“Good morning,” Adam said with a polite smile on his dark, salt-and-pepper bearded face.
“Good morning Adam. Good morning Royce.”
Royce nodded. His voice came out quick when he said, “Hi. Sandy.” He rushed over to the dinette table and plopped down in the chair. “Hungry. Eat. Now.” He lifted his fork then smiled at her.
“Breakfast is coming right up, Royce,” Sandella said.
Adam’s eyes landed on the quiche on top of the stove. “That breakfast you made sure looks tasty.”
She smiled. “Thanks. Please have some.”
“I will do just that. You know I loves your cooking, Sandella.” He patted his round belly. “I’m good and hungry, too.”
She laughed. “Thanks, Adam. If all the men around town were easy to please like you, maybe I wouldn’t be single.” She placed a big slice of quiche on a plate for Royce, and then did the same for Adam. She then poured two glasses of freshly made orange juice and handed the drinks to each of them.
Adam took a seat at the table across from Royce. “Well there’s a new man in town, a mighty good one if you ask me, and he’s been asking about you already.”
“Who?” she queried.
His brows hitched. “Why, Willa’s grandson, Braylon, that’s who. I’ve known him since he was a baby,” his deep voice came out groggy, “and he seems to have grown into a mighty fine young man.”
Sandella gave her head a light shake. “Oh no. I’m sure you’re misunderstanding. A man like him would never be interested in someone like me.”
He pinned her with the strangest look. “And what’s wrong with you?”
“I’m too bor—”
Adam’s hand flew up, stopping her from uttering another single word. “Stunning.” He waggled the fork at her. “Don’t say negative things about yourself, Sandella. Not only are you beautiful on the outside, but you’re beautiful on the inside, too. Any man would be lucky to have someone like you.” He winked. “Any man.” Smiling, he forked the food into his mouth.
Flattered by his compliment, she flushed. “You’re too kind, Adam. Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me, it’s true. One day you’re going to make a mighty fine wife to some lucky man.”
She tilted her head. “Ahh. I don’t know about that, Adam. Do you mind watching Royce for me while I take a short walk?”
“Of course not.”
“Thanks. I won’t be long,” she said, heading for the dock.
THIRTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER, Sandella opened the back door to the kitchen. Her heart plummeted past her knees when she spotted Braylon sitting at the table enjoying the breakfast quiche she’d made.
When he looked up from his plate and met her gaze, his face split into a handsome grin. She just about melted. He picked up the napkin lying next to his plate, then swiped it over his handsome mouth. “Good morning.”
Anxiety bloomed in her belly as she stepped inside. “Good morning.” She shut the door behind her.
“Adam told me it was okay if I helped myself to the quiche you made. I hope you don’t mind because it’s mighty delicious.” He lifted his glass to sip the freshly squeezed orange juice she’d prepared at the break of dawn.
Her body tingled all over. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
“Why don’t you join me?” he asked, pulling out the chair beside him for her to sit.
“Maybe some other time I’ll join you, but not right now. I need to go take care of Royce. He’s on a strict routine, and gets agitated easily when he gets off track.”
He leaned back in the chair. Starting with her eyes, his bright hazel gaze lingered down the length of her body. “You said something on Friday that bothered me the entire weekend.”
I made a complete idiot of myself. “Please accept my apology for being so outspoken. I’m normally not like that.”
He eyed her speculatively. “No apology needed, Sandella. Things happen,” he said, his voice husky. “If you’re available later on today, I’d like to take you to lunch at a nice little seafood place on the ocean I heard about. Are you available?”
He’s so handsome. And masculine. Braylon’s kind offer enticed her. Tempted to say yes, water filled her mouth, forcing her to swallow. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. Thanks anyway.” Without uttering another word, she hastened out of the kitchen. Mounting the staircase, her hands glided along the black, iron railing. There’s no need to start something you can’t finish, she convinced herself, heading inside Royce’s bedroom.
