The Barnes Family Romances: (Books 1-3)

by Normandie Alleman

  So as not to wake Bridger, I inched out of his grasp and tiptoed to the bathroom. After I’d finished my business and washed my hands, I listened for him.

  The vibrations of his snores continued into the bathroom. I opened the medicine cabinet. As I did, I felt a twinge of guilt at violating his privacy, but then again, I probably didn’t share the same concept of privacy that most people do. Not that I thought Bridger would appreciate my snooping, but I wasn’t trying to uncover any secrets. I just wanted to get to know him a little better.

  Inside were a ton of pill bottles. One look at Bridger told you he was a workout nut, and I knew from my brother Nick that meant he probably took a bunch of supplements. Most of them looked to be store-bought, over-the-counter things like that. I noticed a bottle labeled TEST-MAX. I picked it up and read the back. It claimed to improve libido.

  Well, if he was taking it, it was certainly working. I wondered if that was something he took now, or if it was something he used to take before he got his hard-ons back. I sighed. The poor man—he’d been through the wars. Literally.

  I peeked back into the bedroom and watched him sleep. When he was awake, he was so big and tough and strong. Watching the rise and fall of his chest as he slept like a baby made him appear so much more vulnerable.

  Was that what it was about him that moved me so much—the fact that he was all man, but at the same time, he was also kind, with a good heart?

  I closed the cabinet and padded into the kitchen for a glass of water. I found a glass and pressed it against the refrigerator dispenser to fill it. Gulping down half of it, my eyes fell on a stack of photo albums sitting on a shelf in the adjoining living room.

  Setting down the water, I crossed the room and pulled one down. It was filled with pictures of Bridger as a boy. His mother probably compiled this one. From what he’d told me, she sounded like an interesting lady, his sex-therapist mom, and I looked forward to meeting her.

  The next one only had a few pages filled. Centered on the first page was a picture of Bridger and the girl whom I gathered was his former fiancée. The way she held her bejeweled ring finger up for the camera was the giveaway. Also, the way Bridger was looking at her—I’d seen him look at me that way.

  So this was the bitch who had broken his heart… I should be grateful they weren’t still together. If they’d never broken up, I would never have met him, but something inside me wanted to hurt this woman. Because she’d hurt my man.

  I fumed. What a bitch. I kinda hoped the guy she’d left Bridger for was cheating on her now. Hmmph. Spiteful? You bet. I couldn’t imagine what kind of woman would leave a man when he was down and out like that. I thought you were supposed to stand by your man. There was a whole country music song about it.

  I flipped through to see a couple more pictures of the two of them. It kinda made my stomach hurt, and I was getting sleepy, so I carefully put the book back where I’d found it. On my way back to bed, I noticed a pile of mail sitting on the kitchen counter.

  Unable to stop until my snooping was complete, I picked up the stack and flipped through it. Bills. Catalog from a tool company. More bills. This was boring. Then I saw a letter addressed to “Luv Machines.” Wonder what that is. Maybe a wrong address?

  I yawned. Probably nothing exciting, and though I considered opening it, I decided not to. It was possible Bridger would notice if his mail was opened, and that didn’t seem worth the trouble it might cause, so I picked up my glass of water and headed back to the bedroom.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Bridger

  “Ouch!” The redhead yelped as the paddle worked her ass. “That’s it. I think you’ve got it.” The redhead was bent over, rested on all fours atop a platform used for shoots. Her name was Janice, and she was a regular on our site. A favorite of subscribers, and a girl I liked working with.

  I liked working with Janice because she treated the pornography business as a business, the way I did. With her, I didn’t have to worry about the constant come-on’s, or the expectation that our business transactions would end in sex. In fact, Barvo had made that mistake once and bedded Janice. After which, she’d told him in no uncertain terms that she’d found the experience lacking. That told me she was a discerning woman, so when I needed a female who would be honest with me about my machines, Janice was my first choice.

