“There you are.”
She turned to find Kerri, where else, but in the kitchen.
“You look great,” the cook continued. “I’m glad you decided to go with the orange and white sundress. It’s perfect.”
God, she hoped so. She’d only modeled several last night for Kerri and Jordan when they’d dropped by, thanks to her panicked help-I-don’t-have-anything-to-wear-tomorrow phone call.
“Thanks. It smells like heaven in here,” she said, heading into the aroma zone. Garlic, butter, BBQ…hot sauce? As usual, her friend cooked up a storm. Fruits and vegetables lined the counter, begging to be touched. So, she did, procuring a grape. “Need any help?”
Kerri shook her head. “Nope. You’ve done your work. Go reap the rewards.” The grinning brunette pointed outside. “Your fans await.”
Brandi laughed. “I don’t know about that,” she said, popping the grape into her mouth, gaze falling to the crowd of people outside.
“I do. Everyone’s raving about the yard, wanting to talk to you about ponds and gardens and water features.” Kerri smiled. “And a certain sheriff is here, too.”
Her stomach instantly knotted. Damn. Okay. She knew the guy would probably show up. He was very good friends with the Masters. She just wasn’t sure she was up to seeing him laughing and having fun with another girl. Even though they only kissed a few times…really, really good kisses, mind boggling kisses...they never staked a claim. Heck, she didn’t want to stake a claim, so she had no right to feel whatever the hell she was feeling about Kade and that redhead. It was stupid, and she was going to put it behind her right now and mingle.
“There’s my girl,” Mrs. Masters said, rushing in from the patio. “Come on. Everyone’s asking about you. I have a ton of people to introduce you to.”
Four hours later, Brandi congratulated herself for a job well done. Not only had she gotten several possible jobs, she’d networked, discovering a wonderful local artist who fired handmade tile, a welder, furniture maker and a glass blower. Plus, she avoided the hot tub and any mention of bathing suits.
Then there was Kade.
Hotness personified. In jeans and white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, the man made her mouth water. Still, she managed to not embarrass herself in front of him. Small miracle. He was there—minus the redhead—laughing, talking, looking sexy and at ease. Maybe he was meeting the woman later. In their love nest. Above the restaurant.
She needed a drink.
No she didn’t. Stopping mid-stride toward the outdoor bar, she turned to find Jordan staring thoughtfully at her. Ah hell. Not good. Bulldog McCall was on alert.
Maybe she needed that drink after all.
“Okay, Brandi. It’s time,” Jordan said, walking toward her with two glasses filled with red liquid and mouth-watering lemon, lime and strawberry slices.
Time? She frowned. “For what?”
“For getting in that hot tub,” the woman replied, handing her one of the refreshments. “The guests have gone, the tub is empty. Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
She laughed and sipped her drink. Mmm…sangria. Kerri’s sangria. “No can do,” she said, thrilled to have a legitimate excuse. “I don’t have a suit. I must’ve left it at the store or something.”
Her friend’s smile broadened. “You did, but not to worry, they called Kerri.”
“Kerri? B-but why?” Her frown returned.
“She has an account there, and they remembered us telling you how much you looked like Marilyn in that bikini.”
More sangria slid down her throat. Just shoot me now.
“So, you see? It’s all good. The three of us can slip into our suits, then the hot tub, and enjoy our sangrias.”
Brandi had to admit, that sounded like heaven. She glanced around, noting the older McCalls and Masters sitting near a small grove of trees in the far corner of the yard, watching Cole, Connor, Kade and Kevin playing horseshoes in the pit she’d specially designed.
Jordan slid an arm around her shoulders and guided her into the house. “Your suit’s in Kerri’s old room, you know the way. We’ll meet you in the tub.”
Run. Complain of a headache, stomach ache, which technically, they both did…ache, but she was never good at running. Besides, that hot tub had called to her all week. Beckoned and teased from a backyard that turned out incredible.
