Intertwined Hearts Series (4 book collection): (Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths & Grafted Vines)

by Kimi Flores

  Of course, that wasn’t the real reason I hadn’t been able to sleep—Bri was coming today.

  We’d be hanging out together. All day. And there was definitely chemistry between us. But given our history, I was afraid of making a wrong move and screwing up the whole thing.

  She’s special; I knew it then and I know it now. But, I’d have to take my time, figure out if things could work for us. Although, I wasn’t sure exactly how to go about that. The taking time part or the figuring out part. I’d never been in a serious relationship before and it had been years since I’d gone out with another woman.

  I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here. I’ll probably just fuck this up again.

  If it meant she would be by my side, I was willing to take a stab at it. The other night was the best time I’d had in a while. Bri was funny, sweet, a little snarky, and man was she sexy as hell.

  I pulled up my pants and started to feel my heart beating faster at the thought of her being on the road already, heading to my ranch. Everyone else was also on their way but I imagined they’d probably all arrive around the same time.

  When I was at Brad’s house the other day, I’d given the guys a hard time about hiring people to do work that real men should do, but I knew next to nothing about building fences. The workers I’d ended up hiring to install the new round corral were already in the back ripping up the grass where it was going to be installed. I figured the guys and I could be part of the labor force to get it done sooner. It would be fantastic to have it ready by tomorrow.

  Jogging down the stairs, I heard the cranking of a truck’s emergency brake being pulled up before several loud-fisted knocks at my door. It was barely eight-thirty, and I’d only had time to put my riding pants and socks on.

  Opening the door, I found my brother and longtime friend, Tanner. Paul and Alison were just pulling up behind Brad’s truck.

  “Hey guys, come in.” I waved them in. “I was on my way to make some coffee.” I left the front door open as I strolled into the kitchen.

  Maneuvering around the counter, I grabbed everything needed to make the coffee when I heard the sound of another car pulling up, which made my heart rate nervously pick up speed even more than it had before.

  Bri.

  I couldn’t help smiling to myself as I hurried so I could go greet her. Once the coffee and filter were in place, I heard Paul open the screen door and girls laughing.

  Introductions were being made while the guys’ backs faced the kitchen, and I couldn’t see anything else. Until Tanner turned his head to the side. I could see my buddy’s eyes as they bugged out.

  Reaching for the cinnamon to add to the coffee grounds, like I’d done countless times, I peered up, catching a quick glimpse of Bri talking to Bradley and Tanner.

  Are you fucking kidding me?

  I gripped the counter, taking a deep breath.

  Tiny black shorts hugged her curves and a lacy tight sports bra barely covered her chest. The knee-high socks and ballet flats she wore completed her skimpy outfit. I knew girls wore this shit under riding gear, but I didn’t expect her to show up at my front door, dressed like that for all my friends to see.

  Dammit!

  I turned the coffeemaker on, practically running out of the kitchen. Coming closer, I saw her belly ring flicker while she laughed. I nearly lost it when I noticed the black garter belt tattoo wrapped around her upper thigh. I’d already seen the intertwined hearts inked on her shoulder, but the one on her thigh was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen. The lacey band reminded me of the top of thigh high stockings and damn did I love those.

  I’m in so much trouble.

  “Hey, you.” While eyeing the other males in the room, I snaked my arm around her lower back, pulling her body into a hug and kissing her cheek. The feel of her bare stomach on mine woke up the lower half of my body. Shit. I pulled away before it became obvious to everyone else.

  “Hi,” she said, her eyes a little wide. Probably because of the way I greeted her, but I could’ve sworn I saw her breath pick up a little. When her eyes landed on the tattoo on my chest, she grinned in a knowing way. Her delicate fingertips lightly stroked the image, and she beamed, letting me know she remembered what it symbolized.

  Feeling her warm fingers on my chest, I was momentarily speechless. How in the hell had I ever thrown this girl away? What a dumbass.

  Snapping out of our semi-intimate moment, I noticed my friends and brother staring. My eyes darted down to the brand new purple riding gear she had draped over her arm and that gave me an idea. “You probably want to get dressed right away.”

