The food showed up just in time; before she could ask any more questions that could get him into trouble. He watched her enjoy the steak and scallops. He was very pleased with her, indeed. Today just solidified that he wanted her for himself. He was going to make this happen or die trying, and Jamison was just going to have to get over it if he wanted to be friends still. Reed knew that it was going to be a little difficult seeing Brynley around Jamison. Reed was a jealous and protective guy; knowing Jamison was infatuated with Brynley would make it tough for Reed to be friendly to him and not suspicious of his intentions. If Jamison made one wrong move, Reed would harm him; no second thoughts about it.
He knew the first thing that he needed to do was talk to her about his intentions concerning her. He didn’t want her also talking to Jamison; his jealousy wouldn’t be able to handle it. His dad was out of town; he would ask everyone back to his house tonight to play a round of pool. Then maybe, he could get some private time to talk to Brynley.
Dinner was excellent, and everyone had a good time. Reed was trying to impress Brynley. He walked her around the restaurant to show her the antiques that the restaurant housed. He then went and introduced her to the chef. Chef Allington was very impressed with both girls, mostly with their looks, which Reed was not thrilled about. Finally, Reed invited everyone back to his house to play some pool and everyone seemed excited. They left the restaurant and headed to the truck. Brynley overheard Skylar say to Kendra, “Wait until you see his house; it’s a mansion.” Reed looked sheepishly at Brynley.
“My dad has a pretty big house. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. It’s just a house, ok?” Brynley shook her head ‘ok,’ but she knew he must be filthy rich if he was concerned about how she would feel about his big home.
It took about twenty minutes to get to Reed’s house. First of all, it was not a house. It was an actual mansion; all three stories of it! It even had a turret.
“Reed, this is not just a house; this is a mansion.” Brynley looked a little intimidated.
Reed put his arm around her waist. “It’s just a house, Brynley, and you’re welcomed here anytime you would like to come down. I have all kinds of fun things to do here if you’re ever interested.” ‘And I hope you are’ was what he was thinking. Reed found himself staring at her lips, which were slightly parted in awe of his home. He had this overpowering urge to kiss her, but he refrained. Now was not the time. He grabbed her hand, and she followed him through the door.
It was breathtaking! His home was like a museum, full of amazing art and sculptures. She loved it. She found herself walking away from him, looking at all of the interesting things that he had. He stood there, watching her enjoy his home. It felt good to see her here. This is where he wanted her to be, and it needed to be her. Kendra walked along with Brynley. Skylar came up beside Reed. “I think they like your home, man.” Reed smiled and then looked back at Skylar.
“I hope so. I’d like to see her here more often, that’s for sure.” Skylar smiled at Reed’s comment. He knew that the love bug had bitten Reed. He liked Brynley, and he was glad that Reed liked her too. He thought Brynley would be good for him. He just couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for Jamison. He knew that Jamison fell instantly for her, as well. Ultimately, it was up to Brynley, who she would choose. Right now, he hoped it was Reed; for Reed’s sake. Jamison was infatuated; Reed was captivated and devoted to making her his.
Skylar watched Reed walk up to her. He picked up her hand and asked her to follow him. Skylar walked over to Kendra and placed his hand around her waist, and she followed him. Reed took her up to the second floor. This was where the bedrooms were, and each room was enormous with its own bathroom. Gorgeous wood floors flowed through each room and hallway. The beds were fit for royalty. Reed took them to see his bedroom. Brynley was shocked. It wasn’t your typical boy’s room with girl posters plastered on the walls, smelly socks were thrown around, or food stuffed everywhere in corners. His room was very elegant and clean! His bed was a King-sized, dark walnut wood. His bedding had elegant scrollwork donned with white silk sheets and a dark grey, shiny comforter. It was silky to the touch. His tallboy and dresser were the same wood as the bed, and he had a massive mirror above his dresser. His closet was deep and large, filled with all kinds of clothes and shoes. His French doors led out onto an ample balcony with four chairs. His master bath was amazing! He had a large soaker tub, a rain shower, a heated towel bar, and a large white carpet that was so soft to the feet.