BRAYLON HEARD the loud drone of a vacuum cleaner coming from the direction of the library. Why can’t you join me, Sandella? Her refusal of his invitation disturbed him because it’d been the first time any woman had done such a thing. Jesus Christ. He hoped like hell he wasn’t losing his touch. He pushed back his chair, stood, and headed toward the humming noise. Just as he rounded the corner into the dim library with burgundy-painted walls, Adam turned off the vacuum cleaner.
“How’s it going this morning, Braylon?” Adam asked, wrapping the cord around the hook.
“My man...you finally stop calling me, sir. Glad it didn’t take you long.” Braylon held out a fist, and Adam bumped it. Because he wanted information on Sandella, he had to think how to approach the situation.
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Yes.” He shut the door to ensure some privacy. “I don’t know how to ask you this other than to just come out and ask. What’s wrong with Sandella?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Between you and me…she and I had a conversation on Friday that has disturbed me ever since. She said that she doesn’t befriend Marines. Was her last boyfriend in the military?” Why do I even care?
Adam, old enough to be his grandfather, shook his head. “No. it’s nothing like that. The poor girl has been through a lot. I would tell you, but Sandella and I are very close, and the subject has been off limits for many years.”
Braylon shrugged. “Something horrible must’ve happened.”
“If you stick around long enough, she just may confide in you. But for the time being, try to get better acquainted with Sandella. She’s a mighty fine woman to know.”
“Okay. I think I’ll do that,” Braylon said, admiring the obvious loyalty Adam had for his grandparents as well as Sandella.
With the handle of the vacuum cleaner in his grip, Adam disappeared out into the hallway.
Standing in the center of the library, Braylon’s eyes roved over the many rows of books stacked on the shelves. Willa had enough books to open up her own bookstore. His mother had always said that his grandma’s constant reading is what had made her so smart.
Sensual thoughts of a pretty Sandella flashed inside his brain. He walked over to the book shelf and pulled a white photo album off the hutch. He flipped to the first page to find a photo of his mother and father smiling on their wedding day. Mom looks so young and beautiful in this picture. Dad looks buff, and happy. When he went to replace the album, he spotted a red velvet box to the rear.
Assuming the box held more photos, he grabbed it, then slid the album back on the shelf. He walked over to the chocolate leather couch by the tall bay windows that exposed a beautiful view of the sun shining down on the river. He fell back on the sofa, then kicked off his shoes. He removed the lid on the container, placing it in his lap.
Old newspaper clippings were folded inside the rectangular red box. He reached inside, pulled out a clipping, and unfolded it. His heart grappled at the name printed at the top of the obituary—Sugar Summers.
The woman in the photo had long black hair, soft skin, and was simply beautiful just like Sandella. This has to be Sandella’s mother. He read the obituary in its entirety confirming it was indeed her mother. I wonder how she died?
He placed the paper on top of the lid sitting in his lap, pulled out another newspaper clipping, then unfolded it. Jesus Christ! His pulse pounded in his neck after reading the title: Family Suspects Marine Killed W
oman.
According to the article an arrest was never made. This explained Sandella’s uneasiness around him, why she felt the way she did toward the Marines in this part of the country. As he stared blankly at the picture of Sandella’s mother, Sugar, he wondered what kind of beast would rape and kill this beautiful woman. A fucking monster got away with this. A damn monster.
He neatly refolded both articles, stood, then placed the box back on the shelf behind the photo album where he’d found it. With his heart aching for Sandella’s loss, he crossed the room to peer out the window. Knowing a Marine had caused her heartfelt misery, his blood boiled. A man capable of such hideous crimes had no right to be a part of the armed forces. He didn’t deserve to carry the name Marine.
Braylon grunted. His fingers flexed by his side as he watched a sailboat cruise to the other side of the river. He detested whoever did this cruel act. Not only had he brought Sandella grief, he’d pained her entirely family and all those that loved both her and Sugar. I have to show you that you can trust Marines, Sandella. Not all of us are criminals. I need to speak with you.
