by Vicki Green
Dark hair.
Brown eyes.
Luscious mouth.
“There he goes again.”
Irish’s sarcastic comment flies around me, almost stopping me. Almost. Need to get that woman’s feeling outta me, can’t let it swell inside. I walk over to the group, having to squeeze through the crowd. There’s three of them. One blonde, a little shorter than me, blue eyes, with a low necked top showing abundant cleavage. She’s wearing a short skirt. Her legs seem to go on and on. My eyes shift to the woman to her right. The top of her head looks like it comes to my nose, long brown hair with blonde highlights woven into the strands, with a fistful of the color of purple. Her breasts might be a bit smaller than her friends but enough to fit into my hands nicely. She’s turned to the side, whispering something in her friend’s ear. What catches my attention is the shape of her fine ass. I don’t even bother looking at their other friend as I get closer to them. Can’t take my eyes off that ass. I make myself tear my eyes away and smile at them. More giggles explode when I come to a stop in front of them.
“Hey. How’s everyone doing tonight? Having fun?”
More giggles. I feel her arm move around my waist, her hand pushing down in my pocket. I look down at her and she smiles. “Been having a great time but I think it can get better.” I turn my head to the right when I feel another arm wrap around me.
“Yes, so much better.” The girl I really hadn’t paid attention to leans into me. She’s a little taller than her friend, short blonde hair parted over to the side, covering one of her big eyes. She smiles and I rock from my heels to my toes smiling back.
“I dunno, ladies. I got enough to go around but do you all share nicely?” They both look at each other and the one on my left leans up, whispering in my ear.
“Tayla doesn’t.” She looks at the one left standing there all alone. “But she’s already got her eyes on someone. Now, Pixie and me? We share all the time. We’re roomies.”
I look down and grin. “Well then. Guess you better tell Tayla goodnight.” She looks at Tayla and winks. I watch their friend roll her eyes as she waves us off then heads onto the dance floor. We all turn together, my arms wrapping around their shoulders. Guess it’s time I told them my rules. We start making our way through the crowd. “Ladies? Let’s just get a few things straight. Shall we?”
Guess this night didn’t turn out to be too bad after all.
Chapter Four
Bria
As I drive home, my body is still shaking inside. I’ve never felt anything like that from a man’s touch, even the little exposure I’ve had to them. I shake my head. I don’t have time for that in my life anyway. Daddy always tries setting me up with the rich and famous while Charles would take me to some ritzy bars and would introduce me to those a little less arrogant. I’ve dated, some. Experienced, I’m not. I’m more used to going home early, having a nice alone time in my tub, then cuddling up with Smoky on the couch watching a movie or in my bed reading. Outside of work, I’ve had little time to have much of a social life, always trying to stay ahead, please Daddy’s expectations. My phone vibrates and rings in my purse, the beeping sound through the Bluetooth in my car sounding over the music. I look at the radio and smile, hitting the button on the steering wheel quickly.
“Charles!” He always seems to sense when I need him.
“Twinkles! How are ya?”
I roll my eyes. “Just because I used to take ballet lessons when I was forced to as a child, doesn’t mean you have to keep calling me Twinkles.” I laugh, we’ve always been so close. He’s been my rock and I’ve been his. He started calling me that silly nickname because Mother had me taking dance lessons at an early age. ‘Little girls should learn balance and poise,’ she used to say. I wish I could still remember her sweet voice but it faded so long ago.
“Hey! It’s better than twinkle toes.” Another laugh bursts free from my mouth but my mind drifts to Mother. Losing her to an aneurism at such an early age is partially what turned Daddy into the man he is today. He bowed at her feet, kissed the ground she walked on. He had no idea what to do without her. Neither did Charles and I especially because we’d lost our father that same day, at least the way he used to be. “Anyway. How’s the building coming along? Had to arm wrestle any strong builder guys, yet? You know I’ll volunteer to do that for you.” He laughs but I know he’s serious.
