Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card (Jessie and Luke)

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LUKE

Walking into my old family home felt like stepping into a parallel. universe. The walls that once trapped me in memories of cold indifference were no longer stark white and black. There was no way to tell this, even if it was my house. They were now a soft sage green, accer that seemed to invite me inside. The living area had transformed into a cozy haven, with a massive creamy couch that looked like it could swallow you whole.

The house had a glow now-a warm, welcoming glow.

It looked like a home.

I stood frozen in the doorway, taking it all in. Jess hovered behind me, her presence like an anchor, waiting for me to say something. her presence like a

When words failed, I spun around, grabbed her, and lifted her off her feet. She squealed, laughing, as I crushed my lips to hers.

"I could kiss you every single second of every minute of every hour of every day," I murmured against her mouth when I finally set her down. Her knees wobbled, and I steadied her, my hands lingering on her waist.

"Sorry," I muttered into her neck, the faint scent of her shampoo grounding me.

I felt her smile before she said, "It's okay... I'm a little top-heavy these days. Still figuring out my balance."

I dropped down and kissed her belly. "Your mom made us a home

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peanut," I said with a

no on peanut," I laughed. and Jess looked at me with a frown."Hard

realized I knew nothing.

Standing up, I held onto her. "Boy or a girl?" I asked softly, and Jess smiled at me.

"I don't know yet. I was holding onto some miracle and hoped we would find out together." She grinned, and I felt that hard knot form in my throat. But I swallowed it down and nodded, leaning in to kiss her again. "Thank you." That earned her a low chuckle as I pulled back to look at her properly.

"Do you like it?" she asked, her voice softer now, almost hesitant.

I blinked, taking in the space again, this time with her in the center of it all."You, the baby or the house? Because I love all of it," I said, meaning every word. "It feels like you in here.

Her cheeks flushed, and she clasped her hands together nervously. "I didn't know if you'd want me to change it, but I thought... maybe you'd like some new memories in here. You know, to replace the bad ones."

Her words hit me like a freight train. The island had made me fucking soft, no doubt about it, because I felt my throat tighten and my eyes. burn. I forced myself to swallow the lump threatening to choke me.

Jess gave me a tour of my childhood home-a place that now felt unrecognizable. Every corner, every room, had bits and pieces of her scattered throughout-splashes of color, little signs of life.

In the living area, a framed wedding portrait of us hung on the wall. My chest tightened at the sight of it, and I sat down on the couch before my legs gave out.

Jess sat down beside me, her hand finding mine. She squeezed gently.

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"Welcome home, babe." Her voice was soft, full of emotion. "I missed you so much."

I turned to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face before leaning in for another kiss. It was slower this time, deeper, and I poured everything I couldn't say into it.

When we broke apart, I rested my forehead against hers. "I missed you so much, and I want to familiarize myself with every inch of you," I admitted, my voice rough. "But right now, I just want to sit here and hold you. Is that okay?"

She smiled, nodded, and tugged me down until my head was resting on her lap. Her fingers threaded through my hair, and I groaned softly, closing my eyes.

"You need a haircut," she teased, her voice light and teasing, but her touch was anything but.

"Tomorrow," I mumbled, already half-asleep. Her warmth and the steady rhythm of her fingers combing through my hair were pulling me under.

Within minutes, I was drifting off, clinging to the hope that this was real-that I wouldn't wake up back on that godforsaken island.

This was home now. Jess was home.