I move around the desk and take her hand.
“I’ll drop you at your apartment and go grab us something to eat. Then I want you at my place. It’s Tuesday, so are we getting our usual?” I ask.
That’s Chinese food, and the fact we have a “usual” says something about the friendship between us. I’m hoping she picked up on that, too.
“That sounds perfect. I’m starved.”
I lock up the office and hold her hand through the shop. We get to the door, and I realize I’ve done it right in front of our employees, but after the way I’ve always followed her around this place, I doubt it surprises any of them.
***
Bryn takes the food from me when we arrive at my apartment. Her fruity scent overpowers the smell, and I’m only hungry for her. Her hair is up in the back, and I’d like to sink my teeth into her neck. She’s in a tank top again and little shorts.
“Hungry are we?” I ask teasingly as she hurries with emptying the bags.
“I told you I’m starved.”
While Bryn gets the food ready, I go to my room and throw on some athletic shorts and a clean t-shirt. When I come out, she has our plates fixed and is sitting at one end of my couch in front of the TV.
She has her legs stretched out with her back against the arm. “I see you saved me food, but what about a spot to sit?” I pick up my plate from the coffee table and sit down right at her feet.
She snickers as her toes push into the side of my thigh. “So, what movie do you want to watch?” I ask.
“Marissa told me you’re a big fan of Step Up.” She chuckles loudly.
“That little shit. I’m going to have a talk with her.”
“I didn’t know you were such a dance fan. I’m cool with watching it. Channing Tatum’s in it, so I think I can suffer through it,” she adds.
“I don’t need another guy to compete with, and it was hard enough to rent Sixteen Candles for you that time. I can’t further humiliate myself.”
“I think we can occupy our time another way,” she says, giving me an alluring look.
“Fine with me.”
We talk about random stuff, and I’m trying hard to let her eat, but after about fifteen minutes, I can’t fight my urges any longer. I set my plate of food on the table and do the same with hers.
“I’m sorry, sugar, but I’ve been waiting over two years to kiss you, and knowing I could be doing that this second is about to kill me.”
She smiles and bites her bottom lip as I crawl over top of her and grip the arm of the couch on each side of her body. I see nervousness but also excitement as she shimmy’s her way down until lying flat on her back.
I’m staring down at her, my hands still on the arm of the couch. There’s a bold, playful twinkle in those dark eyes of hers.
I smirk. “Bryn.”
“Yes,” she says, barely above a whisper.
“I either have to lie on top of you, or you’re going to have to sit up, chick.”
“I think I’m comfy right here.”
Shit, she’s driving me crazy.
Let’s Get Acquainted
Brynlee
Drew is staring down at me on his couch. I can sit up and kiss him or have his masculine body on top of me. This is a no brainer. As soon as I say it, it hits me that I didn’t need to think twice about it. I feel safe with him.
Mouths collide the second he’s on me, and feeling him everywhere on my body is overwhelming. His blazing tongue is tangling with mine, his hands are holding my head and thumbs glide along my cheeks. Our chests are flushed, legs intertwined. It’s everything I’ve dreamed about and more.
Any doubt there could be passion between us was squished this morning, but I don’t know if this right here can be extinguished. Together we’re like the water that boils over in a pot; we simmered way too long. Drew releases my lips.
“I feel like I’m crushing you.”
“Please don’t move.” A rush of air evacuates my lungs with my words.
“I can’t tell you how many dreams I’ve had of you being underneath me, Bryn.” His lips and tongue find my ear, taking turns licking and kissing before they travel down my neck, causing a hair-raising sensation.
This is hot as hell, and I’m having thoughts I shouldn’t as his hard manhood presses against my thigh. The urgency to be closer to him takes over, sending my hands into a frenzy to get his shirt off.
Raising up onto his knees, he strips it in record time and stares down at me. A hooded cloud of lust glazes over his blue eyes, and I never imagined Drew had this side to him.
I lean up enough to take my shirt off and toss it to the floor. “I want to feel your skin against mine,” I say. His eyes go straight to my breasts that are spilling out of my lacy, black bra.
“Bryn, I don’t know if I can stop.”
“We will, please.” My words come out urgently, driven by the pent up longing that has weighted me down.
Leaning over, he unhooks my bra that fastens in the front and slowly opens it before working one of my arms through the strap. I lean up a little, and he slides it out from behind me.
The throbbing between my thighs intensifies as I watch his gaze take in the sight of my nipples, which are already stiff from the anticipation.
“You’re so damn sexy, Bryn, and this view is spectacular.” He lays his body back on top of me, and I close my eyes, relishing in the feel of his fiery skin against mine.
Groaning, he ardently swirls and drags his tongue down my neck and onto my chest as his body slithers farther down mine. A strong hand grips my bare waist, a moist tongue twirls around my nipple, and a burst of delight surges to the apex of my thighs.
Whimpering, I dig my fingers into his contoured shoulders, my impetuous behavior leading us only deeper into the throes of bliss. He groans louder and takes my breast into his mouth, sucking and tugging on my nipple with his teeth. My body wants him in it and instinctually lifts up against him.
