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

LIMBO

JOSH

I was back in the kitchen. The soft glow of the refrigerator light illuminated Laura as she stood there, holding a can of Dr. Pepper. Her hair was mussed from sleep, falling in lazy waves over her shoulders. She looked up at me with those wide, knowing eyes, and before I could stop myself, I was kissing her. My hands were in her hair, her back pressed against the kitchen counter as her breath hitched against my lips.

I didn't want to stop. I couldn't.

A soft touch on my shoulder jolted me awake.

My eyes snapped open, and for one disorienting second, I thought I was still in the kitchen with her. The blue eyes staring back at me were too familiar. My chest tightened. "Laura?"

But as the haze of sleep cleared, the details didn't match. Her face was softer, her blonde hair tied back neatly, not wild and untamed like Laura's. Her expression was professional but warm, and it hit me like a slap to the face-it wasn't her.

It wasn't Laura.

"Sorry to wake you," the nurse said, her voice soft and apologetic. "You've been holding her for a while. I thought you might need a break."

I blinked a few times, adjusting to the harsh hospital lights. My baby girl was cradled in my arms, her tiny body still and

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peaceful. I hadn't even realized I'd fallen asleep holding her.

head slightly. "I can change her for you, if

I hesitated.

minute," she added, reaching

nodded, reluctant but too groggy to argue. "Yeah...

she scooped my daughter into her arms, handling her with practiced ease. My arms felt strangely empty

she turned and walked to the changing station near the corner of

trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. My pulse was still racing, the phantom feel of Laura's lips on

ajar, and I took the opportunity to splash cold water on my face. Leaning over the sink, I stared at my reflection, the water dripping from my chin. My

get it together," I muttered to the man

a deep breath, I dried my face and walked back out

the room.

nurse was holding my daughter, her tiny form now dressed in a fresh onesie

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all clean," the nurse said with a smile, gently

in my arms again, some of the tension eased from my

her gaze lingering on the baby's face. "Have you

head, tightening my grip on her small body. "No. I'm waiting for

shifted subtly, her expression softening with what looked like pity.

see," I said, my voice colder than