Brynley turned to Reed and said, “I would never leave if this were my home.” She gave him a smile that just about buckled his knees.
Reed was feeling confident. “I could always build you one if you’d like. Of course, you would have to share it with me.” His naughty grin and wink were unrepentant! She smiled at him coyly and then replied.
“I would like that very much, please. Only, you must know first that I don’t share well.” Skylar nor Kendra heard their conversation. They were looking around in other rooms. Brynley was so captivated by Reed and his house that she wasn’t even paying attention to them.
“That’s ok; I don’t share well either.” Brynley had no idea Reed was making a declaration about her and nothing to do about the house. Still holding Brynley’s hand, he said, “Come with me; I have more I want to show you.” Brynley followed as she was commanded.
He started up the stairs to take her to the third floor. Kendra and Skylar were already there; this floor was where the massive library and ballroom was. It was all done in an old medieval, European style. Brynley loved it! The massive wooden fireplace had a lion on each side. A large painting of Reed’s mother and Reed as a child hung above the fireplace. There were books everywhere. Off to the right side sat a large and ornate pool table. Brynley smiled at Reed.
“Is this where my lessons will take place?” Reed’s heart jumped. To hear those words and hear that slight seductive purr in her voice, it just about sent him over.
Reed walked over and stood in front of her. He placed his hand on her waist. “You’ll need to practice every day for a very long while, I’m predicting. You need to be completely dedicated. I’m a strict taskmaster, but I will take very good care of you.” He was injecting a little seductive tone in his answer back to her. He was definitely going to have that talk with her tonight. She wasn’t getting out of here until she realized how serious he was about having a relationship with her, and her only. There was a small kitchenette in the library room. Skylar went to the refrigerator and got Kendra and Brynley a bottle of water. The boys drank a Pepsi. Skylar started racking the balls together to start a game of pool for him and Kendra. Skylar knew that Reed wasn’t ready to play yet, at least not with them.
Reed walked over to Skylar and told him that he wanted to show Brynley the other room and that he would be right back. Reed took Brynley’s hand and brought her out of the library and into the next room. She was awe-struck!
“My mother created this room. Her inspiration came from a castle over in Scotland. It’s a ballroom if you move the furniture around.” Brynley couldn’t help but look all around the immense room. There were three crystal chandeliers, and the walls were an antique cream with baroque style trim along the borders. The room reminded Brynley of an 18th-century ballroom that she had read about in romance novels. The furniture was French and beautiful. Along one wall was a large salt water aquarium that had colorful fish floating around a beautiful backdrop of plants and décor mimicking Atlantis's lost city. It was so much for Brynley to take in.
“I can’t believe you live here every day, and you are so down to earth! This is the stateliest home that I have ever seen.” Reed looked happy that Brynley was so pleased. He was hoping he had impressed her, and he believed that he was successful. He didn’t want her to like him just for his money, but he knew that he didn’t have to worry about that because that wasn’t how Brynley was. He trusted her.
“My mother had this built for masquerade parties. When she die
d, the parties stopped. My father didn’t have the heart to change the room. Maybe, I can throw a masquerade party for you and Kendra; to welcome you to the school. Would you like that?” Brynley wanted to throw her arms around Reed and give him a big hug. He was so sweet! Her heart broke for him about losing his mother.
“I’m sorry about your mother, Reed. When did she pass away?” ‘See,’ he thought, ‘she wasn’t fixated on the party; she was concerned about me. Tabitha would have never asked about his mom. She would have started the planning process for her party’.
“She passed away from cancer four years ago.” Brynley placed her hand on his chest. Her eyes were moist, with tears pooling around the corners of her eyes. She was truly upset for him, which confirmed to him that she cared and wasn’t self-centered. Reed placed his hand along her jawline, and he gave her a light-hearted kiss. He watched, mesmerized, as her pupils dilated and her lips darkened from the surprising kiss. Her tongue swept across them, and he wanted nothing more than to capture and enjoy it. ‘Get in control, Reed.’ He finally remembered to speak, “Thank you, Brynley, for caring about me.” He heard a short intake of air. She didn’t complain that he kissed her. That just encouraged him to want to do it once more. “I’d like to kiss you again if you’ll let me?” Brynley simply closed her eyes and waited for Reed to kiss her again.
