The Better Brother

by Rye Hart

  “I told him I was leaving, and he’s tried to be a sweetheart the past few days thinking I’d change my mind, so, yes, he’s going to be pissed. I did manage to cancel all the wedding plans and secured refunds for all but two things I paid for. It was the least I could do for calling off the wedding. Take that expense and add it to the plane ticket and I’m strapped.”

  “I’ll take care of you. Besides, the room is paid up. Rick hated that I insisted on us staying at the hotel but agreed to pay for it. I know he’s going to want us to stay with him. He’s got a huge house, but I thought you’d be more comfortable in our own space.”

  I had to agree, especially since she’d never met the guy. What if they met and the chemistry they had online wasn’t there in person? Or worse yet, what if the guy was a big creep?

  “It’ll be all right. I needed this. I didn’t want to be there when Gavin got home, which should be any minute. I’ve got my phone turned off, so he shouldn’t be able to reach me. I want him to have some time to let it all sink in.”

  “Then let’s forget all about him. I’m so nervous that I’m about to see Rick for the first time. How do I look? Be honest.”

  “You’re gorgeous, and he’ll be crazy if he doesn’t think so.”

  We gathered our things and left the plane. After our luggage pick up, we went to wait in the bar, against my better judgment. Kayla ordered a cocktail and sipped it as we waited for Rick to arrive.

  I busied myself listening to an old man who was in the middle of telling the bartender dirty jokes and had a crowd laughing around him. Kayla screamed as he delivered the punch line, and I looked around to see her diving into the arms of a man I only hoped was Rick, her online boyfriend of four months.

  Their lips met, and he held her tight to him, gripping her lower back and one ass cheek. For a brief moment, I wondered if he was going to take her down to the floor and have his way with her right there.

  From what I could tell, he was a tall man, with an athletic build and a tanned complexion. His hair was slicked back, and it wouldn’t have surprised me if it took him longer to do his hair than it took me to get ready for the day.

  Behind whom I assumed to be Rick was vision. He was a tall, broad-shouldered handsome man, with hard blue eyes that contrasted with his dark brown hair. His hair was thick and wavy and stopped right above his shoulders. There was something about his eyes that seemed to penetrate right through me. If I had my camera on hand, I would have to fight myself not to take a shot of him. Of course, that would be risking a first impression of being a complete nutcase and potential stalker.

  His lip curled up as if at any moment he would bare fangs. His size intimidated me as he pushed his hands deeper into his pockets, shifting on his feet and looking bored.

  His eyes met mine, and his demeanor changed a bit. His face softened, and he looked away, and cleared his throat.

  “Sorry, man,” Rick said, finally coming up for air. “Kayla, this is Reed Harrington. He’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember.”

  Kayla stumbled a bit but giggled as she held out her hand and gave Reed a warm smile. Reed narrowed his eyes as if trying to determine what was wrong with her. Then his gaze slid in my direction.

  “Oh, this is my best friend, Bella. She had to hold my hand on the plane. I’m afraid I’m not a very good flyer.”

  “Have you been drinking?” Rick asked.

  “It’s okay, I barely sipped it.” She gave me a look as if begging me not to say anything. I wondered if Rick had something against her drinking.

  But then he put those impressions to rest. “Let’s get you girls loaded up, checked in, and then go have a real drink. I’m in need of a little celebration too. Reed?” He turned to see Reed’s reaction, and the guy grunted and lifted a shoulder.

  “Whatever, man. It’s early.” He hefted up my luggage as Rick grabbed Kayla’s and we headed out of the bar and to the parking lot. It didn’t take long to get to the huge four-door truck, and once our luggage was situated, Rick and Reed talked a moment alone. Rick jumped in the driver’s seat, and Kayla climbed in beside him. Reed was stone-faced as he climbed in, taking a seat next to me.

  After we went to the hotel and checked in to drop off our luggage and freshen up, Rick took us down the street to a bar where Kayla ordered her fourth drink of the day.

  “You might want to slow down a little,” I said, leaning in. “We didn’t eat much today.”

