Tangled Paths

by Kimi Flores

  And this is why I love you.

  Shrugging, Bri admitted, “Honestly, Josh hurt me a long time ago, but we’re gonna try to move past it now.”

  “I knew it,” Dani blurted. “You said you guys hung out back in the day, but I had a feeling it was more.”

  Bri brought her chin to her shoulder. “It’s not something I like to talk about. He was the first guy I ever slept with, then he acted like he didn’t know me.”

  “What a prick!” Dani scowled.

  Leah made an ‘oh shit’ face. “Yeah, Stefen definitely doesn’t need to know that.”

  “He doesn’t need to know anything,” Bri pointed out. “He’s had to shelter me from enough crap. And I’m stronger now. I love living close to you guys, but I really want him to focus on you. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. ”

  Leah scooted back, closer to the mirror. “Yeah, don’t tell him that though.”

  Shrugging, Bri exhaled, “I know. I’ll just have to show him.”

  With a few small nods, Leah smirked, “I must say, you and Josh did look pretty cute together.”

  Bri lifted her hand in front of her. “Oh no, don’t even go there. I don’t mind talking to him, but I think the friend zone is a much better place for us.”

  What began as a smirk turned into a full blown, knowing grin as Leah said, “Yeah, that’s what I said about your brother. Dani kept reminding me to never say never.” She laughed as if remembering how it all happened.

  “Not happening.” Bri shook her head.

  Dani joined Leah, full on busting up. “Well, you just sealed your fate.” She sighed. “I hate to break up the party, but I have to go home and get ready for work. Oh well, at least I finally have a client.” Standing up, she dusted off her behind, hugged each girl, then waved as she headed out the door.

  “She’s happy, but she seems to be overdoing it,” Bri confided in Leah, concerned.

  “Yeah, that runs in the family. If it wasn’t for Stefen insisting I get help, I would still be doing everything myself. I guess we just saw how hard our parents worked, and it rubbed off on us.”

  Bri couldn’t help the bitterness that rose up in her. Her mother never worked a day in her life and her father stayed at the office more than home, so she guessed she never learned a happy medium either.

  Bri picked up her phone when it alerted her of an incoming text.

  Blaine: I’m so sorry. Something came up and I need to reschedule. I promise we’ll go out soon.

  “Seriously?” Irritated, Bri rolled her eyes, putting her phone back down.

  Leah’s face tightened. “What’s up?”

  Bri let out a heavy breath. “That guy I met at the dry cleaners the other day asked me out and he’s blown me off a bunch of times. I only gave him another chance because the place he was supposed to take me to sounded interesting.”

  Leah lifted her eyebrow. “The guy you mentioned the other night in the limo?”

  “Yeah. Blaine, why?” she asked curiously.

  “Because he’s Abby’s ex-boyfriend’s brother.”

  Bri frowned. Just my luck. “Is that why Caleb and Abby looked at me like that when I mentioned his name?”

  Leah bobbed her head side to side. “Yeah, well that and because Cindy was the girl who Abby’s ex, Peter, cheated on her with.”

  Bri’s eyes narrowed. “That skanky whore. That’s why she made those snide comments. I hate when bitches think they’re one-upping me.”

  Leah rolled her eyes. “You and me both, sista. Blaine seems like a nice guy, but he did ask Abby out one time, right before she and Caleb started dating.”

  Scrunching up her nose and mouth, Bri didn’t like the thought of dating a guy who’d already asked her cousin-in-law out. “Ewww, gross. He knew who Abby was to me and still asked me out? Yeah, so not happening.” She picked up her phone and sent a quick text back.

  Bri: Don’t worry about it. I made other plans.

  Blaine: Can we reschedule?

  Bri: No I think we should let this go.

  Blaine: I’d rather not.

  Bri: I would, but thank you anyway.

  Bri set the phone aside and Leah asked, “So what are your thoughts on going out to Josh’s ranch with us?”

  “I’d like to.” She had to think about it. “I don’t think he would mind, but I should probably call and see. I don’t have his number though.”

  Was that a big enough hint?

  Leah was all too eager to hand her cell over. “Here, use my phone. I’m going to jump in the shower.” She stood up and strolled away.

  Bri found Josh’s number and let her finger hover over the call icon. This was the guy she swore she would stay away from and here she was calling him. I’m so pitiful. Before she could press call, her phone started to vibrate on the floor. Peering down, she saw Mother Dearest on the display. She sent that call directly to her voicemail, then pressed the send icon next to Josh’s number.

  No. Even though she would say I was right, I’m not pitiful. I’m being an adult and trying to live a healthy, balance life. At least she thought that was what she was doing.

  Closing her eyes, she gulped at the first ring. Taking a deep breath, she listened to the second.

  “Hey, Leah, what’s up?”

