Cherishing His Best Friend: A Billionaire Protector Mystery Romance

by Alexa McLean

  Unfortunately, the door clicked open and she pulled away. But when she stepped into the light, I noticed that her cheeks were a bright shade of red. I wondered what was going through that pretty little head of hers.

  “I’ll make your coffee. In the meantime, make yourself at home.”

  I nodded and sat down at the kitchen table. “This place really hasn’t changed a bit, has it?”

  “Well, you know dad, he was old fashioned – didn’t like change very much.” She answered, her shoulders sagging with grief.

  “Do you need help with anything?” I asked, unable to sit down and watch her. It was such a tease to see her hips swaying from side to side. I don’t even think she knew how sexy she was being. Slowly, I stepped behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. My lips were so close to her neck that all I had to do was lean down to taste her sweetness and trust me, I wanted to do it.

  “No...” She answered, trying to focus on the task at hand.

  “Alright. Smells good by the way.” I said as I breathed in her scent. She definitely used some sort of vanilla shampoo. Not the artificial kind but something organic. I quite liked it. If she smelled this sweet now, I could only imagine what she would smell like when I had my head between her thighs, soaking up her every drop of nectar.

  “Here.” She handed me a mug and quickened to the table. “Thanks again.”

  “Don’t mention it,” I said. “I can’t even fathom what you’re going through right now. First the loss of a parent and then a breakup. That’s a lot all for one day.”

  “The breakup isn’t that big of a deal. I had been meaning to break up with him for a while now. But my father... I have a bad feeling about the whole thing.”

  “What do you mean?” I said as I raised an eyebrow.

  She stalled by taking a sip of her drink. Subtly, she lifted her gaze to look at me, thinking I wouldn’t notice. Was she checking me out or was that just wishful thinking on my part?

  “It just doesn’t make any sense.” She said as she traced the rim of the mug with her finger. “My father hadn’t picked up the bottle since my mother passed away. To have him suddenly get behind the wheel while completely drunk... I just don’t get it.” She took yet another sip but this time she did so much too quickly because she ended up burning her tongue. She recoiled with pain and recoiled with this pinched look on her face.

  I couldn’t help but laugh but then I was immediately hit with a wave of guilt. “I’m sorry.” I apologized by getting up and cupping her cheek against my palm. “Let me... help...” As I spoke, my voice lowered to a sensual tone. Ever so gently, I pressed my lips to hers. I didn’t linger. Her lips felt like liquid electricity. The current coursed through my veins and pulsated through my heart.

  She looked up at me like a deer caught in headlights. “What was that for?” She stammered.

  “I kissed it better for you but I doubt whether I did a good job or not...” A dirty grin flashed across my face as I leaned forward and kissed her once more. I just couldn’t help myself. She was so sweet and delectable. Every second made me want her even more. My ability to resist her was quickly fading away.

  Suddenly, she pushed against my chest. “Reis.” Was all she said. “We can’t.”

  “Why not?” I asked before I could stop myself.

  “It’s too soon...” She got up, chair legs scraping against the floor. “Jeremy didn’t mean very much to me but I don’t feel like jumping into another relationship on the day of my father’s funeral...” She hugged herself, back turned in my direction. “And I don’t appreciate you trying to take advantage of me...”

  “Brandi.” I stood behind her. “I wasn’t trying to take advantage of you...” I sighed. I wanted to tell her how much I missed her – how much I regretted leaving her behind – but now wasn’t the time or the place. “Look, I’m sorry. Let’s forget I did anything. I wasn’t thinking straight. If you want me to leave.” I pointed to the door.

  “No.” She answered with such quickness that it took me by surprise. “I want you to stay. Please.” Her eyes pleaded with mine. “Please.”

  “Alright.” I dared to wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close. She melted into my embrace, her head nestled against my shoulder. “Are you tired? Maybe you should think of getting some rest.”

  “I can’t.” She shook her head. “I can’t stop thinking about the night he died.”

