The Brothers Next Door (A Striker Brothers Romance #1)

by Terry Towers

  She nodded. “All right, deal. Dinner for a warning.”

  He closed his ticket pad and tucked it back into his jacket pocket along with the pen, a wide grin spreading across his lips. “Good enough then. Wise decision.”

  “I just don’t want a ticket,” she murmured under her breath, although that was a lie; a part of her was eager to get to know him again.

  “I’ll pick you up at your mom’s at eight.” Violet watched as he began to walk back to his car, stopped and turned back to her. “And just a little suggestion…”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Violet cocked a brow at him and waited. “What’s that?”

  “You should really wear a pair of nice tight jeans, I’ve always loved your ass in jeans. And from what I felt a bit ago, it’s only gotten better with age.”

  She stared at him as he chuckled, no doubt at the look of disbelief on her face, got into his car and drove off.

  Chapter 2

  “Man, I don’t know why you’d even want to talk to her let alone take her out to supper after the way she just broke up with you and left. After all those years together… It was damned cold.”

  “It was seven years ago.” Devon looked over at his buddy Will and shrugged. Will grew up and went to school with them both; he and Violet had never gotten along all that well. Will blamed Violet for the trouble Devon would constantly find himself in, but that wasn’t the case. He was just as much to blame for the stupid shit they’d done as much as she was – she’d been right, the tractor joyride was entirely his idea and that was the tip of the iceberg. Though he wouldn’t have classified them as bad teenagers, just mischievous.

  “And you think living in New York made her all sweet and delicate.”

  He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a tiny bit nervous about taking Violet out. Will was right to a certain extent, she may not be the same person anymore, but he wanted to find out. “I think I’d like to get to know her again. I think there was more to why she broke up with me than her wanting to get out of this shitty town and see new people and not settle down. And I intend to find out.”

  “What if there is? You think she’s going to tell you?”

  “What does she have to lose?” Devon examined himself in the full-length mirror on the inner side of the foyer closet and nodded his head, satisfied he looked presentable. “It’s fucking bothered me for years now. It’s been like a gnat gnawing at the back of my brain.”

  “And what if there wasn’t some underlying reason?”

  “Then I move on. But at least I’ll know it’s the truth. I’ve waited seven years for the truth and finally I’m going to get it.”

  ~*~*~*~

  “Are you sure getting involved with Devon again is such a good idea, sweetheart?” Violet’s gaze caught her mother Fran’s in her bedroom vanity mirror as she finished her make-up, sweeping a pale pink lipstick on her lips. No one could deny they were mother and daughter, they were the spitting image of each other: shoulder-length blonde hair, large blue eyes and full lips. Her mother had had her when she was sixteen so they were close enough in age that on the few occasions when her mother flew to New York and they went out together, people assumed they were sisters.

  Violet rolled her eyes. “Mother. We’re not getting involved again. We’re just grabbing dinner and reconnecting – that’s all.”

  “I suppose.”

  She stood and gave her mother a brief hug. “It’s fine, Mom. Besides, if you don’t recall it was me who broke up with him, not the other way around.” Her mother never knew the real reason they’d broken up, she’d told her mother the same thing she’d told everyone else, him included – she wanted to play the field and date college boys. She told them all that their little city was too small and she wanted to live the big life. Though that was hardly the case. She’d loved her life there and despite the excitement that came with living in New York, a part of her regretted having to leave.

  “I know. But you were still hurt when it happened. It hurts me to see you unhappy and…”

  “I’m not a kid anymore, Mom. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m 25, had ” she paused, her lips turning to a frown; she wasn’t ready to tell her mother she’d lost her job yet, as far as her mother knew she was taking a little vacation to escape her hectic life I the city “– have a high-paying job that I’m extremely good at. Just because I go out with him doesn’t mean I’m going to fall head over heels and then mope for a year when it doesn’t work out.” The sound of a car pulling up into the driveway of their small three-bedroom bungalow kept her mother from protesting further. “I gotta go.”

