by Melissa West
But Brady wasn’t laughing. He was serious. He would do whatever she wanted, say whatever she wanted. He wanted her to stay in his house, in his bed. It seemed like forever ago that she’d first came there, and he remembered feeling attacked, like she’d invaded his world. Now he was desperate for her to be here.
Kylie stood up, reached for his plate and then hers, and went around to the sink, Brady trailing behind her. He slipped his hands around her waist and kissed her neck as she rinsed the plates. “I told you last time—you’re a guest.”
“And I told you that I can put the plates in the dishwasher.”
“So, movie?”
Kylie opened up the dishwasher and set the plates inside, then spun around in his arms. “Or…” She rose onto her toes, her body pressed against his, and kissed him with a new intensity. Their tongues tangled as his hands slipped through her silky strands.
He gripped her hips and lifted her up onto the counter for better access, and the kiss deepened, until Kylie released, her breath labored. “I don’t want to watch a movie.”
“No?” he asked, his eyes locked on hers.
“No.”
And then in one quick move, he pulled her off the counter and looped her legs around his waist. They kissed as he carried her down the hall, then laid her on his bed, her curls feathering out all around her head. No one had ever looked more beautiful.
Brady took his time helping her remove her shirt, her jeans, her bra, and then stepped back to look down at her as he removed his own clothes, their eyes locked the entire time. How had he ever lived without her?
Responsibility called, and he went to his nightstand to grab a condom, tore it open, and rolled it on. Then he returned to her, but this was none of the quickness of the other night. No, this time, he intended to take his time. Slowly, he slipped inside her, and they kissed as they began to move, each push insane bliss and agony all at the same time.
He opened his eyes to look at her, watched as her face tensed with her orgasm, and the words were right there—I love you. I love you so much that I don’t know how I breathe when you’re not around.
But instead of saying it, he finished and pulled her against him, holding her close. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too.” She turned in his arms, kissed his lips, and whispered in his ear. “Again.”
Chapter 18
Christmas Eve came, and Kylie stared around Merrily Christmas, her heart full. Though they hadn’t reached the sales goal she’d hoped for, sales for November and December had surpassed the previous three years’ sales in those months, last year by more than thirty percent. Which had to be enough to keep the store going.
“Okay, I’m out of here,” Ally said, a giant grin on her face, the wrapped Real N Feel doll in her arms. She’d decided to keep it at the shop instead of hiding it in her house, and had swung by moments before to pick it up before heading home to prepare for Santa’s visit. “I could kiss that man of yours for this.”
Kylie laughed. “Not sure your husband would be too happy about that, but I’ll be sure to give him one for you. I’m glad Rena will get her Christmas wish.”
“Will you be getting yours tonight?” Ally wiggled her eyebrows, and they both laughed.
“Go on before you drink more egg nog and I have to drive you home.”
The women hugged, and Kylie locked the front door behind her friend before walking around to turn off the lights. Brady would be there any second to pick her up for his family’s Christmas dinner, and to be honest, she was more than a little bit nervous.
Years ago, she viewed the Littleton home like her own, and spent many nights there having dinner and listening to the Littletons talk and laugh at the dinner table. It reminded her how rarely her own parents found time to be at the table. She was an outsider in every way, and yet never once did they make her feel like one.
“Whatup buttercup?”
A slow smile curled Kylie’s lips as she turned to find Brady leaning against the back wall, keys in hand. She hadn’t heard him enter over the Christmas music still streaming from the speakers.
“Hey there, I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I’m good like that,” he said, winking. Then he pushed off the wall and started for her. His gaze drifted up and he pointed over her head to the mistletoe hanging above them. “Rules and all.” He bent down and pressed a kiss to her lips. A bubbly feeling swirled through her stomach as goose bumps danced across her skin.
“Every time,” she said, feeling suddenly light.
“What?”
“The butterfly feeling. Still hits me every time.”
Brady leaned in and kissed her again. “Me, too.” They remained close for a moment longer, taking each other in, before he pulled away. “All right, Mom texted me three times with the time and what we needed to bring, so we better get to it.”
“Sure thing. I just need to grab one thing.” Kylie darted over to the counter, dropped down, and pulled out the ornament she’d ordered for Mrs. Littleton. Then she opened one of Merrily’s gift bags and started to slip it inside, when Brady spoke up.
“What’s that?” Brady asked, coming near.
She shrugged. “Just a little gift for your mom.” Kylie held it out. It was a hand-painted ornament of a mom reading to three boys. The word “Mother” crested the top of the ornament.
Brady stared at the ornament for a long time before finally glancing over to Kylie, and she thought maybe he didn’t like it, when he said, “You realize you’re going to be the favorite now.”
“My plan all along,” she said with a wink.
Slipping the ornament into the small bag, Kylie fluffed up the tissue paper inside, then adjusted the tiny Christmas tree that hung from the handles. The shop smelled like Christmas—all cinnamon and cookies and candles guaranteed to conjure the spirit within you. She hated to close the shop that night, knowing it might be its last Christmas. But she was learning that she couldn’t be afraid of the “what ifs” in life. She had to press forward, take chances, and hope for the best.
