C2 TWO

Lizzie’s POV

“That’s it, right there,” the rich male voice says.

And it’s close enough to the real thing that I can close my eyes and imagine that it’s him.

The man I’ve been crushing on for the past thirteen years.

“Come on,” the voice says,

“Come for me.” The sound of the video echoes off the walls of my bedroom, and the sounds of sex are loud in my ears as I try to shove myself further into my fantasy with Reed.

The dark hair that is just silvering at the temples, the dark eyes different from any color I’ve ever encountered, and that voice.

The man on the video speaks again, and it intrudes on my memory.

It’s not good enough, and neither are my fingers. Frustrated, I roll over and fumble in my bedside drawer for my handy vibrator.

It’s early, and I had a dream about Reed that I woke up from.

My body is craving pleasure, and this is as close as I can get, given that Reed is a few hours away and that he has no idea that I even exist.

Well I do exist, but just as his best friend’s daughter.

But that dream, holy fuck. I can still feel the way his lips traced across my skin, and the heat in his words. I woke up wet and wanting, but nothing seems to be working now. Usually my trusty playlist of porn is enough to transport me into the right headspace.

This morning, however, it’s a poor substitute for what I imagine is the real thing, and my body knows it. Glancing at the video, I try to focus on it. It’s one of my favorites. An older porn actor with a British accent and a great body takes a younger actress roughly from behind. The look of sheer pleasure on her face is what drew me to the film, and normally I can imagine myself in her place, Reed being the one behind me, taking me.

I can’t get the dream out of my head, though, and as I flip on the vibrator, the dissonance between what I’m seeing and what I dreamt is obvious. I’m so aroused, but at the same time, I know that it’s going nowhere.

Frustration rolls through me. I normally have no problem bringing myself to orgasm, and I don’t want to give up. But the more I press the vibrator against my clit the more there’s absolutely nothing there.

Fucking hell.

I smack my laptop closed on the bed and shove the vibrator back into the drawer.

This is really not how I wanted to start the day.

Starting the day with a good orgasm is recommended. Frustrated and left wanting? Not so much.

And it’s all because of Reed. Of course it’s because of Reed.

It’s always been because of him, and I’m tired of it.

Because I can’t have him.

Reed Alcott is my father’s best friend, and being together would rip our families apart.

He’s seventeen years older than I am and my father would never forgive us.

He’s always been around and each year I still find myself looking for him.

In my porn. In my dates.

He’s my go-to fantasy. I can’t fucking help it. He’s always been it for me.

But there’s nothing I can fucking do about it.

I pull a pillow over my face, and scream.

Somedays I just pray he’d be the one to take my v-card.

But I knew it was barely possible,he didn’t even see me the way I saw him.

I finally got out of bed ready to get started with my day at least.

Since I had just graduated from college, I had to secure an internship position.

And dad made it clear I was a must and I really didn’t have a choice.

So after a quick cold bath, I settled in a large tee and pair of jersey shorts to get started with my day of tailoring cover letters

My day wasn’t going well, and it didn’t help that Mum texted, informing me that Reed was coming for dinner. The news threw me off balance.

I tasked myself to make a one-pot creamy Tuscan pasta.

Cooking usually calmed me, but by the time I finished, it was already 6:00 PM, leaving me just about 40 minutes to freshen up.

I dashed upstairs to my bedroom, opting for a quick shower. The cool water helped calm my nerves.

After drying off, I picked out a Ditsy Floral Backless Knot Ruffle Trim Dress from my closet.

It was one of my favorites, delicate and flattering. I paired it with a little makeup and black jelly sandals.

I let my hair fall loose around my shoulders and retouched my lip gloss. Standing in front of the mirror, I let my eyes linger on the length of the dress. I always preferred wearing dresses whenever Reed was coming over. Maybe for once, he’d look my way and not just see me as Izzie, his best friend’s kid.

I walked out of my room and took the stairs, my heart beating a little faster. Voices from the kitchen told me that Mum and Dad were already home. I paused at the bottom of the stairs, steeling myself.

