A Fall From Grace. Mail Order Bride Western

by Brittany Dreams

  After all, what harm could a few hot, smoldering kisses do?

  CHAPTER ONE

  The first step to seducing the person you were in love with: make your presence known.

  Lilah Jones supposed this was common sense, and she had to roll her eyes at the creativity of the book she’d read. Nobody was dumb enough to seduce someone without their name all over it, otherwise the person seduced would assume it was someone else and end up falling in love with the wrong person. That was just a disaster altogether. Of course, it was apparently all about subtlety – a look here, some light flirting there, your scent in places he least expected until you were all he could smell. There were lots of “subtle” ideas the book had suggested, and she was willing to try each and every one of them.

  Sneaking into his room was the most subtle she could get – not that she had any choice on the matter, because his secretaries treated him like some kind of king and would probably announce her presence before she could even say a word. Not sexy. After all, surprise was the key.

  The off-white door of James Brody’s office finally came into view, making Lilah grin like a maniac before she darted her eyes left and right. Assured that no one was in the vicinity, she dashed for the door in her wedges, trying not to stumble and make any commotion. The door closed with a soft click, and once inside, she finally breathed a sigh of relief and took a look around.

  Immaculate was the first word to use when describing James’ work space. From the leather couches to the books and magazines stacked beside his desk – it was all arranged so carefully and very pristine, almost as if it wasn’t for touching. The second word to use was masculine – so very masculine, from the oak wood to the navy blue wall linings. She couldn’t help but smile as she saw how it depicted her childhood crush – no, love – perfectly. He was masculine, and strong, and so very handsome. It didn’t even matter to her that he was rich, rich beyond anyone’s expectations. What mattered was he was also kind and patient – a trait she didn’t doubt carried over to how he would probably seduce her back.

  They’ve been friends and neighbors for years, and she was sick of waiting for him to take it to the next level. She was a modern woman, wasn’t she? It was time to assert herself and do it herself. By the time she was done, she had no doubt he’d be struck at how she’d grown up and realize what he was missing. Then it would be courting time – flowers and chocolates, some delicious kisses here and there…

  Shaking her head at her thoughts, Lilah tried to stop herself from daydreaming.

  James was still in a conference meeting, last she’d (sneakily) checked his schedule. That gave her only a few more minutes to get her plan going and make sure she pulled it off perfectly. Pulling a tiny bottle out of her pocket, Lilah began to spray her precious perfume here and there – light enough to toe the line of subtle, but not that light to ignore.

  Then she dimmed the lights and hid in a corner.

  Patiently, Lilah waited.

  ---

  His brother’s room smelled like lilies.

  Finn Brody stopped for a second at the front door, puzzled and amazed at the scent lingering all over the space. He would never have pegged James to go for that type of office scent, what’s with his all-too-dull furniture – black couch, black tables, black everything. Normally the office smelled like your typical industrial aroma, professional and no-nonsense.

  Perhaps James got tired of it all, and asked his secretaries to get his environment a new feel – but then again, that was so unlike his brother, because James was all about predictability and structure. Any loss of control and his brother basically went nuts – a testament to his sheer will and absolute grasp at the top, perfect for your everyday powerhouse tycoon.

  It was a trait that sometimes drove Finn nuts, too. But being away from family for quite long was even nuttier, and he supposed he missed the nuttiness.

  Putting his black traveling bag on the floor, he looked around.

  The lights were dimmed, adding a weird effect in the space that puzzled him again. James hated dark lights, because apparently brightness showed your ruthlessness to better effect, especially in the face of business adversaries. The fact that these thoughts flowed through his mind like water on a stream sparked a trace of annoyance in Finn. Apparently his brother’s persistent training was working.

  With a sigh, Finn made a move to adjust the lighting.

  And was stopped by a voice to his right.

  “Don’t.”

  It was soft and quiet, the sound barely a whisper and as throaty as they came. It was definitely female, and unrecognizable enough to have Finn freezing with his hand halfway in the air. Slowly, he turned his head in the direction of the voice.

  He was stopped when a small shadow glided near, pausing in front of him. Then she stood on tiptoe and put her mouth just slightly below his ear, a whisper away.

  “I was waiting for you,” she intoned silkily, her breath warm on his skin.

  There was one proper response for that, even while he was trying to figure out what was going on.

  “You were?”

  “Oh, yes,” she breathed. Small, feminine hands settled eagerly on his chest, making warmth seep into his skin as she moved closer.

  His mind worked in overdrive, as several points made itself known. One – there was a woman in front of him, trying to seduce him. Two – he was in James’ office, where the lights were intentionally dimmed to only see shadows. Three – this seduction was for James.

  And he’d walked in on it by mistake.

  Normally Finn would have seized the day and went ahead with her come on, but what if this was James’ secret girlfriend or something like that? Single ladies, widows and any other non-committed girls, he went for – except the ones with boyfriends or his cousins.

  Suppose this was James’ secret girlfriend – lover – whatever. Why would James not be here to receive said lover’s seduction?

  A lightbulb lit up in Finn’s brain.