He releases my breast and slides back up near my ear. “Try to relax and enjoy what I’m doing to you. I could make you feel even better in other places,” he whispers before running his tongue along the outside of my ear.
“Drew, I’ve wanted you for so long.”
He plunges his eager tongue into my mouth, showing me his appetite is as strong. We’re a furnace of heat as our tongues lash and our bodies writhe against each other’s.
My nails drag down the length of his back, causing him to kiss harder and groan louder. Through his thin athletic shorts, his erection pushes right between my legs.
Abruptly, he releases my mouth and buries his head into the curve of my neck. He’s stopping us, and I can’t say with certainty that I would have.
Drew
My nose is deep in her delicious smelling hair. I pull back some, so I can speak.
“I want all of you, Bryn. I want to sink so far into you and run my tongue along every single spot of your body, and I mean every—single—spot, but I won’t do it until you are all mine, and you will be soon.”
She looks up at me, but her eyes are barely open. I think she wore herself out from squirming underneath me. I have to smirk.
“What?”
“You’re worn out, sugar, and I think it’s from all the squirming you were doing.”
“I know that wasn’t easy for you.”
“It was fantastic, and I now have more to fantasize about. Let me lie next to you.” She rolls onto her side, and I hold her while I get situated. I pull her bare back against my chest and cover us with a blanket from off the back of the couch.
“Drew, I don’t know if I should sleep over.”
“I don’t want you doing the same thing with him, but I can’t give you up tonight. Please stay like this with me,” I say against her neck.
She pulls my hand tighter against her stomach.
“I’ll stay.”
***
I shower and take Bryn home around seven in the morning. I think we’re both in a stat
e of shock that something is finally happening between us. I insist on waiting for her to get ready, so I can drive her to work.
“I’ll hurry,” she says.
“We’re fine, Bryn. I made sure Mom and Dad were going to be there this morning.”
“I know, but I have a lot to do today, too.”
I sit on her couch and run my hands down my face. I keep reliving last night, and I’m so turned on. I’d like nothing more than to get in that shower with her.
“Bryn, stud boy number two had flowers delivered.”
I jump when I hear Andrea’s voice. She freezes with her hands up to one of her ears. It appears she’s putting in an earring but drops it. “Drew, what are you doing here?” She scrambles to find it on the floor.
“I’m taking Bryn to work. She’s in the shower.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were here.”
“It’s OK. I guess you know the deal then.”
“Yes. She was pretty tore up Sunday night, and that was before she knew about you an Ian being friends. If it makes you feel better, I’m on your side one hundred percent.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it. I have to get her away from him.”
Andrea seems uncomfortable now.
“OK, um, I have to get to work. I’ll see you later.” She grabs a purse off the table and heads out the door. I shouldn’t look, but I can’t take it. I go over to the kitchen and see the flower arrangement on the counter.
There’s an envelope with a card inside. I’m torn about reading it. It’s wrong if I do, but the suspense is killing me. No, it’s wrong, and I want to do this the right way.
I want her to pick me because it’s truly what she wants, not because I was sneaky or manipulative. I sit back down and wait for her. A few minutes later, she comes barreling into the room and heads for the kitchen.
“I have to take some ibuprofen. My back is hurting.”
I frown. “I’m sorry. It’s probably from not sleeping in your bed.”
“No, it’s from being on my feet at work. I should probably take some with me, too. I have a big order to fill today.” I see her pause by the sink when she spots the flowers. I can tell she’s trying to decide if she should look in front of me.
“Yes, they’re for you, but they’re not from me. Andrea blurted it out, not knowing I was here.”
I watch her take hold of the card. Her back is to me, but I can tell she pulled it out of the envelope. She bursts into tears. Shit, what the hell did he say? I jump up and go to her. She buries her head against my chest and wraps her arms around my waist.
“What’d he say to hurt you?”
“He didn’t say anything bad. I don’t know why you’re thinking that again.”
“You cried after talking to him in front of the shop the other day, and you’re crying after reading his card. What am I supposed to think, especially when I know how he is with women?”
“He told me how he was in the past, Drew. He’s been really honest about it.”
“I don’t want to say a bunch of bad shit about him to win you over. I want you to pick me because it’s absolutely what you want, but I feel a need to tell you the bad shit, so you don’t get hurt by him.”
“He told me he slept with women and then was done with them,” she says as she pulls back from me and wipes her eyes. “But I do believe he’s changed and feels differently about me.”
“Then why are you crying?”
“I thought maybe my decision was made up, but he said really sweet things in the card, and it reminded me of the time I’ve spent with him. I don’t want to give him up. We shouldn’t be talking about this, Drew. Let’s go.”
“I can’t take hearing the intimate details, but I can hear the rest. You know why? Because we’re best friends. I won’t watch you cry and avoid comforting you because it’s about Ian.” She lays her head against my chest again.
“I won’t lie. I highly entertained the idea that after last night and having you wake up in my arms that it was a done deal. I thought you might be mine.
“But Andrea saying that guy number two bought you flowers, and after seeing your reaction, I’m back to reality and that’s OK. I’m not giving up. I won’t give up, and don’t ever think you can’t talk to me.”
