and a black t-shirt that stretched snug over his broad shoulders, he had that irritating air of casual confidence.
“Nice to see you too, Kailey,” he said, his gaze flicking down briefly before he stepped inside uninvited.
I groaned, crossing my arms under my chest, which only made my cleavage more noticeable. “Seriously. Why are you here?”
“Mom and Dad asked me to check on you. Said they didn’t trust you to survive 48 hours without burning the house down or throwing a rave.” He kicked off his boots and tossed his jacket onto the armchair like he owned the place.
“Oh my God, you’ve got to be kidding me,” I said, throwing my head back in exasperation. “I’m not a kid anymore! I can handle being home alone.”
He raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the wall as his eyes scanned the messy living room. “Yeah, I’m sure you think that. But you’re not exactly known for making the best decisions, are you?”
“Wow,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Carl. Don’t you have anything better to do?”
“Nope,” he said, popping the ‘p.’ He wandered into the kitchen like he owned the place. I heard cabinets opening and closing as he rummaged around.
“Okay, you’ve checked up on me,” I called after him. “Now you can leave!”
“Not so fast,” he said, reappearing with a bag of crisps in hand. He plopped down on the couch, kicking his feet up on the coffee table. “I think I’ll stick around for a bit.”
I glared at him. “Why?”
“Because I’m bored, and your TV’s better than mine,” he said, like that was the most logical explanation in the world.
“Unbelievable,” I muttered, collapsing onto the other end of the couch. I grabbed the nearest throw pillow and hugged it against me, glaring daggers at him.
“Relax,” he said, smirking as he crunched on a crisp. “Tell you what—I’ll even go to the shop and grab some proper snacks. You know, since I’m such a generous big brother.”
“Generous?” I snorted. “Since when?”
“Since now,” he said, grabbing his keys and standing up. “What do you want? Crisps? Chocolate? Maybe a beer or two for the responsible, totally mature adult in the house?”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “Fine. Surprise me.”
While he was gone, I half-heartedly flipped through the stack of DVDs by the TV. I wasn’t expecting him to be gone long, but when he finally came back, it was with enough snacks to feed a small army.
“Jesus, Carl,” I said as he unloaded his haul onto the coffee table. Bags of crisps, bars of chocolate, a couple of pre-packed sandwiches, and—of course—a crate of beer. “Did you rob the shop?”
“You said you wanted snacks,” he said, cracking open a beer and handing it to me.
“Cheers,” I said, taking it from him. The cold fizz hit the back of my throat, and I sank deeper into the couch. “You’re seriously staying, aren’t you?”
“Yep,” he said, popping the cap off his own beer. “Might as well make it a proper lazy day. Go grab your blanket or something—it’s cold in here.”
I hesitated for a second before sighing. “Fine. But I get to pick the movie.”
“Deal,” he said, settling back into the couch like he owned it.
When I came back downstairs, dragging my massive blanket with me, Carl had already commandeered the remote.
“Move,” I said, nudging him with my knee.
“Bossy,” he teased, shifting over to make room.
I spread the blanket over both of us, tucking it around my legs and letting the rest drape over Carl’s lap. “Okay, put this one on,” I said, handing him The Italian Job.
“Solid choice,” he said, holding the DVD up to inspect it. “But let me guess—you’re just here for Mark Wahlberg.”
I smirked, taking another sip of my beer. “And you’re here for Charlize Theron. Don’t act like you’re above it.”
He chuckled, sliding the disc into the player. “You caught me. But the original Italian Job was better. Remakes never hold up.”
As the opening credits rolled, he shifted under the blanket, making himself comfortable. The blanket was warm, and I couldn’t help but notice how close we were, our legs brushing beneath the fabric.
“You’re such a brat, you know that?” he said, nudging me with his elbow.
“Says the guy who totally ruined my weekend just because he’s bored,” I shot back.
“Please,” he said, leaning back smugly. “You’d be bored out of your mind without me. Admit it—you’re actually having fun for once.”
I smirked, pretending to focus on the screen. “Sure, Carl. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
The movie started, and for the first time all day, the room settled into a comfortable quiet. The coffee table was covered in snacks, the blanket was warm, and the beer wasn’t half bad. Maybe having Carl crash my weekend wasn’t the worst thing in the world after all.
Just as the movie’s first big heist scene started to play, Carl glanced over at me. His tone was softer this time, less teasing.
“So, Mom told me about Darren.”
The words hung in the air for a second, and I paused mid-sip. I set my beer down on the coffee table, avoiding his gaze.
“Yeah? What about him?” I said, trying to sound casual, though my voice came out a little too flat.
“I just… I don’t know,” he said, watching the screen but clearly not paying attention to the movie anymore. “I really thought he was the one for you.”
I scoffed, leaning back against the couch. “Yeah, well, guess I was wrong. End of story.”
Carl didn’t reply right away, and for a moment, I thought he was going to let it drop. But then he spoke, his voice low and steady.
“He’s an idiot, you know that, right?”
I glanced over at him, his expression unreadable as his eyes stayed fixed on the screen.
“He didn’t deserve you, Kailey,” he said, finally meeting my gaze.
There was something about the way he said it—matter-of-fact but sincere—that made my throat tighten. I swallowed hard, forcing a smile to my lips.
“Thanks, Carl,” I said, nudging his arm lightly. “Now shut up and watch the movie before you make this awkward.”