  Oh shit! He doesn’t know it’s me calling. Instinctively, doubt crept into her mind. Would he have answered if he’d known?

  After taking the hour and a half drive home from his brother’s house, Josh reached for the remote control on his visor and waited for the heavy black, wrought iron gates to open. “Leah? You there?” He wondered if she accidentally pocket-dialed him.

  Pulling up the long cement driveway, Josh took in his nineteenth-century Spanish colonial home. Mature oak trees scattered the estate, as well as an abundance of native plants and flowers. This place was always a treat to return to, and he was thankful the last owner didn’t remove any of the original landscape.

  He might live on the twenty-acre property all alone, but it was a much better option than being surround by hundreds of people using him for their own gain.

  “Um, this is Bri,” said a hesitant voice. “Sorry, I didn’t have your number and Leah said to call you from her phone.”

  Bri? Pleasantly surprised, he rubbed his face, feeling the prickle of his stubble as he jumped out of his truck. “Don’t apologize. I realized after I left the party that I never got your number. Oh and Alison said she needs it too.” Wow, could he sound more eager?

  “Oh good.” She sounded relieved. “I didn’t want you to be upset with Leah.”

  “Why would I be upset? I’m glad you called.” More like ecstatic to hear your voice.

  Grabbing the duffle from the cab of his truck, Josh dusted his feet on the welcome mat, leaving his dirt-covered boots at the front door.

  “Okay, well um, I just wondered if you would mind if I came out to your ranch with Leah. I help her with the kids and I’d love to see how they react to your horses. Don’t feel obligated to agree. I know it might feel awkward having me there.”

  Does she really think I don’t want her around? He told her he did the other night.

  “Bri, yes. Please come. I’m hoping we can get past all of this uneasiness. I really do want you to see that I’m a different guy now.” Walking straight into his laundry room, he set the bag down on the washer, opened the front loader, then started throwing his clothes in.

  The line was quiet for a moment when he placed his phone on speaker mode on top of the machine. As he started to take his dirty, sweat-stained clothes off and add them to the machine, he heard her timid response.

  “Only if you’re sure.”

  “I’m one hundred percent positive. As a matter of fact, uh, maybe we can um, get together beforehand and talk.” He tried hard not to let his nervousness show in his voice. Fumbling with the rest of his clothes, he almost tripped over himself when he pulled off his sock before adding it to the machine.

  I hope I’m not pushing it
with her.

  “What do you have in mind?” Damn her voice is sexy.

  Relieved that she seemed interested, he stood up straight. “Well, what are you doing tonight?”

  “Oh, um,” it was her turn to stumble over her words. “I just finished helping Leah with the class. I planned on going up to Solvang later, but I just got blown off so I guess I’m free.” She sounded hopeful, which made him hopeful. And nervous. Thank God I’m not the only nervous one here.

  Standing in his boxers, he carefully asked her, “Solvang? Was it for something special?”

  Or with someone special?

  “No, I’ve just never been there, and I like doing the whole touristy thing sometimes.”

  He imagined her biting her lip as she explained.

  What I wouldn’t give to bite her lip again. “You know that’s like five minutes north of me, right?”

  “That close?” She sounded surprised.

  “Yeah. Why don’t you come to my house, and we can go into town for dinner tonight? There’s a restaurant at an inn I’ve always wanted to try, but it’s not the kinda place I’d hang out at with the guys. Every time I walk by, the food smells amazing.” He picked his phone up for a minute to see the time. “It’s noon now, do you want to meet at my house around five? We can walk around town, take in the sights, then have dinner.”

  Oh crap. That sounded kinda like a date. He hoped that wouldn’t freak her out.

  “I’d love to check it out,” She replied, excited. “Thanks, Josh. I’ll text you my number so you can send me your address.”

  Perfect. This day was turning out much better than he planned. “See ya then.” Josh ended the call and finished undressing, throwing his boxers directly into the washer.

  He felt anxiousness and excitement welling up inside of him. He couldn’t wait to straighten everything out with her, but… What if I say something wrong and piss her off all over again? That would suck.

  “You’re overthinking this,” he told himself. “Get a grip.” Pouring the laundry soap into the dispenser, he started the machine and headed for the shower.

  “Bradley was right,” he mumbled. “I am acting like a pansy ass.”

  Bri pulled up to the black iron gates, surprised at the simple design of them. Checking her GPS, she wanted to make sure this was the right address.

  Yep, this is the place.

  A large hedge surrounded the property, hiding the home inside. It made sense if he was trying to stay out of the public eye. Once she entered the security code Josh texted her, the gates opened wide. Studying the surroundings, she drove her small convertible up the driveway. This place was gorgeous, and she loved those trees.

  When Josh’s house came into sight, it took her breath away.

