Putting my hand on his shoulder, I gave him a reassuring squeeze. “Listen, you’re my best friend. You’re like a brother to me. I would lay down my life for you, and I know you’d do the same for me. If I was ever going to trust anyone with my sister, it would be you.”
Gunner’s face turned white. “Um, I need to be honest with you. I think I’m attracted to your sister. I mean, I would never disrespect you or Ellie in any way. If you tell me right now to back off and never look at her again, I’d do it. It would be
hard because I’m pretty sure your sister has had me tied up in knots for a few weeks. I’m a bit confused by all this, but if you said the word to leave her alone, I’d do it for you, Jeff.” His hand raked nervously through his hair again.
“Ellie had a pretty fucked-up childhood thanks to our mom. She pretty much told her she was useless, just like she told me time and time again. In Ellie’s mind she’ll never be good enough for anyone. I only ask that you give her time. If she ends up having feelings for you, then see where it goes. Keep in mind that she’s innocent, very innocent, and best friend or not, if you hurt her, then I hurt you.”
With a hard swallow, Gunner nodded. “You know I would rather die than disappoint you, man. I promise you that. I promise to take care of her whether it turns out we are friends or it becomes more than that. Always, dude.”
I was more than satisfied with his answer. I knew deep in my heart what type of a man Gunner was. He was caring and a really good guy. He would rather die than ever hurt me or Ellie. That was evident.
With a hard slap on his back, I started to the door. “Good to know, Gun. Good to know. I’d hate to have to beat the shit out of my best friend and roommate. Now let’s go see how Ells is settling in.”
When we walked into the house, I called out for Ellie. She came walking down the hall in a pair of my sweatpants that were practically swimming on her and a UT T-shirt. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail.
Gunner quickly walked by me and into the kitchen, where he grabbed a cold water. Ellie had no idea her cute little frumpy look probably looked sexy to poor Gunner. I almost felt sorry for the bastard.
“Hey, honey, how’re you feeling?” I asked as I walked up to her.
She lifted her shoulders halfway. “I guess I’m okay. I think the meds are kicking in ’cause I’m really tired.” She yawned.
“Let me go drop this off in my room and grab a few things out of there. I really hope you don’t mind, Ells, but I had plans for tonight that I can’t change. I’ve already blown this girl off three times.” As I walked to my room, I called out, “Gunner offered to stay home and help out if you need anything.”
“Oh. Um. It’s totally fine, Jefferson. I don’t need to be babysat!” Ellie said.
A few minutes later, I walked out to see Ellie all alone staring at a picture in her hands.
“That picture was taken this past spring break in Port A.”
Ellie quickly put it back down and tried to hide the blush on her cheeks. “You sure are one handsome fella, Jefferson. I bet y’all had girls all over you.”
I tossed my 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 place. We couldn’t be bothered with the girls down there, though. Most of them are just hoes.”
Placing her hand on her hip, she said, “Well, jeez, 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 chuckled. “Now come on, Ells, I would never ever say you were like those girls. Ari now, she’s another story.” I laughed and walked into the kitchen to get a beer.
“Hey! That’s my best friend, and she’s not a slut! I’ll have you know she has never even had . . .”
She stopped suddenly as my beer paused at my lips and I tilted my head. A slow smirk rose at the corners of my mouth. Fucking hell. My Ari is still a virgin. Knowing no man had ever touched her made me feel better than it should have.
“So Squirt is still a virgin, is she? Huh. This is news. This could be very informative news indeed!”
Ellie’s face looked pale, and I swore she was about to get sick.
“Jefferson Michael Johnson, so help me God, if you even hint to her that you know, I’ll never talk to you again. Ever!”
I chuckled as I waved off her concern. “Don’t worry, honey. Her secret is safe with me.”
Ellie followed me as I walked out of the kitchen. “Speaking of Ari, what was going on with the two of you today?”
I stopped walking and turned to look at her. “What’re you talking about? Nothing is going on between us. Why would you even ask that? I mean, she’s just . . . she’s just, Ari.” I shrugged my shoulders. Trying to play it off and praying my sister couldn’t read me.
“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 piss her off on purpose. She’s my best friend, and I hate seeing you treating her like a spoiled brat. She’s not at all. She’s a grown woman, and she deserves to be treated better than that. I would expect that from you of all people.”
Guilt ripped through my body. There was no way I could tell Ellie I fought with Ari to keep her at bay. She’d think I was insane.
“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.”