He smirked, cracking open another beer. “Fine. But just so you know, if I ever see him again, I’m punching him. That’s what big brothers are for, right?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re such a drama queen.”
“Hey, I’m serious,” he said, grinning now. “One punch. Right in the face. Maybe two if he doesn’t say sorry.”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” I said, settling back into the couch. Despite myself, I couldn’t help the warmth spreading in my chest. I sat quietly for a moment or two before speaking.
“So what about you, anyone on the scene,
“So what about you?” I asked, glancing sideways at him. “Anyone on the scene? Or are you too busy being an overbearing big brother to have a life of your own?”
Carl smirked, taking a long sip of his beer before setting the bottle down with a soft clink. “You mean aside from babysitting my pain-in-the-ass little sister? Nah, nothing serious.”
“Wow,” I teased, leaning my elbow on the back of the couch and resting my chin in my hand. “Carl, 33 and single. Should I be worried about you?”
“Please,” he said, turning his head to look at me. “It’s called being selective. You don’t just settle, Kailey. You’d know that if you didn’t date guys like Darren.”
I shot him a mock glare, but his smirk didn’t falter. “Okay, rude. And for the record, Darren wasn’t that bad. He just… wasn’t what I thought he was.”
Carl raised an eyebrow, leaning back into the couch. “Yeah, well, guys like that usually aren’t. But you’ll figure it out.”
I rolled my eyes, but something about his casual confidence was annoyingly reassuring. He made it sound like it was all so simple, like life was a game you could just play smarter if you knew the rules.
“Alright, Mr. Wise and Mature,” I said, tilting my beer bottle toward him. “So what’s your excuse? Why’s there no one sweeping you off your feet?”
Carl chuckled, a low, lazy sound as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I dunno. Maybe I just haven’t met someone who makes it worth the hassle yet.”
I snorted, leaning back against the couch. “So basically, you’re picky and lazy. Got it.”
“Hey,” he said, nudging me with his elbow. “It’s called having standards. Something you could stand to learn, little sis.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said, waving him off. “We can’t all be perfect like you.”
“Damn straight,” he said, grinning as he reached for another crisp.
The room fell quiet again, the sound of the movie filling the space. I stretched my legs out a little more, letting my toes brush against the edge of the coffee table. The blanket was warm, the beer was good, and despite all his teasing, Carl being here wasn’t as bad as I’d made it out to be.
“You know,” I said after a moment, my voice softer now, “it’s actually kind of nice having you here.”
Carl turned his head slightly, a look of mild surprise on his face. “Wow. Did you just say something nice to me? Is it the beer talking?”
“Shut up,” I said, tossing a piece of popcorn at him. “I’m being serious.”
He caught the popcorn midair and popped it into his mouth with a grin. “Well, don’t get used to it. I’m not sticking around forever. Gotta let you crash and burn on your own eventually.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Carl.”
“Anytime, sis, nah but honestly I trust you. Mom and Dad you know what they are like, over protective of there little girl,” he said, smirking.
“But I’m not little anymore,” I said, sitting up straighter and giving him a pointed look. “I mean, I’m eighteen. I’m basically an adult.”
“Listen, I know that,” Carl said, his voice shifting into something softer, almost hesitant. He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes briefly flicking away from mine before coming back. “I can clearly see you aren’t a kid anymore. You’re… erm… a woman now.”
His words lingered awkwardly in the air, and I couldn’t help but smirk, letting the silence hang just long enough to make him uncomfortable.
“Wow,” I teased, tilting my head at him. “That almost sounded like a compliment, Carl. Should I be flattered? Why the pause when you said woman. Oh was you checking me out.”
Carl’s smirk faltered for half a second, and he shot me a look that was half amusement, half exasperation. “Oh, for God’s sake, Kailey. Don’t flatter yourself,” he said, shaking his head as he leaned back into the couch.
I grinned, loving how uncomfortable he looked. “You paused. I heard it. ‘You’re… erm… a woman now.’ That’s what you said. Admit it—you were totally checking me out.”
“You’re delusional,” Carl said, cracking open another beer and taking a long sip, avoiding my gaze.
“Am I?” I teased, leaning toward him and resting my chin in my hand. “You’re looking a little red, Carl. What’s the matter? Can’t handle the truth?”
Carl froze for a second, his beer halfway to his lips, before finally setting it down on the table. He gave me a long, exasperated look, but there was something softer underneath it that I couldn’t quite place.
“Okay, fine,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Maybe I paused. And maybe I noticed, alright? Can you blame me? You’re… you’re beautiful, Kailey.”
I blinked, caught completely off guard. I expected a joke, maybe some snarky comment to deflect, but the way he said it felt genuine, almost annoyed.
He leaned back into the couch, his eyes fixed on the TV. “And that’s exactly why Darren pisses me off so much. He didn’t deserve you—not even close.”
I swallowed, unsure how to respond. For once, I didn’t have a quick comeback or a teasing remark ready.
“You really mean that?” I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Carl turned his head to look at me, his expression serious. “Of course I do. I might give you a hard time, but that doesn’t mean I don’t notice stuff. You’re smart, funny, stubborn as hell… and yeah, you’re beautiful. Any guy who doesn’t see that is an idiot. And Darren? He’s the biggest idiot of them all.”