I’m the son that Daddy always desired while Charles isn’t even close to being the daughter he never wanted. When Charles told Daddy that he was gay, at the ripe age of sixteen, Daddy about lost it. Okay, he did lose it. I felt so bad for Charles. Daddy really did a number on his self-esteem. Telling him that he was being ridiculous and that us Daniels’ only had straight men in the family. He wouldn’t be caught dead being seen with him and no way in hell would he even think about handing his company down to him when that time came. Of course, time would only show itself if Daddy died or was on his death bed. Maybe not even then. By the time Charles turned twenty-three, he graduated with honors from college with a graphic design degree in architecture. Daddy saw his work and Charles became the youngest of the Daniels Corporation head designers. Charles also stopped letting Daddy’s comments about his lifestyle hinder him any longer and I couldn’t be more proud of him. Of course, he keeps his “style of living” behind closed doors, knowing as well as I do that his fate at the company is in Daddy’s hands. Sigh.
“Well, no. That didn’t happen but there’s this one guy….” My sentence trails off, unsure if I want to tell him my feelings. Besides, nothing would come of them anyway. The man is definitely a womanizer and I sure don’t need that in my life. I pull into the driveway of my modest but well-kept house, pushing on the garage door opener affixed to my visor. I’d bought the house two years ago, wanting to get out from under Daddy’s watchful eyes. Charles immediately drew up plans and since we were between building Daddy’s buildings at that time, I had Glen’s crew do the changes, making it my dream house. It was so run down, a foreclosure, and going for dirt cheap, the price so low that I was able to pay it off with my savings but Charles saw so much potential. Wrap around porch across part of the front and around one side. Bay windows next to where it begins, lower and upper floor. It almost looks Victorian on the outside but is completely modern inside. To the right of the front door is another huge bay window that you can look out from the huge family room. Above it is a smaller one that holds my office. In the back is a beautiful deck, walking down to a gated swimming pool, complete with bar, lawn chairs, and a grill. Although, Charles and I are about the only ones that use it, sadly, and so many bedrooms empty. Off to the right at the end of the yard is a path that leads down to a beach. It’s used by few but is far enough from the other public beach that unless someone wanders, no one knows it’s here. Okay, I guess to some my house isn’t that modest but I love it. Daddy thought I was crazy, living in such a vast place with only Smoky to keep me company. But I dream of one day hearing the sounds of children and a husband, having a family that I can love and take care of.
“Bri?”
His voice brings me out of my memories. “Oh, sorry.” I pull into the garage and park, hitting the button to close the door behind me.
“Sounds like you’re distracted. I think it’s time for a sleepover tomorrow night. I’ll bring the beer.”
“Perfect! I’ll get stuff to grill out.”
I turn off the car and open the door as his gleeful excitement fills me. “I’ll see you tomorrow night, sis. Love ya!”
We end the call with the dread of work in the morning but promises of fun tomorrow night. I need that so badly right now but I have a feeling Charles will be digging for information and I’m not so sure I understand my feelings enough to tell him anything. Besides, nothing good can come of the thoughts I’m having about a certain, hard headed, hot construction worker. I push open the door to the house, placing my keys into the dish beside it, and instantly a ball of fur rubs against my leg, purring loudly. Our
daily, or nightly ritual. I bend over and pick her up, pressing her warmth against my chest, petting her as I walk through the kitchen. After having the few beers all I want to do is get ready for bed and go to sleep. Flipping off lights as I go, leaving the one over the kitchen sink on and the one in the front hallway, I walk up the stairs suddenly exhausted. This is exactly why I don’t drink very often. I set Smoky down on my bed and quickly change into my sleep attire, brush my teeth and hair, wash my face, and crawl into bed beside her. She barely moves as I cuddle up to her and lay my head down on my pillow. “Rough day too?” I ask her as I run my hand over her soft fur. I close my eyes, her purring growing louder, lulling me to sleep.