  It was a little tricky because I had to schedule these test sessions at a time Barvo wouldn’t be there. If he ran into Janice, he’d only relive his humiliation, which meant I would have to as well, so I tried to avoid that situation at all costs.

  “So, it’s not too hard or too soft?”

  “No, you’ve got it just right. I feel like Goldilocks. It’s perfect. And I like the new material you’re using on the paddle.”

  My spanking machine had gone from straight wood to a thick, rubbery plastic that had a little more give, more like a real hand, which was what the spankos I heard from really liked. “I’m glad to hear you say that. This one was a bitch to design.”

  “True, but now that you have, you could probably sell these things. Not just make the videos.”

  Janice made a good point. That was something I’d thought about it the beginning, selling my machines, but the video side of the business had dominated so quickly, we didn’t have time to start a manufacturing branch as well. Keeping up with the demand for new content for our site had taken all of the resources we had.

  “It’s that good, huh?”

  She nodded. “I know a bunch of people in the spanking community who would love to have a machine like this.”

  “Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep that in mind. And thanks for coming in today to help me with this.”

  Janice pulled up her underwear and flipped down her skirt. “No problem, Bridger. Always happy to help.” She patted me on the arm as she walked to the corner to pick up her pocketbook then left.

  I was taking photos from a variety of angles of the new spanking machine and taking notes on how I thought we could best use it in a scene when Barvo walked in.

  “Was that Janice I saw leaving?”

  I nodded. And he gave me that look that asked the question even though he didn’t verbalize it.

  “She was helping me test out this new machine,” I explained.

  Barvo looked relieved. “And?”

  “All positive feedback. I think it’s finished. We’re ready to use it in a scene or two. I was just taking notes on some different angles we could take.”

  “Great.” He looked distracted. “Bridger, there’s something I’ve got to show you.” He crooked a finger for me to follow and led me back into the control room, where his computer was running.

  “What is it?”

  “Remember how I told you a while back that I thought somebody was using our main machine, or something similar to it?”

  I tried not to flinch at his use of the word our. “Vaguely.”

  “Well, now it’s official. Some asshole has copied your design of the original and is using it in quite a few videos on this amateur site.”

  Fucking machines have been around for a long time, but when I designed mine, I designed it to do special things that would really enhance a woman’s pleasure. First of all, mine looked and felt like a real man’s cock and balls. Second of all, it had the ability, probably more than most men, to be able to simulate the woman’s G-spot. In the past, most of the ones on the market had been only an in-and-out motion, or vibrating machines without any of the nuances of mine. Mine was also the most powerful one out there, and when you added the clitoral stimulation attachment, the orgasms it gave a woman couldn’t be beat.

  The quality and the results we got with it all boiled down to the details. I’d read more than a few books on how to please a woman, watched dozens of videos (some made by the most successful porn stars), and coupled with my own experience, I came up with a machine which was, by all accounts, a winner. The idea that someone could be stealing my invention enraged me.

  Barvo
clicked an arrow on the screen, which started up a video. The instant the image hit the screen, I knew he was right. Some son of a bitch had stolen my invention. I couldn’t be sure if the nuances on the end of the cock were working like mine did or not because they were stuffed up inside a female, but it sure as shit looked exactly like mine. “Well, fuck me,” I murmured, watching the dark-haired bitch on the video get fucked, but not even seeing her. I was too busy looking at the machine itself. Some of the basic parts were from a different manufacturing company, but for the most part it was identical.

  “Yeah, fuck both of us,” Barvo agreed.

  “So, what are we gonna do about this? Where are we with the patent?”

  “The patent is pending, but if this guy decides to try to do what we’re doing, he can hone in on our action, and we’re screwed.”

  Barvo might be overreacting; that was his habit. “But we’re the go-to place for this kind of porn on the internet. Surely they can’t touch our fan base.”