The warmth in my chest from earlier spread, and I felt my cheeks flush. I wasn’t used to hearing Carl say things like this.
“Wow,” I said, trying to lighten the mood with a small laugh. “This is a whole new side of you. Who knew Carl could be sweet?”
“Don’t get used to it,” he muttered, taking another swig of his beer.
I nudged his arm with mine, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Thanks, though. I mean it. Even if you’re kind of a pain in the ass most of the time.”
“Hey, that’s what big brothers are for,” he said, grinning again, his usual confidence returning. “But seriously, Kailey. Don’t ever settle for someone like Darren again. Promise me that.”
“I promise,” I said, holding up my pinky finger.
He rolled his eyes but hooked his pinky with mine anyway. “Good. Now let’s watch the damn movie before you get all sappy on me. You don’t want to see me blush.”
I squeezed his thigh under the blanket not meaning anything, “thank you Carl.”
Carl froze when I squeezed his thigh, his body tensing for just a moment under the blanket. He looked down at my hand, then back up at me, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he smirked, shaking his head as if trying to brush it off.
“Careful, Kailey,” he said, his voice dipping into a teasing tone to mask whatever he might’ve been feeling. “You keep this up, and I’m going to start thinking you actually like me.”
“I do like you, maybe at first I thought you was just a pain in the ass,” I said, smirking at him. “But you’re growing on me. Kind of like a bad habit I can’t shake.”
Carl raised an eyebrow, his smirk tugging at one corner of his mouth. “Wow, what a heartfelt confession. Should I be flattered or insulted?”
“Flattered,” I shot back, leaning into the couch with a grin. “I don’t hand out compliments often, you know.”
“Yeah, because it might kill you,” he teased, reaching for another crisp. “Don’t get too sentimental, though. I might start to think you’re going soft on me.”
I laughed softly, but there was a hint of truth to his words. Carl and I had always had this playful, love-hate dynamic, but moments like this—when we let the banter drop for a second—felt oddly grounding.
“You’re not as bad as I thought, you know,” I said after a moment, my tone quieter now.
“Well, don’t say that too loud,” he replied, glancing at me sideways. “You’ll ruin my reputation.”
“You with a reputation haha what reputation?” I teased, raising an eyebrow at him. “The reputation of being a snack-hoarding, beer-stealing, couch-crashing older brother?”
Carl let out a dry laugh, reaching for another crisp. “Hey, I work hard to maintain that reputation, thank you very much.”
I shook my head, laughing as I leaned back into the couch. The blanket shifted slightly, and I felt his leg press closer to mine under the soft fabric. It wasn’t unusual, but in the quiet of the moment, it felt… different. I brushed it off, deciding it was just the coziness of the room and the beer making me notice things I normally wouldn’t.
“You know, you’re kind of annoying,” I said, glancing at him from the corner of my eye.
“And yet, here I am, saving your boring weekend,” he replied without missing a beat as he stared at my neckline of my crop top.
“Saving it?” I shot back, narrowing my eyes. “More like hijacking it. I was doing perfectly fine without you barging in. Oh and by the way my eyes are up here.” I noticed him staring and he snapped out of it acting like he had no clue what I meant.
Carl blinked, his smirk faltering just for a moment as if caught off guard. “What? I wasn’t—” He stopped, his usual quick-witted comeback failing him for once. His cheeks turned just the faintest shade of red, and he rubbed the back of his neck, pretending to focus on the TV. “Oh, please. Don’t flatter yourself, Kailey. I was just… zoning out.”
“Zoning out? Really?” I said, raising an eyebrow and leaning slightly toward him, unable to hide the teasing grin spreading across my face. “That’s your excuse? Because from where I’m sitting, it looked like your zoning out was a little… specific.”
Carl’s voice trailed off, and for the first time since he’d arrived, he actually looked a little flustered. He rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze darting to the TV and then back to me like he was trying to figure out how to talk himself out of this one.
“Yeah, sorry,” he muttered, the words coming out more genuine than I expected. “I shouldn’t look. My bad.”
“Honestly, I don’t mind. Just what is there to look at though,” I said looking down at my drink my other hand not sure why was still on his thigh, maybe for comfort.
Carl turned his head to me sharply, his brow furrowing as if I had just said something completely ridiculous. He leaned forward slightly, his expression more serious than I’d seen it all day. “Are you kidding me, Kailey?” he said, his voice low but firm.
I blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in his tone. “What?” I asked, trying to brush it off with a shrug, though his intensity made me feel a little self-conscious. “I’m just saying. I’m not, like… you know, anything special.”
He stared at me for a long moment, his jaw tightening before he shook his head with a disbelieving laugh. “Wow, you really don’t see it, do you?”
“See what?” I said, my arms over my chest defensively, though the gesture only emphasized the curve of my neckline, which I quickly noticed made his eyes flick away awkwardly. That small movement only made my cheeks warm.
“Kailey,” he said, his voice softer this time, but still laced with an edge of exasperation. “You’re gorgeous. Like, stop-trying-to-downplay-it gorgeous. You walk into a room, and people notice. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. Hell, I’ve had to scare off more than one idiot who thought they had a chance with you.”
I felt my cheeks flush even more, and I couldn’t tell if it was from the compliment itself or the way he said it—so matter-of-fact, like he couldn’t believe I didn’t already know. “You’re exaggerating,” I muttered, looking away, unable to meet his gaze.
