Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

TIM

LAURA STILL STUCK IN THE PAST...

The smell of paint and varnish hung heavy in the air as I stood in the corner of the shop, scanning the shelves. I'd been here for what felt like forever, searching for the perfect sage green. Every shade I picked up was either too minty or too dull. Maybe I'd have to mix it myself.

The bell above the door jingled, but I didn't bother looking up. Customers came and went all the time in this place, and I never noticed them-not until Tim. Which was a massive mistake-huge-one I won't be repeating anytime soon.

I crouched down to check the bottom shelf, brushing my hair out of my face. Just as I grabbed another swatch of green, a voice floated over to me.

His voice.

"Laura?"

I froze, my hand hovering mid-air. For a second, I thought I might've imagined it, but when I glanced up, there he was. Tim.

He stood a few feet away, his hands shoved into his pockets, looking every bit as sheepish as I'd expected.

I didn't want to do this. Not here. Not now.

1225 TM

11 288 Vouchers

said, keeping my voice steady as I turned back to the shelf. "I don't want to hear

hesitated, shuffling his feet awkwardly. "Laura, please.

pounding, but didn't let it show. "I don't need your apology. I don't need anything from you." Tim winced

I cut him off, my voice rising. "You have a girlfriend, Tim. A girlfriend. Did you even think about her? About me? What the

he'd worn on

for it to happen like that. I just saw you, and you were so... I don't know. I didn't think, I guess. I just

So, congratulations, Tim. You got what you, wanted, and I

heading for the counter. My hands were trembling as I set the

"Laura, wait

I said without turning around. "Just...

cashier raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he rang

1. up.

eyes on me, but I didn't look back. I couldn't. I'd spent enough time letting Tim make me feel small.

and my mind racing.

show up here? Of all

spiral, someone stepped in front of me, steadying me with a

was low and steady, but

and there he was, his eyes scanning my face

before I could say more, the

sorry!" Tim's

froze, my stomach