Page 2 of Your Kiss Is On My List

Now she’s surpassed the beauty she was three years ago when I left for college and she’s gone straight to va-voom. A showstopper in every way. Her energy, her smile, her kickass body and her challenging intelligence. I’ve heard all about how successful she’s been in college sports broadcasting at NYU because my sister is her biggest cheerleader—right after she gets done cheering for me.

Pushing back, I clear my throat and search for the right thing to say, but it’s a long search because the first two things that come to mind are far from appropriate, like you look, feel and smell good enough to eat, and do you want to have my babies. Luckily, even with my dick starting to rise up and notice, it hasn’t taken over my brain yet and I still have enough sanity left to reel it in, to remember who she is. Danielle Innocent, with an emphasis on the innocent. Right? But she’s older, looking like one of the girls at SPU and fair game now, right?

Wrong.

I need to remember that she made it clear all those years ago where I stand with her—behind a tall barbed wire fence in the friend zone.

“What brings you two here?” I finally manage to say, sounding more normal than strained, hoping they’re not going to stick around long. Dani’s smile brightens—though I don’t know how it’s fucking possible—and she laughs that light musical laugh that sends my cock from standby to full alert.

“I’m a student here now. Just transferred—long story, don’t ask—but I’m excited about sharing the campus with the big man himself.”

“Who would that be?” I say, chaos sending me from horrified to excited in the wrong way as I grit my teeth to keep control of my dick. The prospect of Danielle Innocent on campus—never mind. It shouldn’t mean a thing. Lou rolls her eyes.

“It’ll be your job, big brother, to make sure Dani gets invited to all the parties and meets—”

“I don’t want to meet all the boys, Louie, remember? I’m not dating. I’m concentrating on school and getting on the SPU broadcast team.” She turns her full supernova smile on me. “Can you help me meet the right people to do that?”

“Whatever you need, Dani. You know I’ll help you however I can. I know a couple of the sportscasters at the SPU station.”

“Perfect! I knew you’d be connected.”

“Where are you living?” I ask automatically before I tell myself it’s not my business, because I need to know. So I can avoid her, right?

“That’s the best part,” she says. “Mom got me into Kappa Kappa Gamma house so I’m living right across the street, practically on top of you.” Shit.

“And I’ll be up visiting more than ever,” Lou says, sliding a glance at Bane who’s been observing our reunion with interest—mostly split between Lou and Dani in equal lascivious measures. I’m going to have to slap some sense into him later.

“It’ll be like old times,” I say. “Great fun having you two around.” I’m not a good actor, but they seem to believe my massive lie. Because in truth, it’ll be like torture having Dani around, close but still untouchable.

“I brought my Brady Bunch DVD box set with me. Packed it first.” Dani gives me a look I could swear includes a glint of something more than friendly and I wonder if she’s remembering the kiss, whether she knows I am too. I take a reflexive step back like the bonfire of Danielle Innocent’s appeal just got too hot to stand.

After I introduce Lou and Dani, Magic offers them homemade pasta and they sit at the table to eat while I stand and watch, leaning against the counter.

We used to watch Brady Bunch reruns, the three of us, when we were kids. Me being three years older meant I was in charge when our parents would go out. That year I was a junior and Dani and Lou were in eighth grade, chomping at the bit to get to high school…

Chapter 2

TREY

Four years earlier…

“I’m so worried about fitting in,” Dani says and I snort. Lou rolls her eyes and announces she’s going to make some popcorn, so I pause the DVD as she flounces from the room, heading for the kitchen. We’re watching the Brady Bunch episode “Today I am a Freshman,” season four, episode four, where Greg is asked to help his sister out as she starts in high school.

“What are you talking about, little girl,” I say, “you’ll be fine. You’ve always fitted in.” She’s more than fine. She’s spectacular and the only thing she’ll have to worry about is older guys hitting on her, taking advantage of her. She’s not boy crazy like Lou. She loves everyone, treats everyone like gold, like they’re special. I’ve seen it often enough to know how some guys might take it. Especially now that she’s fully bloomed.

“You’ll be the most popular girl in high school.” I mean it, though the idea doesn’t settle well.

Smiling at me, she moves over on the couch, taking Lou’s space next to me. I stiffen, but I scoff at myself for overreacting. She’s an Innocent in more than name only.

“That’s kind of you to say, Trey. But you’re always nice to me, you’re always good to me and Lou. She’s so lucky to have a big brother like you.”

“You can think of me as your big brother too. Haven’t you always?” She leans in and I suck in a breath because the scent of her intoxicates me like some kind of love potion and I don’t know what the hell perfume or shampoo or what it is, but it’s impossible to be unaffected. Or maybe it’s her nearness, the pure creaminess of her skin, her sensual energy—what the fuck?

“I sort of do, but…” She looks away from me and my mouth goes dry. I lick my lips.

“But what, Dani?” My heart beats fast. She’s uncomfortable and she’s close but she’s not backing away. I shouldn’t be asking her to explain. If she confesses she has a crush on me, what am I supposed to do? Tell her maybe I could have a crush on her too? Tell her to wait until next year when she’s in high school and—

“But sometimes… you don’t feel like a brother. Like I… I don’t know. Never mind.” I let out a long breath and she turns her face back to me, her cheeks flushed, her eyes begging me to save her from embarrassment.