“I’m not,” he said firmly. “You’re smart, you’re funny—well, sometimes—and yeah, you’re beautiful. Anyone who doesn’t see that is blind, or stupid, or both. And for the record, you don’t have to have some ‘perfect’ body or whatever nonsense you’re thinking to be attractive. Trust me, Kailey, you’ve got plenty of people noticing you… whether you realize it or not.”
I blinked at him, surprised by the intensity of his words. My lips parted slightly, but for a second, no words came out. The room suddenly felt warmer, the blanket over our legs heavier than before. His gaze hadn’t faltered, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes, which only made my heart race a little faster.
“What about you?” I finally asked, my voice quieter than I intended. The question slipped out before I had a chance to overthink it.
Carl leaned back slightly, his expression softening as if he hadn’t expected me to ask that. He let out a dry chuckle, running a hand through his hair. “What about me?” he echoed, trying to sound casual, but there was a flicker of something in his tone—hesitation, maybe.
“You said other people notice me,” I said, holding his gaze even though it made my cheeks burn. “But… what about you? Do you notice me?”
For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His jaw tightened slightly, and he looked down at his beer, twisting the bottle in his hands. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, almost reluctant. “Kailey… you’re my sister.”
I laughed softly, trying to mask the nervous energy building in my chest. “Yeah, I know that,” I said, nudging his arm lightly. “But that’s not really an answer, is it?”
He glanced at me, his expression unreadable, and then sighed, setting his beer down on the coffee table. “You really want to know?” he asked, his tone serious in a way that made my breath hitch.
I nodded, unsure where this was going but too curious to back out now.
I felt his hand now on my thigh as he looked at me, “Kailey,” Carl started, his voice steady but low, his hand resting lightly on my thigh, sending a jolt of warmth through me. “You’re asking questions you might not want the answers to.” His thumb brushed ever so slightly against the bare flesh of my skin, and I couldn’t tell if he realized he was doing it.
Carl’s hand lingered, warm and steady on my thigh, as his words hung in the air. My heart raced so loudly in my chest I was sure he could hear it. I didn’t move, didn’t dare even breathe too heavily, afraid of breaking the fragile moment. His thumb brushed again, slower this time, like he was testing the waters, and I couldn’t ignore the way it made my skin tingle.
“I think I do want the answers,” I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. My words surprised even me, but I didn’t take them back. Something about the weight of his hand, the intensity in his gaze, made it impossible to retreat.
Carl exhaled slowly, his eyes scanning my face like he was searching for something—reassurance, maybe, or a reason to stop. “Kailey…” he started again, but this time his voice was softer, like he wasn’t sure how to say what was on his mind.
“Yes?” I said, nudging him slightly, my heart pounding in anticipation. I could feel the warmth of his hand on my thigh spreading, making my entire body hyperaware of every little detail—the slight scratch of the blanket on my skin, the coolness of the room, the way his leg pressed against mine under the fabric.
“You’re not making this easy, you know that?” he said with a dry chuckle, his lips curling into a faint, almost hesitant smile.
“Since when do you like easy?” I teased softly, repeating his own words from earlier. It felt safer to hide behind a playful tone, but the truth was, I wanted to know. I needed to know.
Carl shook his head, his gaze dropping briefly to where his hand rested on my thigh before meeting my eyes again. His expression shifted, his usual teasing smirk replaced by something deeper, more vulnerable. “You’re asking me if I notice you,” he said, his voice low and steady, each word deliberate. “How could I not?”
The air between us seemed to hum with unspoken tension, and I felt my breath catch as his words sank in. “Then why act like you don’t?” I asked, my voice barely audible.
“Because I’m your brother,” he said simply, his thumb still grazing my skin as if he couldn’t stop himself. “And that’s the one thing I can’t forget, no matter how much you push.”
I swallowed hard, the weight of his words settling over me. “But what if I’m not pushing you away?” The question slipped out before I could stop it, and I immediately felt the heat rise to my cheeks.
Carl froze, his hand stilling on my thigh as he stared at me like he couldn’t believe what I’d just said. For a moment, he didn’t speak, and I could see the battle playing out behind his eyes—logic versus whatever this was between us.
“You don’t know what you’re saying, Kailey,” he finally murmured, but his tone lacked conviction. It sounded more like he was trying to convince himself.
“Don’t I?” I countered, shifting slightly under his touch. I reached out, placing my hand on his where it rested on my thigh. “What if I do, Carl? What if I’ve always known?”
His breath hitched, and I could see the hesitation in his eyes—the way he was holding himself back, weighing the consequences of crossing a line that couldn’t be uncrossed. “Kailey,” he said again, his voice firmer this time, but his hand didn’t move away. If anything, his grip tightened slightly, like he couldn’t let go even if he wanted to.
The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy, until I couldn’t take it anymore. “Say it,” I whispered, my hand tightening over his. “Say what you’re thinking.”
He exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching as he finally gave in, his words tumbling out like he couldn’t hold them back anymore. “I think you’re beautiful,” he said, his voice raw and unguarded. “I think you’re the most frustrating, stubborn, infuriating person I’ve ever met, but I can’t stop noticing you. And it’s driving me crazy, Kailey. It has been for a while.”