  Because either James didn’t know, or he wanted to avoid her.

  Finn had to ask.

  “Am I…expecting you?”

  Her hands trembled, then trailed down, playing with the buttons of his dress shirt.

  “No. But you will find yourself very, very…expectant.”

  Expectant?

  “Expectant?” he echoed.

  “Patently so.”

  The statement was very odd, and Finn almost opened his mouth to question – but those hands were already moving towards the ends of his shirt to untuck hurriedly. Alarmed, but not necessarily protesting, he took hold of her wrists and silently stopped her movements.

  Finn heard her gulp. Then the shadows of those shoulders straightened determinedly as she tiptoed again, and her lips touched his ear.

  “I’m not wearing a bra.”

  Finn’s brain shut off at her mouth and her words, his body tightening immediately at her sex-kitten purr. This shadow-woman was such a contrast – eager and nervous, sly and seductive. Warm hands, warm breath, but hesitant at points.

  She was already licking his ear enthusiastically, a very odd spot that had an electric zing running through his brain - not to mention the blood rushing down as he hardened in response. His nose registered the scent of lilies on her skin.

  Then all thought stopped altogether as he gathered her close.

  ---

  This had to be a dream.

  She was in the arms of the love of her life, and he was pulling her closer until there was practically no space between them. His body was molded against hers now, his chest to her breasts, his hands trailing down on her waist and his mouth—

  His mouth was very near her throat, almost touching, and it was glorious. It was so glorious that she couldn’t help the moan that came out of her mouth, and the succeeding whimper as she heard his rumble of approval.

  Her body heated and her brain short-circuited. She felt his thumb on her lower lip, and automatically, she took it in her mouth and su
cked.

  He groaned, nipping her chin. His tongue came out to lick, hot and wet, and she purred in pleasure at his ministrations.

  “Oh, James…”

  His other hand moved under her shirt, caressing her skin and trailing up.

  “This is amazing, James.”

  Those hands went down again to cup her bum and squeeze, bringing her closer until she could feel him against her, hot and so hard.

  Yes. Yes, please. God, yes.

  “Kiss me, James.”

  “Oh, I will. But I’m not James.”

  The heat of all of him was giving her a possible meltdown. A brain damage. An apoplexy of the highest level, because everything was so delicious and wonderful and perhaps she should be the first to kiss him—

  His words registered.

  Lilah’s eyes snapped open, just in time to see his eyes glinting before he dipped in for a kiss. Her vision adjusted in the darkness, taking in his lush mouth, straight nose, jet-black hair and familiar features. Then, back to the eyes. Gray eyes.

  James had golden eyes.

  His hand squeezed her bottom again, and heat pooled in her belly.

  Horrified, Lilah did the only thing that came by instinct.

  She kicked him in the shin.

  Chapter 2

  The pain registered first, a sudden flash that had him cursing under his breath in very creative terms. Then there was a blaze of light as the lighting was fully turned on, and he glared at the offensive woman who had caused the pain, at the same time standing up to his full height for proper intimidation.

  He saw purple wedges, ridiculously high for bare legs – though the legs themselves were creamily toned, and encased in shorts that weren’t really proper shorts at all, considering how short they were. A flat, soft tummy, showing under a hanging shirt that showcased full breasts and pert nipples, clearly visible. Pretty throat, and lush, sensuous lips, and—

  Familiar green eyes glaring at him as if he was the very devil.

  He’d recognize those eyes anywhere.

  Horror filled him as everything clicked into place.

  “You were trying to seduce my brother?”

  “You were supposed to be James!” she hissed at the same time.

  Lilah Jones had gotten rid of her nerdy blue glasses and her brown hair wasn’t as frizzy as it was before, but she was still as short as ever – and still with a temper that could basically have any man running for the hills. And he’d just almost kissed her. He’d definitely touched her in very improper places.

  His childhood neighbor.

  His almost-sister.

  The pain dulled, but the horror roaring in his brain increased by a tenfold as he realized what exactly they’d been doing earlier.

  “Fuck, Delilah.”

  “Go do yourself,” she shot back, still glaring at him.

  Yeah. She’d always had a smart mouth on her. His gaze went back to her outfit in disbelief.

  “You look like a hooker.”

  Her glare intensified as she came at him, breaths heaving. The action caused her chest to rise up and down, and her nipples were still clearly visible, distended in the cold and a nice shade of—

  He looked up at the ceiling and immediately stopped his train of thoughts before his pants could tighten again.

  Almost-sister. Sister.

  Off limits.

  “Can you cover yourself, please?”

  He heard a squeak, then some grumbling and rustling. Then she cleared her throat.

  “Done.”

  Finn let his eyes shift back to her.

  The breasts were now gone, covered by a couch pillow – thank goodness. Her glare was also gone – thank goodness – and was replaced by a curious expression as she stared at him openly in amazement.

  “Since when did you come back, anyway?” she asked, coming closer. Apparently she’d gotten over her embarrassment. Good for her.

