Living With My Friend's Brother [BxB] ✓

Chapter 24

Brett's POV

At the gym, my father and I were boxing for a while as he listened to my problems. I had texted him while I was at home, aggravated to see that Noah had a guy over, and was clearly enjoying spending time with him. Just thinking of this made me attack the punching bag even more than usual. I was so angry. Very aware of my own distancing from Noah, but it still hurt to see him with someone else. At the same time that I would like him to know that I could do it too, that I don't need him either. 

I took off my gloves as I followed my father to the weight-lifting station. We began by me spotting him and him taking over once it was my turn. It was quiet once we were doing the heaviest weights but we continued to talk as we moved over to working biceps and triceps with dumbbells. 

''So do you know the guy who was hanging out with Noah?'' Dad asked as I lifted up two dumbbells.

''No, never seen him before.'' I started lifting as I watched myself in the mirror. Noticing the anger from thinking of that guy.

''But why are you so sure that they have started dating and not just catching up?'' Dad asked as he got next to me and lifted a pair of dumbbells himself. 

''I can't be sure of course, but I have a feeling. The dude is very big and has tattoos and everything, I'm just afraid that this is a guy that has some similarities to me in the look department and that's the reason why Noah brought him home.''

''But you told me the last guy Noah was on a date with was a slim tall blond dude, right?'' dad asked as he looked at me confused in the mirror in front of us.

''Yes, and that's why I'm more stressed about this dude because this is basically that type of guy that Noah finds attractive.'' I started to get angry at the fact that dad didn't get my point. I even remember walking past Elliot's room when Noah told him how he fancied guys like me, not that I was about to tell my dad I've eavesdropped on the boy I like and my brother at his house.

''Calm down, I'm just trying to set things into perspective'' Dad said and put his dumbbell down.

''Brett, there's nothing wrong with asking Noah what is going on. I know you want to let him tell you once he's ready, but this is clearly not working for either of you guys.'' Dad said as he stood in front of me and placed both of his hands on my shoulders. I stopped while he did so, just keeping the dumbbells down by my sides.

''I know, but I don't want him to leave if he feels like I'm nagging and trying to know everything. Noah didn't use to be so open, I'm afraid I'll scare him away'' I told dad and looked away.

''Trust me, I understand. But you'll never know unless you give it a shot and I don't think Noah would run away from his problems like that. I don't know him as well as you, but I know for a fact that he's not a weakling who runs from his problems'' Dad said and smiled at me as I looked back at him.

''Thank dad'' 

''I'm here for you whenever you need me''

''Gee dad, you start to sound like papa'' I told him and pushed him off me. He only laughed in response and was able to put my head in a headlock as he ruffled my hair.

''That's my son!'' Dad said with a smile and I couldn't help but cheer up from his expression.

''You know what Brett, I think we should end our session here. You obviously have a lot to think about and papa is waiting for me at home'' dad said as he took his dumbbells up from the floor and put them back on their stand.

''That's fine dad. I'll stay a little longer, tell papa I said hi'' I said as I put down my own dumbbells to change to different ones with another weight on them.

''Of course, don't wear yourself out now son. Get some rest and I'll see you later'' dad said as he patted my back before he picked up his towel and dried off some of his sweat as he left for the locker room. 

I continued for a little until out of nowhere Danielle, my ex suddenly appeared. I really didn't want to see her right now. She started approaching me as I was lifting.

''Hi Brett, why are you here so late. Trouble in paradise?'' she asked teasingly. 

''Not now Danielle'' I continued to lift as she watched me, trying to ignore her when she clearly wasn't about to leave me alone. 

''Heard rumors that your boy had started to hang out with this handsome tattoed guy. I don't really know if he's as handsome as people say. I haven't seen the guy, but I'm pretty sure he can't compare to you, so Noah has really lost a good deal here'' she said flirtatiously as she stroked my arm while I took a break and put the weights down. 

True, I could probably treat Noah so much better than some random dude he met recently. Does he even know the guy? Just thinking about it made my blood boil.

''I see that you are tense Brett. Maybe I could help you not to think of Noah for a night'' Danielle continued and came closer to whisper, almost placing her lips against my ear

''No Danielle'' I said and walked away from her, ready to lift the weights back up and continue. 

''It's only casual Brett. Besides, we have done it before. I think it could help you get some of your frustration out'' she continued to stroke my arm as she got closer and kissed my shoulder.

I thought about it for quite some time. ''Fine, let's hit the showers and meet up afterward'' 

''Sure babe'' she said and walked towards the female locker room. I could tell by the way she moved that she tried to act like a temptress as she was walking sensually. And right now, that was all I needed. At least I hoped it was what I needed. All I needed was a break from thinking of Noah.

***

I unlocked the door as we got back to the flat. Danielle turned her back to me for me to help her take her jacket off so I could hang it up on the coathanger. 

I placed my arm over Danielle's shoulder before we walked together to the living room, and I was surprised at how quiet it was. Had Noah left with that guy? 

Once the sofa came into view, I saw Noah quickly turn himself around to look in my direction while sitting on the sofa alone. Had the guy left? The thought of that guy quickly disappeared as I saw Noah's excited expression disappear as he looked at me having my arm over Danielle's shoulder and her holding her hand up against her chest to hold my hand in hers.

I started to feel guilt. Was I making a mistake by bringing her home? I noticed Noah's eyes get brighter before he quickly picked up his book that I assume he had been reading. Was he about to cry? 

In my peripheral vision, I noticed Danielle smirking towards Noah before he quickly got up and walked quickly towards his bedroom door and got inside before I heard him locking his door. 

Fuck!