His confession sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt my throat tighten. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected him to say, but it wasn’t this—not something so honest, so unfiltered. “Why didn’t you tell me before?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Because it doesn’t matter,” he said, his hand finally slipping away from my thigh, leaving behind a faint sense of loss. “It can’t matter. You’re my sister, Kailey. That’s the end of it.”
“But what if it doesn’t have to be?” I asked, leaning toward him without even realizing it.
“Trust me, I wish it didn’t,” Carl said, his voice barely above a whisper, his words weighted with something I couldn’t quite place. He leaned back against the couch, running a hand through his hair as he looked away, his jaw tight like he was trying to hold himself together. “But it does, Kailey. It has to.”
The air between us was thick with tension, and I couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out of my mouth. “But why?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly. “Why does it have to? Why can’t we just… I don’t know, figure it out?”
Carl turned back to me, his eyes sharp and full of frustration. But beneath the frustration, there was something else—something softer, more conflicted. “Kailey, don’t do this,” he said, his tone a mix of pleading and exasperation. “It’s not that simple.”
I felt a pang in my chest at his words. “It feels pretty simple to me,” I said, my voice quieter now. “You said it yourself. You notice me. You care about me. So why does it have to be so complicated?”
Carl let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “Because it’s not just about us,” he said, gesturing vaguely as if the answer was obvious. “Think about what Mom and Dad would say. Or anyone else, for that matter. People don’t understand things like this, Kailey. They’d never get it.”
“I don’t care what other people think,” I said, the words coming out stronger than I expected. I sat up straighter, my hand reaching for his again before I even realized it. “Why should their opinions matter more than what we feel?”
Carl’s eyes flicked down to where my hand rested on his, his expression softening for a moment before he sighed, pulling away. “Kailey,” he said, his tone heavy with regret, “you don’t get it. You’re young, and you think things can just work out if you want them to. But life isn’t like that. Sometimes, wanting something doesn’t mean you can have it.”
I swallowed hard, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. “So, what? You’re just going to pretend this doesn’t exist? That you don’t feel anything?”
Carl stared at me for a long moment, his jaw working as if he was trying to find the right words. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and raw. “I never said I don’t feel anything. That’s the problem, Kailey. I feel too much.”
“Prove it,” I said, my voice sharper than I meant it to be. “Stop being such a pussy, for God’s sake.” I tilted my chin up, daring him, my heart racing so fast it felt like it might burst out of my chest. I wasn’t even sure what I was doing, but I was sick of his half-measured words and his reluctance to be honest.
Carl froze, his hand still hovering near where it had been on my thigh. His jaw clenched tightly, and for a second, I thought I’d pushed him too far. His eyes narrowed, dark and unreadable, and when he leaned forward, the weight of his presence felt suffocating.
“Don’t test me, Kailey,” he said, his voice low and full of warning. His eyes locked on mine, and I could see the frustration simmering there, tangled with something deeper, something he didn’t want to admit.
“Whatever,” I sighed and watched the tv as I felt upset. Sick people saying one thing and not following through with it.
Carl sighed heavily beside me, and I felt the couch shift as he leaned back, dragging a hand over his face. His silence said more than his words ever could—heavy, frustrated, and laced with regret. I kept my eyes fixed on the TV, pretending to be engrossed in the heist scene playing out on the screen, but my mind was racing, tangled up in a mess of anger and disappointment.
I could feel him glance at me, but I refused to look his way. If he wasn’t going to back up his words, then why should I care? I’d let myself believe, for just a moment, that maybe this wasn’t as complicated as he made it out to be. That maybe we could meet somewhere in the middle. But, of course, Carl had to overthink everything.
“Kailey,” he finally said, his voice softer now, almost apologetic. I ignored him, picking up a handful of popcorn and popping one into my mouth with deliberate nonchalance.
“Kailey,” he repeated, his tone more insistent this time.
“What?” I snapped, not even glancing his way. I shoved more popcorn into my mouth, hoping it would mask the knot forming in my throat. “What do you want now, Carl? Another excuse? Another reminder about how impossible everything is?”
He didn’t respond right away, and for a second, I thought he might just let it go. But then, I felt his hand on my arm—a gentle, grounding touch that sent an unexpected jolt through me.
“Look at me,” he said quietly.
I hesitated, staring stubbornly at the screen as if the flashing lights of the TV could drown him out. But the weight of his hand, the warmth of his touch, was impossible to ignore. Slowly, reluctantly, I turned my head to meet his gaze.
Carl’s eyes were steady, searching, and filled with something I couldn’t quite put into words. Regret, maybe. Or hesitation. But there was something else there too—something raw and unguarded that made my chest tighten.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “That’s the last thing I want.”
I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head as I pulled my arm away from his grasp. “Well, congratulations,” I said bitterly, my voice shaking despite my best efforts to sound indifferent. “Mission accomplished, Carl.”
He flinched like I’d slapped him, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of satisfaction. Let him feel even a fraction of what I was feeling. Let him sit in the same frustration and confusion he was forcing me to deal with.
“I just…” He trailed off, running a hand through his hair as he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “I’m trying to do the right thing here, Kailey. I’m trying to figure this out without screwing everything up.”
“Right for who, Carl?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. “Because it sure as hell doesn’t feel like you’re doing the right thing for me.”
His head snapped up, his eyes locking on mine. For a moment, neither of us said anything. The only sound in the room was the faint hum of the TV, the movie long forgotten. The tension between us was so thick it was almost suffocating.
