Behind The Lies

by Dahlgren , Heather

  Not paying much attention to my surroundings I realize there are now houses away up at the beginning of the beach. I stop and look around, not sure if I’m allowed to venture this far. Biting my cheek, I decide it’s probably best to head back the way I came. I’m sure these people pay a fortune to have their piece of paradise and having a stranger on their beach is probably not what they want.

  Spinning around I make my way back, once again captivated by the endless ocean. “McKinley?”

  I stop dead in my tracks at the sound of my name. Who the hell knows me here?

  Turning toward the voice, I almost want to swim out into the deep unknown.

  “Braden?”

  He grins and walks toward me. “What are you doing here?” he asks when he is closer to me.

  “Oh, I, umm, I wanted to see the ocean since I’ve never been. I just drove around until I found one. What are you doing here?”

  Holy crap I sound like an idiot. He’s just caught me so off guard.

  “I live here.” He nods up to the beautiful house behind us.

  “Holy shit you live here? What do you do for a living?” I blurt out, completely shocked to know someone who would actually live on the beach. Not near the beach, on the beach. He must make a fortune.

  “Yep. I always wanted to live on the beach and after my divorce, it was the first thing I did. The girls love it too when they are here,” he says looking from the house back to me. “Companies hire me to build firewall security software on their systems.”

  I have no idea what that means, but in an effort to look smart, I just nod my head.

  Suddenly I remember I was trying to avoid him and feel awkward about the kiss and him seeing me practically naked yesterday. He doesn’t seem the least bit fazed by it as he keeps talking and talking about living on the beach. Not listening to him but focusing on yesterday is doing things to me. I try to shake the thoughts, but I feel my face flushing with embarrassment or maybe arousal.

  “Braden, I think we need to talk about what happened yesterday,” I whisper, interrupting him.

  He takes a deep breath and looks out to the ocean. “I know. Would you like to sit down?”

  I follow suit and sit down beside him, a little too close to where the water is rushing up. Although he lives here, he knows where to sit.

  I swallow a few times trying to find the right words. I want to just tell him how attracted I am to him, but I’m scared. He lives on the damn beach for Christ’s sake, I’m not good enough for him.

  I try getting air into my lungs as I look into his green eyes. “I don’t know what to say. It felt so good, but it was completely unprofessional.”

  He puts his hand on my knee and I close my eyes from the contact.

  “I’m so sorry. I should never have put you or Kallie in that situation. It was definitely not the time or place. I talked to Kallie today and told her again that it was me and she was totally fine, just so you know. You didn’t blow your chances at modeling. Hell, I was there, believe me, you are going to go far.”

  Hearing him say that sparks something in me. It’s something I’ve waited to hear, longed to hear for years. I can’t explain what comes over me, but the next thing I know I’m pressing my lips to his.

  I know I’ve caught him off guard, hell I caught myself off guard, but after a second, he runs his hand up into my hair. Letting out a moan, he slides his tongue into my mouth and I’m on fire. I grab his shirt in my hands and kiss him with everything that I have. He growls and it just spurs me on.

  Slowly he sinks down into the sand, never breaking contact. He is fully on his back and I’m angled half on his chest, half in the sand. I run my hands up and down his solid chest, wanting nothing more than to feel his skin on mine.

  The kiss is slow, sweet, and we are both in no rush to have it end. He lets go of my hair and runs his hands down my back, stopping just before my ass. I dig my fingers into his shoulders, and he breaks the kiss. We are both searching the other's eyes for answers, none of which can be answered without words.

  “Braden, I’m not good enough for you, but I’ve never in my life wanted someone more.”

  He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and pulls me down to place a soft kiss on my lips. “McKinley, you are far too good for me. You are stunning, sexy, and smart. You go after what you want without fear or reservation, and I admire that so much. Never in my life have I felt this attracted to someone, so please don’t say you aren’t good enough. If anything, I’m the one not good enough.”