  He lives in this huge house, all by himself?

  The large two-story stucco home, framed by stone and dark wood, looked like something from the pages of an architectural magazine. It was definitely Spanish-style, but nothing like she’d ever seen before.

  She almost rolled her eyes. Of course he would live in a home I’d love to have myself.

  Off to the left, further back, was a huge garage that would’ve been any mechanic’s dream. And by the look of the windows above and the staircase on the side, there appeared to be an apartment on top.

  Bri got out of her car and peeked around the side of the house. Off in the distance, she spotted the stables, noticing that all the structures on his property matched, yet each had their own distinct style.

  She turned quickly when she felt someone behind her. Josh was leaning against one of the pillars on the front porch, looking mouthwatering in dark jeans, black boots, a button-up shirt, and dinner jacket.

  “You ready to go?” He was smiling as he pushed off the column, heading toward the front door.

  Damn, he noticed that I was gawking at him.

  “Mmmhmm,” Bri barely got out. Smooth, Bri. She was surprised by her own reaction. When she’d stared at Blaine last week, she had no problem with the fact that he’d seen her looking at him. Why was she suddenly embarrassed by being caught by Josh?

  Josh opened the screen door, motioning for her to join him. “Come on in while I grab my wallet and keys.”

  “I don’t mind driving.” She threw her thumb back toward her car. “I’m parked behind you.” She hadn’t done that intentionally, but now that she realized it, she was glad. The last thing she wanted him to think was that she thought this was a date.

  Josh nodded, sticking his lips out. “Okay.” He still held the door for her, waiting for her follow him in.

  Inside, she was blown away even further. The rustic old world industrial décor in his living room and dining room was like nothing she’d ever seen before. It bordered on the steampunk movement but wasn’t over the top. There were lots of different sized gears incorporated in the wall art as well as a few vintage clocks, one of which looked like it was from an actual train station. An antique globe sat on top of a large trunk that served at a coffee table. She’d seen plenty of houses throughout her life and during her travels, but there was something about this place that drew her in. As though the house itself was welcoming her.

  You’re being weird. She attempted to compliment him but didn’t want to overdo it. “You have an incredible home. Looking at the outside, I wondered if a guy actually lives here, but now that I see those, I’m convinced.” She snickered pointing to the window covered in heavy dark blue drapery.

  Josh scrunched his eyebrows. “Hey, what’s wrong with my drapes?”

  Crap. She’d only been here a minute, and she’d already stuck her foot in her mouth. “Nothing,” she insisted. “They match the décor perfectly. They just aren’t something…a woman would pick out?”

  Curling his lips up into a smile, he grabbed his keys and wallet, then led her out, locking the door behind them. Bri watched him walk over to his truck, pulled something off the visor and close his door. He held up a remote before she joined him, walking to her car. He darted in front of her, opening her driver’s side door.

  Bri gave him a polite smile. So he had manners. That was a plus. Not that this was a date. Because it absolutely is not.

  “Thank you.” She stepped into her small car. He closed the door and jogged around to his side.

  Looking behind his seat, he said, “Two door. Very nice car.”

  “Thank you,” she said again, smiling as she started the engine. Bri loved this little car. It was great on gas and downright adorable. Stefen made the deal for her because she hated haggling with salesmen, and he seemed to live for it. All she had to do was tell him what she wanted, and it was delivered the next day.

  As she thought about that, something hit her—maybe she was still letting him do too much for her. Don’t think about it now.

  Making a three-point turn, she drove down the long path until she came to the gates. She pointed past the windshield. “I’m surprised you don’t have some kind of emblem or initials on the gate.”

  He clicked the remote, triggering the doors. “Nah. They were already there when I bought the house, and I’d rather stay invisible up here.”

  That’s what I thought. She smiled to herself.

  Driving off the property, Josh gave her instructions. “Turn left here, then when you get to the two-four-six make a right. That will take us into town.”

  “Okay.” She followed his instructions and settled in.

  There was an uncomfortable silence as she drove. Internally sighing, she wondered if it was going to be like this all night.

  Exactly six minutes later, they pulled into a small parking lot nested between two white and brown older Danish-style buildings. The moment they stopped, he jumped out of the car, rounded the back, and opened her door as she grabbed her purse.

  “Thank you,” she repeated once more, feeling like a broken record.

  He put his hands in his front pockets and chuckled. “Well, I’m glad we’re getting the awkwardness over tonight.”

&
nbsp; Bri smiled up at him as they headed for a grassy area with a large gazebo. “So it’s not just me?”

  “It’s not just you.”

  She took in the town, filled with storefronts that looked like a commercial version of some of the villages she’d visited in Western Europe. The faux windmills that lined the streets were not very realistic, but they fit the ambiance of the town perfectly.