  “Was there something unusual about it?” I asked, cocking my eyebrow.

  “Well, the thing is...” She stepped aside and started to pace around the kitchen. “He said that he needed to have a word with Keith.”

  “Keith?”

  “You remember Keith, don’t you?”

  “Of course,” I said with a nod. Before she could answer, I spotted my coffee mug on the table. I walked over to grab it only to bump into Brandi during her anxious march. She would have fallen to the ground if I hadn’t had the wherewithal to grab her and pin her safely to my side. “What about him?” I said as if standing this closely was normal for both of us. “Do you think he had something to do with this?”

  Brandi bit the inside of her lip.

  “You can tell me,” I said as I placed a finger underneath her chin.

  “I don’t want to point any fingers or anything but that man has always hated our family – especially my father.”

  “For marrying your mother, right?”

  “Exactly.” She said with a nod. “Apparently they both liked her in high school but in the end, my mother chose to start a life with my dad. And the rest? Well, as they say, it’s history.” A soft chuckle escaped her lips. “But I don’t think Keith ever really got over the betrayal.”

  “So, you think he would play a hand in your father’s death? Don’t you think that’s taking things a little too far?”

  “All I’m saying is that I wouldn’t put it past him.”

  “Did you tell the police about your suspicions?” I asked as I towed her over to the living room. I was getting tired of standing around. Besides, it would be much, much easier to hold her on the couch. To my dismay, however, she took a seat on the recliner while I was forced to the loveseat. Even that small distance was enough to make me crazy. I wanted her close to me – to have her scent invading my nostrils – her soft hair brushing against my cheek – her silky skin underneath my fingertips.

  “Yes, but Keith’s diner gives them free food so I guess they didn’t want to jeopardize their relationship.”

  “You think they ignored your accusation over some free donuts?”

  “As cliché as it sounds, yes.” She sighed. “So, I’m at a loss here... I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. If my father’s death was in foul play then I want to get to the bottom of it.” Her fists shook with the thought. “But if the police won’t help me –”

  “I think I might have a solution,” I interjected.

  “What?”

  “Have you ever heard of a private eye?”

  Chapter 7: Brandi

  BY TEN O’CLOCK, I COULD not focus on the TV. Reis and I had decided to play a movie. At first, it was a perfect means of distraction but halfway through, fatigue started to kick in. Feeling drowsy, I cuddled up against Reis’ warmth. His chest while well-built and muscular was surprisingly comfortable.

  “Getting sleepy?” He asked in a soft, compassionate voice. When I failed to answer him, he swept his hand against my hair. Once my forehead was exposed, he leaned down to give it a little kiss.

  “Mmm.” I moaned, half asleep.

  “Come on let’s get you in bed.” Before I could stop him, he had me in a bridal carry. My eyes widened with surprise. “What’s wrong?” He said with a cock of his head. “Have you never been carried before?”

  “It’s just...” I tried to find the words but my heart was beating so fast that it failed to send blood up to my head.

  “Shh.” He whispered as he leaned down to kiss the tip of my nose. “You’ve had a rough day. Let me take care of
you... as a friend.” He spoke like someone who had just been punched in the gut. I could almost hear the pain in his voice as he friend zoned himself.

  I thought about saying something in response but I didn’t want to steer him in the wrong direction. Don’t get me wrong. I wanted Reis – I really did – but he just had to pick the worst possible time.

  When we reached my bedroom, he eased me onto the mattress. Once I was comfy, he picked up the sheets and draped them over my body. “Sleep well. If you need anything, I’ll be in the living room.”

  “Reis!” I blurted out as he started for the door.

  “Yes?” He was already loosening up his tie. I can’t tell you how sexy he looked. My stomach tightened with guilt. I shouldn’t be having such thoughts so soon after my father’s death. It was horribly disrespectful.

  “Thank you,” I said at last.

  “Don’t mention it,” Reis said with a charming smile. “What are friends for?” And with that, he disappeared into the living room. The couch groaned under his weight.

