Santa Bring Me a Ryan

by Rene Penn

  “You don’t have to fall asleep here, Jules. But if you did,” he pointed to another part of the house. “I have another bedroom that—”

  “No, you don’t understand.” Her voice shredded with panic. She moved away from him, walking out of the house and standing on the walkway in the cold storm. Snow settled onto her eyelashes. “I’ll just keep calling until I reach him.”

  "Why didn't you tell me? I could've called the house phone,” he said.

  Her heart stopped mid-beat. “House phone?”

  “Yeah, at the cabin. But he may not come out in this.” He flashed the seductive grin again. “Why don’t you just come inside.”

  She took her phone from her coat pocket. “What’s the number?” she asked. “He’s going to come.”

  She hoped.

  ◆◆◆

  Bryan didn’t know where he was going, but he couldn’t wait around at the house anymore. He white-knuckled the Jeep’s steering wheel. Snow blew upside down and sideways. If the truck were any lighter, the wind would’ve tossed it like a plastic bag.

  When he saw a pick-up on the side of the road, he slowed and rolled down the window. It wasn’t Ryan, but the driver may need help.

  "It just died on me," the man said about his car. He yelled through the whirling snow.

  "You need a ride?" Bryan offered. Though the man probably wouldn't want to take him up on it. Driving the guy home wouldn't be Bryan's priority.

  “I’m good. I’ve got somebody on the way.” He gave a thumbs-up and waved.

  “All right. Good luck.” Bryan closed the window and pulled off.

  A voicemail notification chimed on his phone. The satellite signal must've finally kicked in. He reached for his cell, and it rang, startling him. "Montana Cabin" popped up as the caller. He pulled off the road onto the shoulder.

  His mom said, “Jules just called. She’s at Ryan’s.”

  “Thanks.” He hardly got the word out before he set the tires spinning back onto the road.

  About ten minutes later, he pulled up to Ryan’s house. Someone stood on the walkway, a wispy outline through the flurry of snow. As he got closer, the Jeep's headlights shone on the person. Jules. White snow covered her tan peacoat. Flakes clung to her wet hair.

  He put the car in park, threw the door open, and ran up to her. He could see her teeth chattering, practically hear them.

  “What are you doing outside?

  The door to the house opened, and Ryan came out. “I told her to come in.”

  Jules stood frozen. “I was w-waiting for y-you,” she said to Bryan. Her teeth clattered, and her mouth trembled.

  “I told her to come in,” Ryan repeated loudly.

  Bryan put his arm around her shoulder and led her to the car, ignoring his brother. He opened the passenger side door and helped Jules get inside. He eased the safety belt around her and clicked it secure. An unbearable chill poured from her. He cupped her cheek and closed the door.

  As he doubled-back in front of the car to the driver’s side, Ryan called his name again. “I’ll deal with you later,” Bryan growled back. He could hardly look at Ryan.

  If Jules weren’t there, he’d deal with his brother right then and there. But tending to her mattered more to him.

  “Bryan,” Ryan yelled for him.

  Bryan climbed into the Jeep and closed the door. Ryan yelled his name again through the glass, stepping toward the car. Bryan reversed down the driveway, put the car into drive, grabbed Jules’ hand, and blew air into it.

  “I w-was hoping you’d come,” she said, and he kissed her cold hand.

  Fifteen

  At the cabin, Bryan led Jules upstairs. He grabbed a clean towel from the linen closet, laid it over his shoulder, and followed her into her room. He closed the door softly behind him and clicked on the lamp. Jules stood there, paralyzed from the cold. He peeled off his coat, removed hers next, and hung them on the closet knobs.

  Her arms dangled like icicles from her shoulders. Melted snow dampened her hair. His eyes softened at the sight of her shivering.

  “Come here.”

  They stepped closer. He rubbed his hands over her shoulders and arms, kneaded her hands in his. He delicately ran the towel over her head. She gazed up at him, crystal blue eyes, the lids barely blinking. Dampened lashes made her eyes sparkle. His chest tightened with desire.

  “How long were you outside waiting?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. Long enough to wish I wore the coat you got me.”