  It’s too much, too overwhelming. I don’t want to think because it makes me question too many things, mainly myself.

  “So now what?”

  He flips me over and I’m cushioned by the sand, with his incredible body caging me in. “Now I’m going to kiss you.”

  And that is exactly what he does. We explore each other’s mouths and bodies, letting out soft moans. Having his hands caress my sides and back up into my hair. It feels amazing. I’m lost in him; in the way he is making me feel. I want more, so much more. Just as I’m about to wrap my leg around his waist, we are hit by a huge wave.

  “Oh, holy fuck,” I yell, trying to chr atch my breath and blink the water away from my eyes.

  Braden is laughing looking down at me. “That’s one way to get me off of you.” I’m still shocked and breathing heavily at the unexpected wave. “Here,” he says, pulling his shirt off and helping me sit up. He wipes his face with it and hands it to me.

  I wipe my face, sure that my makeup is smudged all over, and hand him back his shirt. “Thanks.” Even with saltwater burning my eyes, I’d be an idiot not to notice how unbelievably sexy he looks without his shirt on. His rock-solid chest leads down to an impressive six-pack. The muscles in his shoulders and arms are flexing with every little move he makes. It’s making me wonder what is happening under those shorts.

  “Come on,” he says, standing up and holding out his hand for me. “Let’s go up to the house so we can dry off properly.”

  I grab his hand and he helps me up. As soon as I’m standing, I notice how irritating the sand feels clinging to me. I start brushing it off of me and I swear the more I wipe off the more it appears. I look at Braden with pleading eyes and he laughs. “Holy shit. This is annoying, how do you get this off?”

  “Seriously? Haven’t you ever gotten sand on you before?” he asks, while he continues to laugh at my expense.

  I stop my frantic wiping and look out at the ocean. “No, this is the first time I’ve ever been to the beach, seen the ocean, felt sand on my feet.”

  “In that case, stop trying to wipe it all with your hands. You have sand on them too and it’s not helping. Come up to the house and I’ll give you a dry towel to use,” he says as he starts walking toward his house.

  I’m not sure what the hell the dry towel will do, but the sand is starting to itch, so I’m willing to try anything.

  When we make it to the stairs leading up to his house, he grabs a towel off the railing and hands it to me. I start wiping the sand and son of a bitch, it’s starting to come off.

  “Why does it itch and burn? Am I allergic to sand or something?”

  He tries hiding his smile as he says, “No you aren’t allergic to sand. It gets irritating, which is why we normally rise off in the water. Do you have a bathing suit on?”

  “Umm, yes. Why?”

  I don’t want to walk all the way down to the water and then have wet feet to walk back to my car.

  “I have an outside shower you can use to get most of the sand off. The rest will come off when you get home and shower.”

  Not giving me a chance to answer he starts walking up the stairs, so I follow. I don’t understand what is going on. One minute I’m trying to avoid him, the next we are making out on the beach, and now we are just acting like nothing happened. I’m so damn confused.

  After he shows me how to use the shower, I take off my clothes and step in with my bathing suit on. When I think I’ve gotten most of
the sand off. I step out and Braden is standing there with a towel. “Oh, thank you,” I say as I wrap it around myself.

  He nods his head and sits down at the table. “McKinley, let’s talk.”

  I walk over and sit down across from him. Searching my eyes, he takes a deep breath. “I’m just going to be honest with you. I’ve been hurt and I don’t trust easily. I question everything that happens, and I am damn protective of those I love.” I listen closely with my stomach in my throat. “The thing is, you came crashing into my world and I didn’t know how to avoid it. You are here to build a relationship with your brother, and I can’t stop thinking about you. So, I need to know everything, I need you to be honest with me.”

  My heart is pounding in my chest. It’s a combination of fear and excitement. I feel the same way about him, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing. Being with Braden is what my body wants, but my head isn’t so sure. I’m here for a reason and dating isn’t it. I’m not sure what to do at this point, but I know I need to answer him. “What else do you need to know? I told you why I’m here, about my family, and where I grew up. What else is there?”

