Behind The Lies

by Dahlgren , Heather

  “Holy shit really? My first cover?” She turns to me with wide eyes and a huge smile.

  “You deserve it, baby. Congratulations,” I say, smiling back just as big.

  The girls continue to talk about the cover, and I look at Blake and grin. He looks just as happy as I feel. He’s watching his girlfriend and sister talk excitedly about everything before looking at me. I can tell just by the way he looks at me he is telling me how lucky we are, and I nod my head agreeing. The change in him since he met London is drastic. I never thought when I first met him that he’d ever settle down, but now I can’t picture him any other way.

  “Braden?” I snap out of my thoughts and look at McKinley. She giggles and stands up. “I didn’t think you heard me. Are you ready?”

  “Absolutely,” I say, standing up.

  We both thank Blake and London for dinner and for having us before we leave.

  The next week flies by. McKinley is busy with work and modeling. Kallie asked her for another shoot and another photographer reached out to set up a shoot. She’s been so damn happy, which makes me happy.

  I’m on my way to meet Kallie for lunch and even though we’ve talked a little since our argument, I need to apologize again. I feel like an asshole for jumping at her like that. When I pull up to the restaurant, I see her jeep and head inside. She is standing by the hostess laughing and I can’t help but smile. My sister is not only the most talented photographer I know, the most fun and outgoing person, and has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen, but she’s my best friend. Besides my mom, she is the only other person in my life who has never let me down. I’m damn lucky for that.

  “Hey,” I say grabbing her attention.

  She turns around and hugs me. “Hey, big brother.”

  We get seated and after the waitress takes our drink order, I put my menu down. “Kallie?” She lowers her menu and looks at me. “I need to apologize again for the other night. I never should have yelled at you like that.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” she says, looking back down at her menu.

  “No, I do worry about it. I was a dickhead. You were only telling me how you felt and honestly how I felt. That’s why I snapped. You were just saying everything I was feeling, and the guilt was eating me alive.” I give her a weak smile and she puts her menu down.

  “Braden, I was drunk and totally out of line. You had every right to yell at me. It’s none of my business when or how you tell the girls about McKinley,” she says.

  The waitress comes over and gives us our drinks before taking our order. Once she is gone, I lean back in my seat and stretch my arms out over the back of the seat.

  “I decided next time the girls are here; I am going to tell them about McKinley.” She gets a huge smile on her face, but I keep talking before she can interrupt. “They deserve to know that I am in love.”

  Her eyes get huge, and she covers her mouth. I chuckle as she starts bouncing in her seat. “Holy shit. I knew it, I knew you loved her. She loves you too, you know. It is so obvious when you two are together.”

  I smile and take a sip of my beer. “Oh, I know she loves me,” I say with a wink.

  “You guys said it didn’t you?” I nod my head and she practically screams. “Oh Braden, I’m so happy for you. You deserve this more than anyone else.”

  Our food gets dropped off and after thanking the waitress I turn my attention back to Kallie. “That’s not true. Everyone deserves to fall in love.”

  The rest of lunch consists of talking about what is going on in our lives and our mom and all her movie dates. After I pay the bill, which of course she argued about, I walk her to her jeep.

  “Thanks for meeting for lunch,” I say, kissing her cheek.

  “Thanks for paying jackass. Hey, if you and McKinley don’t have plans this weekend, we are all going over to Blake’s, you guys should come,” she says with pleading eyes.

  I chuckle and start walking away. “I’ll check with McKinley, but I’m sure we’ll be there.”

  When I get home, I fire up my laptop to finish a few things for work. Just as I start my phone rings and I grab it. When I see it’s my lawyer I answer quickly.

  “Hey, Braden. Hope you’re ready because I’ve got a date for the custody hearing,” he says, and I grab my calendar out of the drawer.