The huge patio had an outdoor fireplace near a wrought iron seating area topped with decadent red cushions, and the hot tub steamed in the corner where she’d installed a retractable awning. Pavers dotted the yard, leading to different sections—a grassy area, koi pond, flower garden, vegetable garden. The team did a great job. She did a great job, and dammit, she deserved to relax in that tub with her friends. The remainder of her sangria slid coolly down her throat. Yes. It would be wonderful to soak all the hard work of bending, lifting, planting, out of her sore bones.
Five minutes later, courage wrapped around her like a blanket, Brandi walked out onto the patio in nothing but her brown bikini.
And her refreshed glass of sangria.
Kade was hot.
And bothered.
And son-of-a-bitch, he couldn’t feel his tongue. Must be somewhere near his feet since his jaw hit the hardwood floor the second a certain sexy designer stepped onto the patio in a mouthwatering display of curves and cleavage. Bombshell. Exactly what the woman was, because she certainly blasted his libido into overdrive.
He stopped dead, unsure whether to give his position away or retreat as the three oblivious bikini-clad women slipped into the bubbling water. They must’ve been upstairs changing when he’d stepped inside to use the bathroom. Now, he was in a bit of a bind.
“See? You look just fine, Brandi,” Kerri proclaimed, waving a hand at the woman sliding neck deep into the water.
Better than fine. She was damn fine. She was downright mouthwatering.
Jordan smiled. “You’d give Marilyn a run for her money in that bikini.”
“If you say so.” The designer shrugged, sounding far from convinced.
“Okay, spill.” The cook folded her arms across her chest and stared pointedly at the woman. “Who was he?”
Brandi blinked. “Who was who?”
“The guy who did a number on your self esteem,” Kerri replied. “And don’t say no one, because I’ve been there.”
The bombshell sipped her drink, brown eyes widening. “You have?”
“Yes.” Her friend nodded.
Kade thought about retreating again, and possibly going out the front door, then around the side of the house. This conversation was not meant for his ears.
“My former husband,” Kerri replied. “I thought he was cheating on me because I’d done something wrong. Turns out it wasn’t me at all.”
“Oh, mine is different.” The designer laughed without mirth. “I’m pretty sure it was me.”
He stilled, his gut clenching at the sound of self-loathing in her tone.
“How can you be sure?” Jordan questioned.
“Because he said, and I quote, ‘I don’t find you attractive anymore, Brandi. You’re too fat.’”
“That prick!”
“What a bastard!”
Shock rushed through Kade in a heated frenzy and his fists shook in silent rage. She’d said something about her ex the other day, but he thought it had been the painkillers talking. Christ. The sisters were both right. Brandi’s ex was a no-good, prick bastard who didn’t deserve the designer’s sweetness. Or any woman.
“Oh, hun, I’m so sorry,” Kerri reached out to take Brandi’s hand. “I hope you know that he was a big jerk. If he cared about you, your size should not have mattered.”
A small smile tugged the beauty’s lips. “That’s what Kade said.”
“And he’s right.” Jordan nodded before downing the rest of her drink.
Damn straight.
He was also done. Kade had heard enough. Made him sick to think he and that fucker wore the same
uniform. It was time to show the woman just how attractive he found her lush body. He wasn’t looking for a commitment. He wasn’t looking for a relationship, but he sure as shit could treat the woman how she deserved to be treated.
“Not so sure Kade still thinks it.” She sighed and looked down at her hands.
Kerri frowned? “Why not?”
“Well…if he did…then why…what was he doing with the redhead?”
Ah hell. She thought… He blew out a breath. It probably did seem odd.
“Shayla?” Jordan’s brow rose. “Trust me. Kade would never get involved with her.”
“Why not? She’s stunning and thin…and stunning.”
Really? The designer really didn’t know how beautiful she was?
“And the fiancée of the soldier who died,” his friend’s wife stated.
Brandi’s inhaled breath reached his ears. “Oh…”
“Yeah, so trust me,” Jordan said. “Kade is not interested in her that way. But you…oh yeah.”
He nodded with a smile. Exactly. And it was time he made his attraction to her perfectly clear.