“You think this is easy for me?” he asked finally, his voice low and laced with frustration. “You think I don’t want—” He stopped himself, his jaw tightening as he looked away. “God, Kailey, you have no idea what you’re asking of me.”
“Then tell me,” I said, my voice trembling. “Stop shutting me out and just… tell me. Be honest, for once.”
Carl let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head as he leaned back against the couch. “You want honesty?” he said, his tone tinged with self-deprecation. “Fine. Here it is. I think about you all the damn time, Kailey. I notice everything about you—every little thing you do, every look, every word. And it’s driving me insane because I know I shouldn’t feel this way. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t stop.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. I stared at him, my mind racing to process what he’d just said.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he repeated, his voice softer now. “But I don’t know how to stop this without breaking something in the process. And I… I don’t want to lose you, Kailey. Not like this.”
I swallowed hard, my throat tight as I struggled to find the right words. “So what, Carl?” I asked, my voice shaking. “You’re just going to keep pretending this doesn’t exist? That we don’t feel anything?”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached out, his hand brushing against mine. His touch was warm and steady, grounding me in a way I didn’t expect.
“I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice barely audible. “I don’t know what to do, Kailey. I’m trying to figure it out, but… this isn’t something you can just fix with a quick answer.”
For the first time all night, I saw the cracks in his usual confident facade. He wasn’t just frustrated or conflicted—he was scared. Scared of what this meant, scared of what it could do to us.
I sighed, my shoulders slumping as I let my anger melt away. “I don’t have all the answers either,” I said quietly. “But I know one thing—I’m tired of pretending. I’m tired of acting like this isn’t real. So maybe… maybe we stop pretending. Just for a second.”
Carl’s gaze softened, his eyes searching mine as if he was trying to decide whether to trust me. Slowly, he nodded, his hand tightening around mine.
Carl’s grip on my hand tightened slightly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a gesture that felt oddly tender for someone who had been so guarded moments before. His shoulders relaxed a fraction, but his eyes stayed locked on mine, searching for something—maybe a sign that this was okay, that we weren’t making a mistake.
“No one here but us,” he repeated softly, almost to himself, like he was trying to convince himself of the truth in my words. The tension in the room felt thicker than ever, but there was a shift now—something unspoken hanging in the air between us, fragile but undeniable.
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as I leaned just slightly closer. “So, what’s stopping you, Carl? Just… be honest with me. For once, stop overthinking everything. We both know it’s there. We both feel it. So you gonna make a move, it is now or never.” My voice was steady, but I could feel the nervous energy thrumming under my skin.
Carl’s jaw tightened, his gaze never leaving mine as my words hung in the air between us. For a moment, I thought he might laugh it off, make some snarky comment to deflect, like he always did when things got too real. But this time, he didn’t. He just stared at me, his eyes dark and searching, like he was trying to decide if I really meant it.
I could feel the tension in the room shift, the air growing heavier as the space between us seemed to shrink. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of my chest, and I realized I was holding my breath, waiting for him to say something—anything.
“You don’t make this easy, do you?” he finally said, his voice low and rough. His hand, still gripping mine, tightened just slightly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles again in a way that sent a shiver down my spine.
“Since when have you liked easy?” I shot back, my voice softer now but still carrying that teasing edge. I tilted my head slightly, daring him with my eyes to finally let go of all the excuses and just be honest—for once.
He let out a soft, frustrated laugh, shaking his head as he leaned back against the couch. “You don’t get it, Kailey. Once I cross that line, there’s no coming back. And I’m not sure if I can handle what happens after that.”
I reached out, placing my free hand on his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles beneath my touch. “Then don’t think about after,” I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. “Just… be here. Right now. With me. Or do I have to make the first move, FINE I will.”
I didn’t give him a chance to overthink it. My hand slid from his arm to the side of his face, my fingers brushing lightly over his jaw. The slight stubble there was rough under my touch, but the heat of his skin made my heart race even faster. He didn’t move, didn’t pull away. If anything, he leaned into my touch, just slightly, like he couldn’t help himself.
“Kailey…” His voice was low, raw, barely audible. It wasn’t a protest, not exactly. It was more like a warning, one last attempt to hold the line.
But I didn’t want lines. Not right now.
I shifted closer, the blanket pooling around us as my knees brushed against his. My other hand reached up, tentatively resting on his chest. I could feel the steady beat of his heart, faster than it should’ve been, matching the wild rhythm of mine.
“Don’t,” I whispered. “Don’t overthink this. Don’t talk yourself out of it.”
His eyes stayed locked on mine, the storm of emotions there impossible to read. He looked conflicted, frustrated, like he was fighting a battle he didn’t know how to win. But he didn’t pull away.
“Kailey,” he said again, my name on his lips like a plea, like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.
I smiled softly, leaning in until I could feel his breath on my skin. “You can tell me to stop,” I whispered, my lips hovering so close to his it was almost torturous. “But I don’t think you want me to. I think you want me to touch your dick. I am going to.”
My hand reached between his legs and I found his zipper, and without breaking eye contact, I gently tugged. I put my hand into his fly and felt his hard rob fiercely strained against his boxers.
I pulled his cock out of his boxers as I wrapped my hand around his girth. I started to slowly pump his cock up and down. He kicked the blanket off of us so he could so what I was doing to him.
“Kailey, god that feels good,” he said throwing his head back.