  “I’m not saying you need to say anything right now. What I mean is no matter what kind of relationship we have, honesty is key.”

  Honesty is key. How can I be completely honest with him? If he or anyone knew I came here with totally different intentions, I’d lose them all. That is something I’m not willing to risk, definitely not.

  Chapter 8

  Braden

  * * *

  Sitting here waiting for McKinley to say she’ll be honest with me is torture. It was so ironic I saw her on the beach when I did. I went out there to think about what to do with these feelings I’m having. Especially after talking to Kallie because she told me how McKinley was attracted to me.

  It definitely got heated fast, but that’s what happens when I’m around her. I can’t control myself. I’ve got a million questions, and when I told my sister that, she told me sometimes I just need to let go. Maybe she’s right, I don’t know. Either way, I won’t be able to do anything else unless McKinley can tell me she’ll be honest with me.

  “Yes, I’ll be honest with you,” she finally says.

  I close my eyes briefly; thankful she gave me the answer I wanted.

  “How about this? I’d like to make dinner for you tonight.” I chuckle thinking back to her with the sand. “I know how badly you want to shower, so I’ll take you to your car. You go home and get ready. Come back, say around eight?”

  She smiles an honest smile and nods her head. “I’d like that.”

  After I dropped McKinley off at her car, I run to the store to pick up stuff for dinner. I’m not a great cook, but I can manage a few things. Tonight, I’m going to make eggplant parmigiana, and I’m hoping she likes that. I have no idea of her likes and dislikes. That is one thing I’d like to change tonight.

  I get everything prepared for dinner before I get ready for tonight. Normally I don’t even think about what I’m wearing, but tonight I feel like a damn chick. I want to make sure I wear something that I think she’ll like. Who the hell am I? So, after I shower, I put on a pair of jeans and a black button-down, rolling up the sleeves just enough to make sure I’m not sweating.

  Realizing McKinley will be here soon, I put the eggplant into the oven and chill a bottle of wine. I pull out my white tablecloth and grab the candles I have and go outside to set the table. It’s a beautiful night and I figured a romantic dinner on the deck would be perfect.

  Since my divorce, I haven’t romanced a woman and I forgot just how much I like it. When Sarah and I first got married I always made sure to keep the romance alive. I lean on the railing looking out at the dark ocean letting my mind wander back in time. It brings a smile to my face for a split second and then the lies come crashing through, replacing any good memories I have left.

  I shake my head and go inside to wait for McKinley. No reason to dwell on the shitty past, especially when I have a gorgeous woman coming over.

  Just as I’m checking dinner the doorbell rings and like a pussy my stomach drops. I take a calming breath and go to answer the door. When I open it that breath is stolen from me. McKinley is standing there looking more beautiful than I have ever seen her. Her brown hair has curls in it, her makeup is just enough, and her dress, which is strapless, is clinging to her incredible body. “Wow, you look gorgeous.”

  She smiles and walks in. “Thank you. You look great too,” she says, letting her eyes wander all over my body.

  I lead her into the kitchen and offer her a glass of wine, which she happily accepts. I pour myself a glass as well and we go sit on the deck.

  “Braden, this is beautiful.”

  Good to know she likes to be impressed, that I can do.

  “Well, the beach does most of it, I just lit a candle.”

  She giggles and I want to forget dinner. I want to spend the night getting to know her body.

  “How long have you lived here?” she asks, taking a sip of her wine.

  “I’ve been here a year now. When I first got divorced, I stayed in my old house until it sold. Once it did, I put a down payment on this one. I couldn’t wait to move in,” I say, enjoying the cool breeze.

  Smiling at me she says, “I can see why. I’ve never seen such a beautiful home.”

  “I’m such an asshole. I didn’t even give you a tour.” I stand up and reach my hand out for her. “Come on, we have a little bit before dinner is ready.”