The guys and their game of horseshoes forgotten, Kade strode to his truck to retrieve the swim suit on his front seat, only one thought in his mind…
Showing Brandi Wyne how a real man appreciated a woman with curves.
The hot tub was a good idea. For the first time in days, Brandi was relaxed and enjoying some me time…after they got off the subject of her and onto discussing the upcoming wedding. All it took was one question asked on her part, and boom, subject changed. Still, she was glad the girls had talked her into buying the suit. Glad they talked her into the tub, too. The bubbling water soothed her troubles away with a warm, encompassing hug. Just what the doctor ordered. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she sighed.
It had been a crazy week of work, annual blood tests and throat ultrasound for her upcoming thyroid checkup, dress shopping, incredible, mind-blowing kisses…
“Got room for more?”
No. Her gaze shot open, heart rocking into her ribs, sending the butterflies in her stomach into a frenzy. Four lean, muscled, nearly naked cowboys smiled as they neared. Oh, Lordy. The tub fit four comfortably. Seven would be snug. Very snug.
And the urge to snuggle into the very fit, approaching sheriff trembled through her. Damn, the ripped man made her scalp sweat, and body quiver with a need to taste and explore his delicious, broad, muscular terrain with her mouth. And tongue. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him.
Too bad she harbored enough for them both.
“Absolutely.”
Of course, Jordan would be the first to answer. And even stood to make more room. What did the former cop care? The smiling woman was trim and curvy and gorgeous.
Her stomach knotted. She should’ve gotten out while she had the chance. Oh, lovely. Now her other friend was standing. And why not? Kerri was tight and…and…perfect.
No way in hell was she getting up. No way. They could all just squeeze in. She was not moving, except…maybe to slink further into the water.
“Well now, ain’t this cozy?” Connor smiled as everyone settled into the water.
Crazy was a better description for being sandwiched between the virile cowboy and hunky sheriff. She glanced at the bubbles, grateful the swirling water hid her body from view. It didn’t, however, hide her body from touch. And with the cramped quarters, touch was impossible to avoid.
Funny how a simple brush here and there with Connor was just that. Simple.
Kade, on the other hand... That man made her right side tingle and body heat on contact. And she was already hot from the spa.
“But…hey.” Kevin frowned as he sat between his cousin and the stairs. “I’m the odd one out.”
“No.” Cole laughed. “You’re just odd.”
Brandi laughed with the others, not just because it was funny, but because of the pout on the gorgeous, blue-eyed Adonis’ face.
Kevin leaned back and grinned. “You’re just jealous.”
“Of what?” Cole shifted Jordan until she sat across his lap, arm slung around his neck.
The cowboy’s smile faded. “Never mind.”
Again, everyone laughed, and Brandi tried to relax. None of the guys looked at her with disgust in their gazes. They were friendly and warm. Except for Kade. Every time she snuck a glance, the sheriff glanced right back, his mesmerizing gaze hot…and interested.
Her whole body was tingling under his scrutiny. And the damn bubbles weren’t helping. They tickled her tingling good parts, enhancing her body’s reaction to the man. The man whose deliciously calloused hand was now tracing light circles on her thigh. God, she could scarcely breathe.
“Brandi, this yard looks fantastic,” Cole was saying. “I’m excited to have you finish our master suite, and think maybe we might contract you to do our back yard, if you can pencil us in.”
Her mind had formulated plenty of scenarios for their backyard having stared down at the barren area while working in their house this past week. And she would’ve been happy to relate that information, except she still couldn’t find her breath. She nodded instead.
A big, warm, wonderful hand lightly squeezed her knee. “How’d you make out today? Any prospects?”
She turned her head, and Kade’s open, smiling, hopeful gaze made her dizzy. And confused. Was he seeing that redhead? If so, why was he flirting with her? He didn’t seem the type to toy with two women at the same time. But, maybe she was just blinded by lust and couldn’t see the real man.
“Brandi?”
Her inability to breathe was now affecting her sight. Great. Can you say loser? She finally found a hunky guy who wasn’t repelled by her body and she couldn’t even communicate. Or breathe. That was going to be a problem. Damn, it was hot. And they were shaded by the retractable awning they’d opened.
