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His lashes were so long and framed his warm chocolate-colored eyes perfectly.
Watson chuckled as he reached for the menu in front of me. “Mom used to take me out for waffles when I won a race as a kid. So”—he closed it and placed it on top of his—“winners get waffles.”
“We’re getting waffles?”
“Are you feeling okay, bro? Because you’re not acting like yourself tonight.”
No, Watson, I think I’m in love with you. “Uh, I’m fine.”
“Liar.” He nudged me under the table. “Come on, H, this is supposed to be a fucking celebration. You’re supposed to be happy and smiling, laughing, having a good time. Instead, you look like someone pissed in your cornflakes.” He pouted, which made me snort. He grinned at me. “There you go. That’s the brother I know and love.” He turned to acknowledge the waitress, who greeted him by name, and I sat there, stunned by his words, while he flirted shamelessly with her. Not even caring because what I wanted, more than anything, was for Watson to love me the way I loved him.
The waitress disappeared after Watson ordered me whatever he was having, and then we were alone again. I met his curious eyes and managed a smile.
“So...” I tapped the table. “Have you thought any more about what you’re going to do after graduation?” Which was coming faster than I wanted. Watson would be gone, and I would be left without him protecting me or being in my orbit.
“I have.” Watson brushed my hand with his long fingers. “You know I’ve been approached by a few truck teams about racing in the big leagues, right?”
I swallowed nervously instead of yanking away from his touch.
“I told them I’m not doing it without you.”
I stared at him. “Watson, why would you... I’m not a driver,” I reminded him. “I don’t even have my license yet.” I was a little scared of the highway. Not going to even lie about it. All those eighteen wheelers. No thank you.
“Duh, but there are plenty of jobs you can do. We’re a team. You’re my biggest cheerleader, other than Mom, and I need you, H. You’re my best friend. I won’t go without you.” It felt like those chocolate eyes could see right into my soul.
I shook my head. “No, don’t say shit like that.” I pulled my hands into my lap. “You’re... You’re Watson Brooks. You’re going to win a million races, have a room built for all your trophies, and win a hundred championships. I will only hold you back.” Not to mention having to watch you with all those pit bunnies... Which might drive me to drink.
“We’re a team, Holt. No you, no me.”
“Why? Why would you throw everything away because of me?”
Watson gave me the goofy, dopey smile he hardly gave anyone else. It did things to my body, especially my dick, that made it hard to think straight. It made me wonder if that’s what his after-sex face looked like. All lust-drunk and relaxed.
“Who knows me better than I know myself, huh?” He dragged a hand through his blond locks, and I watched the way the hair settled on his head. It made him look even sexier than normal. Watson tilted his head. “Am I not your best friend? Is there someone else you hang out with more than me?”
“Uh, no, you’re literally the only person I hang out with. Thanks for reminding me I’m a loser.” I grimaced.
Watson threw his head back and laughed. My dick instantly thickened against my zipper. God, this was torture.
“H, you’re not a loser. I wouldn’t be caught dead with you if you weren’t the coolest person I knew. Do this with me. They’ll train you for a job, we’ll live together, and come home to visit Mom and Dad during the week. We’ll get rich and buy a house for them. We’ll literally be kings.” He smirked. “You can kiss all the cute boys you want, and no one—I mean no one—will judge you for it. If they do, I’ll kick their asses.” He winked. “Fuck it. I’ll kiss them, too. Guess that’s me telling you I’m into boys and girls.”
Wait a second, did Watson just tell me he was bi? Just as I opened my mouth to answer, a horde of waitresses came out singing some ridiculous song that made absolutely no sense about congratulations with a waffle on a plate with a candle, and I wanted to kill my stepbrother. But at the same time, I also wanted to hug him because no one, and I do mean no one, treated me the way he did. I was thoroughly embarrassed by the time the song was over, but I knew there was a smile on my face because my face hurt.
I stared down at the waffle in front of me, which was covered in whipped cream and sprinkles, before I reached for my silverware. I unwrapped the napkin before I pointed my fork at him.
“You’re an asshole.” I knew my entire face was on fire from that ordeal.
“You love me.” Watson snorted.
“You’re trying to give me diabetes? Is that what this is? This thing... is this even a waffle?” I poked at the mess before me. It smelled delicious, though. I started to cut into the cakey monstrosity, and as I brought a piece up to my lips, I caught Watson watching me with a sad look on his face.
Brows dipped, mouth pinched, he didn’t usually look so unsure of himself. “Say you’ll do it, H.” He worried his lip between his teeth. “I don’t want to do it alone. I can’t,” he confessed.
“Watson.” I swallowed my bite of food. “You’re scared.”
He nodded. “I’m terrified I won’t be that good. That I’m just local track good, and if I crash and burn—no pun intended—I’ll end up coming home with my tail between my legs. You’re good for me, bro. You’re the smart one.”
“You’re smart,” I reminded him.