  “They can’t destroy us, no. The best they can do is be a cheap copy, but they sure as hell could put a dent in our income.”

  Fuck. Granted, I didn’t touch the vast majority of the money I made from porn biz. It went into my conservatively diversified investment portfolio, but I’d grown fond of watching those numbers rise each month, and I didn’t want to see them tank. “Call our patent attorney. See if there’s anything he can do.”

  “They’re not making any money off this.” Barvo indicated the monitor. “It’s a free site with free amateur videos.”

  “Still, it sucks for us.”

  “Tell me something I don’t know. Hey, by the way, are you making any headway with Dynassy Barnes?”

  “That depends on what you mean.” Ever since I’d let it slip one day that I was dating Dynassy, Barvo had been after me to get her to do a video for our site, and there was no way I was doing that.

  “Aw man, you know what I mean.”

  Unfortunately I did. “I’m going with her to a family event this weekend. Our relationship is progressing.”

  “But you don’t want to put her up on the site?” Barvo folded his hands together as if in prayer. “Bridger, please—imagine the publicity, imagine the advertisers, imagine the money if you could just get her to come on for one video.”

  “You’re disgusting. I’m going to a christening with her this weekend. To a church. Get your mind out of the gutter, will ya?”

  “Dude, I live in the gutter. You know that. And you ought to join me in it sometimes. It’s pretty fucking awesome in here.” Barvo laughed, and I rolled my eyes. “Hey, if you can’t get her, try to get that hot, younger sister of hers.”

  “Ivy? She’s barely legal.”

  Barvo shrugged, and I shuddered at the thought of Barvo coming within a mile of the Barnes’ family. Thank goodness they knew nothing about him or this business.

  “Okay, Nick’s wife. The one who was a cheerleader.”

  “Oh, yeah. Because I’m sure Nick Barnes would love to have his wife and mother of his children on camera doing herself.” Sarcasm dripped from my voice.

  “Hey, MILFs are big these days. One of the top search terms on our site. We could make a fortune.”

  “All right, Barvo,” I patronized him as I headed for the door. “And don’t forget to call that attorney.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Bridger

  “Don’t they look adorable?” Dynassy cooed, holding either Albert or Annabelle in her arms. We were at the reception for Nick and Eden’s twins’ christening, which had taken place at a church. The facility was some sort of private club, and it was so fancy that it reminded me of a snooty country club on steroids.

  I couldn’t tell which one was which, but I wasn’t about to admit that to their doting aunt. They looked like they were wearing frilly white sacks with bonnets on their heads. When my sister had her kids, she hadn’t done this christening thing, I guess because she was Methodist, while the Barnes family was Episcopalian. Christianity had so many branches, I couldn’t keep up.

  “Annabelle is wearing Eden’s christening gown from when she was little, and Albert is wearing Nick’s,” Dynassy explained. “Isn’t that sweet? They really are the cutest babies, don’t you think, Bridger?”

  I had to admit they were cute kids. Normally, I thought of babies as something women went nuts over, but after thinking I might not be able to have kids for the past few years, the thought of fathering a child or two held a much greater appeal. However, that didn’t stop me from snickering at the image of Nick Barnes in that outfit, even if he had been a defenseless baby.

  “Do you want to have kids?” I asked Dynassy.

  “One day. For now, I just love being an aunt.”

  Good thing she wasn’t in a big hurry. While the doctors had said the explosion had damaged my nerves, we’d never discussed how it may have affected my sperm count. Hell, this was the first time it had actually been a question for me.

  The ceremony had been nice, as far as church services go. One of the babies fussed when the reverend sprinkled water on its head, but the other one hadn’t seemed to care.

  The Barnes family was all there, and in a twist I’d only learned about yesterday, my mother was there. At least Dynassy told me in advance that she’d invited her. Now, at the reception, she strode over to Dynassy and me.

  “Such beautiful children. Maybe next it will be you two,” my mother teased.