  When he tells me it’s only two months away, I smile writing it all down. He tells me that he will call me, and we will go over everything when it gets closer. I hang up and lean back in my chair with a smile. I have no doubt in my mind that my girls will be living here soon. Once they are, things will be perfect. I’ll have everyone I love in one place. Great things are going to happen, I can feel it.

  Chapter 17

  McKinley

  * * *

  “Beautiful. Now take the bra off and drape your arm across your breasts,” Kallie says, snapping away.

  We are almost done with the shoot. Kallie has taken some great photos. Not because of me, but because she is so great at what she does. She knows exactly where to tell me to look, move or turn. Talented doesn’t seem like the right word to describe her.

  Aside from the shoot at Blake’s, this is my first outdoor shoot. We’re at this stunning lake in the woods. The sun, green trees, and tall grasses bounce their reflections off the clear water. The most breathtaking thing is the waterfall. It’s the perfect background and the sound of it hitting the water is so relaxing to me.

  Once I have my bra off, she has me stand just in the water, with the beautiful waterfall behind me. I was worried I would be nervous, especially not having clothes on. That’s not the case though. Kallie makes me feel so comfortable and it’s very secluded here. The odds of someone seeing me are slim to none.

  “Stunning McKinley. Last shot and I know it will probably be cold, but I want you in the water enough so you can squat, and your breasts are covered just enough,” she says, motioning to the lake.

  I start walking out, with my arm still draped across my breasts, and holy shit it is cold. I make it out until it’s almost up to my stomach and turn to face Kallie. She is right behind me, which impresses me. I figured she would just zoom in, but no, she’s right here. This is what I’m talking about with her, she is amazing. I kneel down and once my breasts are covered; I drop my arm.

  “Holy shit, it is cold,” I say, trying not to shiver too badly.

  Kallie giggles and holds the camera up. “I know it is, but I’ll be fast. I want you to straighten up just a bit to show more of your breasts. We just really want your nipples covered.”

  I do as she instructs, and she starts snapping away. She has me close my eyes, turn to look at the waterfall, and gaze out past her. Even though I’m freezing, I am able to keep it together for every single shot. Although when she says we are done, I jump up and cover myself, nearly running for the shore.

  “Damn, I’ve never had someone run out of the water before,” she says, laughing when she finally reaches me.

  I’m already wrapped in a towel and I smile. “I’m so sorry, I just hate when the water is that cold. I mean what the hell is in there, ice?”

  “I’m not exactly sure why it’s always so cold, maybe something to do with the waterfall,” she says, packing away her camera. “McKinley, you did great today. Such an improvement from the first few photos I took of you. You have definitely found your confidence and it reflects in each shot.”

  Coming from Kallie, that is a huge compliment, and I can’t help but beam with pride. “That means a lot to me. Thank you,” I say, pulling a t-shirt over my head.

  After I get dry clothes on and Kallie is all packed up, we head back to the car. I drove up with her and I’m glad I did because I definitely don’t feel like driving home. We’ve been here for hours and I’m just ready to relax.

  The drive home is mostly listening to the radio and I’m fine with that. I’m taking in the scenery as we drive, and it makes me realize just how damn lucky I am. Never would I have thought this would be my life. Living i
n this beautiful state, in a house, with real friends, a brother, living my dream, and a man that loves me as much as I love him.

  “So, in two weeks, if you are available, I need a model for a shoot with Max,” Kallie says as we get close to my house.

  “Definitely. You just tell me when and where and I’ll be there,” I say.

  I start to think about Max and Brinley and begin wondering what is going on with them. I haven’t seen either of them since that night at Braden’s. Even though I know it’s none of my business, I ask anyway.

  “What’s going on with Max and Brinley? Are they a couple or something?”

  She looks at me and gives me a tight smile. “Or something. Listen, this industry is full of drama and models wanting to sleep with each other. My advice and I suggest you take it, don’t get involved. I don’t ask what’s going on with them, because I don’t like it. Sleeping with other models or photographers is what happens, and then great people get hurt and dreams are crushed.”