“You’ve got a wicked little hand,” Carl groaned, his voice a husky whisper as he watched, eyes dark with desire, barely blinking as my fingers worked his length.
“You should see what my mouth can do too,” I winked at him as I leaned forward towards his cock. I kissed the tip which made my lips sticky with precum. I licked my lips and licked his tip as he moaned as I took the head in my mouth.
“That’s it sis about time you used your mouth for something else,” he moaned as I sucked on the tip teasingly slow.
“Shit, Kailey… you serious?” his voice a rough combination of disbelief and pleasure, his hips twitching slightly against the couch’s fabric.
I pulled back, just enough to meet his eyes, his cock glistening from my saliva, and nodded once, my eyes locked with his. “Dead serious,” I affirmed, my voice husky, before plunging back down, taking him fully, the sounds of my sucking punctuated by the slick, wet noises of my mouth working his length.
He groaned, his grip tightening, each sound vibrating through my core as I bobbed my head, my hands braced against his thighs feeling the muscles tense and release under my palms. “Fuck, you’re good at that,” Carl panted, his words a breathless encouragement driving me on.
I felt powerful, the way his cock throbbed against my tongue, the way his body reacted to every movement, every flick. His moans fuelled me, making me take him even deeper, the head of his cock hitting the back of my throat as I hollowed my cheeks, each pull and suck deliberate, drawing out his pleasure.
“Enough,” he growled suddenly, pulling me off him with a gentle but firm grip, his eyes blazing with a hunger I’d never seen. Without a word, he flipped me onto my back. He yanked my denim shorts down in one swift motion, tossing them aside without a second glance, leaving me in just my panties and the thin tank top. His eyes roamed over me with an intensity that made my breath catch, the air between us charged with a raw, animalistic need.
“You’ve got no idea what you do to me, Kailey,” he growled, his voice gritty with desire.
I arched up, a brazen smile playing on my lips. “Show me,” I challenged, my tone dripping with defiance and want.
He didn’t hesitate. Hooking his fingers into the sides of my panties, he dragged them down my legs and off.
“God, Kailey,” he groaned, his voice low and rough. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
“Are you sure you know how to use this and where it goes, I ain’t a fleshlight I am real.” I teased him as I gave his hard dick a quick little stroke.
“Cheeky bitch, trust me I am good at sex trust me,” he parted my thighs and pressed the head of his cock against my pussy. He teased by rubbing it up and down my cunt lips and then… he plunged in, deep.
I arched my back as he filled me, my fingers digging into his shoulders, a gasp tearing from my throat. “Oh god, Carl,” I panted, my voice breathless. “You feel so good.”
He groaned, his forehead pressed against mine as he held himself still, letting me adjust to his size. “You’re so fucking tight,” he grunted, his voice strained. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You wont hurt me stupid, I have had cock before I ain’t a virgin. Just fuck me ok or are you not capable of that.” I said to him as he seated comfortable inside of me.
Carl laughed and said, “I can fuck you real good sis, don’t worry.”
He started to thrust into me slowly, pulling almost all the way out before slamming back in. I moaned and arched my back, pushing my hips up to meet his. He felt so good, filling me up completely.
“Yeah, that’s it,” I gasped, my fingers digging into his back. “Fuck me hard, Carl. Show me what you’ve got.”
He growled and picked up the pace, his hips slapping against mine with each thrust. The room was filled with the sound of our bodies colliding, my moans mixing with his grunts. The squelch of his dick hammering in and out as my big bro plowed my pussy.
“God, Kailey,” he panted. “You feel amazing. I could fuck you all night.”
“Mmm, I like the sound of that,” I moaned, wrapping my legs around his waist. “Don’t stop. Harder. Faster.”
I’m gripping Carl with my legs tight, feeling every slam of his rod against my pussy, so full and stretched around him. “Harder, Carl, don’t hold back,” I beg, my voice nothing but a breathy whisper in the heat of the moment.
Carl grunts, his face twisted in concentration, but he obeys, pounding into me with a rhythm that makes the couch squeak and the air fill with the wet, slapping sounds of our skin. “Like this, Kailey?” he asks, his voice a husky demand, his hips smacking loud against me.
“Oh yes, just like that!” I cry out, the pleasure making my toes curl, the sounds of our bodies making music louder than the TV. Every thrust sends a shiver up my spine, and I can feel myself getting closer, my “hole” clenching around his cock.
He leans down, his lips brushing my ear, hot breath sending tingles down my neck. “You’re so fucking hot,” he growls, and my heart races with how dirty and rough he sounds.
“You too,” I moan, my hands grabbing at his ass, urging him on. “Pound me harder, big bro.”
“Ungh… Ummm, YES… AHH, Right there, Carl!” I shout, my voice all shaky and loud. “That’s my spot fuck my pussy, my dirty bro!” I panted, grabbing onto him tight, my legs squeezing around him like I’m hugging him with them. The couch creaked and groaned under us, but we didn’t care, the sounds of skin slapping skin were louder than the movie music playing—thump, schlick, squelch.
“Oh, fuck, Carl! Right there, yes!” I cry out, each word punctuated with the rhythmic slap of his hips against mine. I grasp at his shoulders, my nails digging in as if trying to anchor myself to the moment, feeling the intense connection of our bodies. “Your cock feels HUGE inside me!”