  “Sure.” She reached down, picking up a pair of boots sitting next to her feet.

  Without hesitation, I grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the group of gawking onlookers. I ignored them, knowing I’d hear shit about it later. I didn’t care. She’ll be covered by then.

  I led her into one of the downstairs’ guest rooms. “You can dress in here.”

  As she entered, looking at the décor, I watched her greedily, taking in every curve as she swayed her hips.

  Turning her head, she smiled shyly, then closed the door. Good thing. One more second, and I may have shut us in. Coming back into the living room, I realized for the first time that Alison was wearing almost the same outfit as Bri. Shit, shit, I mentally kicked myself. How had I not noticed that?

  Probably because Paul would’ve gouged my eyes out if I did.

  “Damn Josh, is that your girl?” Tanner asked with way too much interest.

  “Um, no?” I instantly looked at Alison, knowing anything I said would leave this room and head directly to Bri. I had to be careful.

  “You sure?” he teased, slapping me on my bare back. “You practically pissed all over her.”

  Alison kissed Paul then gave me a knowing look as she passed by. “I’m gonna get dressed too. We’ll be right out.”

  “This coffee tastes like shit,” Bradley yelled from the kitchen. “Dude, you put cumin in it not cinnamon.” He laughed, holding the spice bottle up. “Were you a little distracted?”

  I silently groaned, “Dump it and make a new pot. I'll be right down.” I still had to finish getting dressed. Sprinting up the stairs to my bedroom, I hoped I was back before Bri. Then again, Alison was with her now. They’d probably be in the room a while, gabbing about what an ass I was.

  There goes my chance.

  ⁂

  Bri

  Once we all drank a cup of coffee and ate a breakfast sandwich that Alison prepared, we made our way from the house out toward the garage. I walked next to Alison, taking in Josh from behind. It didn’t matter what had happened in the past, I was still incredibly attracted to him plus there was nothing like a hot guy in riding gear.

  Alison gave me an intentional smirk. “Our little secret,” she whispered, motioning between her and me.

  I nodded, but felt a little embarrassed. I’m going to have to be more careful or she might say something that will scare him away.

  When Josh zoomed into the living room earlier, I was a little shocked at his reaction. I couldn’t be sure but it was almost like he was trying to shield me from the other guys’ views. It was difficult for me to fight my instinct to hold onto him when his fingertips grazed my lower back.

  The poor guy was going in for a quick hug and didn’t need me hanging onto him, but then I saw the tattoo and had to touch him. Good thinking, Bri. I couldn’t help it, though. I remembered the first time I’d seen that tattoo and how moved I’d been when he told me what it meant.

  I continued to watch Josh as he rolled up the garage door, revealing all of the bikes, his truck, and his Porsche. Large poster-sized framed pictures of dirt bike riders performing tricks covered the walls.

  “Boys and their toys.” I snickered with Alison.

  “Hey, they aren't all mine,” Josh laughed. “Those bikes over there belong to these guys.” He swiped his finger in the air, pointing to everyone but me. “They just keep
them here so they don't have to trek them up every time we ride.”

  “So these other four bikes are yours? As well as the two quads and the dune buggy?” I was having too much fun teasing him.

  Everyone laughed at my snarky comment while he gave me a sideways smirk.

  “She’s got you there, bro.” Tanner laughed the loudest.

  Josh raised an eyebrow at his friend. “I wouldn't talk. You have more than I do.”

  Tanner shrugged, unfazed. “Mine are for work.”

  Josh rolled his eyes as he took one of his bikes off its stand. “Whatever, man.”

  Strange. I gave Tanner a curious glance. “Why do you need a bike for work?”

  The guys looked at each other and all started laughing again. “You'll see,” Josh said.

  What does that mean?

  “This one’s for you.” He rolled the bike out of the garage, while the other guys and Alison did the same with their own. “You already have the other protective gear on, right?” He scanned my body like he was mentally checking things off a list. “Here, put this helmet and goggles on.” He handed them over. “We don’t screw around when it comes to safety.” Patting the seat, he instructed, “Okay, get on and I'll show you what you need to do.”

