by Savanna Grey
She’d just been caught off guard, and with everything that had happened in the last month she was overly sensitive too. She guessed she needed to toughen up and deal with it.
Looking at the clock, she realized she’d better shower and get ready. Kevin would be here soon to pick her up.
Kevin sat with his mother going over a list of supplies she had asked him to pick up for her today when he went into Hartford.
“Make sure to check things off as you pick them up. I don’t want to miss anything.” His mother instructed.
“I’ll make sure Tori helps me keep track. You know she’s good at that.”
“Speaking of Tori, have you talked to her this morning? Is she feeling alright? I was worried about her last night.”
“I called her a little while ago. She’s feeling fine this morning. I think it was more a case of someone and not something that was bothering her.” Kevin told his mother.
Mrs. Morgan’s brow creased. “What do you mean ‘someone’? Did someone do something last night to upset her?”
“I don’t know who or what yet, but I know Tori. Something happened. I’ll find out today. You know she tells me everything.”
“Not everything.” Drue stated dryly as he entered the room.
He knew she hadn’t told Kevin about their night together. His brother hadn’t come out and asked, but he knew he assumed given the fact that he didn’t come home until breakfast the next morning.
Kevin glanced over at his brother. He was a younger version of their father. Didn’t take much imagination to know what the years would do to him. You just had to look at their dad.
He usually held his cards close to his vest, so that you never really knew what he was thinking until he wanted you to know.
This sudden change where Tori was concerned was baffling. He knew Drue wasn’t playing with her emotions. That wasn’t his style, but then again neither was jumping in without looking either. Always the cautious one, Drue knew the answers before he ever asked the question.
So what was so different this time? Could it be that he really had fallen for Tori?
Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts aside. It was up to the two of them to figure it out. He just didn’t want to see Tori’s heart broken, nor his brother’s for that matter.
“You’d be surprised at what Tori does tell me, big brother.” he bragged.
“You’d be even more surprised at what she doesn’t, little brother.” Drue replied smugly.
Mrs. Morgan interrupted their bantering. “Here’s the final list, Kevin. Now you better get going.”
“Take care of my girl.” Drue said to Kevin’s back as he headed out.
“I always do.” he threw over his shoulder.
Mrs. Morgan handed Drue a cup of coffee.
She watched her son closely.
“What is it mother?” he told her. “Go ahead and ask.”
“Oh, it’s nothing really, dear. Just wondering when it is that Tori became your girl is all.” she said lightly.
Drue knew this conversation was overdue. He was surprised she had lasted this long.
He loved his mother dearly, but he’d just as soon she kept her advice in the relationship department to herself.
He wasn’t exactly comfortable discussing Victoria with her.
“I wondered how long it would take.” he teased.
“You have to admit it’s all very sudden.”
“Actually, no, mom it isn’t. This has been a long time coming.” he said seriously.
“Explain please.”
“Let me ask you a question first. Why do you think Victoria and Kevin haven’t ended up together as a couple? I always thought they would.”
“Oh, I see.” said his mother. “I know why they haven’t. They are too much alike for one. There’s never been any chemistry there. They truly are like brother and sister. They are best friends. It’s never been any more than that and never will be I’d imagine.”
“You know, I finally just figured that out the last two weeks. All along I expected them to eventually end up together. They seemed perfect for each other.”
“And now?” she asked.
“Now I know she was meant to be with me. I’ve felt that way for a long time but would never admit it because of Kevin.”
“Honey, I thought she just got on your nerves and rubbed you the wrong way.”
“More like under my skin, Mom. It’s always been that way, especially since high school. I just pushed it back and figured eventually it would go away.”
“But it didn’t go away?”
Drue chuckled.
“You ever wondered what it would be like to be struck by lightning?” he asked his mother with a smirk.
“Well, I don’t have to wonder. I know, and her name is Victoria. Since the first five minutes she has been back home, something changed. It’s like the dam I built to push all the emotions I felt for her behind cracked and burst open. I couldn’t stop it.”
He shook his head in wonder.
“Want to hear the craziest part?” he looked up at his mother.
“She feels the same way, has for years but didn’t know what to do about it.”
“Why is that crazy, honey? Anybody who knows you loves you.”
“It’s such a weird feeling. She still drives me crazy, but all I can think about is her.”
“Have you thought about what happens in a few weeks when she has to go back to Chicago?” His mother placed her hand on his across the table. “What then?”
“We haven’t figured that part out yet, but I know I have no intention of letting her go. Chicago isn’t that far away. We will find a way to make it work.” He was confident of that. The alternative was unacceptable.
Tori enjoyed riding the thirty-minute jaunt into Hartford with Kevin. One thing she loved about being back home was the scenery. The trees came to life with their vibrant fall colors.
“So, you want to tell me what happened last night that caused you to leave?” Kevin sprang on her right out of the gate.
“Darn you for knowing me so well.” she teased. “It really was nothing. Just me overreacting to two petty girls running their mouths in a small town.”