He grinned, all teeth and wicked delight. “You loving it, sis?” He asked, his thrusts making the couch squeak and our skin slap together, the sound like a dirty drumbeat.
“Love it! Don’t you dare stop!” I ordered, my voice high and needy, my hands gripping his strong shoulders for dear life. Every slam of his dick in my pussy made a soggy squelchy, wet sound that was so raw, so real.
“Damn right you do,” he grunted, his rhythm relentless, each plunge sending shivers down my spine. He pulled my tank top up, my tits free, bouncing with the force of his fucks, and he couldn’t look away. “Gorgeous tits, Kailey Mmm no bra either,” he murmured, his hand reaching up to cup one, his thumb teasing my nipple hard.
“Suck my tits while you fuck me,” I pulled his head down to my tits as he kept on pumping me hard.
“Ah, fuck yeah! Right there, Carl, don’t stop!” I scream out, my voice a mix of a moan and a shout, my body arching to meet each deep drive of his cock.
“Hit it hard, bro, just like that!” I grip him tight, feeling his thick rod slide in, the wet sounds of his pounding relentless, my cunt gripping him like a vice. Each thud of his hips against mine is a loud, slick slap, echoing in the room, making everything else fade away.
“Nngh, so fucking good!” The rhythm he’s got, it’s perfect—his dick plunging in, making that juicy, squelching sound, like he’s claiming every inch of my pussy.
“Yes, yes, YES!” I shout, my legs locking around him, pulling him deeper.
“Fuck yes!” I scream, my body buzzing, feeling like I’m flying, each thrust hitting that perfect spot making my pussy squeeze around his dick. “Your cock, it’s… it’s amazing!”
Carl groans, his forehead pressing against mine, his eyes dark with need. “You’re so wet, Kailey, so tight around my rod,” he pants, his voice like he’s running a marathon, but I know he’s enjoying this just as much. The squelch of his dick sliding in and out, it’s like the most wicked, happiest gum-chewing sound ever.
His fingers find my clit, rubbing with each hard pound, and I can’t help but scream out. “Oh shit, Carl! Right there! Keep going!”
He laughs, a rough, sexy sound, “You got it, sis,” and does exactly what I ask, his fingers working magic, making my body jerk with pleasure. “Gonna make you cum so hard,” he growls, and I believe him, I know he can.
“Shit, Kailey, you’re a damn flood!” Carl grunted, his voice full of excitement, hips not missing a beat, his rod sliding slick and deep in my soaked pussy.
“That’s it, big bro,” I panted, holding onto him for dear life, feeling every rough slam of his hard cock.
He slammed into me one last time, and then… he let go. “Ahh, fucking… Kailey!” Carl roared, his body tensing, his cock pulsing inside me as he shot his thick, hot spunk deep into my pussy.
I’m panting and grinning, feeling Carl’s weight on me, heavy and perfect. His heart’s racing as much as mine, and I can feel his breath warming my cheek. His rod, still inside me, twitches, sending little jolts of pleasure that make me giggle silly.
“Carl, that was… wow,” I manage, trying to catch my breath. “You really know how to use that big ol’ dick of yours.”
He chuckles, a sound deep and warm, face buried in my neck. “Told you, sis. Shouldn’t doubt the big brother’s moves,” his voice all rough and pleased.
I tease him, poking his side. “Didn’t think you had it in you, playing so naughty with me.”
Carl lifts his head, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You brought it out, Kailey. All your fault.”
We lay there tangled, sticky and sweaty, the room smells like sex and it’s the best smell ever. I nuzzle into him, feeling so close, so happy. “Don’t regret this, do you?”
He shakes his head, a soft smile on his lips. “Never. You’re amazing, Kailey. This… us… it’s crazy, but it’s real. And amazing.”
“Me too,” I whisper, really meaning it. “I’ve never felt this way. It’s like… fireworks!”
Carl nods, kissing my forehead gently. “Fireworks, huh? Yeah, that’s us. Loud, bright, and can’t ignore ’em.”
We lay quiet for a bit, the TV still on but we’re not watching. I snuggle closer, feeling his softening cock slip out, a warm, wet mess between us. “We’re gonna need to clean up,” I giggle, poking his chest.
He laughs, sitting up slowly, careful not to squish me. “Your mess, you clean it,” he jokes, but then stands, pulling me up gently. “Nah, we’ll do it together. Teamwork.”
“Deal,” I say, grabbing my shorts and tossing them to the side. I’m not shy no more, walking naked to the bathroom with him, my ass cheeks wobbling, making him laugh.
“Got an awesome view, sis,” he teases, slapping my butt lightly. I yelp, laughing, feeling free and naughty.
In the bathroom, he grabs a towel, and we wipe the sticky wetness off, giggling like kids in trouble. “This was the best weekend surprise,” I say, honestly.
Carl smiles, wrapping the towel around me. “Best for me too, Kailey. Best by far.”
We shower, the water warm and steamy, rinsing off the fun. He’s careful, washing me like I’m something precious, and it makes my heart feel big.
“Carl, you’re sweet,” I say, looking up at him, soap suds sliding down.
“Only with you,” he says, rinsing my back, his fingers gentle.
After, wrapped in towels, we head back. The movie’s still on, but we just cuddle on the couch, not caring. “We good?” I ask, snuggling into him.
“More than good, Kailey,” Carl murmurs, his arm around me tight. “We’re… something special.”