Before he turned to go find her, he spotted Sandella pulling close the kitchen’s back door. Holding Royce’s palm with one hand, she carried a couple of books in the other and began walking along the emerald grass toward the river.
She wore a soft pink top and a pair of light blue denim jeans that fit perfectly over her round butt. The ends of her hair turned up, making Braylon believe it was windy outside. When she turned to look at Royce, he caught a good glimpse of the smile lighting up her face. Royce smiled back at her. She loves Royce.
She released Royce’s hand and spread a large plaid blanket on the ground underneath the tree. They both sat simultaneously after she handed him a book. She draped an arm over his shoulder. Apparently she was reading to him, or maybe him to her. Sandella’s faithfulness to his uncle impressed him.
While Braylon continued to observe her from a distance, he couldn’t help but think she was definitely a woman he’d love to become better acquainted with, like Adam had suggested. Maybe they could get to know one another and become friends. I’d much prefer friends with benefits. Deep down inside he knew it’d only be a matter of time before he tried to get the sweet-looking princess into his bed and make sweet love to her.
The sight of her was driving him mad with lust. “Oh Sandella. I want you bad, my darling,” he murmured. As he thought about how he’d like to flick his tongue over her black nipple his cock twitched.
You deserve a good man in your life. Could I be that man? Not if Drayton is really my son. If he is, I’d have to do the honorable thing, and support his mother, Madison. A rough grumble escaped his lips when Madison came seeping into his brain. While he’d been traveling the country as a CID Agent, rumor had it she’d been unfaithful. And although she’d denied it, he couldn’t help but wonder if the accusations were indeed true.
After he and Madison had called it quits three years ago, he’d decided to concentrate his studies on getting promoted up the ranks in the military. His hard-work ethics had paid off, and earned him a position as a Criminal Investigator with the Marines, making him an Agent, or as some civilians liked to say, a detective. While studying and training in the US Army CID Special Agent Course, he’d decided to forgo engaging in any serious relationships.
Of course he’d fucked plenty of women, but that was all it’d been between him and the females, a good fucking. Because he didn’t partake in head games, the women had all known that sex was all he’d wanted, and they’d been just fine with giving him just that—great sex.
Now, looking at Sandella, he wondered if he was starting to need more than a fulfilling career to satisfy him. Sure, being a Criminal Investigator for the Marines was rewarding and he wouldn’t trade it for the world. But what good was all of that without a woman like Sandella to share it with?
Royce closed the book in his hand, she took it, then they both stood. She gathered her belongings, and turned facing the window. As she made her way back up to the main house, she caught him staring at her. A light smile touched her succulent lips. His heart stirred, and his dick hardened like fucking steel.
I want you, and I’m going to have you.
Chapter Two
Sandella lowered Royce’s plate containing pita bread stuffed with rotisserie chicken and a side of plain Lay’s chips to the table. She returned to the counter to wipe up the tiny crumbs from the peanut butter crackers he’d enjoyed earlier. As she circled the cloth over the marble countertop, she heard footsteps coming up behind her. Braylon? Her body tensed.
Earlier that morning she’d noticed him looking at her through the bay window from inside the library. His bold stare had sent chills skittering up her spine, and she couldn’t help but wonder why he’d looked at her like that. Was he interested in her? No. That couldn’t be it. He was simply enjoying the scenery out back.
From behind her, someone cleared his throat. “Excuse me, Sandella.” Braylon’s baritone voice made her arms dot with goose bumps.
“Yes?” she said, turning. When her gaze met his, a tingle rushed to her center. Although she’d never had sex with a man before, Braylon’s dominating presence pulled her to him like a powerful magnetic field, electrically charging her body. I have to stop this.
“Do you by any chance know where Adam is? I need to speak with him.” His voice threatened to strike a fire inside her.
You’re so good looking. “He’s out front, trimming the hedges.”
“Although you turned down my offer earlier, I hope you’ll reconsider joining me. If you don’t want to go out, maybe we can spend some time together right here on the estate.”
