Ethereal Bonds

Chapter 2

I couldn't help but close my eyes, surrendering to the moment. His breath mingled with mine, a tantalizing mix of coffee and cigarettes. Time seemed to stand still, the world around us fading away until it was just the two of us, suspended in this perfect, fragile moment.

And then, his lips met mine.

Soft and tentative at first, the kiss was a question, a promise, an exploration. My senses ignited as I felt the gentle pressure of his mouth, the warmth spreading from my lips throughout my entire body. I responded, leaning into him, our kiss deepening as if we were discovering something vital and profound about each other.

There was a sweetness in the way he kissed me, a tenderness that belied his confident exterior. His lips moved with a careful, almost reverent touch as if he was savoring every second. My hands found their way to his shoulders, gripping them for support as the ground seemed to shift beneath me.

But then, the urgency in his kiss grew more pronounced, his grip on my tush tightening, a clear indication of his desire. The realization hit me like a cold splash of water—this was just lust for him.

When we finally pulled away, breathless and dazed, our foreheads rested against each other. His eyes searched mine, filled with a mix of triumph and desire, but lacking the depth I had hoped for. My heart ached as I realized this kiss, our first kiss, meant something different to him than it did to me.

I pulled back slightly, trying to mask my disappointment. "We should go downstairs." I said softly, hoping he wouldn't see the hurt in my eyes.

Daniel nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "Yeah, let's go."

As we walked back, I knew I had to guard my heart, because for him, this was just another conquest. For me, it was a painful reminder of the gap between us.

-

I woke up to my phone ringing, it was my best friend.

"Good morning, Alyssa!"

"Hey, good morning, Mady!"

"Join us for lunch, will you?"

"Oh sure, I'll make an apple pie for dessert."

"I love them."

"See you later, Mady."

"Yeah, you too."

Alyssa hung up, and reality hit me like a bulldozer. I just had my first kiss a few hours ago. His lips were still fresh on mine, I could almost feel it. Suddenly, I felt like I had wet my panties. I didn't have to pee, it was something else. Lust. I want him inside me already. He is literally in the room next to mine. I slid my hand inside my underwear and felt myself. It was so slick and juicy. Imagining it was his hand, I touched myself while moaning. It's something that I love doing every morning thinking about Daniel. I moaned louder as I got close to the climax. I didn't even realize Daniel had crept into my room while my eyes were closed.

As I erupted into a slick wet mess on my sheets, I felt familiar lips on mine, a tongue inside my mouth searching for treasure. He took over, enjoying the wet mess, and making me see the whole goddamn galaxy. Giving me the pleasure I was craving, I immediately finished while two of his fingers were inside me. I opened my eyes to see him licking his fingers like it was the best thing he had ever tasted. I was happy but in shock.

"Next time, don't have fun without me." His lips curled into a lustful smile as he left my room.

I just needed a moment to grasp what had just happened. Is this real? Is this my reality? I didn't know whether to jump for joy or seriously think about that. He is my brother's best friend. Yes, he's my fantasy, but having that fantasy come to life feels unreal. Does he actually like me, or does he just want someone to hook up with during the summer? Once we're back home, I'll be old news, and he'll be with some blonde again. The thought made me sad. I needed more than a summer fling. But on a serious note, do I love him? No, it's just lust. He's the hottest man I've ever laid eyes on, and he knows it. I need to figure this out for my sanity. I will confront him and ask what he wants from me.

I got up from bed, soaked. Being Daniel's summer fling isn't so bad if this is how I wake up every morning. I grabbed my towel and sneaked into the washroom. There was only one washroom upstairs, and I didn't want to see my brother right now. I washed away my sins and got dressed in a cute blue sundress and boots. I braided my hair to keep it in place.

When I went to the kitchen, Grandma asked me to go to the basement to get a frying pan. Ethan had scared me by saying the basement was haunted, and I remembered going down there when I was six. It didn't seem supernatural back then. Daniel suggested coming with me, but I dragged Ethan along because I might do things to him in the basement.

Ethan opened the basement door with a creepy creak. The wooden stairs looked like they were about to break, so we slowly descended into the dark, forgetting to take a flashlight. The wooden floorboards creaked loudly as we moved around.

"Ethan, stop squeezing my hand." I said.

"I'm not!" Ethan replied.

Oh no, who could it be? I started to believe Ethan's story about the haunted basement. It gave me the creeps, thinking about who was holding my hand. I heard someone breathing down my neck and I screamed "Aaaahhh!"

I ran up the stairs, leaving Ethan behind. I rushed straight to the kitchen, my hand feeling numb. I surprised everyone by telling them about the sounds and the hand that touched mine.

"Where's Ethan?" Daniel asked.

"Uh...I left him behind." I said worriedly.

Daniel ran down to the basement, but neither of them returned.

"Grandma, when was the last time you were down there?" I asked.

"Yes, yes, Mady, I was just down there yesterday." Grandma answered.

"Oh, the light isn't working. It must have broken. But what's taking them so long?"

"Don't worry. Ethan must have held your hand to scare you. He's always been obsessed with convincing everyone that the basement is haunted." Grandpa said with a laugh.

I heard footsteps coming up the basement stairs and walked toward the open door. Ethan popped his head out and screamed, "BOO!" I jumped back, startled.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Both Ethan and Daniel were laughing, holding some pans and pots.

I rolled my eyes and said, "Ha ha, very funny, guys." I walked back to the kitchen with the boys following behind.

I helped Grandma make eggs, bacon, pancakes, and freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast while the boys set up the dining table. Grandpa settled in front of the TV, watching the news channel.

I heard Ethan talking about his girlfriend. I never even knew he was dating anyone. I was done prepping the food, and Grandma just had to cook it, so I decided to take a break and eavesdrop on their conversation. Would Daniel mention me to my brother?

"She'll be here today for lunch. I can't wait to make things official between us." Ethan said.

"Ayy! My boy, I'm so happy for you." Daniel responded.

Lunch? The only one joining us for lunch is Alyssa, my best friend. Ethan and Alyssa are close friends, but was I blind all this time to not notice what was going on between them?

"Ha, thanks, man." They pulled into a hug. "So, when are you gonna get into a serious relationship? Enough fooling around already."

"Mmmm." Daniel giggled. "You know me. I ain't like you. We're still young, still in college. I want to live life until I'm done living. I do have my eyes set on this girl, though, but it's just chill."

Sigh. Disappointment filled my heart. I guess I already got my answer before I talked with him.

"Alright, man. But who is she?"

Daniel laughed. "Nah, nah, not worth it."

Not worth it? I'm not even good enough for him to mention that we kissed, that he had his fingers deep inside of me just this morning. I walked back toward the kitchen, smirking. If that's how it is—if I'm not worth it—I will make him feel the same way he made me feel. I will use him. I never loved him to begin with. I heard his skills in bed are to die for, according to the cheerleaders. Let's see if he is worth the hype.