“Hey,” Braxton said, walking up. He seemed so calm while I was about to explode from nerves and full-blown excitement. I swear something was wrong with me and I needed to cool my jets. They were wound up and ready for takeoff.
Probably to the nearest bathroom knowing me.
“Hi,” I managed with a tentative smile. To my surprise right in front of everyone, Braxton leaned in and gave me a light kiss on the lips before moving back into his personal space. I think he was watching me to see how I would react. I was stunned speechless and had only managed to get out the one word so far as it was. Getting myself together, because I really needed to, I pulled in a deep breath and grinned a little bigger. “You came, I’m glad you're here.” It was the truth too.
“I said I would be, did you ever doubt me?” Braxton asked with a wink. Damn, I loved when he did that. It got my heart thumping faster, that’s for sure. I knew he was teasing me, so I didn’t think I needed to answer. His eyes moved away from mine to his friend. “Gyth, you remember Jurnee and Summer, right?”
“Of course, ladies. How are you both doing?” Gyth's voice was low and strong, it fits him well. It also left no doubt that he was a man you didn’t mess with, along with one who could probably make a girl do just about anything.
Not me though. I only had eyes for one person, and they were glued to him right now. Braxton was also watching me with a heated look that made me want to grab him and run to the nearest broom closet so we could play tonsil hockey.
I never did get to do much of that when I was younger, but right now it sounds pretty darn good.
“I’m doing pretty well, thanks,” I answered, looking in Summer’s direction. Her eyes were full of curiosity. Maybe it was just the nurse in her, looking at an injured man. Summer cared a lot about people and always wanted to help, but it also looked like interest. The kind of interest a woman had in a man she's attracted to. She seemed to come back to her usual self then and responded.
“I’m great, how are you?” she asked, in that chipper, Summer tone we all loved so much. She always had a way of making everyone smile when she talked; her energy and love for people always shined through. Looked like she had the same effect on Gyth because he was grinning from ear to ear. This big beast of a man looked like she could melt him into a puddle.
“Even better now,” he responded.
Wow, the temperature in this place just went up a few notches. Clearing my throat, I asked Braxton what he wanted to look at. He wondered if he and Gyth could just walk around the building inside and out, see what I should get in place for safety purposes, check out the one security camera I had out front, and see the tape from last week when Embry’s dad came bursting in. “Sure, just let me know if you need anything while you're checking it all out.”
“Will do, babe.” Babe? I liked the sound of that, yet I felt like I was on a different planet. Nobody ever talked to me with cute words and such affection. At least not a man like Braxton. I could certainly get used to this.
Knowing I had stuff I needed to do, Summer asked if there was something specific I wanted her doing, or if she should just wander around and pitch in wherever needed. “Could you check on Embry for me? She’s been really upset since everything that happened last week with her dad. Then just help out anywhere. I appreciate you coming in, you have been a lifesaver. You and Alley are so awesome, always showing up and volunteering.
“You don’t have to thank me every time, you know I think this place of yours is amazing and I love coming here. I will see you in a bit. Bye guys.” She was talking to me but staring straight at Gyth.
After both men responded to her, she turned and headed down the hall. Gyth’s gaze followed her until she veered off into a room and you couldn’t see her anymore.
“Okay, well I’m going to go get some work done, check on the kids, and get the staff that’s shift is ending out of here. You guys come find me if you need me.”
“I will definitely find you,” Braxton said, giving me a sexy smirk. Both guys turned and headed outside. Guess they were walking around out there first. Gyth was doing well, but it still looked like he was hurting a bit. I hoped he would be okay. Ogling Braxton’s butt for a minute, because lord have mercy it was fine, I gave myself that much needed moment and then headed back to work.
It had been about an hour when Braxton came and found me in my office. He was alone, no sign of Gyth. “Hey, where’s your sidekick?”
“Don’t let him hear you say that he would probably disagree and tell you that I was his,” Braxton chuckled. “But he headed out to his truck to get his chair. He has been doing better, but after a while, his leg starts bothering him and as much as he hates to admit it, he still needs the wheelchair sometimes.”
The frown on Braxton’s face told me he was concerned and worried about his friend. “I wondered how he was doing. He seemed okay when you guys came in, but I noticed a little pain in his eyes.”
“He will be okay. That guy is as stubborn as an ox,” Braxton said softly, as he moved closer to me and his hand on my upper arm in comfort. “Hey, so want to take a walk with me and chat about what Gyth and I noticed and maybe a few things we could do to improve some of the security, to make it a little safer for the staff and the kids?”
“We can talk, but I have to tell you upfront that my budget is not all that big right now so we will have to see what all you are thinking needs to be done.”
“Jurnee, you're not paying me for this work,” he scoffed. “I want to do this for you. Think of it as my donation and let me help. This is a non-profit you're running here so you count on outside contributions, right? You do so much for these kids, so let me do this.”
He was right, we did count on the donations people were gracious enough to give us and the volunteers too, so how could I say no if it would protect all these kids and the staff? “You are right, it is non-profit and besides me, we only have a couple of other paid employees, so we do rely on any help we can get. Thank you, Braxton, that’s really nice of you.”