  Biting back a grin, I internally rolled my eyes. He assumes I don’t know. I’ll show him.

  I shot Paul and Alison a look, shaking my head slightly. They caught on and smirked back.

  Straddling the bike, I pulled my hair out of its bun, shook my head, then grabbed the lip gloss I’d tucked under my bra strap. Applying the shiny gloss, I took a very satisfying look around at all the boys watching. Smiling to myself, I put the helmet and goggles on.

  Josh caught on and shot dirty looks over his shoulder. “Don't let us keep you,” he barked out to Bradley and Tanner.

  Everyone but Paul and Josh hopped on and took off. Josh stood next to me, explaining how to turn the bike on, shift, add gas, brake. He was so cute while he gave me instructions like it was my first time. I only half-listened. It didn’t take long for me to become bored. I was ready to show him what I knew.

  “You mean like this?” I started it up and took off. Looking over my shoulder, I saw the bike kick up dirt as I sped off. Josh’s mouth practically scraped the floor and Paul was bent in half, laughing his ass off. I let out a loud cackle.

  That. Was. Awesome.

  I tried to catch up to the other guys, but they had too much of a head start. Alison kept riding as Brad and Tanner started free styling. I almost wiped out watching them. It was fascinating. They jumped the dirt ramps, flinging their bodies up in the air, separating from their bikes, and then jumping back on before the bikes hit the ground.

  How do they know how to do that?

  Slowing down, I watched them, trying not to eat it as Josh and Paul zipped past, doing their own free styling.

  It wasn’t a total surprise that Josh could do a few tricks. I’d heard that he did his own stunts when he starred in a few motocross movies.

  I guess not everything in the gossip columns is a lie.

  ⁂

  Josh

  After parking the bikes in my garage, the guys stood around inside, removing their gear. Bri took off her helmet and goggles, fluffing her sweaty hair before wrapping it into a twisty bun thing. Even with dirt all over her face, she looked incredible.

  I still couldn’t believe she already knew how to ride so well, until Paul admitted that he’d taught her and Alison, back in college. Apparently they were quite the threesome until I came into the picture.

  Stop dwelling on the past.

  “I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving. I’ve got some chicken marinating in a cooler by the barbeque. Brad, you can do the honors of cooking,” I volun-told my brother.

  “Fine, twist my arm why don’t ya?” He smirked, the way he did for his fans.

  “Save your blinding smile for the cameras,” I teased. “Alison, mind making the salad?” Even though it was just a bunch of vegetables thrown in a bowl with dressing, all the guys loved the way she made it.

  “Sure no problem. Bri can help me this time.” She threw Bri a conspiratorial grin.

  “Yeah sure,” Bri replied easily as she started to undress.

  My attention was immediately drawn to her as she took her shirt off, revealing that skimpy sports bra again. Her skin was red and wet with perspiration. Damn, she’s hot. But as hot as she was, I had to clench my fists to keep from covering her with a towel. Especially when her breasts reacted to the cool breeze that passed across her chest.

  Stepping close enough for only her to hear, I asked under my breath, “Do you mind putting your shirt back on?”

  Grimacing, she wiped away the few rogue strands of hair clinging to her sticky neck. “No way. I'm hot and sweaty. I'm taking the pants and boots off as soon as possible too.”

  She opened the button fly, unzipping the pants while my body vibrated, silently trying not to freak out.

  Why am I acting like this?

  Fanning herself with her hand and blowing air on her skin, she asked, “Do you mind if I rinse off somewhere?”

  “Sure.” Grabbing her hand just like I’d done earlier, I yanked her away from Tanner and Brad’s gawking stares. “You guys can take the bathrooms downstairs,” I yelled over my shoulder as I led Bri toward the house.

  We walked through the open front door, and I guided her up the stairs to my room when something hit me.

  Wait, why am I taking her up here? I’ve never had a woman in that room before.