  “If you’re hungry, there’s a burger place next door. Reed can walk you over if you like,” Rick offered.

  Reed, who’d barely said two words so far, simply nodded.

  “No, thanks.” I didn’t want to put the man out, but not only that, I didn’t want to leave Kayla alone with a man she barely knew to go wander off with one I didn’t.

  Reed leaned in close. “I don’t bite, and there’s no reason to starve.”

  “Maybe we could go someplace after?” I looked to Kayla, and she threw her arm around Rick.

  “Could we go eat after? I’ll be famished by then.” She put her forehead to his and then the two were suddenly in a lip lock that showed how comfortable she was with him.

  “Suit yourself.” Reed seemed put off and got up from the table to go across the room where he disappeared into the crowd. He didn’t seem to be enjoying himself in the least.

  About that time, a girl came over, pulling on Rick’s shoulder. “Is this your latest victim?”

  Rick put his arm protectively around Kayla and then angled her to his side. “Go on, Cindy. No one wants your drama.”

  “My drama? Don’t let him fool you, sweetheart. He’s the love ’em-and-leave ’em type. So don’t go getting attached. He was with me last month, now you, and it will be someone else before you can put your panties back on. It’s how he plays.”

  Kayla, who by this time was well into her drink, glared at Rick.

  “You were with her last month, while we were talking?” Her eyes were molten with anger, and Rick held his hand up and grabbed her wrist as she tried to slap him.

  “No, I swear it, Kayla. I dated her last year, not anytime recently. Not since I met you.”

  The girl gave a wicked smirk, perfectly pleased that she’d caused a problem. “He’s lying. Why don’t you tell her all about how good you fucked me, Rick?”

  “You pig!” Kayla pushed him away and ran out of the bar. I left Rick there with his floozy as I went after her. I had a feeling we were going to be on the next plane home. Kayla was better off without the scumbag anyway. I was even more glad that I had come with her now.

  Kayla was halfway to their truck when I caught her, but she pulled away. Her anger was so vicious it startled me. I’d only seen that side of her on the few times she was really drunk around me. One drink too many made her want to fight.

  “Fucking asshole!” Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she suddenly lifted her foot and slipped off her high heel shoes. They were strappy and new and the prettiest pair she owned.

  “Kayla, what are you doing?”

  “He told me he loved me, and I was the only one for him. Now he’s going to pay for it!” She took the pointed heel of her shoe and started carving into the side of Rick’s truck.

  “Kayla, stop!” I tried to stop her, but I was afraid she’d hit me in her blind rage. I looked around and saw Rick coming across the lot. There was a crowd growing as she climbed onto the hood with her dress hiked up around her thighs so high you could see her panties. The entire crowd was getting a free show.

  Rick came up and bear hugged her around the waist, pulling her down and placing her on her feet. “Stop it, Kayla! What the fuck are you doing? Are you fucking crazy?”

  “You lied to me!” Kayla was kicking and screaming.

  “I’m not lying. I swear Kayla. Stop scratching up Reed’s truck and talk to me!”

  Reed was standing in the crowd looking at his truck like he wanted to murder someone. I was worried that he would go off on her and be relentless in his f
ury, but he just stood quietly, his chest heaving. His lips peeled back in a snarl as he watched Rick hold Kayla, whose eyes had gone wide. She’d stopped kicking and fighting long enough to survey the damage she’d done to the truck, which was pretty bad.

  She looked over to Reed with big tear-stained eyes, and all the man did in return was growl, like a wild dog about to pounce.

  CHAPTER FOUR - REED

  I stood there looking at my truck and trying to understand how one crazy bitch with a high-heeled shoe could do such damage.

  “I’m sorry.” Rick’s girl was repeating the words over and over, but it wasn’t registering. I’d bought the truck a year ago specifically for us to use on rodeo trips and I’d spent a great deal of time and money putting in all the bells and whistles. I’d only let Rick drive it because he’d been begging me.

  Rick shook his head and stared down at his feet. “Fuck, Reed. I’m so sorry, man.”

  A tall, thin guy I’d seen in the bar came running over. “Hey, man, that chick across the lot called the cops. Thought you should know.”