No sooner than later, a knock came from the front door.

I knew it was Reed at the front door, and I went to answer it.

He wore a black shirt with its sleeves folded up, exposing his tattooed arms, and a pair of grey suit pants. Gosh, he smelled like musk.

"Good evening, Reed," I said, my voice deliberately cold. My eyes flicked to the complimentary bottle of champagne he always brought with him.

"Another bottle of champagne, I see. How original."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Nice to see you too, Izzie. You look lovely tonight."

I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Yeah, thanks. I made dinner. Hope you like pasta."

He stepped inside, his presence filling the hallway as he handed me the champagne.

"I'm sure it's delicious. You always were a great cook."

I took the bottle with a tight smile.

"Thanks, but don't try to flatter me. It won't work."

Reed chuckled.

"You always did have a sharp tongue. I suppose some things never change."

I shrugged, turning on my heel and walking towards the kitchen.

"Some things shouldn't have to."

He followed me.

"True. But some things do change, Izzie. You've grown up."

I stopped abruptly, spinning around to face him.

"Yeah, well, growing up happens whether we want it to or not. Doesn't mean everyone notices."

He opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off.

"Anyway, dinner's ready. Make yourself comfortable."

Reed watched me for a moment longer before nodding.

"Alright. Lead the way."

As we walked into the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a mix of triumph and frustration. Tonight was just another reminder of the line between us, a line that felt both impossible to cross and impossible to ignore.

Dinner wasn’t quiet at all. Dad rambled on about every and anything to Reed, with Mum inputting along with the conversation. I would stare at Reed for a moment longer, and he would always catch my gaze. I wasn’t afraid to check him out, I swear it. But occasionally, I’d gaze at my lap, my cheeks burning red when he’d wink at me.

“Liz, darling, how’s your internship going?” Mum asked, sipping her glass of champagne.

“I made my cover letters today,” I said, gathering some pasta on my fork.

“There’ll be no need for that,” Reed humored, and I shot him a glare.

He ate his food and cleaned his mouth with a napkin before speaking.

“You can be an intern at Sky or Heaven.” He shrugged. “If you want to,” he finished, giving me a pointed look.

Mum’s face lit up, and Dad beamed with pride.

“Reed, that’s incredibly generous of you!” Mum exclaimed.

“Yes, thank you so much!” Dad chimed in.

“Liz, this is a fantastic opportunity. You should definitely take it.”

Not like I didn’t want it, but that meant being around Reed often. And I doubted I’d be able to control myself around him with the effect he had on me.

I nodded. “Thank you, Reed,” I said softly.

He smiled at me, and I swear my insides liquified.

“That’s going to help us a great deal,” Mum said, focusing on her food.

I raised an eyebrow at her.

“You’ll be in charge of her and help us take care of her,” she continued.

“You’re like family.” She smiled up at Reed.

I blinked twice.

“Yes, bro,” Dad conceded.

“W...wait, guys. What are you on about?” I asked.

“Oh, sweetie, your dad here got transferred,” Mum explained.

“And I’ll be moving with him,” she added.

“What? No, I don’t need anyone to take care of me! I’m perfectly capable of handling myself,” I argued.

Dad shook his head.

“Liz, it’s not about that. We just want to make sure you’re settled and safe.”

“I’m twenty-two, not twelve!” I snapped, glaring at both of them.

“I can manage on my own.”

“Liz, this isn’t up for debate,” Mum said firmly.

“Reed will be around to help you transition and keep an eye on things.”

“Exactly,” Dad agreed.

“You’ll be busy with your internship, and Reed can make sure everything else is taken care of.”

Despite my insides being all giddy with thrill at the thought of Reed "babysitting" me, I forced myself to look exasperated.

“This is ridiculous,” I muttered.

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Think of it as a precaution,” Mum said, giving me a reassuring smile.

“It’s for your own good.”

I glanced at Reed, who was watching the exchange with an oddly calm expression.

Did he like the idea of such an opportunity?

With my parents gone, I knew I had a chance with him.

“Fine,” I huffed, crossing my arms.