  He mimicked her casual stance. “Tonight. Just got here from the airport.” Throat suddenly dry and badly needing a drink, Finn went to his brother’s liquor stock for guests and took out the whisky decanter. He began pouring some on a glass and offered it to her.

  “Want?”

  Lilah shook her head.

  Finn drank it down, feeling the whisky shoot fire in his system. Feeling a lot better, he sat on the nearest surface (which happened to be the office couch) and began rubbing his shin. Lilah winced at the action.

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “No worries.”

  Hesitantly, she sat beside him. “What are you doing here, Finn?”

  He was here because he thought his brother would be, and he could surprise the guy. Decent explanation – except he wanted to ruffle her. “I should be asking you the same question, Delilah.”

  She reddened, but scoffed. “Oh, stop calling me that.”

  He grinned, remembering her childhood nickname. “Fine. Frizzy-head.”

  “You’re an idiot.”

  “You’re changing the subject, Lilah.”

  Like an expert, Lilah changed it again. “So, how was your tour?”

  “It wasn’t a tour.” He regarded her quietly, taking in her face. Pretty, verging on ordinary – she’d always had big eyes even as a kid, simply emphasized by those thick glasses she had. Somehow, her face had grown enough to fit around those eyes. They’d always been her most striking feature, clear and bright with fire.

  He used to tease her a lot, and she gave as good as she got. It used to drive James wild to witness them bickering, but it couldn’t be helped – Lilah always tagged along like an insistent lizard, whether they went fishing or tree-climbing or whatever it was that young boys did. And when she couldn’t catch up, James waited for her.

  Then adulthood happened, and college. He’d breezed by, while his brother aced everything. Lilah was still around the corner, but not that much anymore.

  When the Brody brothers took over their father’s restaurant chain business years after graduating, they discovered that James had the knack for managing it perfectly – and Finn was perfectly content to sit in the sidelines, letting his brother handle everything and only taking over when needed. It was the perfect setup, because he got to cruise by and enjoy all the luxury he wanted – cars, women, all that jazz.

  Then it became unbearable and boring – and so he left for Europe. There, he discovered that he had a knack himself – for creating dishes, of all things. He used this knack to help James expand the business, and Finn’s cuisines became an international sensation.

  It was fun at first, until the restlessness settled in again. And so he came back home.

  But back to the topic at hand.

  “So what have you been up to lately, Lilah?”

  Lilah shrugged. “Nothing much.” Then she brightened considerably. “I’m a bookstore owner now. Certified and tested awesomeness.”

  “You still writing?”

  “Of course.”

  He remembered she had dreams of being a writer someday. It was no wonder she always kept a book in hand before, and would repeatedly insist that James read to her.

  “Things good?”

  “Of course.”

  “Is James your lover?”

  “Of cour—no.” Realizing her slip, Lilah narrowed her eyes at him. “But he will be.”

  “And is he aware?”

  She lifted her chin. “He will be.”

  Ah.

  “I daresay you’ll be seducing him again?”

  “Of course.”

  “You can’t do it,” he teased, for the heck of it. As expected, her green eyes lit on fire.

  “Watch me,” she promised. Then she stood up and gave him a prim nod. “Welcome home, Finn.”

  Then she left, bringing the couch pillow with her and leaving the scent of lilies lingering in the air.

  Finn saluted the empty room. Welcome home, indeed.

  ---

  That night, Lilah stared at the ceiling of her bedroom and tried to
reconcile the boy she knew, the man she saw on newspapers, and the man she’d just accidentally seduced. Well, semi-seduced.

  He’d been tall and lanky as a boy, and a relentless teaser. Basically the bane of her existence.

  He’d looked great on newspapers, his rise to fame as a renowned chef hounded incessantly by the paparazzi – his pictures always with a smirk on his face and a glint on his eye, and his arm always around a woman or two. There were parties and lots of excitement in those pictures, the image of a man who was talented and too handsome for his own good.

  Then he’d disappeared from the media for a while.

  Then...he was here. In the flesh.

  The newspapers didn’t do him justice, because they didn’t say how hard those muscles were going to be when touched. They also didn’t say that he’d look even more dangerous in person – tall and dark-haired, with muscles in all the right places and a face meant to stop traffic. Just like his brother – except James wasn’t the type to bite.

  Finn was as infuriating as ever – and exactly the man she ought to avoid.

  He was larger than life, too dangerous for any woman’s good. Too virile. Too…male.

  Shaking her head at her thoughts, Lilah rolled to her side and took out her book – the one that taught her the so-called tips for catching the man of your dreams. They were images accompanying the pages, starting decently enough, then turning more and more enticing until they all but devoured the pages with their sensuality. Tingles started up her spine as she imagined doing them all with James. Only with James.

  Tomorrow. She was going to seduce his socks off.

  And perhaps wipe the smirk from Finn’s face as she did so.

  Chapter 3

  Finn leisurely sipped at the coffee in his hand and idly listened to his little cousin rambling on about some new comic book she’d discovered and wanted him to read. Seven in the morning, and he was subjected to this – and James beside him – instead of being warm and sleepy in bed, with the thought of waking up being the last thing in mind.