This time, he was going to do it right. He wanted her to know how he was feeling about her. His thumb stroked her cheek and then slid down to her jawline. He watched her eyes flutter ever so slightly. He could hear her breathing pick up a little faster and deeper. His left hand slipped down to her waist, and his right hand was now caressing her jaw. He stared at Brynley’s perfect face. He was overwhelmed with the aching need to kiss her again. This time, he kissed her lightly once; and then his yearning for her urged him to kiss her deeply a second time. Her wet lips slid against his, which was practically his undoing. That sensation alone tripped every desire button in his body! His hand automatically pulled her closer to him. She could feel his body heat, and he could feel her shivering with want. He was hungry for her, but he didn’t want to scare her or offend her; so, he pulled back, gently and slowly. That was the hardest thing he has ever had to do, was to break that kiss; the perfect kiss. He didn’t want to stop. Clearly, that was the greatest kiss he has ever had! He was just praying that she felt the same way. When he lifted his lips from hers, he noticed those almond-shaped eyes were still shut. When they fluttered open, he was looking mischievously at her. “Brynley, that was truly the greatest kiss that I have ever had the pleasure to experience. I’m just praying that you feel the same way.” All Brynley could do was shake her head in agreement and take a very deep breath. Reed smiled playfully at her. “When I see you tomorrow, alone, I’d like to try that kiss again. Will you let me?” Again, all Brynley could do was shake her head ‘yes.’ Reed bent down and gave her a spirited, quick kiss; because he just couldn’t help himself, and then they returned to the library. Kendra and Skylar had already started a game. Reed and Brynley had already started something, but it definitely wasn’t a game.
Chapter Eight:
Reed thought it best to let that kiss linger in Brynley’s brain for a little while. He didn’t want to come on too strong and too fast. His goal was to make her his girlfriend, but she hadn’t really known him for more than two days, and one of those days, he was a complete ass to her. No, he realized that he would have to take his time and build this process to make it strong and successful. He was going to have to woo her! He was taking no chances. He was not going to screw up and give Jamison a chance with her. Just the thought of that made him curl his hands into fists. He was going to make her see that he was the only man she needed and would want. He had no intention of taking a long time to accomplish this, but he had to give her at least a good week before he mentioned relationship status to her. He wanted her to know that he was serious and not being foolish about it. He was going to take some time to plan and execute everything, just right!
“Well, it’s about time you two showed up! How about a game?” Kendra looked relaxed and pleased to be with Skylar. Brynley was pretty sure that Kendra felt like she had found her ‘one’ guy for this year. Skylar seemed to be just as satisfied with Kendra. Brynley was happy for both of them. The girls would have plenty to talk about tonight once they got home!
“You’re on!” Reed spoke confidently back, accepting their challenge. The balls were racked appropriately, and the game began. Reed showed Brynley how to hold her pool stick properly. He trained her how to eye and line up the balls, how to execute the strike, and how much pressure to apply. She didn’t do too bad on her first hit. She actually knocked a striped ball into the corner pocket. Brynley looked so pleased and adorable that Reed just wanted to grab her and smother her with kisses! Abstaining from Brynley was proving to be quite a hardship for Reed. He truly was learning control with her. She went to strike another ball but missed it. If he thought her ‘success’ face was cute, it was nothing compared to her tempting and alluring ‘pouting’ face! My gosh, he wanted to devour her! She was igniting emotions inside him that he was truly struggling to control. Before he could walk away from her, he had to take several deep breaths to take his turn.
Reed was beginning to think that this girl was going to possess him; body and soul! He had never felt the powerful emotions that he was feeling with her now, and so soon. He was starting to doubt himself a little. He was enamored with her for sure, but these powerful urges just seemed to be too strong, too fast! He was crazy about Rebecca when he was dating her, but she never enraptured him as Brynley does, and they dated for almost a year. A little bit of fear and doubt started creeping into his thoughts. This girl could have the power to break him. He wanted her; without a shadow of a doubt, but he was fearful of the consequences. Brynley was a good girl, but she was a girl. He wanted to be thinking with his brain, and not just his feelings or his loins!