  “The cops?” Kayla’s eyes filled with more tears and sure enough about that time, they rounded the corner.

  I turned to look at Rick. “Keep her quiet; I’ll handle it.” I knew most of the policemen on the force and had grown up with several of them. Everyone knew my family too. Having money buys certain favors, and I was about to call one in.

  The officer, a guy I knew named Lonny, got out of the car and walked up shaking his head. “I thought the description sounded a bit familiar. I’d know that truck anywhere,” he held out his hand. “Looks like you pissed someone off.”

  I let out a long breath. “Yeah, that’d be Rick’s problem.” He glared at Kayla who shrank back against her friend who put her arm around Kayla as if to hold her up.

  I cleared my throat. “Would you mind letting me handle this on my own? I’m sure she’s sorry and prepared to compensate.” The cop looked to Kayla who wiped her eyes and nodded.

  “Well, it’s your property and no one was hurt, so I was never here. Good luck.” He patted Rick on the back and then went back to his car, shaking his head and laughing.

  “I’m sorry,” said Kayla as the cop pulled out of the lot.

  “Someone’s going to pay for this.” I straightened my back and went to stand over the two girls. I knew my size was intimidating to most, and though Kayla shrank back even farther, her friend straightened, lifting her chin as if to show me she didn’t think much of my show of power.

  “I’ll take care of it, man. I’m sorry,” Rick said before turning to Kayla. “That bitch was lying back there, you have to believe me. I’ve been home online with you every night. When would I have had time to see, much less fuck, someone else?”

  Bella turned to face her friend. “Maybe he’s actually telling the truth, Kayla. You’ve had too much to drink, and you let your emotions get the best of you. Maybe you should sober up a bit before making a big decision.”

  She turned to give me a look that said “back off my friend,” and I couldn’t help but be taken by her beauty. I’d thought that Kayla would arrive with some random girl in tow, but instead, Bella was an angel—an absolute goddess. And knowing my predicament, I couldn’t help but wonder if she might just be the answer to my prayers. Yes, it was a fucking crazy idea to expect her to have my baby, especially since I’d been kind of a moody dick so far. But Rick had said that Kayla was asking about a friend for Bella, so maybe it wasn’t such a long shot. I almost faltered, but seeing her staring at me so defiantly turned me on. This girl was nothing like the airheads I’d been bedding. I wanted to see how far I could push her. “Seems to me she let her anger get the best of my truck.”

  “Your stupid truck can be fixed,” she snapped, and I almost smiled at the flash in her eyes. A heat started to build low in my gut.

  “Oh, it will be, but I’m not going to let my friend pay for her little tantrum.”

  “It’s not a problem, man,” Rick said, but I gave him a look that said he needed to let me handle it. He nodded as if he understood.

  “No, she did this, and she will pay, but I think instead of getting the police involved, a call to my lawyer is due.”

  “Please, I’m so sorry. I don’t have the money to fix it, but I’ll get it, I swear,” Kayla begged.

  “You’re going to make her pay?” Bella asked incredulously. “Your friend already offered to take care of it. Kayla shouldn’t have attacked your truck, but she was also provoked and you know it. You’re only doing this to assert your authority, and it’s a total asshole move.”

  “Wait, what? My truck just got scratched all to shit, and I saved her from jail, but I’m the asshole?” I was starting to get a pissed all over again.

  “You know very well what you’re doing.” Bella crossed her arms and stepped forward, coming toe-to-toe with me.

  “Are you challenging me? Perhaps you’d like to take care of things? As a matter of fact, I insist.”

  “What? Bella shouldn’t be held responsible.” Kayla went up to Rick and looked up at him with her big round eyes, and he gave me a pleading look.

  “How about you just worry about making this up to Rick, and I’ll make a deal with Bella.” The girl was standing too close to me, her eyes like daggers piercing my soul, and once my words registered, she lifted her shoulder.

  “Why should I bargain with you?” She tilted her head to the side but kept her gaze on mine.

  “Rick, why don’t you and Kayla give us a moment alone.” Rick took his cue, and the two got in my beat-up truck.