  I felt terrible for making a billionaire couch surf. He was probably accustomed to sleeping on memory foam mattresses complete with silk sheets. Heck, he probably had a water bed in one of his many, many estates.

  As my mind wandered, I pictured Reis in bed and it was a glorious sight to behold. First, he laid there with all his clothes on but then piece by piece they vanished. My cheeks burned with the thought. His abs. Those broad shoulders. And of course, there was his...

  I bit the inside of my cheek to stop my fantasies. Flustered, I turned over, cocooning myself in the sheets. I had half a mind to invite him to bed with me. We weren’t required to do anything. All I wanted was some company in the loneliness of my bed. To feel his warmth against my body and his arms wrapped tight around me. That was all I wanted.

  But, at the same time, to invite him to bed meant risking a relationship I wasn’t ready for. Oh, but I wanted it – so freaking much. Old high school desires flared inside my chest. They burned like an inferno. “Reis...” I moaned his name as my hand made its way between my legs. I could tell that I was soaking wet.

  Should I...? I thought to myself.

  No.

  I snatched my hand away and hid it underneath my pillow. In an attempt to control myself and calm down, I closed my eyes but it did very little to hamper my hormones.

  Gosh, what was it about this man that had me so riled up? Was it the time spent apart that had made my heart fonder? Or was it the simple fact that Reis was hands down the sexiest man on the planet? Whatever it was, I really needed to get a grip.

  “No...” This time I said it aloud. “Now is not the time. Not after everything that has happened.”

  I rolled out of bed and landed on the floor. Without skipping a beat, I reached underneath the bed and pulled out a shoebox. It was bright pink in color with frayed corners. I ran my fingers along these corners before popping the top. Inside were a bunch of photographs taken with my old Polaroid camera.

  With a smile, I picked up the first one I laid my hands on. It was taken during the summer right before high school. Dad had insisted on a family vacation and by family vacation, he meant me, him, and Reis. He had gone through quite a growth spurt then making him rather awkward looking. His limbs were much too long and his muscle mass lacking.

  Still, that was the summer where I had fallen in love. That summer he showed me the pleasures of feeling like a princess. If only I had told him the truth about my feelings. Maybe things would have been different. Maybe, just maybe my life wouldn’t be in such a rut.

  I picked up another photo. This one was from senior prom. Reis had been crowned prom king. After all, he was the most handsome boy in school. Every girl wanted to date him but he always turned them down. So, I figured that if I tried, he would reject me too.

  The photograph dropped from between my fingers. What was the point? Reis had returned but there was no way of knowing whether he was still the boy I had fallen in love with. Certainly, he had changed. And I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to face that change. I was probably better off keeping my distance. That way I could protect my heart from bitter disappointment.

  AT SOME POINT, I CRAWLED back into bed and curled up against the sheets. Sleep didn’t come easy and when it finally did, it was plagued by nightmares. A monstrous blackness followed me through corridor after corridor.I tried much as I can to run away,but it only got closer and closer. The hair on the back of my neck stood on edge.

  Glancing behind my shoulder I saw that it was gaining on me. A maniacal laugh erupted from its jagged lips.

  Suddenly, I tripped and went crashing into the ground. A second later, the blackness engulfed me.

  I screamed, waking myself up with a jolt.

  My body was covered in a layer of cold sweat. I shivered. Panting, I wrapped my arms around my body feeling like I would fall apart if I didn’t.

  Slowly, my bedroom door crept open as Reis poked his head into my room. “Brandi?”

  “Yeah... I’m here.”

  “I heard you scream. Is everything okay?” Without waiting for an invitation, he sat down on the edge of my bed. He reached for my hand and squeezed it against his. “Nightmare?”

  I nodded.

  He took my cheeks between his hands and ran his thumbs across my chin. “It’s okay. I’m here now. Nothing is going to happen to you.” He whispered before kissing the top of my head. “You’re safe.”

  My heart fluttered at his words. Back when we were kids, he would sneak into my room at night. He could always tell when I was having a nightmare. He called it his sixth sense.