  Dynassy’s eyes widened. “Maybe one day, Barbara. Let’s not rush it.”

  My mom gave Dynassy a hug. “I’m just kidding. I’m just so happy Bridger has gotten his sexual functioning back.”

  “Mom,” I hissed.

  “What?” She shrugged her shoulders innocently. “Bridger, sex is a natural part of life. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, you have reason to celebrate.”

  I grabbed her by the arm. “Not here, Mom.” Pulling her aside, I muttered under my breath, “These people have cameras everywhere, in case you haven’t noticed. I’m not interested in being on the entertainment news tonight. Only Dynassy knows about my, ahem, former problem, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

  She shook her head in that I’ll-never-understand-you way mothers have. “All right, Bridger. If that’s the way you want it.”

  “I do.”

  She started to walk away, and I added, “And please do not tell anyone about my side business either. Keep that in the vault.”

  “Bridger, you really haven’t told her? You know, I think she would understand…”

  “We’re not having this conversation here.”

  “Okay, but you need to loosen up. Have a drink or something.”

  I couldn’t imagine how Dynassy could be so involved with her family on a daily basis. Five minutes with my mother and my stress level had gone through the roof.

  I took her advice, though, and looked for the open bar. I’d been ruminating over what Barvo told me the other day about that damn copycat out there, and it was hard to keep my mind from trying to think of possible solutions to the problem.

  When I located the bar, Lucinda stood next to it, having some harsh words with Ivy. I wasn’t crazy about getting involved with a mother-daughter squabble, but I also wanted that drink, so I ambled over anyway.

  The younger Barnes sister joined me at the bar. “Hi, Bridger.” There was a definite pout behind her words.

  “Hi, Ivy. What’s up?”

  “Ugh. Lucinda is bitching about this new guy I’m seeing. She wouldn’t even let me bring him today.”

  “Why not?” I should have known to stay out of it, but I couldn’t help myself. Plus, I relished the idea that today’s drama would not include me.

  “Just because he has a record.”

  “A felony conviction for heroin possession,” Lucinda interjected, then ordered a cocktail.

  “I don’t know why you’ve got to be so judgmental.”

  I couldn’t help but wonder how the Barnes matriarch would fee
l when she found out about my true line of work. Just then, I saw Dynassy heading towards me sans baby.

  “There you are, Bridger. I had no idea where you went.”

  “To get a drink. Want one?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Remind me again why you invited my mother to this?”

  We looked over, and Lucinda and my mother were deep in conversation.

  “I wanted to spend some time with her. Your mother is actually fascinating, Bridger. See? My mom adores her. I think she may have a new best friend.”

  I took a long draw on my drink. “Let’s not get carried away.”

  “My family can get a little overwhelming at times. Do you agree?”

  I nodded.

  “I thought it would be nice for you to have someone from your family here too. I hope it’s not weird, like it’s too soon or anything.”

  “No,” I reassured her. “It’s not that. It’s just a little strange is all.”

  “Well, I like that your mother is kinda quirky.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah, it makes you more human.”

  “When was I less than human?” I teased.

  “I just mean that sometimes you seem too good to be true. Too perfect.”

  If she only knew. “I could say the same thing about you.”

  “Yeah, right. That’s just the public me, and we all know I’m less than perfect.”

  I placed an arm around her protectively. “You’re perfect for me.”

  “Aww, thanks.”

  The more time I spent with the Barneses, the less overwhelming they became. At events like this, Leo kept to himself, playing the role of the brooding musician, but the guy was great to hang out with. Nick was very down-to-earth, the kind of guy you’d like to have a beer with. Honestly, if there was anybody in the Barnes family I was a fan of before I’d met Dynassy, it was him. How could anyone who saw him win the college basketball tournament with that buzzer beater not love the guy? Forget Steph Curry. Nick Barnes was the man. And now that he was playing ball in Fresno, the people of California loved him even more.