  The chattering was gone, but a bitter coolness clung to her frame. Standing this close, he could feel the chill, though his body temperature warmed to her nearness.

  He smoothed the towel over her hair slowly, gathering the ends with the tan, plush cotton. He had touched her hair once before, caressing the nape of her neck, while they kissed. But this felt more intimate.

  Her eyes widened. “I shouldn’t have been there. I shouldn’t have gone without you.”

  “I should’ve been there with you.” His lips curled a little. “Close your eyes.”

  She hesitated, then closed them. He dabbed her lashes with the towel, then gently wiped her face. He set the towel down on the nightstand and grabbed a quilt from the foot of the bed. At first, he thought to place it around her. But he changed his mind, draping it over his shoulders instead and wrapping her up in it, pulling her close. He wanted her so much closer.

  Surprise washed over her face. He’d seen that look before. Endearing. Sweet. It had happened right before he’d kissed her. So, he did it again. A cocoon of warmth flowed between them. He wanted to drown in it—the wet fragrance of her hair, the softness of her tongue. When their bodies pressed together, warmth exploded into heat. Desire swept him like a brushfire. He swallowed her into his arms. Their kiss filled him with urgency. He deepened it with need.

  What had he been thinking? He'd almost let her drift away from him, almost let her go. He'd left her alone with his brother.

  Damn Ryan.

  Anger clamped down on Bryan like a heavy hand. He pulled away from Jules and searched her face.

  “Nothing happened when I was there,” she said, reading his mind.

  “Did he try anything?” he asked.

  Her lip trembled. "No. But I didn't want to fall asleep accidentally. I didn't want him to get the wrong idea."

  He knew what that meant. She thought Ryan might try something, so she stood outside to keep that from happening.

  Bryan hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her to him. Possessiveness overpowered desire. He kissed her again, sweeping his mouth over hers with firm arrogance. When he let go, she exhaled, almost like a gasp. He'd taken her breath away. Good.

  “I’ll be back.” He pulled the quilt away and wrapped it around her shoulders.

  Her mouth opened. “Now? Where are you going? I want you here with me.”

  She grabbed his hand. Need shocked through him, a need that ran deeper than physical, the need to be in a person’s space and not want to be away from them. He hadn’t felt that way in months. Years. It was almost foreign. He’d forgotten how overwhelming it was, how good it felt, how strong the pull could be.

  But something else pulled stronger.

  ◆◆◆

  It took a moment for Jules to gather herself and follow Bryan down the stairs. After being kissed like that—twice—her knees had buckled, and her brain couldn’t sync up with her legs. By the time she caught up, Bryan’s long stride had carried him downstairs and halfway through the living room.

  Where was he going? Jeez, he was practically running! She thought their kisses had been nice. More like amazing. Had their attraction been too strong? Had his mother’s dislike for Jules compelled him to stop?

  “Bryan?”

  He ignored her.

  Helena stared as Bryan flew past the living room. "What's going on?"

  “I’m going to Ryan’s.” Bryan disappeared around the corner, toward the mudroom.

  Oh no!


  Jules called after him, but the door slammed shut. Her gaze clamped onto Helena’s. “I have to do something.” She glanced toward the kitchen, where Paul and Kathy had stopped what they were doing.

  Jules was about to walk over, to explain that Bryan may be upset, but Helena grasped her elbow. “Let him go,” she whispered and pulled her to the study. Helena closed the door and said, “I think I know why. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s been a long time coming.”

  How long? Everything had just happened. But Helena had said it'd been a long time, hadn't she? Jules shook her head. "I don't understand."

  “This predates you, Jules. Those two love each other, as much as brothers can. But that pot has been simmering for years. You coming here has brought it to a boil. And now the lid’s blown off.”

  Jules’ feet weighed heavy, and she dropped into the chair nearby. “What have I done now? I’ve been trying to impress Mr. and Mrs. Blakely ever since I came here, and I’ve butchered that.”

  Helena touched her shoulder. “You’ve done nothing but be yourself, Jules.”

  “My worst self,” Jules corrected.