* * * * * *
“What do you mean the crane fell and demolished part of the frame?”
There wasn’t time for enough coffee this morning to hear Daddy yell at me but then again, there isn’t enough coffee in the world that would help with that. I’m sitting behind my desk at the office, watching him pace in front of it.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
Like a pendulum. My eyes almost cross as they try to keep up. I jump when he suddenly stops and leans his hands on top of my desk, his brows low in frustration as he glares into my eyes.
“How much time did that set it back?”
“A day and a half,” I squeak.
His eye twitches, something that always happens when he’s stressed out, which is most of the time. “And how much did it cost me with the material damage?”
I quickly look at the computer screen, clicking my mouse on a report then scanning it. “They were able to salvage most of it.” I start scanning the figures but jump when his hands slam down on my desk, my chair moving back with the sudden movement.
“I want cost!”
He stands up, fixing his tie, turns and walks to the door. He opens it but hesitates, turning his head slightly but not looking at me. “I expect the figures to me emailed to me shortly.” He walks out leaving me shaking. Placing my hands flat on top of my desk, I pull my chair closer.
“Yep. Never enough coffee for him,” I murmur and start gathering the figures he demanded. After I’ve sent him the email, I grab my purse and head out my door.
Twenty minutes later, I pull into the Starbucks Drive Thru – the same one that’s close to my house that I already hit this morning. I had to back track a bit to come here but it’s my favorite and not that far out of the way. Okay, it’s totally out of the way of the site. I’ve been stopping here every morning since I bought my house and they know what I love.
“Back again, Bria?”
Richie’s voice over the speaker makes me smile. He’s here almost every morning and I swear sometimes that he lives here.
“Not enough caffeine to help me make it through my day today.”
“It’s really because you missed me. You can tell me, Bria.”
I laugh and he tells me to pull forward. Over time I’ve learned that he’s one of those guys that is working to pay his way through college so I usually give him a pretty hefty tip. The few times I’ve sat inside, working on my laptop and indulging on quite a few coffees, I notice the girls would stare at him and swoon. He is pretty handsome. Blond hair, highlighted by the sun, naturally curly. It’s a little long for my taste, covering his ears and hanging down to the base of his neck. He has muscles, I’ve noticed. His skin smooth and tan. He tells me it’s from working out and surfing, which he does in the few spare moments he has. He has a beautiful smile and personality to match. Oh, to be younger and more carefree. I pull up to the window as the car in front finally moves. Richie leans his arm onto the outside shelf, smiling wide at me.
“Glad you get to see me twice today.” He laughs. He cocks a brow and purses his lips. “Bad morning, huh?”
I roll my eyes, holding out a twenty dollar bill. “Oh, the worst.” He takes the bill, shaking his head as his smile appears again, and moves inside to get my change. The barista making my coffee sets the venti-sized cup down on the shelf inside and I lick my lips, anxious to taste the deliciousness. Richie turns around and holds out my change. I take it and drop it in the tip cup. He laughs, shaking his head as he hands me my coffee.
He bows and then leans his arms down on the ledge of the open window. “My surfing fund thanks you. I had Christi put an extra shot in there for ya.”
I smile back, my heart swelling. “You’re most welcome and thank her for me. Just be careful out there.”
He laughs. “Hey, I’m always great out there. No worries.”
I start to drive off slowly. “Good because I need you here!”
I hear his laughter as I drive down the narrow lane and head out of the parking lot. He’s so young, has so much life to live. I notice whenever Christi is working, she’s constantly looking at him. I wonder if he knows. Then my mind wanders to whether he’s a player or even looking for a relationship. I guess it’s none of my business but he’s such a nice boy. Grabbing my sunglasses from the tray on the console, I put them on and reach up, hitting the button to lower the top of my convertible as I pull to a stop at the light. The warmth of the sun settles on my face and I take a sip of heaven then set the cup down in the holder. When the light changes, I push the button on the steering wheel to turn up the radio, nodding to the beat and making my way down the road. It’s a beautiful day. The sun shining, not a cloud it the sky. Would be a great day to go to the beach. My smile fades knowing I have work to do. Maybe this weekend. At least I have tonight to look forward to.