  She places her hand in mine and I keep my hold on it while I show her the house. Everything is on the main floor. The living room, kitchen, dining room, half bath, and two spare bedrooms. That was a must for my girls.

  Upstairs is the master bedroom. It is one of my favorite rooms in the house. The back wall is all windows, letting me enjoy the stunning views. It is all hardwood floors, as the whole house is, and my king-sized bed appears small in the large room. It is painted a light blue, similar to the sky on a bright day, and the bedding is all white. Perfect for a beach bedroom. The bathroom is also large, with both a shower and soaker tube.

  We are standing in my bedroom and she lets go of my hand and spins in a circle.

  “Holy shit. This is the most stunning room. I mean the rest of the house is gorgeous, but this room takes your breath away.” She walks over to the windows and stands in front of them. “This must be spectacular in the daylight.”

  Moving over to her, I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss beneath her ear. “You’ll have to see for yourself,” I whisper in her ear and I hear her suck in a breath.

  We stand there, me enjoying her in my arms, while we look outside. Even though it is completely dark, you know that the view that is there is fabulous.

  “Let’s go check on dinner before it burns,” I say, letting go of her, but grabbing her hand. The need to feel her is overwhelming.

  We make our way back to the kitchen and I check the eggplant, which thankfully hasn’t burned.

  “What are we eating?”

  I look over my shoulder and grin. “Eggplant, which I’m hoping you like.”

  She laughs and moves closer to look at it. “Lucky for you I do.” Inhaling she lets out a moan. “It smells amazing.”

  Listening to her moan is such a fucking turn-on. Even if she’s moaning about the food.

  We enjoy dinner out on the deck, keeping the conversation light. Although, now that we have finished dinner, I figure it’s time to know more about each other.

  “McKinley, I know you said your mom told you about Blake and all. But you’ve never said how you felt about the whole thing. I can’t imagine finding out at this point in life is easy to handle.”

  She tosses back the rest of her wine and gives me a tight smile. “Well, I was shocked, to say the least. I didn’t know what to do with the information I was given, but after I thought about it, I knew I wanted to meet him. I knew it couldn’t possibly be worse than what it was like at home, even if he
told me to take a hike.”

  It breaks my heart knowing she had such a shitty life at home. That’s something I need to know more about, but I won’t push her. I’ll let her tell me when she’s ready.

  She tucks her hair behind her ear and gives me a grin. “What about you? You know more about me than I do you. What was it like growing up? Were you and Kallie always close?”

  Thinking of my childhood makes me smile. “Growing up for me was great. Kallie and I were always close. It was just my mom who raised us, so the three of us were always very close.”

  “Have you ever met your father?” she asks, pouring herself more wine.

  “No. When I was a teenager, I tried to find him through Facebook. I never had any luck and I figured why the hell should I try if he’s not? I have no urge to meet him now. Any real man would have been there, if not for his wife, for his kids. I’d never walk out on my girls, ever.”

  That’s the damn truth. The older I got the more I realized what a piece of shit my father was for walking out on us. I don’t care how much hatred I have toward Sarah; I’d never leave my girls. I’ll never understand how my father can walk through life knowing he’s got children out there that he doesn’t know.

  “I can understand that. The older I get the more I realize that the people who are supposed to be in your life are. Whether they are family or not,” she says, pulling me out of my thoughts.

  I smile at her and nod my head. “So true. Look at Blake and Jax, those two are as close as any two brothers I’ve ever seen. You don’t need to be blood-related to have a bond. I’ve gotten so close to all of these guys through Kallie, and I would die for any of them.”

  She doesn’t say anything for a minute, just stares off over my shoulder. When she finally speaks, she is still looking past me. “I’ve never had a bond like that. It’s something I want so badly,” she whispers.

  Looking at her sad face does something to me, makes me want to give her everything she desires. Sarah had everything and it was never good enough, she always wanted more. McKinley has nothing and wants just a little. I get up and squat down beside her, resting my hand on her leg. She looks down at me and I stare into her soul.