“You all right?” Brady asked.
Kylie nodded, grabbed her purse, and then tucked the present inside. “Yeah, I’m good. Great actually.” She slipped her arm through his. “Let’s go.”
The drive over to the Littletons’ house was peaceful. Christmas music played from the radio, cars drove past, some honking a hello. It hadn’t snowed in Crestler’s Key since the night at the movie, but the air felt wintery and cold, and though Franny hadn’t wanted to come to dinner, Kylie assured her that she would bring her home a plate—all heart healthy.
“You okay over there?” Brady asked for the second time since they’d gotten in the car.
Kylie smiled. “Yes, I’m sorry. I was just thinking about Franny. I hate that she didn’t want to come to dinner.”
“Do you want to skip and go home instead? I can let my parents know. They’ll understand.”
“No, it’s okay. She insisted we go, which is her way of saying she wants a little alone time. Which is fine. I just don’t want her to get lonely during that alone time, ya know?”
Brady eyed his watch. “How about we stay for an hour or so then head over with food? She can have the time she needs, but not so much time that she feels lonely.”
“I’d hate for you to miss out on your family time.”
“Trust me,” he said with a laugh, “I’ll be ready to get away from my brothers almost as soon as we get there.”
“Why is that?”
Suddenly, the joking smile dropped from Brady’s face, and he looked ahead again. “Just work stuff. No big deal.”
It sounded like a big deal, but she and Brady were just growing close again. She didn’t feel comfortable prying into things between him and his brothers.
They turned right down the next street, and one more turn would h
ave them at Brady’s parents’ house. Christmas lights twinkled from several of the homes as they passed, some homes going as far as to have blow-up characters and reindeer in their yards. The whole thing felt like something out of a movie.
Brady parked the car in the Littletons’ driveway behind a handful of other cars, a few she recognized as his brothers’, but there were a few she didn’t recognize. The knot in her stomach tightened.
“Big party.”
Slowly, he ran his hand over her leg, then squeezed her knee. “You know everyone here.”
“Like how much knowing are we talking about here? People that knew us before?”
He cocked his head. “A mix, but mostly, yes. That was all a long time ago. People forget, and besides, most blamed me.” He winked, and Kylie laughed in return, though it didn’t ease the nervousness wreaking havoc on her insides.
“Yeah, I’m not buying that for a second. Family supports family.” And small towns never forget, she thought, but she didn’t say it out loud.
Back then, Kylie had been so certain that she was doing the right thing, that Brady had lied and didn’t care and would break her heart. Only now had she realized that she was the one to break his heart.
Of course he should have told her he was applying to colleges out west. He should have said that he wanted a career that couldn’t happen in a tiny town like Crestler’s Key.
But he didn’t.
Shaking her head, she put on a smile and reminded herself that it was Christmas. Everything was fine, no, great. And they were together again, everything on the table now, honesty the common denominator that hadn’t been there before. They knew what to expect of each other. What could go wrong?
Brady grinned back, then kissed her hand and opened his car door. “But I’d stay away from Aunt Willow if I were you.”
“What? What did you say to Willow?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all.” He raced up the steps, Kylie chasing after him, but before she could force him to dish, the front door opened.
“I’m going to get you for this. Expect pain,” Kylie whispered as Zac’s daughter, Carrie-Anne, stood in the doorway, beaming at Brady. She launched into his arms, and he hugged her tight before she went back inside.
Then Brady leaned in closer to Kylie. “Can this pain be of the bedroom variety? ’Cause I think I can get behind that. Unless you’re wanting to be behind.” He pulled back, his eyebrows raised in mock seriousness. “In that case, we’ll need to discuss terms. Maybe a safe word or two.”
Kylie burst out laughing, and he pulled her close. “See, there’s the smile I love.”
Their eyes locked on the word, but neither said anything. Instead, Brady’s mom came rushing toward them, and hugged Kylie, then kissed her cheek.
“Child, I swear, you’re more beautiful now than you were when you were younger, and you were a goddess before.” Then she shot her son a look. “You better take care of this sweet girl. I don’t want to get used to this face again, only to have it leave me.”
Brady stared at Kylie. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve got it this time.”
She patted his cheek, then hugged him. “Good, and Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” he said.
His mom pulled back, her face tense as she lifted her head a bit, then sniffed the air. “What is that smell?” Then her eyes went round. “Cripes! That’s my apple pie.” She scurried off, Kylie fighting back giggles.
“Like old times,” she said.
“I told you. Nothing’s changed here. Or for me.”
“Brady!”
He whipped around to find his brothers rushing toward him, both grinning a bit too wide. “I see y’all have gotten into Dad’s scotch.”
“Nah,” Charlie said. Then he laughed. “All right, maybe a little. Now, come end the debate. Dad and Zac said it was Coop Blackson who caught that TD pass that won state when you were a senior. But I told him it was Trey Long.”
“Oh, sorry. Hey, Kylie.” Charlie kissed her cheek, and Zac hugged her hello.
“It was Trey.”
