Want & Need by CJ Laurence Read Free Book Online

someone told you. His whole persona was very macho, alpha male type. Combined with his good looks, natural charm, and excellent dress sense, he was always batting away female attention. He’d been away travelling for just over a year in Australia. We’d had little contact throughout, which had been hard as we’d always been close. Our father died a good few years ago and our mum remarried and moved to America, leaving just me and him against the world.
    We sat for lunch at the café across the street. I filled him in on my latest goings on with bubbling excitement. As I was telling him about Paul, right on cue, he emerged from work, making his way to the sandwich shop down the street. I pointed him out with a broad smile.
    Ashley raised an eyebrow at me. “That’s him?”
    I nodded, giggling.
    He winked at me. “Well, he’s a bit of all right, Ky. You’ve done all right there.”
    “You know what I’m like, Ash. It’s only a fling.”
    He lowered his voice and looked at me with pursed lips. “Ky, I know your usual look when it comes to men and that isn’t one of them. Have you finally met a guy you want a proper relationship with?”
    I shrugged my shoulders, smiling. “I don’t know, we’ll see.”
    “Aww look at my lil sis, all fussed up over a guy—finally.”
    “Shut up.”
    He chuckled to himself as he walked me back to work. He kissed my cheek before he left, confirming he was coming round for tea tonight. I couldn’t wait.
     
    ***
     
    I headed straight to the kitchen for a cup of tea, grinning away to myself as I thought of Ashley. I loved my brother to pieces. I couldn’t believe he was finally back.
    I turned around to head back to my desk, jumping when I saw Paul standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the doorframe.
    “So, who’s the hunk, then?” he asked.
    I smirked, intending to play on this. “You saw him, then?”
    He nodded. “It was kinda hard not to miss him giving you a loving kiss before he left you at the front door.”
    I bit my lip to curb the laugh creeping up my throat. “Scared you might have some competition?”
    He licked his lips before he smiled. “I think you should be worried of the competition.”
    My playful mood dropped like a stone through water as I took his statement to mean he had a woman in his life. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “He’s gay, Kyra. It stands out a mile off.”
    Feeling more than relieved at that answer, I gave the truth. “He’s my brother. And yes, he is gay. How did you know? He does so well to hide it.”
    He shrugged his shoulders. “I’ve met my fair share over the years.”
    I raised my eyebrows, probing for an explanation, but he didn’t give one.
    “What are you doing tonight?” he asked.
    “Having tea with my brother.”
    “Oh, okay. I was going to ask if I could see you, that’s all. I don’t have much spare time this weekend.”
    “Well, I don’t know what time we’ll be done but you could come over afterwards if you wanted?”
    He smiled, dropping his arms to his sides. “No, it’s okay. I’ll leave you to it. I’ll book you in for tomorrow night instead?”
    I grinned and agreed, already looking forward to it.
     
    ***
     
    Ashley was full of it when we went out for tea. He owned a house, which he’d rented out whilst he was away travelling. The tenants moved out last week so he’d obviously known for ages when he was coming back. He just enjoyed teasing me and telling me otherwise. I filled him in on all the details with Paul and informed him of Molly’s latest development.
    He scowled. “That girl is something else. She can’t keep her legs shut for more than two minutes. She’s the definitive meaning of Tesco—open twenty-four seven. She’ll never get married, especially not to him.”
    “Ash, that’s a bit harsh. She just enjoys herself. She’s a good friend to me.”
    He downed the rest of his beer before looking me square in the eye. “That