  "Whatever you want to call it, Bryan likes it. But," she frowned, "I think Ryan does, too. And unfortunately, these two have been down this road before, liking the same woman. And the woman had to choose. I can't tell you how many times I've seen it happen, and I'm sure I only know the short of it."

  She sat down in the other chair, continuing. “But the last time it happened was the worst case of all.”

  Jules’ eyes narrowed, confused, and then clarity flashed. “Kaitlyn?”

  Helena nodded. “Girls came and went for those two, but they both pined after Kaitlyn for years. She didn’t bend to either of them. And then, the next thing you know, she settled on Bryan. It upset Ryan, from what I understand. But let’s face it, he wasn’t hurting for attention from other women.” Jules agreed. “I’m not sure if you heard, but Bryan and Kaitlyn were supposed to move to DC together.”

  “Yeah, that’s the only part of the story I know. The rest of this is new to me.”

  “Well,” Helena raised a brow, “we’ve wondered if Bryan has blamed his brother for the reason why Kaitlyn changed her mind.”

  “But I thought she stayed in Missoula to be with family. Did she stay behind for Ryan?”

  "We wondered that. But nothing ever came between Kaitlyn and Ryan, unless they kept it under wraps. Paul pressed Ryan for the truth. But, he swears nothing happened. We can only take him for his word. Even though Bryan was told nothing transpired between those two, the damage had already been done. That scar doesn’t fade quickly. I’m convinced that brothers all over the world fight over something. This is the Blakely brothers’ something.”

  “So Ryan thought Kaitlyn chose Bryan over him years ago. And later, Bryan thought Kaitlyn chose Ryan, instead of going to DC.”

  "And fast forward to you. Another pretty lady that they both like."

  The logic still didn't make sense to Jules. "But, I like Bryan." She never thought she'd share her feelings with a member of the Blakely family. "I was never interested in Ryan," she whispered.

  “I had a feeling you had your eye on Bryan all along. Is that why you’ve been trying to impress Kathy and Paul?”

  Jules nodded.

  “No matter your intentions, Ryan still got to spend time with you. Alone. I’m sure that got under Bryan’s skin really good.” She smirked.

  “Wait. You think Ryan did this on purpose?”

  "Maybe. Probably not. But, I guess Bryan's going to find out."

  ◆◆◆

  The blizzard had let up some, but Bryan drove as if the snow were only a misty rain. He tore down the streets, roared up his brother’s driveway, cut the engine, ran up to the house, and banged on the front door. When his brother answered, he yanked Ryan by the shirt. He didn’t have to say a word. The wild look in Bryan’s eye said it all.

  It’s later, and I’ve come to finish dealing with you.

  He fisted Ryan’s shirt in one hand, cocked back the other, and punched Ryan right in the jaw.

  The force sent Ryan out of his grip, stumbling backward into the house. He stayed on his feet, though, and wiped a droplet of blood from his lip. He looked at the red on his hand and back at Bryan. Anger slashed his face.

  “What the hell?”

  “Stop whining and start explaining.” Bryan kicked the front door closed with his foot, keeping his gaze on Ryan.

  Ryan moved away, stepping out of the foyer and into the living room. He didn’t shrink like a violet. Hardly. Neither one of them backed away from a fight—especially with each other. But one brother could tell when the other was full of rage. That was Bryan now. Even though he weighed about fifteen pounds less than his younger brother, Bryan moved faster, ducked quicker, and threw a stinging punch.

  Ryan flopped down onto the couch, shifting his jaw back and forth, examining it with his hand.

  "It's still there." Bryan hovered over him. "Now, start explaining."

  “Nothing to explain. Nothing happened, Pretty Boy.”

  That nickname. It grated Bryan. Ryan knew that which is why he'd given it to him as a teenager. Back when Bryan had started caring about his appearance, polished his rough-and-rugged demeanor, excelled in school, and used Clearasil on a zit instead of picking at it like his brother.

  Bryan said, “But you wanted something to happen with Jules.”

  “So what? You guys aren’t together. I asked her.”

  Yeah, they weren't together. But it didn't feel like that anymore. "She's off-limits."