  “Are you thinking about that time I snuck through that window and faceplanted onto your carpet?” He chuckled at the memory. “You had just had a nightmare about graduating high school in your underwear. I spent all night trying to assure you that wouldn’t happen but you were so worried that you didn’t want to believe me.”

  “Stop it. Now’s not the time to embarrass me!” I said while slapping his chest.

  “Oh, come on. I think it’s a perfect time.” There was this mischievous look in his eyes. Slowly, he shifted a little closer, his hands poised in a rather strange position. Suddenly, they lurched forward, attacking my sides.

  I couldn’t defend myself against his tickles. Laughing, I curled up into a ball, trying to escape.

  In his determination to get me, he ended up rolling on top of my body. My heart skipped a beat as I looked into his eyes.

  His fingers tightened around my wrists, pinning me in place. “Has anyone ever told you that you have the prettiest smile?”

  “Stop,” I said as I turned my face to the side and looked out the window.

  “It’s true.” He whispered. “I think you’re gorgeous, Brandi, and whether you want to believe me or not, well, that’s up to you.”

  I blushed but thankfully the room was dark enough to hide the fact.

  “You’ve always been incredibly stubborn but I think that’s one of the reasons why I like you so much.” He dropped to his side and locked his arms around my midsection. It felt good to be spooned by a man I had wanted for so long. His warmth radiated around my body like a thick blanket.

  It didn’t take long for my drowsiness to return. I yawned and quickly fell asleep in Reis’ arms.

  THE FOLLOWING MORNING, he had disappeared. I frowned thinking it had all be some sort of crazy dream but then I caught the scent of bacon. My stomach growled with hunger. It got me out of bed and straight into the kitchen where I found Reis hard at work. “I didn’t think you were the kind of guy to cook breakfast.”

  “Shoot.” He said as he flipped some pancakes. “You weren’t supposed to wake up yet. I wanted to surprise you with some breakfast in bed. Now you’ve ruined everything.”

  I chuckled. “I still appreciate the gesture. You didn’t have to do anything at all. You’re already a big help by just being here. You have no idea how hard it was to deal with my father’s death all on my own...”
>
  “That ex-boyfriend of yours –”

  “What you think he was here to provide comfort?” I laughed at the thought. “He was too busy playing video games in his mom’s basement.”

  “Jeez,” Reis said with a shake of his head. “I’m glad you broke up with that idiot.”

  “I bet you are,” I answered while turning on the electric kettle. “Would you like some tea?”

  “I’m not much of a tea guy. I prefer coffee.”

  “Coffee it is.”

  As Reis finished cooking, I busied myself by setting the table. I was trying really hard not to ogle in his direction. For whatever reason, he thought it was a good idea to cook shirtless. His torso was on full display and it was really hard to keep my eyes from wandering over his six-pack or the bulge of his arms.

  I bit the inside of my lip a little too hard and tasted blood.

  “Everything alright?” He asked while bringing over a stack of pancakes onto the kitchen table. “You look a little... preoccupied.” A slight grin tugged on the corner of his lips like he knew exactly what he was doing to me.

  “No... I’m... fine...” I managed to answer him. “Totally fine.”

  “Alright then let’s eat.” He pulled out my chair and helped me sit down. Ever so gently, he planted a kiss against my cheek.

  Mmm. This guy was making it really hard to ignore him. Why was it that he had the right to be so damn sexy? It just wasn’t fair to the rest of the male population.

  “I haven’t had the chance to cook in a while so I hope you like it. I think maybe I cooked the bacon a little too long but if I remember correctly you’ve always liked it a little on the crispy side.”

  “You remember correctly,” I said, biting into a strip. “This is exactly how I like it.”

  “Good.” His smile was bright enough to light up the entire room. “All I wanted to do was make things a little less miserable and I know for a fact that bacon makes everyone happier.”

  “Except vegetarians.”

  “Yeah well... there’s a reason why I’ve never dated a vegetarian.”