  “I’m not exactly sure what it is you think you’re doing but—” she started, but I held up my hand and cut her off.

  Now was the time to make my first move.

  “You come stay with me at my house for the two weeks you’re in town, and I’ll let your friend off the hook for the damages. Or I call my friend Lonny back and have charges filed against her.”

  “You’d do that? You’d let her go to jail?” Her lip curled in disgust.

  “It’s only right. She broke the law and wrecked my property. I’m well within my rights. But, as it turns out, I’m also very attracted to you, and I’d like to get to know you.”

  “So is this how you land yourself a girl? By blackmailing them?” She glanced back at the truck where Rick and Kayla were kissing like two horny teenagers in my back seat.

  She rolled her eyes and balled her fists at her side. “Fine. I’ll stay, but only if Kayla comes. I promised her I wouldn’t leave her side, and I’m not going to abandon her. Besides, it’s clear she needs a chaperone.”

  I narrowed my eyes to the scene in my back seat, where Rick had his face pressed hard into Kayla’s breasts, then I met Bella’s hazel eyes. “You’re a lousy chaperone.”

  “The only reason I’m agreeing to this crazy idea is so that my best friend doesn’t go to jail. Personally, I think you’re an awful human being,” she mumbled as she stalked back to the truck. She turned around as she reached the door. “Are you coming or what? We have to go check out of the hotel.”

  A slow smile spread across my face. She just might be the woman for me.

  CHAPTER FIVE - BELLA

  Reed was impossibly handsome and just knowing that he was attracted to me had come as a surprise. Though I was pretty sure he was nothing but a disgusting pig, the fact that he was willing to forgo thousands of dollars in damage to be close to me sort of turned me on. What did that say about me? Was I just leaping from one asshole to the next? As we pulled up to Reed’s house, I realized that we’d traded up from the hotel, and I tried not to let my impending bargain loom over me and cloud the beautiful scenery. Reed had driven us to his sprawling mansion, which looked like something from an old Civil War movie. The house seemed to glow in the distance as if it’s white paint was reflecting the full moon that hung directly over it.

  “It’s gorgeous. Will we disturb your family coming here so late?” He’d no doubt come and gone many time
s alone at this hour, but to bring in company, I didn’t want to be an imposition.

  Reed’s voice was but a growl beside me. “I live alone if you don’t count my staff.”

  “You’re all alone?” I suddenly felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me. He’d wanted me alone with him in his big house. I wasn’t naive enough to think that he just wanted to talk over the next two weeks, but I figured if there were other people around, I’d be safe.

  “My parents are both dead. I have my uncle, but he lives in the city closer to our family’s business.”

  In the back, Kayla let out a little moan, and Rick sighed. The two were sound asleep and had more than made up from the incident that landed me in my current mess.

  I was grateful that Kayla was asleep for the time being and I could at least have more time to think of an excuse for why we were all traveling to Reed’s estate. I didn’t want to tell her what I’d agreed to. She’d been too drunk to know precisely what was happening, and I didn’t want her to feel like it was her fault that we were here—even if it was.

  To be honest, agreeing to spend two weeks with a handsome stranger was both unlike me and completely exhilarating. Back home, I told myself I was ready for a change and a new chapter in my life, but I would never have imagined being in such a predicament. I really didn’t know what to make of it all, but I would be lying if I said my nervousness wasn’t starting to fade into a serious turn on. What the fuck was wrong with me?

  Maybe these two weeks was just want I needed to kick off my new life. I wasn’t foolish enough to expect anything other than a good time with Reed. He was clearly a rich bachelor who was experienced in getting what, or who, he wanted. The thought that he wanted me, was making me sweat a bit.

  We walked into the house, and I was immediately impressed. The furniture was expensive and ornate, yet still looked inviting. There were several vases of fresh flowers like the ones I’d seen growing outside scattered around the large room, and rows of beautiful photographs lined one wall.

  Immediately drawn to the photos, I crossed the room and began to examine them closely. They were mostly of scenery, though some were of beautiful horses, and fields of roaming cattle. Whoever had taken them, had a very good eye.