“My pleasure, babe. Let’s walk and talk?”
“Sure, we can do that. Let me just check in on a couple of rooms first and then I’m all yours.”
“I like the sound of that,” he said, leaning over and whispering in my ear. Maybe he just didn’t want anyone to hear if they walked in the room, or maybe he was a big old tease and knew just how much he got to me.
Damn nipples. Could he see the evidence of what he just did to me? The things were hard as a rock and probably poking right out of my shirt.
“You did that on purpose.” He faked innocence with a look like—who me? —and walked out the door. I headed out behind him, once again appreciating his very delectable ass, and told him to follow me so we could check on the kids. What I saw next had me stopping in my tracks.
A bunch of the children were sitting and watching, some were dancing around and others singing along, while Gyth sat in his chair, playing the guitar, and was belting out a song for them. You Are My Sunshine flowed from his lips smoothly, and I could’ve sworn he was looking right at Summer. Fairly sure she was watching him damn close too. It was incredible and the kids were loving it.
“Miss Jurnee, watch me twirl in my dress!” Embry shouted with excitement. The little angel stole a piece of my heart time and time again. Watching her spin around with joy in her pretty outfit made me so happy. Since her dad had been in the center, she always looked scared, worried, and a bit sad. So, seeing her light and carefree, brought happiness to every part of me. The next thing I knew she had stopped, ran up to us and was pulling on the leg of Braxton’s pants. “Renember me, Mister?”
“Sure I do sweetheart. You're Doodlebug, right?” It was amazing he kept a straight face as he said this to her.
“That’s not my name,” Embry said, giggling uncontrollably. “Me, Embry silly.”
Her words didn’t always come out exactly right, she was only four after all, but they were darn cute when she said stuff like renember,
not remember. It was endearing to me.
Just like when he first met her, Braxton dropped down close, making them nearly eye-level. “Oh, that’s right. But I like Doodlebug. What do you say, can I call you that?”
Embry’s face lit with joy that he wanted to call her a cute little nickname and immediately agreed that it was okay. Then the most adorable thing happened.
“Want to dance with me?” she asked Braxton, only this time a little more timidly than she had just been talking to him a moment before. It was as if she was afraid he would say no. I imagined that had happened to her many times in the few short years she had blessed this earth, as well as all of us in it.
“I thought you would never ask,” my guy replied, holding out a hand. My guy, I do like the sound of that. She grabbed on like it was a lifeline that she would possibly never let go. I wasn’t sure what had come over her, but my angel was starving for love and affection. With her mom and dad out of the picture and a father that she feared, she needed this. I just hoped someday she could have it permanently. I didn’t know about a man in her life, but I desperately wanted to be the woman she could count on, and possibly one who could give her the home she deserved.
What I want is to be her mom.
I watched as Braxton spun her around and melted into a pile of goo at the sight the two of them made. While they danced, Gyth played, and Summer watched him closely with a smile on her face. The other children and some staff seemed to be enjoying this time, and I sighed as the feeling of contentment washed over me.
As the song came to an end, I wished for more days like this one and more time like this with Braxton. I also hoped for a chance to someday give Embry a family outside of the center. I knew it could change everything, I had lived with the girls so long, but it was no secret what I genuinely wanted, if it was ever attainable. My friends would support me one hundred percent, of that I had no doubt.
Embry was clinging to Braxton’s leg as he made his way over to me, pulling her along for the ride. The way she warmed to him was crazy, but also not surprising. For as long as I could remember, everyone did that with him. He had an easy, kind, and lovable quality to him, one that poured off him waves. Simply put, people were drawn to Braxton.
Just like I am.
“We need to get going, walk me out?” Braxton asked, taking my hand. I had been right, and I hated that he had to leave. Embry looked as if she might cry and that broke my heart. She didn’t have many people in her life, and Braxton seemed to squeeze right in perfectly.
Looks like two girls have been charmed by him. But I would gladly share with my angel.
“Sure, just one second.” I turned in Summer’s direction. “Hey, Summer, can you take Embry and find her some paper and crayons. Maybe she could draw a picture for Braxton, to thank him for dancing with her?”
“You bet,” she said, taking hold of Embry’s hand.
“Say bye to the guys,” I told the sweet little girl. At that point, Gyth had rolled over and was next to us.
“Bye-bye,” she said with a pout.
“I’ll be back again to visit,” Braxton told her.
A smile burst across her face like a shooting star. “Okay.” And once again with the energy of a child and mind that changed second by second, she was off with Summer.
Before they got too far away, Summer turned back. “I loved watching you play and sing,” she told Gyth. “Bye guys.”
The look on Gyth’s face was one of longing. I could tell Braxton noticed it as well and would probably say something to his friend later.
“I’ll walk you out now, and then I have some things to finish up. Thank you, guys, for coming by.” We all three talked about what they’d thought we could do at the center to help keep everyone a little safer as we walked toward the front exit. When we got there Gyth said goodbye and kept ongoing. I stopped next to Braxton and looked up into his mesmerizing green eyes. They pulled me in as deep as the bottom of the ocean floor; I was lost in their depths.
