Page 3 of Gilded Bird

Winking at me, this boy I used to know jogs off. Glancing back once, he grins because yeah, I am eye-fucking him again. Because that boy is now a man and Jesus hell, I think he was just hitting on me.

Can my son’s best friend hit on me?

Chapter Two

Maddox

Sometimes the wait is worth it no matter how long.

When I was fifteen, I decided I wanted something different for my life. My parents were good people, they did their best with me and my sister, but they struggled to love us as much as they loved one another. I guess as I got older I did not mind that so much. They were the other half of one another, I believe. We would just have to find our other halves.

Growing up that way meant looking for attention, seeking affection, and trying to find whatever we were missing. In my freshman year of high school, I found at least part of what I was missing. Jameson Bird was the hot shot on campus even as a freshman and he befriended me.

Being his friend meant I was at all the parties, I was with all the important people and considered one of them. Jameson became more than a friend, he became like a brother to me. We were always together, I was always at his place, and there was little we wouldn’t do for one another.

Until I was about to graduate high school, I never believed I could betray him. And to be honest, I never have. Not yet at least. I would give just about anything not to hurt him or damage our friendship. I hope he can forgive me for what I am going to do, but if he can’t, he can’t.

Watching Mika Bird, my best friend’s brother, lay out in the sun in a stunning suit that shows off her thick curves, I have a hard time staying away. We chatted briefly once I caught her watching us playing volleyball on the beach. I couldn’t stay away after I saw her after so long.

Being in love with my best friend’s brother has been hell.

“Hey, Maddox, are we playing volleyball or watching babes?”

Glaring at one of the guys, I throw the ball up and serve it, making him dive in the sand for it. The other guys laugh, and I smirk, but my eyes go back to the beautiful woman letting the sun kiss her golden skin. Yeah, I am much happier watching babes, if you ask me. At leastthisbabe.

Telling them I’m out of the game, I start to head over to her again. I was flirting with her before, making my attraction obvious. Mika would never believe it though. Not just because I am young enough to be her son or because I perfected hiding how I felt about her since I was seventeen.

Mika never believed she is the precious creature she is.

“Catch all of you later,” I call, waving at the other guys. Most of them I do business with but know little about. They came to Sunset Springs for the weekend because we’re about to close a deal together.

Crossing the sand, I ignore my desire to head towards Mika again. I have always been drawn to her. Stronger than a moth to a flame. I would call it a lamb to the slaughter. I knew when I first started feeling something for her it was a bad idea. I was just a dumb kid and I thought it was just typical hormones.

Maybe at first, it was just a boy finding a woman attractive. Over time, I knew it was more than a juvenile crush. Watching her give everything to her marriage, to her son, and get little back, upset me. It drove me to become a man who could deserve her one day.

“Hey, brother,” Jameson’s voice brings me back to the now as I head down the shore towards his bar.

“Hey, Tweedle Dee,” I tease him with the name I called him when we were kids. “How’s things going at Chateau Cocktails?”

“Things could not be better. Jade is loving it down here now, the place is packed at all times, hell, even Walker seems in good spirits.”

“Now that is something I never thought I’d see happen. Good for him. Good for you too, brother. I am proud of you, Jameson,” I say honestly.

“Thanks, man. That means a lot,” his voice is sober and serious, and I smile as I round the corner towards his bar.

Sure enough, it is teeming with people, but I know he’s not there. Not when he can spend time with Jade, the love of his life. My reason for coming by was just to get a look at the place because I am looking forward to partnering with him. We always talked about doing something together and once this place became a success, he reached out about expanding.

“We’re still on for dinner tonight?”

“Absolutely. I wouldn’t stand up my best guy. Besides, Jade wants to meet you. Mom would love to see you. Would you mind if I brought her?”

“Matter of fact I just saw her at the beach,” I tell him with a grin as I turn from the bar to head back to where I left her. “Invited her myself.”

“Oh yeah? Awesome, I bet she was thrilled to see you. Eight o’clock tonight at the Anchor, right?”

“You got it, Tweedle Dee,” I tease him once more, ending the call.

From my perch on an outlook overlooking the beach, I watch Mika. It is not the first time I have watched her this way. It won’t be the last. My obsession with her started when I was just a boy, but it has never ended. It has not even gotten better. If anything, it has gotten worse over the years.