“I think it’s best if we don’t—”
“I promise if you give me just a few minutes of your time,” his handsome face widened with a buttery smile, “I’ll try my hardest to make it worth your while. Will you at least think about it?” He stepped closer, limiting the space between them.
She craned her neck to look up at him. Heat spooled inside his titillating hazel gaze. His lips are so sexy.
She started to perspire and her fitted jeans felt like sheaths of clammy cloth. She nodded. “Yes, Braylon. I’ll think about it,” she said, already knowing her answer was yes.
“Good. Talk to you later.” He turned and headed toward the living room to exit through the front door, leaving her burning with desire.
SANDELLA ROLLED her Ford Taurus into the driveway of her father’s house where she lived. Her small, wooden home was the epitome of Lowcountry living. Burly oaks spiraling with grey moss rooted in her front yard, and colorful fall leaves lay scattered on the grass, browning at the edges. Flanked with black shutters around the windows, the white three-bedroom home was located in Beaufort, close to Parris Island military base.
Sluggish from working all day, she clambered up the wooden steps. The unstable worn boards creaked beneath her feet with every step she took until she reached the porch. Starting with the chipped paint on the window frames, her home certainly needed a makeover. But when did she ever have the time to do anything other than take care of Royce and her youngest brother, Drew?
Exhausted, she released a breath. She hooked a hand on the silver metal of the screen door and pulled it open. When she stepped inside the living room the freezing temperature submerged her. Why does he keep it so cold in here? She shivered.
“Is that you, Sandy?” her father, Kane, yelled from the small family room just off the kitchen.
Easing the strap of her purse from her shoulder, she confirmed, “Yes, Dad. It’s me.” She placed her purse and keys on the kitchen counter, then turned the stove on high.
Kane rolled inside the room, sitting in his wheelchair. With his hands on the wheels, he looked up at her. “About time you got home. I tell you, Sandy, I think Willa works you too damn hard, and long. Reminds me of how they used to work the shit out of your mother. I think you need to look for—”
She tilted her head.
“I’m not looking for another job, Dad. I love what I do. Besides, Willa pays me great money to take care of Royce. There’s no way I could find another job around here making the kind of money she and Drake pays me.” Especially without having a degree. Thank God, she only had one more year before graduating with her Bachelor’s online.
“Well, keep working for them then,” Kane coughed, the sound of mucus rattling in his throat. “I’d die if you ever left Beaufort.” He patted his chest. “Just die.”
Sandella giggled. “Stop saying that, Dad.”
Angst rounded his deep chocolate eyes. “Well it’s true, dog, own it. I just love you so much. You gone always be my baby girl, and it’ll just kill me if you ever leave me.” With his elbow resting on the arm of his wheelchair, he curved a finger over his mustache. Ever since the car accident had left him paralyzed from the waist down he’d become very dependent on her, but she didn’t mind doing whatever she could for him. She loved him. “Just breaks my heart thinking about it. You look every bit of your mother, my Sugar.”
“Ahhh, Dad. Stop looking so sad.” Ever since her mother had been murdered, Kane had become extremely overprotective of her and her brothers, but especially her. Her brothers felt their father sheltered her way too much. Often she had to remind them that she was fine with her life just the way it was. Besides, they had some nerve to talk. At times they were just as overprotective.
She placed the marinated pork chops in the heated frying pan and began sautéing them in olive oil. She turned away from the meat and faced her father again. “You know, Dad…I just might find me a man and get married someday.” Kane’s brows gathered in the center of his forehead. “Then you’ll have no choice but to let me go.”
Kane wheeled his chair as close as he could get to her. “I guess you’re right,” he grumbled, glaring up at her. He frowned. “But I tell you what…any man you marry better be worthy of my only daughter, and he better treat you right. Because if he don’t, he might end up with a bullet in his goddamn back!” His voice escalated, meaning every single word.
Marrying the Marine-epub Page 2