  “Kallie, just so you know, nothing like that will happen with me. I love your brother and I have no interest or desire to be with someone else, ever. Please know that,” I say, feeling the need to defend myself.

  I’m not sure if she was talking about me or not, but I felt myself getting defensive. She pulls into my driveway and turns her head to me.

  “Well, that’s good to hear,” she says, smiling. “I wasn’t talking about you, just so you know. However, considering I’ve never seen my brother this happy, it’s good to know.”

  “I know you are overprotective of Braden, hell I would be too, but I’m not Sarah,” I say, smiling at her before opening my door. I get out and stick my head back inside. “I’ve never loved someone like I love him. I wish everyone could see that I’m not out to hurt him or anyone else.” I don’t even let her reply, I just close the door.

  Once I shower, I sit on the couch and think about what I said to Kallie. I feel like such a bitch for the way I spoke to her. It’s just not the first time something like that has been hinted at. His mom said something the other night at dinner. She told me how fragile his heart is and she hopes I handle it with care. Jax and Brody mentioned something along the lines of getting your heart broken is hard to get past and once you do, you just hope it doesn’t scatter to pieces this time.

  I understand he’s been hurt, but damn so have I. It’s not like I am proud of anything my life was before now and I’ve had my heart crushed several times. I realize they don’t know this, but I wish they would all just realize that I love him and I’m not going anywhere. As far as his girls, they are amazing, and I know I will grow to love them. It would be nice if they all just believed me.

  I sigh and look up at the ceiling. I’m defensive for good reason. I’m not the girl who showed up a few months ago and I feel guilty for showing up expecting things I felt were owed to me. I try not to think about it, but it’s a nagging thought. I got everything I wanted and it’s because I lied about why I was here.

  When I got here, I didn’t care about having a relationship with Blake that didn’t involve his modeling connections and it makes me sick to my stomach now. I’d give up the modeling in a heartbeat to have the relationships I have now. Especially with Blake and Braden.

  I pick up my phone to text Kallie and apologize when it rings. Braden’s number pops up and I smile answering. “Hello?”

  “Hey, beautiful. What do you say to me picking up Chinese for dinner and having you for dessert?” he asks, making me want to skip dinner altogether.

  “I say, I hope you’re on your way,” I say, getting up to go fix myself before he gets here.

  “Just pulled into the Chinese restaurant. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes,” he says, and we hang up.

  Deciding to surprise him with the new lingerie I got, I pull open my drawer. I carefully open the pink tissue paper and pull out my black and pink beauty. It clings perfectly to my body, just barely covering my ass. I pull it on and slide on the matching thong. I then get my black thigh highs and clip them onto the garter. Going into the closet I grab my black heels and step into them. I check myself out in the mirror and love how it looks. I feel so incredibly sexy. I quickly do my hair and makeup and before Braden gets here, I lay on the couch.

  I hear him knock once, before opening the door. “McKinley?”

  He puts the food in the kitchen before walking into the living room. The second his eyes lock on me, he stops dead in his tracks. It takes him a minute to say anything, because his eyes are running up and down my body, igniting a fire only he will be able to put out.

  “Holy shit. You look stunning,” he says, stepping out of his shoes. “Picture, perfect baby,” he continues, pulling his shirt over his head. My body begins to hum with need, wondering how this will play out. “Sexiest thing I’ve ever set eyes on,” he says, stepping out of his jeans.

  He walks toward me in nothing, but his gray boxer briefs and I can see how turned on he is. He stands above me and his tongue pokes out to wet his lips. “On your back,” he demands, making my nipples pebble.

  Braden is always so sweet and gentle, but there are times in the bedroom where he takes total control, and it is fucking hot. I roll onto my back and look up at him. The fire in his eyes mimics how my body is feeling, and he hasn’t even laid a finger on me yet. The way my body reacts to him, yearns for him, and submits to him, it is like I have no control of it. But damn I love it. He is still racking his eyes over my body and I can feel myself getting wet.

  “Please, Braden,” I beg.

