“Don’t be ridiculous Ellie; I have no plans for this evening. I was planning on just chilling and watching a movie or two. Are you hungry? We haven’t been to the store but I can run and get you something. You probably should eat since you are taking the pain medicine sweetheart.”

She looked at me for the first time since she came out of the bedroom and her face instantly went red. My breath caught in my throat. Her eyes just held mine for what seemed like forever before she finally talked.

“I am kind of hungry. Oh gosh though, I hate to even ask you I’m so embarrassed. Um, I’m sure Jefferson has time to run and get me something.” She said as she was about to turn and go ask him through the bathroom door.

“NO! Really I’ll go get it. I’m hungry myself and I haven’t eaten since breakfast. Let me go run and grab it and I’ll be back in no time. Just let Jeff know I ran out to get us something to eat.” I yelled as I raced out the door.

I knew exactly what I would get her. I remember Jeff saying one time if she had her pick of anywhere to eat this would be the place. As I jumped in my truck and fired it up I could not help but smile. There was just something about that girl……..

Chapter Five

Ellie …..

Holy shit! I had never seen a guy rush out the door as fast as Gunner did. The moment he heard me say I was hungry he practically jumped over the bar and offered to go get food! I had to giggle. There was just something about him…….what was it?

I mean this morning I woke up with a boyfriend and tonight I’m having fantasies about my brother’s best friend. What the hell was wrong with this picture? Maybe it’s because I know he is Jefferson’s friend. I’ve always been kept away from them so maybe it’s just the fact the Jefferson is okay with it that has me attracted to the guy? Who knows?

I walked up to a book shelf and saw a picture of both Jefferson and Gunner. Funny, I’ve never seen this picture before. They were both in their swimsuits and it looked like they were at the coast. I was going to have to wipe the drool from my mouth if I kept staring at Gunner like that. Hot damn he had a nice body. His tribal tattoo was gorgeous. Hmmm? Wonder if I’ll ever get to see it in person? I started to feel a dull ache between my legs and had to press them together to make it stop.

“That picture was taken this past spring break in Port A” Jefferson said has he walked up behind me.

Startled that I had just been caught staring at Gunner’s picture I quickly put it down and turned around and smiled. “You sure are one handsome fella Jefferson! I bet y’all had girls all over you down there.” I said as a way to divert him from what I was doing.

Jefferson threw his head back and laughed. “Nope, well don’t get me wrong, there were a few sluts that tried to make their way back to our condo! We couldn’t be bothered with most of the girls down there though. Most of them are just hoes.”

“Well gesh thanks for that. If you haven’t forgotten Ari and I went to Port A for a few days during spring break so are you calling us hoes?” I raised my eyebrows up at him, waiting for his answer.

“Now come on Ells, I would never ever say you were like those girls. Ari now….she is another story.” Jefferson said has he let out a laugh and walked into the kitchen and got out a beer.

“Hey! That is my best friend! She’s not a slut. I’ll have you know she has never even had…..” I stopped myself suddenly before I just announced to my brother that Ari was still a virgin. With the way their relationship had been lately he didn’t need any more to use against her. Jefferson stopped his beer at his lips and tilted his head. Oh shit….a smile slowly came across his face.

“So, squirt is still a virgin is she? HUH? This is news. This could be very informative news indeed!” He let out a gruff laugh.

“Jefferson Michael Johnson, so help me God if you even hint to her that you know I will never talk to you again. EVER!” I said as I got up and started poking his massive chest.

He just laughed and rubbed the top of my head like I was a child. “Don’t worry honey; her secret is safe with me!”

That reminded me….. I remembered Jefferson’s and Ari’s strange exchanges all day.

“Speaking of Ari, what was going on with you two today?” Jefferson stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at me.

“What are you talking about? Nothing is going on between us. Why would you even ask that? I mean she is, well she’s just Ari.” Jefferson said to me with a shrug of his shoulders. The stricken look on his face was like I just asked him to solve the problem of world hunger.

“I didn’t mean to imply there was something going on. It’s just that you were bickering with her and it seemed like you were trying to just piss her off on purpose. She is my best friend Jefferson and I’m tired of you always treating her like a spoiled child. She is not a bratty child. She is a grown adult woman and she deserves to be treated better than that. I would expect that from you of all people.”

“Oh, believe me it’s not lost on me how much of an adult Ari is. I’m sorry Ells; I’ll try not to argue with her as much. I need to get ready for my date.” Jefferson said as he turned and walked away. He stopped and turned around and looked in Gunner’s bedroom.

“Where’s Gunner?”

“Oh…I just mentioned I was hungry and he pretty much darted out the door to go get food. He said he would be back in a few minutes.” I said as I sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV.

“DAMN Ellie! You got that boy going every which way but loose!” Jefferson said with a laugh.

“What are you talking about? He said he was hungry too and was going to get some food. Gesh Jefferson, you act like he was jumping off a bridge for me or something.” I said annoyed at where this was going. Jefferson turned back around to come and sit down next to me while he let out a small laugh.

“You really don’t see do you Ells?” Jefferson asked as he bumped into my shoulder.

“See what? What’re you going on about Jefferson?” I was really starting to get annoyed by him.

“Ellie, I’ve known Gunner for three years now. I have never seen him with the same girl more than a few times. He is so focused on football and school he pretty much has never given a girl more than five minutes of his attention. Don’t get me wrong, he likes girls!” Jefferson said with a laugh and a shake of his head.

What the hell did that mean?

Was Gunner a player? Did he sleep around a lot? I mean he sure had the looks to get any girl he wanted. My head was starting to spin again and the thought of Gunner with another girl had me feeling angry inside.

What the hell?

“I can honestly say I have never seen Gunner run and fetch dinner for someone!” Jefferson laughed again. “Ellie honey, I know you just had this whole bullshit thing with Ryan the douche bag this morning and you believe that bullshit mom feed you years ago but, Gunner is attracted to you princess. He is a good guy Ellie but…”

Jefferson cut off what he was saying and he looked down and away from me.

“But WHAT?!” I asked clearly anticipating Jefferson to tell me to stay clear of his best friend.

“Ells I want you to know I would trust my life and yours with Gunner. I trust him but this is you we’re talking about. I just don’t want him to break your heart or hurt you Ellie. I really don’t want you to jump into something you’re not ready for honey. Just promise me you will be careful.” Jefferson said as he took my good hand and brought it up to his mouth and kissed the back of my hand.

I busted out laughing and Jefferson just looked at me.

“What is so funny Ells?”

I just could not stop laughing…..”Oh my gosh! You’re what’s so funny! I mean come on Jefferson! I hardly think that Gunner is interested in me of all people! I’m sure he is only being nice to me because of you!” I said in-between laughs.