“See,” Charlie said, pushing Zac playfully. “Your memory’s shit, older brother.” Then he motioned for Brady to follow them. “Come on, we’re out back.”
Brady eyed Kylie. “Nah, I’ll just hang—”
“Go,” she said. “I’ll be fine here. It’s not my first time with this crowd.”
He hesitated, and she pushed him on. “Go, you know your dad won’t believe Charlie. And yes, it was Trey,” she added, causing the brothers to all laugh.
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent. Go.”
Kate came over then, swooping Kylie away, and Brady followed his brothers out onto the back deck. They had a fire going in the fire pit, and several of his family members and friends of the family circled it to keep warm.
“There you are,” Dad said as the brothers came near. “This boy thinks old Trey caught that State winner, but I told him it was—”
“It was Trey,” Brady said, and his dad’s face froze, causing all three of the brothers to burst into laughter.
It felt good to be there, surrounded by family, Christmas in the air, Kylie inside. Everything in his life had finally clicked into place.
The men continued to reminisce on some of the brothers’ greatest sports moments in high school and college before Zac took a long pull of his beer and bumped Brady’s shoulder. “Forgot to tell you that we have a meeting set up with that investor after the new year. I didn’t think we could all swing it before. You okay with the Tuesday after, nine o’clock?”
And there was the reminder that Brady didn’t have it all figured out, not yet.
“Yep, the date’s good, but we’ll need to go over the terms some more. I’m not game with being gone all the time if we do this.”
“Do what?” Dad asked.
Charlie piped up then. “Remember I told you about that investor wanting to franchise Southern Dive? He called, and we have a meeting set up to talk out the details.”
“Wow,” Dad said, clearly impressed, and Brady felt that old urge to please his family coming to the surface. “So what’s the plan there?”
Zac shrugged. “Not sure yet. We were thinking we would all three keep an eye on the construction, but Brady would travel out to each one, train the staff, and get it started. Probably would take a year or so.”
Dad’s eyebrows pulled together as he faced Brady. He’d always been able to read Brady’s thoughts better than his brothers. “Are you okay with being gone a year?”
“You’re leaving?”
All the blood drained from Brady’s face at the voice coming from behind him. Slowly, he turned around to find Kylie frozen in place, her eyes wide like she was a deer in headlights and didn’t know what to do.
“Time to eat!” Mom called from inside, and before he could say something to Kylie, to explain that he hadn’t made any commitments yet, she turned and went back inside.
“You didn’t tell her?” Zac asked, but Brady pushed on, eager to try to talk this out before they were seated at dinner and there was nothing he could do.
He walked up behind her as she stood with the rest of his family, waiting to hear how his mom would divide up seating for this many people. “Please don’t freak out. This isn’t a big deal.”
“You being gone a year isn’t a big deal?”
“I haven’t agreed to anything yet. Nothing has been agreed upon yet. And even if it happened, it wouldn’t be a year away. I would take small business trips as needed over the course of a year.”
Kylie stared ahead. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I…I don’t know. It’s all up in the air and I didn’t want you to worry over nothing.”
“I get it.” But by the chill coming off her and the tension in her spine, she didn’t get it a
t all. He needed to defuse this quickly, before her mind did its thing and there was no bringing her back.
“Can we go outside to talk?”
She drew a breath and released it slowly. “It’s fine. We can talk about it when we leave.”
But Brady knew there was nothing fine about it.
He scanned the room, took in Zac with Sophie, Carrie-Anne, and their son, Connor. Zac said something he couldn’t hear and the kids laughed, while Sophie play-hit him in the stomach. The whole encounter seemed natural and easy, the way a family should be. Then he glanced to the opposite side of the room, where Charlie stood with an arm around Lila, who was holding their daughter, Violet, both smiling at the little girl like everything was made right in their lives the moment she was born.
Brady wanted that kind of happiness, but he didn’t want it with just anyone—he wanted his smiling forever to be with Kylie. He needed to reassure her that no matter what, the new business didn’t mean he was going anywhere permanently.
“Okay,” Mom said, clapping to get everyone’s attention. “Littleton kids, I have you and your families in the dining room.” She pointed to Kate, Zac, Charlie, and then Brady. “Get going so I can see the rest of the group.”
The brothers grinned at each other and started away. Brady took Kylie’s hand and whispered in her ear, “Don’t let this upset you. We’ll talk about it, see what’s best. Okay?”
She nodded, but still she wasn’t looking at him. She hadn’t looked at him since she heard that he might be leaving.
Mom’s voice carried as they walked out of the common room, around the kitchen, and into the large dining room. The smell of roast turkey and dressing and mac and cheese mixed with a variety of pies, and not for the first time, Brady thought that his mother had outdone herself.
Zac took the head of the table without thinking, but instead of Charlie taking the other end, he nodded for Brady to go there. Hesitating, he took the seat, and Kylie sat beside him, then the rest of the clan filled in the extra seats of the twelve-seat table. His mom had set up a small table in the corner of the room for children, and the littlest kids squealed as they took seats and found activity sets there for them—crayons and coloring books, puzzles and other things to entertain them.
