Chapter 10: Five Years, No Regrets

10

Ben White skipped the team celebration. I drove him home. On the way, he fell asleep in the passenger seat.

I didn’t want to wake him, so I sat with him in the garage for over an hour.

As it neared nine, he finally woke up.

“Nine o’clock?!” He rushed to gather his things, jumped out of the car, then ran back to pull me out too.

“Why so rushed?” He didn’t explain, just dragged me home.

As soon as the door opened, flower petals were everywhere—he’d planned a surprise dinner for our first real date, but it was now stone cold.

“Ah, crap, how did I fall asleep—it’s all cold... Sorry, sis, I wanted to surprise you.”

He hung his head, looking so cute. I picked up the wine, “We still have wine, I’ll cook a few dishes.”

I was about to go when he pulled me into his arms, our chests pressed together. He lowered his head and whispered, “But I don’t want to eat.”

Nervous, I gently pushed him away, waving the wine. “Then let’s drink.”

He smiled, changed into loungewear, and let me pour the wine.

He saw my full glass. “Sis needs liquid courage?”

Then he took a sip himself.

Embarrassed, I looked around, changing the subject, “Eh, Mr. White isn’t home?”

“He doesn’t live here.”

Doesn’t live here? Then last time...

I turned and saw Ben White looking at me affectionately, making me nervous. I gulped my wine.

With liquid courage, I scooted closer. “Ben, I’m five years older, maybe I’m with you for your looks, but why do you like me?”

“Sis is so cute, it’s hard not to like you. And I love how you take care of me—it feels like home. Besides, it was arranged by our parents, so I’m just being traditional.”

“You want to say I look like your mom? Don’t you dare have an Oedipus complex!”

He laughed, set down his glass, came over, and pinched my chin like I did to him that night.

“Miss Samantha Miller, let me tell you, you’re the girl I like—not my mom.”

Looking at his youthful face, I suddenly felt a pang of sadness, pouting, “But I’m five years older...”

He pinched my cheeks, making my lips pout.

“So what if it’s five years? You can cheer me on, play games with me, and I’ll grow up and earn money for you. Besides, my Sammy doesn’t look old at all.”

Then his gaze dropped to my lips and he kissed me.

The kiss was so deep...

I don’t know how long it lasted. When he let go, I was gasping on the sofa. He pouted, lying on top of me.

“Dummy, if your mouth’s blocked, can’t you breathe through your nose? Almost suffocated!” He twirled my hair. “So that was your first kiss, sis?”

“You’re pretty skilled.” I was annoyed, a sense of defeat by a younger man filling my chest.

He understood, lowered his head, voice husky and teasing, “I practiced watching your videos many times...”

Ahhh, I’m dead...

I turned away, gently pushing him. “Get up, I’ll cook, drinking on an empty stomach isn’t good.”

He looked down, then suddenly smiled, “I am a bit hungry, but I want something else.”

Sensing his intentions, I pushed his chest, stammering, “Aren’t you tired? Want to rest?”

“I slept in the car.”

“Then I’ll get you snacks, your favorite sweets!” Seeing him hesitate, I tried to push him off, but he pressed me back on the sofa.

I tried to speak, but he kissed me again.

“Sammy here is sweet enough.”

Fine, five years is five years. If I regret it, it’ll be when I’m sunbathing on a bench at the nursing home!

Who’s afraid of a little sleep? Bring it on, little brother!

(The End)