“What were they saying that got you so upset? You usually don’t let gossip bother you.”
“I know. It was immature. I’m over it now.” She sighed.
“You still didn’t answer my question.” he pushed.
He didn’t like the fact that she was trying to keep something from him. Normally she was an open book as far as he was concerned.
“Look Jill and some other girl were talking about Drue, you and me and that I was leading you both around by the noses basically. It just got under my skin is all.”
“What!” he exclaimed. “Those petty little fools. They don’t know what they are talking about.”
“I know that, and you know that, but I guess everyone is entitled to their opinions.”
“I guess I could see how they might think that about Drue given how he has been following you around like a puppy and marking his territory and all.” he teased.
“Hey!” she said smacking his arm playfully as she laughed.
“Made you laugh and smile. Double points.”
She smiled at Kevin. That was a game they had always played growing up when one of them was sad or upset. It was the other’s goal to make them smile and laugh. If you accomplished either one, you earned points. The points didn’t mean anything, just keeping score did.
“So, where are we headed first?” Tori asked.
“We have a gigantic list from my mother to get party supplies at Party Central. Figured we’d get that over with then head to the costume shop.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“It’s your job to keep track of the list, because if I go home without something, you might as well fix my last supper.”
“Don’t worry. I got your back.”
And he knew that she did.
“This is a lot of g
reenery. Are you sure she isn’t decorating more than the barn?”
“She has a new design outline this year. The theme is ‘Enchanted Evening’.” Kevin informed her.
“Sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to see it.”
“Here’s the extra white lights she requested. I think that’s the last item, isn’t it?”
He hoped so. He was so ready to get out of this store.
“Yep. That’s the last thing.” Tori confirmed.
They checked out and loaded up the truck with all the supplies.
“Okay. Next stop Costume Central.” he said excitedly.
Kevin loved dressing up and acting out. It was part of his playful nature.
“I can’t wait to see what kind of costumes they have available.” he continued.
You would think it was his birthday or something, thought Tori.
Costume Central was a specialty shop in the heart of downtime Hartford. They specialized in costumes and make up, particularly for the local performing arts theater and college drama club.
Their costume selections ranged from the jovial for the comedian to the thespian who favored Shakespeare.
The bell above the door jingled as they walked in.
It was just before lunch, so not too many people were milling around.
“Let’s separate. You start here. I’ll start down there, and we can work our way to the middle.” he suggested.
“Shout out if something catches your eyes.” and he shot down the aisle.
Laughing Tori started looking through the racks. Should they go comical or more serious?
Kevin did say the theme was an Enchanted Evening, so maybe more classical.
Maybe something from the Regency Era would be just the thing. Something immediately sprang to mind.
She knew just the thing. Surely the shop would be able to accommodate her.
She went off in search of the shop keeper.
All in all it had been not only a productive but what Tori would call a successful day.
Supplies had been bought. Costumes had been commandeered. Even Kevin was pleased with her costume idea, which had also included Drue’s costume. She wasn’t certain how he was going to react to tights, but she knew he would look dignified dipped in sexy.
She giggled. She couldn’t wait to see him in it.
Kevin dropped her off, reminding her they were starting to clear out and decorate the barn tomorrow. Just four more days until the festival.
Chapter Twenty-one
Just after eight o’clock that evening Tori sat in her favorite working spot, seated on the floor with her laptop on the coffee table.
Several edits on her book had come back, and she was reviewing them now.
“Apparently someone needs to take this person’s red pen away.” she grumbled to herself.
“If I’d wanted to say it that way, I would have.”
A short rap sounded at the back door, but before Tori could see who it was, Drue opened the door and came in.
“Hello?” he hollered. “Has anyone seen my favorite girl?”
“What do you mean by favorite?” she answered back. “You have more than one girl?” she questioned.
Drue came down the hall and turned into the living room.
He paused. It was strange how now when he first made eye contact with Victoria that he felt a little zing go through him.
She scrambled to her feet as he entered the room.
He reached her just as she stood. His arms wrapped around her, his lips finding hers for a tender kiss.
“Mmmm…just what I needed after being torn up by my editor.” she said leaning into him.
“Do I need to beat him up for you?” he asked teasingly.
“No, you know me. I don’t get mad. I get even.” She smiled wickedly.
“Don’t I know it.” He thought of the many times she and Kevin had pulled a stunt to get back at him for something growing up.
They sat down on the couch facing each other, Drue not letting go of her hands. He slowly traced circles on her palm.
“Kevin says you found amazing costumes. Dare I ask what we are dressing up as?” he asked her with slight trepidation.
“Oh, we did!” she said with excitement. “To complement your mother’s theme, I thought it would be fitting to go with something from the Regency period.”
He waited knowing whatever it was, he probably wouldn’t like it.
“We will be characters right out of Jane Austen’s book Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley and Ms. Elizabeth Bennett will be attending the festival this year. The costumes are perfect. They will look as if we walked right off the pages and into today. I can’t wait!”