I pull into the site lot, the crews hard at work, and park behind the trailer. I get out and walk around but stop as I reach the door, looking at the building. They must have gotten here early because not only is the frame back up that was destroyed but they’ve started on the next level. Good. I open the door and walk in, heading straight for the desk, sitting down to open my email program and start calling my clients. The day progresses, much like other days. I’ve gotten several clients lined up for office space and have been working on getting more. I look up when the door opens and Brock walks in smiling.
“We’re ordering lunch from the bar. Would you like something?”
Surprised, I think about how great that hamburger was the other night. I’ll have to work out double time if I have another one. I sit here contemplating if I should or not when he laughs.
“Come on. You know you want one. No one can resist Mimi’s food.”
A laugh escapes me and I find my head’s nodding without my consent. “I’d love one of her burgers. Thank you.” He smiles and starts to leave. “Wait! Let me get you some money.” I take my purse out of the drawer of the desk and pull out my billfold. Pulling out a few bills, I stand but when I look up he’s gone. I smile, warm feelings of being included spread over me. Normally my business stature causes people to stay away from me, not be friendly or want to get to know me. I guess that’s my fault but something Daddy drilled into me. I like Brock and his family. Well, I’m still not sure about Kane. That rough exterior, those eyes that bore into my soul. I shiver just thinking about them.
Half an hour later, I click on send and the last email to my last client of the day is sent off. I blow out a breath, my long hair flying away from my face. “Food’s here.” Brock’s voice sounds at the door and I look at him and smile. “We’re eating out back. Come join us.” I shift in my seat, unsure if I should eat with the others. “C’mon. We don’t bite.” His smile is contagious. I give him a nod and watch him leave. “Don’t ever socialize with the help.” Daddy’s voice enters my head but I shake it out and stand, leaving my desk to go eat with the crews. This should be interesting.
I stumble a bit in my black high heeled shoes on the gravel as I walk around the trailer. The crewmen are sitting down on the ground. Some are perched on a few big rocks they’d apparently brought over. I walk to Brock and he hands me a plastic box, smiling, and winks at me. I smile, graciously, and look around, wondering where I’m going to be able to eat and sit ladyli
ke.
“You can eat here.”
Hearing his rough, sexy voice, I turn my head and look over my shoulder at Kane, sitting on the tailgate of his truck. His legs hanging down over the tailgate, his food sitting next to him. “Most comfortable place out here.” He gives me a grin, and I shiver with the intenseness of his eyes. He’s right. It is the best spot for me to sit. Reluctantly, I walk over and wonder how in the hell I’m going to get up there. Suddenly, he’s on the ground, his large hands on my waist. I gasp when he lifts me up with ease until I’m sitting down. I watch him jump up and sit down next to me, picking up his food and placing it on his lap. He looks into my eyes then his travel down my body. He leans into me, his mouth close to my ear. A flame begins in my core, moving its way through me. “You can relax your death grip on your container now, Kitten.” My eyes close briefly as the warmth of his breath blows in my ear. His chuckle makes my eyes snap open, and I shiver when he leans away from me, which is contradictory to the hotness of the sun beating down on me. I look down and see my hands crushing the plastic box in their hold. I relax and take a deep breath. Get yourself under control, Bri.
I open the container, taking a fry and popping it in my mouth. I don’t look at him, knowing I’ll never be able to maintain what little control I have left. “You just startled me is all.” I shrug, like it was no big deal, but inside I’m shaking from his closeness. Why? Why do I have to be attracted to him? I know he’s no good for me.