“I will call you tonight,” he said to me.
“I’ll answer,” I said, smirking.
“I love your dimple right here on your chin when you smile,” he told me, placing his pointer finger softly on the spot.
He leaned in and touched his lips to mine gently in a soft, but quick kiss. “Talk to you tonight, Dimples.” He turned and walked out the door.
Dimples? Looks like he had a nickname for me too, just as he did Embry. He needs one of his own, I turned around to head back to work, already missing his presence.
Chapter Eighteen
Jurnee
Three absolutely fabulous weeks. Life was a dream with Braxton in it. We had seen each other a few times a week when it worked out, talked all the time, and we’re getting to know each other in the way a man and woman would, not like the child I’d been when he left for the military.
It was something rather extraordinary.
I had finally finished my physical therapy from the shooting, mentally I was doing well, and my shoulder was healing nicely. It still got sore when I overdid it, but I was working on strengthening it on my own, and it was getting closer to a hundred percent day by day.
So the time had come.
It was Saturday, the day for the do-over had finally arrived. I knew Braxton was the one who asked for it, but it wouldn’t be complete without everyone who was there the first time. We also had a new addition the guys would be bringing as well. I hadn’t met Kace yet. The girls and I were meeting them at a cute little nightclub downtown. I may have been riding with girls there, but I wasn’t sure I would be coming home with them. To be honest, I hoped I wasn’t. I’m not sure if some would say it was too soon to take the step I hoped would happen tonight, but to me, it didn’t feel that way. I had every intention, even as nervous as I was, that if the opportunity presented itself, I was taking it.
I decided to step up my attire and wear a cute little jean skirt. Yeah, I know, it was still jean material just like my usual garb, but hey, it was a skirt so that made it different, right? Combined with a sexy off the shoulder white top, with crisscrossed ties in front, and ribbed bottom, along with my white wedge sandals, I thought I looked okay. I’d also added a little extra make-up, something I didn’t normally wear much of at all. My hair was down, full of big, spiraling waterfall curls, and the finishing touch, a dainty silver necklace hung from my neck, dangling right between my tits. Hoping it catches Braxton’s focus. With that, I’d been ready to go.
All three of us girls made our way out of our bedrooms at the same time and headed to the front room. The nice little ranch style home we shared fit us perfectly. Knowing one day we wouldn't live here together made me a bit melancholy, but I also knew that it would mean our lives were changing for the better.
“Looking good ladies,” Summer commented. Summer turned her attention towards me. “Jurnee, it wasn’t too long ago we were all headed out for a night like tonight and you were seeing Braxton for the first time in forever. Now it’s a whole lot different.” I stilled for a moment at Summer’s words, remembering the first night with mixed feelings. She must have noticed as she spoke again. “Hey, first of all, nothing bad is going to happen, second, you’re not a teenager anymore, and lastly, you may finally get some action.”
She practically rolled on the floor in laughter after that, so I picked up one of our embroidered throw pillows off the couch and chucked it at her. “Shut it, or I’m going to make sure I get you back while we are there, and a certain bad boy is in our mix when I do.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Summer exclaimed wide-eyed. “There is no reason to do that and nothing is going on with him anyway!”
“Ha, I didn’t even say his name and you already know what sexy man I’m talking about. Someone has a crush,” I chanted. “Sounds a little like what you said to me the last time we went out.” Payback is a mother chicken. I did say I would get her back.
Alley decided to dive into the mix right then. “You two are a bunch of l
ove-struck fools,” she rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Now let’s get going and have some fun. I’m ready for a night out.”
“The question is, are you ready to see Landon?” I asked her.
The expression on her face changed, morphing into a look of pain, and I was instantly sorry I said anything. Landon was Summer’s brother, and both Summer and I knew something major had happened between Alley and Landon, but she’d never told us what. And even though we told each other almost everything, Summer and I hadn’t pushed her to let that particular secret out of the vault, because we could tell how painful it was for her.
Alley's way of coping was to shove stuff under the carpet, it’s how she survived her deeply buried feelings and dealt with life. One day it was all going to boil over like a pot of hot water and would scorch her something fierce. But as her best friends, we respected how she needed to handle things and would be there to help her when she needed it.
“Forget I said that,” I added quickly, trying to veer the conversation in a different direction. “Let’s get a move on and go have some fun.”
At that point, she didn’t look so excited anymore. The mood cooled around us, but I was determined to have a good night and help my girls have one too. So I grabbed Alley’s hand and dragged her toward the door, just as she had pulled a reluctant me through the bar the night I saw Braxton after so many years. That first evening may not have gone as any of us expected, it was frightening, to say the least, but something amazing had come from it too. I am glad Alley had not let me leave.
Braxton.
“Are you in a hurry to see my brother or something?” Alley sassed.
Oh good, it looked like she was back. This was the Alley I liked to see. I hated to see her upset. “You bet I am, so hurry your asses up.”
Door shutting behind us, I couldn’t help the tingle of excitement that zipped through my body. Braxton never failed to have that effect on me.
Entwined Souls (Soul Sister Book 1) Page 10