  The testosterone driven guy in me knew the answer. I didn’t want her taking a shower downstairs where the other guys were going to be. I wanted her all to myself in my private space.

  What’s wrong with me?

  Mentally scolding myself, I decided to just go with it. What the hell? We were already at my door. “Do you have a change of clothes?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “Yeah, I have a bag in my trunk, but I left the keys in the room downstairs.”

  “Don’t worry, I'll get them for you.”

  She stepped through the doorway and seemed to realize where she was. “Your room?”

  “Yeah,” I said lightly, like it was no big deal. “It’s the nicest bathroom in the house, so I figured you could shower up here. I have plenty of clean towels, but I’m afraid I don’t have any soap that doesn’t smell like a guy.”

  “That’s okay,” she chuckled. “I just want to get some of this dirt off me. Aren’t we going swimming? Alison mentioned you guys jump in the pool after you ride.”

  I caught her eyes roaming my room, until they landed on my king-sized bed.

  She probably assumes I’ve brought a bunch of women here. If only she knew the truth.

  “You and Alison can,” I offered. “We’ll probably eat, then the guys and I need to help install a new corral out back. I’d like to have it ready before everyone gets here tomorrow.” I opened a cupboard between my room and bathroom, retrieving a fresh towel. I handed it over as she peeked around the corner, scanning the bathroom.

  Oh crap. What was I thinking? There isn’t a door that separates the shower from my room.

  “Wait here,” I said quickly. “I’ll be right back with your bag.” I ran down the stairs, taking them two at a time before tripping on my boots and falling on the bottom step.

  “What are you doing, dipshit?” Brad asked, standing above me.

  I bit back a growl. “I was trying to get Bri’s keys before Alison and Paul went into the bathroom connected to that room over there.” I pointed to the closed door. “Dammit, they’re already in there.” Getting up, I unbuckled my boots and popped them off, setting them by the bottom step.

  I heard a knock and noticed Brad outside of the guest room, asking Paul for the keys. The door opened, a hand came out, then the door quickly closed after the keys were dropped into Brad’s hand.

  Casually strolling over to me, Brad was about to hand the keys over but stopped. “For the
record, I get why you’re acting like a pansy ass. That is one smokin’ hot girl you’ve got upstairs.”

  I snatched the keys. “It’s not like that. At least not yet, so please don’t scare her off by letting her hear you say shit like that.”

  Backing up, he held his hands up. “Hey, I get it. Just don’t wait too long to make your move, otherwise Tanner may beat you to the punch.”

  He wasn’t kidding. Tanner and I had tried snagging girls from each other many times before. But Bri was different.

  I’ll have to make sure he knows there’s no screwing around with her.

  Jogging outside, I opened her trunk, noticing a small bag and a pair of flip flops. I grabbed the sandals and the bag, closed the trunk and headed back upstairs. Knocking on the door, I waited for her to respond.

  When she told me to come in, I was definitely not prepared for—Holy shit. Bri was sitting on the bench at the end of my bed, wearing nothing but that bra and tiny shorts. Her face was dirt free and like so many times before, she took my breath away.

  Okay, I give. How do I make her mine?

  ⁂

  Bri

  After lunch, we relaxed in the early afternoon sun on the chairs that surrounded the freeform swimming pool. The conversation was relaxed so I figured this was a good time to ask my question. “So Tanner, how are your dirt bikes for work?”

  “You don’t follow professional motocross, I take it?” Tanner smirked, glancing past me at Josh, who was reclining against the back of the lounge chair he and I were sharing. I sat on the edge, while his bent legs hung over the sides. It was such an intimate way to sit but I couldn’t say no when he’d asked me to join him. I only hoped he didn’t suddenly get up and launch me onto the ground.

  I shook my head. “No. I like riding, but I don’t follow any sports.”

  Josh leaned forward, his breath tickling my skin as he spoke over my shoulder. “The reason why my arrogant friend here is asking is because he’s top of his division and his stupid ass is probably wondering how you don’t know that.”