“Thank you. I really hate this. I would never date two people under normal circumstances, and I want this over as fast as everyone else.”
“I know that about you, Bryn. I know your character.” I kiss her forehead. “Let’s go to work, and I’ll help you later today since I caused you to be late.”
The Guilt Begins its Feast
Brynlee
Today is sucking royally. I woke up in Drew’s arms and honestly thought I was choosing him, but then I read Ian’s note and realized I wasn’t sure. I don’t doubt the awesome life I could have with Drew.
It’s the unknown with Ian that I can’t let go of; the exciting life where he brings even more spontaneity to my world like he already has. I’m worried I’ll always play it safe with Drew, and I’m not entirely sure what that means.
The heat is definitely there between us, but I almost want him to take what he wants from me, so I can see that same drive that Ian has. Am I expecting to have the perfect man? Am I holding on to two because combined they make the perfect one?
I’m swamped today, but I need to thank Ian for the flowers, and I miss him, too, so I give him a call.
“Hi, Ian.”
“Hi, sweet girl. It’s nice to hear your voice.”
“Thanks for the flowers, but the card was extra special.”
“You’re welcome. Are you doing OK? You sound down.”
“I’m having a rough day. I’m really busy, but I wanted to thank you and hear your voice.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“I’m sorry but no. I’ll be at the shop until late this evening, and it’s not something you could help with. I know you’re not working, so I’m sorry I can’t see you more.”
“Don’t apologize. I still have plenty to do since I just got back in town.”
“Can we spend tomorrow evening together?” I ask.
“Absolutely. I’d like to show you where I live.”
“I’ll text you tonight then.”
“OK, Brynlee. I hope your day is better.”
“It already is now that I’ve talked to you.”
I end the call and sit on the floor against the wall. I cry and cry. This is ridiculous. I’m going to lose my business if I can’t keep it together. The door opens, so I hurry and wipe my eyes.
“Marissa, hi.” She saunters over and sits down on the floor next to me, pulling her knees up like mine.
“Are you OK?” she asks.
“I will be eventually.”
“Is my brother being an ass?”
“No, he’s fine. You might be in trouble for telling me he watched the Step Up movie with you,” I say with a small laugh.
She gives a smile. Marissa is going to break some hearts one day, but I pray she never has to break one this way.
“I’ll tell you the name of another movie he’s watched the next time you two hang out. He won’t touch me since there’s so many secrets I could tell you.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, really. I think he loves you.”
“You do, huh?”
“I’m pretty positive, and Mom and Dad think so, too. I hope you get together. I’d really like to have you as a sister-in-law. Then when I’m older, we could really hang out like sisters. We could go shopping together, and I could tell you all my guy problems.
“I’m sure I’m going to have them because I’ve decided guys are barbarians, and I read in a magazine that they only think with one body part, and it’s not their brain.”
I giggle. “Where do you come up with this stuff? Oh yeah, magazines.” I squeeze Marissa’s knee. “Thanks for cheering me up, girlfriend.”
She jumps to her feet. “You’re welcome, and thanks for t
he cookie.” She winks as she grabs one off a cooling rack.
The kitchen is a revolving door at times. Out she goes and in comes Drew. “What’s wrong now?” he asks as he sits down on the floor next to me.
“This is too much for me to deal with. The guilt is eating me alive, Drew, and I need to get more work done.”
“Let me help you. I’ve done it before.”
“Why? To add to my guilt?”
“Stop. Did you listen to me this morning? I’m still your friend.”
“Yes, but you lost a lifelong friend because of me.”
“It wasn’t because of you, Bryn. If he was the friend I thought he was, he would’ve stepped aside once he found out it was you. He knew how much you meant to me.”
I can’t tell him what I’m thinking. If I pick Ian, he’s not going to want me to spend time like this with Drew, but I can now, and maybe it’ll direct me to the answer.
“OK, you can help.”
Drew
Brynlee needs me, and I’ll happily help. I’ll keep reminding her why we’re made for each other, showing her that she can count on me no matter what.
“I’m going to have to get a vehicle soon. I can’t keep using your business van to deliver my orders.”
“You can use it whenever you need to. My parents told you that when they purchased it.”
It’s eight o’clock, and we just closed up. I help her load the van with the boxes of desserts. If Brynlee wasn’t in my life, it would be torture smelling baked goods.
The definition of sweet in the Webster dictionary: “pleasing to the taste, pleasing to the mind or feelings and is marked by gentle good humor or kindliness.” So, there you have it. Sweet equals Brynlee in the dictionary. Yes, pathetically I thought to look this up one day. I’m a sap where she’s concerned.
“That was the last box, and I locked up the shop,” I say as I get in the driver’s seat.
“OK, thanks,” she says before yawning and leaning her head against the passenger window.
This woman is strong. Besides her great-grandmother, she’s had no family to speak of since she was eleven. She single handedly sold a home and most of her possessions and moved Gram into a nursing home, all while trying to finish up college and start a business.
I'm Holding On Page 9