Her cheeks were rosy with excitement. Drue smiled down at her.
“This involves tights, doesn’t it?” he asked grimly.
“Stockings, my lord. Stockings.” She couldn’t help but giggle.
“Alright, I’ll suffer the indignity of it all for you.”
“That’s one of the reasons I love you, your willingness to make others happy at the sacrifice of your own.”
He leaned in closer just mere inches from her face.
“There is something that would make me much happier right about now.” he said softly.
Tori’s breath caught. Sensations prickled her skin as his breath brushed her face.
He didn’t wait for her response. He captured her lips with his, gently at first, but the kiss changed quickly. His tongue dipped inside her mouth tasting her sweetness.
His lay her down on the couch, one hand in her hair the other circling her waist.
Tori couldn’t get close enough. Need spread like fire to her core. The kiss deepened and she melted into him.
He withdrew slightly allowing them to catch their breath, his forehead pressed to hers. Her legs were entwined with his as he lay atop.
“Now that makes me very happy indeed.” He told her as he breathed in her fresh scent.
He nuzzled her neck, his tongue lighting sparks up her neck and behind her ear.
“I missed you today.” he told her seriously. His hand caressed the length of her as he spoke.
“Mmmm, it just so happens that I missed you too.” she whispered as she pressed into him communicating her need. “I think I know a way we can make it up to each other.” her hands massaging his back.
The fire burned brightly and cast a welcoming glow. Tori gently pushed Drue upright.
“Where are you going?” surprise and disappointment laced his words.
She stood in front of him and held out her hand. He placed his hand in hers and stood. She didn’t go far. She led him to the braided rug that lay in front of the fireplace. Taking the afghan from the couch, she spread it atop the rug.
She turned back to Drue as he reached for her again.
“I like how you think, Ms. Winslow.” he said as his head descended.
Lips locking, need pulsed through them. His hands gripped her backside and lifted her into him.
She had turned the lamp off so that the only light in the room was the glow emitted from the fire. Its flames danced around them, wrapping them in its warmth.
Kneeling on the blanket, he continued to rain kisses down her neck and back to her lips as his tongue tangoed with hers.
He cupped her breast, his thumb bringing her nipple to a hardened peak. His hands slipped beneath her t-shirt, loving the feel of her silky skin. He removed her shirt and tossed it to the couch.
He paused just looking at her. Desire darkened his emerald eyes. Excitement built inside Tori. When he looked at her that way, she felt like he was seeing her soul.
“You’re so beautiful.” he said reverently.
Tori proceeded to return the gesture, loving the feel of his skin against her as hands traveled the length of his naked chest.
Laying her against the blanket, he unbuttoned her jeans and slowly slid them down her legs, caressing the inside of her thighs as he went. A visible shiver went through
her as heat pooled at her center and anticipation built.
He lay beside her as she turned to him. His tongue was like a hot brand burning her as he tasted first one breast then the other.
She was drowning in pleasure. Whimpering softly, she lifted into him. Her nails dug into his back unconsciously.
Suddenly in the recesses of her mind she heard a door open. Her mind fogged with passion, it didn’t register right away for her.
She felt Drue still and lift his head just as they heard, “Hey Tori…Drue, where are you gu – Oh, Whoa!”
Kevin stuttered as he slid to a stop in shock at the living room door.
Drue covered Tori with his body and growled at his brother, “Don’t you EVER knock?”
Kevin didn’t move for what felt like forever to Tori until Drue said calmly, almost too calmly “How about getting the hell out of here?”
“Uh, yeah. Sorry.” was all Kevin could muster as he hightailed it out the way he came in.
Drue released a frustrated breath and felt Tori shake beneath him. Not tears. He couldn’t stand to see her cry. It wasn’t that big a deal. He was going to have to kill his brother, but she could find a new best friend.
Then he heard her giggles escape from beneath him. It wasn’t tears racking her body now, but laughter.
He sat up beside her and looked down at her. She did have a few tears streaming down her face, but it was from the gut-wrenching laughter she had collapsed into.
“It’s not that funny, Victoria. In fact I don’t find it comical at all.” Disgusted with his brother for interrupting and the mood obviously ruined, he helped Tori get to her feet.
“My patience is wearing a little thin where my brother is concerned.”
Tori looked at Drue’s face to gage his expression. He was serious. He was angry with Kevin.
Collecting her clothing and redressing, she wondered how Kevin was handling the scene he had just witnessed. She wasn’t looking forward to rehashing it with him, but she knew she would have to. He never was one to let her off the hook for anything.
“There’s no reason to take it out on Kevin. I think he was more surprised than we were when he came in.” she said matter-of-factly to Drue.
‘Yes, there is. If it wasn’t for his interrupting, I would be buried deep inside you right now showing you how much I missed you today. Instead I am unsatisfied and just plain pissed.”
