Second Chance Boyfriend

me into a poet, Fable.”
    God, he’s so sweetly romantic I want to lose myself in him forever.
    We take a shower together and that eventually leads to more delicious sex, leaving me so spent afterward, my legs are like wobbly noodles when we finally climb out of the shower. He towel dries me, his fingers sliding between my still-wet legs, and he brings me to another earth-shattering orgasm.
    Together, we’re absolutely ridiculous. We can’t keep our hands off of each other. And I love it.
    I love him.
    I put back on my shorts from last night but it’s too cold to wear the stupid lacy top so Drew lets me borrow an old sweatshirt. I pull it on, laughing when it stops just above my knees. I know I look stupid but he says I look cute and then he sweeps me up into his arms and kisses me. Again. Thoroughly.
    So thoroughly I finally have to smack his chest and tell him I need to get home so I can check on my brother before we get carried away again.
    The disappointment on his face is clear but he respects my wishes and we take off to my crappy apartment. The closer we get, the more nervous I become. What if my mom is home? No way do I want her to meet Drew. Not yet, anyway, because if this is going to continue between us, then eventually they’ll have to meet. It’s just a reality I don’t want to face.
    My mom is so incredibly embarrassing, with her drunken, trashy ways, how she flat-out doesn’t care about anything or anyone but herself. He thinks his family’s all fucked up—well, they are, let’s not fake ourselves out here—but my mom is no prize either.
    What’s scary is that I’m constantly afraid I could turn into her. It would be so easy. We’re a lot alike, as much as I hate to admit it.
    When we pull into my apartment complex parking lot, I notice my mom’s car isn’t there, thank goodness. The relief that floods me is palpable and I immediately feel lighter. Drew comes with me to my apartment, even though I tell him he can go ahead and leave since I have to work late. But he insists on walking me to my door like some sort of gentlemen.
    I think he’s afraid to let me go, truthfully. And I feel the same way.
    Pulling my key ring out of my purse, I go to unlock the door, when it swings open, startling me so much I drop my keys. Owen’s standing there, clad in sweatpants and an old T-shirt, his hair an absolute mess. He throws himself at me, his arms so tight around my middle, I can hardly breathe.
    “Where have you been?” he asks, giving me a shake when he withdraws from me. “I’ve been worried sick!”
    “I thought you were at your friend’s house.” His outburst surprises me. Talk about a role reversal. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him so worked up.
    “I’ve been home alone all night. Mom’s over at Larry’s house. She thought you were coming home. So did I. I tried to text you and call you but you never answered.”
    Crap. “My phone must’ve died.” I bend to grab my keys. The excuse sounds weak but it’s the truth.
    Owen glances over my shoulder, his gaze alighting on Drew. “Who the hell is this?”
    Jeez, why does he sound so hostile? The look he’s sending Drew could kill, it’s so intense.
    “Um…” I don’t know how to answer. This is awkward. I didn’t expect my brother to be here to greet us.
    “Wait a minute.” Owen steps around me so he can stand directly in front of Drew, who towers over him. “You’re Drew Callahan, aren’t you?”
    Oh, shit. I didn’t expect my brother to recognize him, but Drew is one of the star players on the college team. They have some minor celebrity status here in town.
    “I am.” Drew’s smile is easygoing and full of warmth. “You must be Owen.”
    “Yep. And you’re the asshole who broke my sister’s heart.” Without warning, Owen rears back his arm and punches Drew right in the chin.
    And sends him sprawling to the ground.
    “Oh my God!” I grab at Drew’s shoulders but he’s already picking himself back up, his expression full of disbelief. Thank God, he doesn’t appear angry. More like stunned.
    I’m stunned too.
    “What the hell was that for?” I ask Owen, who’s rubbing his knuckles as if they hurt.
    Little shit. They probably do. He deserves the pain for pulling a stunt like that.
    “He’s the reason you’ve been so miserable these last few months. I can’t freaking believe it. You went out with Drew Callahan?” Owen points a finger at Drew. “When the hell did this