“Brandi,” Kade repeated, his tone a little more urgent.
The next thing she knew, he lifted her out of the water and carried her dripping, jiggling body to a nearby chaise.
Mmm…he felt good, all hot and hard and wet.
“Brandi?”
She blinked, and drew in a breath. If it weren’t so embarrassing, this moment would almost be perfect.
“Jordan, Kerri, are there any sports drinks here?” he asked.
She closed her eyes against the spinning sky. A second later, she felt the soft cushions of the chaise beneath her as someone shoved a bottle in her hand and helped her drink. It was blessedly cool and quite tasty. Raspberry. She liked raspberries.
“That’s it. Keep drinking,” Kade encouraged in a tone both soothing and commanding.
Is that how he sounded to the horses? At this point, she’d do anything he asked. Run around a pasture. Hop a fence. Jump him… A few more gulps and colors and shapes came into view.
“There you are,” he said, gentle hand feeling her forehead.
His touch was like heaven, chocolate heaven—all warm and delicious…wait…
She inhaled then blew out the breath. “How many calories was that?”
He chuckled, amusement chasing the worry from his gaze. “Yep, you’re back.”
She glanced at the other concerned faces, noting the older couples had joined in the vigil. Oh, goodie. Heat surged into her cheeks. If you’re going to make a fool out of yourself, might as well do it in front of everyone. “I’m good.”
“You sure?” Kerri frowned over her. “You’re awfully red still.”
Brandi nodded. “Not to worry, this shade is brought to you courtesy of embarrassment.”
“Nothing to be embarrassed about,” Jordan said. “It’s a hot day, in a hot tub. Add in the sangria and it was the perfect cocktail for dehydration.”
“Yeah,” Kade agreed, smiling down at her. “It could’ve happened to any one of us.”
She forgot to mention his nearness, unwavering interest, mouthwatering muscles. Then there were his hands. Cripes, her knees hadn’t had that much attention
from anyone or anything except maybe a razor for years. One touch and every cell in her body had clamored and yearned for more.
“Well, as long as everything is okay, we’re going to go,” Mrs. McCall said. “There’s an outdoor concert in Galveston.”
“Yeah, we want to get good seats.” Mrs. Masters nodded. “You all stay and have fun.”
Galveston. She envied them. Over the past several months, she’d visited the pretty, gulf city to attend a few of their wonderful outdoor concerts. Alone. She wanted to enjoy the symphonies without explaining her acquaintance to some of the musicians she ran into that, once-upon-a-time, she used to accompany. It was such a joy to be anonymous, and a patron on the opposite side of the coin.
“Have you ridden your horse yet today?”
She blinked at Kade, surprised by the question. “N-no.”
“Want to get out of here?” His voice was low and incredibly sexy.
So sexy, her body began to hum.
“I… Okay.”
Twenty minutes later, stuffed back into her sundress, Brandi chewed her lower lip as she drove to Shadow Rock, wondering if she was out of her ever loving mind.
Kade decided to follow rather than lead the bombshell to his ranch. He wasn’t stupid. Sure, the woman was attracted to him, but Brandi was also leery and battling low self-esteem. He intended to nullify both concerns. Today.
When she parked near the stables instead of the ranch, he knew he was going to have to tread carefully. Despite the hunger he’d seen in her gaze, the designer was nervous. He’d take it slow, let her have the lead. He would never force her into doing something she didn’t want to do.
Parking next to her, he got out, smiling to himself when she remained in her truck. At least she’d cut the engine. She was too cute. If the poor woman was really that nervous, he was fine with just riding horses.
Now, if only he could get his body on the same page. The image of her falling out of that sexy-as-hell bathing suit was still wrecking havoc with his groin.
He opened her door and held out a hand. The combination of heat and anxiety darkening her gaze hit him with the force of a physical blow. His grip tightened on the truck.
Her Uniform Cowboy (Harland County Series Book 3) Page 12
