Alluring Ties Read Online Free Page A

I’m not in love with him, but I like him and I care for him. I could probably love him. Do I want to take that step though?! Dammit. Why are you giving me ultimatums, Joe? Isn’t it enough that I’m with you and only you and you know it? Am I hiding it in some way? What the hell do I do?
    Getting ready, I try to figure it out. We’re supposed to get the girls in half an hour. Micah calls out to me, distracting me from my thoughts. “So, Erik, this Bradi girl… is she hot?”
    Laughing, I call back as I dry my face and wipe off the last of the shaving cream, “Only if you like blonde bombshells, dude.”
    Within seconds, the door is flung open. “Blonde bombshells? What do you mean? She’s fine?”
    Throwing my towel at him, I brush past him. “I don’t like chicks, Micah. But yes, she’s fine. And not what you’re used to. Be afraid. Be very afraid.”
    “Nah, chicks love me. I’m a babe magnet. Besides, she’s probably not that fine. You’re gay. What do you know?” He winks to show me he’s kidding before he turns toward his side of the closet and pulls out a button-up shirt.
    Chuckling, I tease him. “Don’t you know? Gays are surrounded by the lovelies. They flock to us.”
    He rolls his eyes at me and says, “Can’t wait to see what you call a bombshell.”
    My computer pings with a new instant message and interrupts our banter. Pointing at it, Micah says, “Better get that.”
    Rolling my eyes, I walk over and check the screen. It’s Joe.
    “Thought about what I said? I mean it, EJ. It’s all or nothing. I want an answer tonight.”
    Muttering under my breath, I groan. “I know you do and I don’t know what I’m going to tell you yet.”
    Looking over, I catch Micah’s glance at the screen. He shrugs and says, “He’s a good dude. So are you. Hate to see you throw something away that could be really good because you’re scared, man.”
    Groaning, I throw myself on my bed and answer him. “I know. When the hell did you become Yoda?”
    “Shit, I’ve always been a genius. Looks and brains. I can’t lose.” Laughing, he ducks into the bathroom as I throw my pillow. It bounces off the door and my computer pings again.
    “I care about you. You care about me too. We’re good together. See you in a few.”
    I do care about him. I decide that once I get to the house, I’ll find him and we’ll go talk. We’ll try being together. Out in the open…
    Maybe…

Chapter Five
    Bradi

    6 years ago
    G od, I’m so nervous. Why did I agree to this? How did this happen? I went to college fully expecting to have some fun, play with some boys, and get a degree. Now instead, I’m in a serious, exclusive relationship with the only guy I’ve dated since I started college and I’m going home with him for Christmas to “meet the parents.”
    Way to stick to your guns, Bradi! It’ll be ok. I’m just meeting Micah’s parents. Who are fucking RICH and powerful. Oh my God… what am I doing?! I can’t do this. That’s it, I’m not going.
    “What’s going through that gorgeous head of yours, Bradi?” Micah asks as he loads my last bag into his car. He leans on the top of the car and rests his chin on his crossed arms. “You look like you’re about to try to make a run for it.”
    Crossing my arms over my chest, I glare at him. “Shut up! I don’t do this, Micah. I don’t know why I have to go with you anyway.”
    He stares at me a minute and then walks over to me and cups my face. God, I love when he does that.
    “Baby, you don’t have to be nervous. My parents will love you, because I love you. And you’re coming home with me because I love you. You’re my girlfriend. We’ve been together for a year and they’ve never met you. They aren’t sure you really exist.” He kisses me softly on the mouth. “You ok?”
    Sighing, I wrap my arms around his waist and press a kiss to his chest through his sweater. “I know you do.” I look up and catch him gazing at me with love in his