Somehow, even though he was severely preoccupied, Reed sunk four balls in. He finally missed, and that gave Skylar a chance. Skylar was a very skilled pool player, and he had no problem showing off his skill to his new girl. Yeah, Skylar was thinking very similar thoughts about Kendra as Reed was about Brynley. She was a knockout, and there was no denying that he was attracted to her physically. There was something about her nature and personality that attracted him too. She seemed to be everything he wanted, all wrapped up in the most tempting and captivating present he’s ever seen! How did he get this lucky, in this town, with this girl? He was just thankful to God that He brought both of the girls here! He felt like Kendra was excited about him too. She definitely put out the vibes that she was interested; that kiss they shared literally knocked his socks off! He could feel the electrifying shock run all the way through his body! He’s had plenty of girls, but this one was going to be a conqueror for sure, and he didn’t mind being her victim!
Skylar impressed Kendra with his talent and expertise, but he eventually missed one. It was Kendra’s turn, and it just so happened that she finished sinking all of the solid balls. Now, she just needed to sink the eight ball in the right corner pocket. She eyeballed it; she moved the pool stick back and forth to line it up. She struck the ball on the side; it rolled to the right but didn’t have enough muscle to roll into the pocket. Skylar moaned for her and then hugged her. “You did great! It looks like I have something else to be impressed about, with you.” Kendra beamed at his statement. He was flirting, and she likes it a lot!
It was Brynley’s turn to try again. She bent over and lined her stick up to the white ball, trying to knock the last striped ball into a pocket. She concentrated and struck the ball hard. The striped ball spiraled and landed in the corner pocket; however, the eight-ball was knocked into a pocket, as well. Thus, ending the game. Brynley noticed Reed’s head fall back in defeat. “What? I knocked the striped ball into the pocket as you told me to do.” ‘Oh my gosh, so freaking innocent and adorable’ was exactly what Reed was thinking right now
. He gave her a seductive smile because he was feeling a variety of emotions right now for her.
“When you knocked that striped ball in, you also knocked the eight ball into the pocket, before you called it. That makes us automatically lose the game, but you still did well. I just need to work with you a little while on how to play the game; that’s all.” Brynley displayed that gut-wrenching, soul-stirring, and knee-trembling ‘pouting’ face again. Her lips were absolutely the sexiest he has ever seen! To look at them, simply wanted to make him consume and exhaust them! They were like maddening magnets, and Reed was starting to lose the power of control. She was confused, and he just wanted to kiss her into oblivion. Man, he had to get a grip, or he was going to screw everything up! Looking into those eyes, though, was like looking into Heaven! Those eyes had complete influence over every move, thought, and feeling Reed knew he possessed. One look could sway him easily, and that was dangerous.
Her smile broke his thoughts. “Well, I guess I’ll need lessons, after all. I hope you have the time to work me in your busy schedule.” Her laugh was hypnotic and contagious, and everyone started laughing now. Reed was having such a good time with her. He hadn’t felt this good in so long and didn’t even realize it until now. He didn’t feel guarded, stiff, or haughty like he usually did. He actually felt so relaxed, happy, and contented. Wow, that was it! He felt content and satisfied. The strong feeling of protection suddenly overwhelmed Reed. He had to secure her to him, to secure his happiness. She made him feel things that he wanted but just could never achieve. She was going to be his aphrodisiac, and he was hooked!
His hand landed lightly on her hip. Reed’s voice held a redolent tone to it as he inched his face just a little closer to hers. Her lips parted slightly, and he heard her gently sigh, which just set him on fire! “My day will never be too busy not to include you in it; I promise you that.” She noticed his smoldering look as he spoke to her, which sent tempting waves of delight all the way to her toes! She felt her body slightly quiver from his wanton vibe. It was such a powerful shock to her system! Nothing has ever shaken her to the core like this before, and she didn’t know how to respond appropriately.
Pride and Passion Page 8