  “You didn’t call it.”

  “We aren’t in high school anymore, Ryan.”

  Ryan snarled up at him. “You’re the one still acting like you gotta have every cute girl within city limits.”

  “Is that what this is about?”

  Ryan may have been sitting on the couch, but his back went tall, like he stood eye to eye with Bryan. “You tell me. I was minding my business until I got sucker-punched on my own doorstep.”

  “You saw my face when you opened the door. Not my fault you’re getting slow.”

  Ryan waved him off and slumped back into the seat.

  Bryan added, “I told you that I’d deal with you later.”

  A light chuckle escaped. “I guess you did, didn’t you?” Ryan put a hand to his jaw again.

  "I've wanted to do that for a while."

  “Hmph. Message received.”

  Bryan sat down on the couch. The coursing blood in his veins slowly settled. They sat in silence for a while. Bryan’s mind turned like a spindle, pondering what to say next, while Ryan probably pondered what to ask.

  Finally, Bryan decided to spell it out. “This isn’t just about Jules. It’s about Kaitlyn.”

  “You won both, Pretty Boy.” Ryan crossed his ankles on the coffee table.

  "But, I had to deal with you undermining me in both cases."

  “Even if I did what you say, I still lost.” He glared at Bryan. “You don’t get it, do you?” When Bryan didn’t respond, Ryan continued, “I’m your younger brother. I’ve been trying to work my way out of your shadow since we were kids. You’re the smarter one. More sophisticated. You got the prettiest girl in Missoula, you moved to the nation’s capital, and you had the kind of job I only hear about on TV.”

  “But I—”

  "You left." Ryan's words echoed in Bryan's ears. "We're brothers. Always been close, even when we rough-housed. We had a hell of a lot of good times and damn sure were inseparable. I knew we wouldn't have that with you living on the other side of the country."

  Bryan turned in his brother’s direction. “Why didn’t you say something to me before I moved?”

  Now Ryan avoided Bryan’s gaze. “I said something to Kaitlyn.”

  Confusion revved in his veins again.

  Ryan said, “She said that she’d try to talk you into staying in Montana. Neither one of us knew you’d call her bluff and go to DC without her. I�
�m surprised she still speaks to me.”

  Bryan sank back and lowered his head. “Jesus, Ryan. All this time, I thought…”

  “You thought what?”

  “I thought she stayed here because of you.”

  “What, like I tried to take her from you?” When Bryan nodded back, Ryan said, “You numbskull. I ought to punch you back for saying that, let alone thinking it. No, you won Kaitlyn fair and square a long time ago. You two were a better fit. As the years went on, I saw her as nothing more than a future sister-in-law.”

  Bryan rubbed his forehead. His head pounded like he’d been hit after all. “I had it mixed up.”

  "If I knew, I would've set it straight by now." Ryan grumbled. "Forget what I said about you being the smarter one."

  Bryan ignored the remark. “What about Jules?”

  “I already told you, I asked if you were together. She said no. You did, too.” He raised his brow. “You can’t blame me for taking what you both said at face value. I’m going after a pretty girl if I think she’s available. And I like a good chase. You know that.”

  Bryan chuckled.

  "So…" Ryan leaned forward in his seat. "Rather, both of you were lying about not being together, or you're both in denial. I'm your flesh and blood, not hers. You should've said something to me. Why didn't you? I would've backed off."

  “Because I…she…”

  “Yeah?”

  Bryan groaned. “I started to like her, really like her. But I cooled off once I could tell Mom wasn’t so keen on her anymore. Besides that, I thought she fell for the rugged John Wayne thing you’ve got going on. Pissed me off, too.” Bryan smirked. “You work on ranches and drive a pick-up. I sit on my ass in an office all day and drive a suburban mom car.”

  “Hmph.” No surprise that Ryan brushed off the compliments, just like Bryan had. Ryan shifted the topic back to Jules. “Even from the beginning, I never got a full-on vibe that she was interested. I thought helping her with the turkey would sway her. That didn’t work. Taking her around town didn’t, either. Her standing out in the snow let us know which Blakely she’s after.”