  “Give me a minute baby. I need to remember this,” he says, eyes never leaving my body.

  After a few more minutes he finally snaps out of the trance he seems to be in and goes to the end of the couch. He slowly kisses up my legs switching back and forth. The closer he gets to my throbbing pussy, the tighter I fist the couch cushion. His body pushes my legs apart the higher he gets, and my right leg falls off the couch. When his mouth connects with my pussy through my thong, I nearly buck off the couch. “Fuck, I can smell how turned on you are. Do you have any idea how hot that is?” he groans, sliding the thong down my legs, not really expecting me to answer.

  Once they are tossed onto the floor he leans forward and licks me from my ass to my clit, causing me to let out a loud moan.

  “Toss your legs over my shoulders, McKinley. I need to taste you before I fuck you.” Not one to argue, I do exactly as he says.

  The minute my legs rest on his shoulders, his mouth connects with my dripping pussy. He licks at me with a speed that is making my eyes roll into the back of my head. He slows his pace only for a minute and once he picks up speed, I can’t help but shout out. I have no control over my body as I rub my pussy against his face, needing to feel relief from this intense build-up.

  He’s like a wild man, digging his fingers into my thighs and letting out a growl as I push myself harder against his face. He pushes two fingers deep inside me and sucks on my clit and my orgasm rips me in half.

  “Fuck Braden,” I scream as he continues to lick at me.

  Once I start to recover and come back to myself, I lift my head and look at Braden. He licks his lips and winks at me.

  “Fucking sweet as honey,” he says, wiping the rest of his mouth with his hand.

  “Sit up McKinley,” he demands.

  As I do, he stands up and pulls off his boxers, but not before reaching into his pants pockets and pulling out a condom. Sitting there I watch him roll it down his thick cock and my body tightens with excitement. He stands in front of me, holding himself and my eyes are fixated on how fucking sexy it looks.

  In a flash, he grabs my arms and pulls me off the couch, slamming his mouth to mine. I run my hands up into his hair and pull, causing him to moan in my mouth. He’s kissing me with as much force as he used on my pussy and it is causing me to tremble with need. He runs his hands down my body and once he reaches my ass, he lifts me. I wrap my legs around him and he breaks the kiss, both of us breathing h
eavily. Without a word, he walks over to the back door, and just when I think he is going to take this outside, I feel my bare ass on the cold glass.

  I look at him with wide eyes and turn my head the best I can to look outside.

  “Braden, what if one of the neighbors see?” Not that I’ve met any of them, but this wouldn’t be a great first impression.

  “Then they will see how fucking sexy you are, and they will understand,” he says, kissing the swells of my breasts.

  Before I can give it a second thought, he slams into me. Once he starts moving, I could give a fuck who is watching. I just want him to keep going, keep making my body submit to his touch. My back on the cold glass and my front on his hot, solid body is a feeling I’ll never forget. I can feel my body getting close to an epic orgasm already.

  He digs his fingers into my ass, leaving bruises, I’m sure. It just brings me that much closer. “I’m so close already Braden.”

  “Fuck McKinley,” he grinds out, picking up his speed.

  His hand reaches down, and he begins to rub my clit. My head drops back, banging against the glass, but I don’t give a shit. I feel the beginning of my orgasm and I’m ready to ride it out. A few more strokes of his finger and I moan out his name as my release takes over. He wraps his fingers into my hair with one hand and keeps his other on my ass, as he slams into me one last time.

  “Oh fuck,” he growls as he finds his release.

  After a few minutes of both of us catching our breath, he pulls his head back and our eyes lock. “Damn, that was hot,” I say, smiling at him.

  “That was one hell of a sight to walk in on,” he says, kissing my lips.

  He walks us over to the couch and sits down, holding me against him. He kisses the top of my head and tightens his muscular arms around me. “I love you, McKinley.”

  Every time he says it, my heart skips a beat. Hearing him say he loves me, will be something that I will never be tired of hearing.