  It was a beautiful September evening so she didn’t bother with a jacket. She’d been tempted to wear a dress, but broke down and wore jeans and a short-sleeved pink sweater that dipped low into her cleavage. She’d told herself she was wearing jeans because they were comfortable, but if she were to be honest with herself she wanted to look good for him.

  But we’re not starting anything up again, she told herself as she exited the house and headed towards his half-ton parked in the driveway. He stepped out of the truck as she approached and didn’t hesitate, pulling her into a brief hug.

  He was wearing the same cologne, but this time she gave herself a moment to bask in the enticing smell of it before pulling away. As expected, he looked good. He always looked good so it was no surprise, however, without the bulky bullet-proof vest she could got a better look at how he’d filled out over the years and she was very impressed. The grey sweater, which matched his eyes to perfection, hugged his torso and shoulders.

  Devon frowned and made a spinning motion with his index finger. “Turn around for a second.”

  “What?” Curious as to why he was asking, she turned; when she faced him again he was grinning.

  “Nice choice for jeans, I love how –”

  She groaned, reached out and jabbed him in the shoulder. “I can’t believe I fell for that. Seriously, haven’t you grown up yet?”

  Laughing, he escorted her to the passenger side of the truck and opened the door for her. “Nah, why would I want to do something crazy like that?”

  “’Cause we’re adults now. You’re in law enforcement.”

  “Well, I no longer attempt to tip cows if that makes you feel any better.” He shut the door before she had a chance to respond. Violet laughed as she watched him walk around the front of the truck, his gait strong and determined. There was a sexy confidence about him that he didn’t seem to have when they were younger.

  “If you don’t attempt to tip cows or try to outrun bulls anymore, then what do you do around here nowadays?” she asked as he got in and started the truck, shifting it into gear. She thought back to when he’d attempted to outrun Mr. and Mrs. Miller’s bull. He’d always been athletic and easily the fastest guy she knew – although bulls were much, much faster when running in a straight line. Normally he was able to outmaneuver a bull, using wit to make up for the bull’s speed, zigging and zagging just enough to get himself over the fence before the bull got to him, but not that time. He’d gotten lifted up into the air and thrown over the fence by the bull, breaking his arm in the process. But it didn’t stop him; several weeks later he was back at it. Silly guys.

  “Has it been so long that you don’t remember how fun it can be here? I know it’s not all excitement and bright lights and big buildings and celebrities, but we had fun.” He pulled out of the driveway and looked at her.

  Blushing, Violet held his gaze and then looked away. Yes, they had. She’d wondered so many times how things would be different had she not been forced to break up with him. Would she have stayed and they’d gotten married and had kids by now? As a teenager, she’d fantasized about it. The little farmhouse, some chickens, maybe some cattle and a couple of horses. It would have been a quaint, but perfect life that she’d envisioned. In fact, she’d been certain he was going to propose on prom night, but he hadn’t.

  Taking a deep breath in, she gathered herself and forced
her gaze back to him. “I suppose there were good times.”

  “A lot of good times.”

  She sat up straighter in the seat and peered around him. “So where are you taking us anyhow? I thought you said we were going out to dinner.”

  “I think I said have supper together.”

  “What’s the difference?”

  Turning off the highway, he drove past a sign that said NO TRESPASSING. It didn’t take long for her to realize where he intended on taking her. The road ended up at a clearing near a secluded lake. It had been one of their favourite hangouts. It was always so peaceful… and private. When it came to horny teenagers who needed a place to fuck, it was the perfect spot.

  “You realize you’re not getting lucky tonight,” she teased. Nine times out of 10 when they were teenagers that’s exactly what happened at this lake. He’d even taken her virginity there.

  He feigned shock. “I can’t believe you’d assume I was taking you here just for sex. Can’t I just take you to one of our favourite spots for old times’ sake?”

  ~*~*~*~

  Devon loved seeing her cheeks redden as she nervously looked away – it was adorable. He didn’t remember her being so easy to embarrass, usually it was him who was on the embarrassed end of the conversations, but suspected that it wouldn’t take much to get her out of her shell. He knew he had to cut her a little slack, he’d known she was coming home for a couple of days now and had prepared running into her in advance. He suspected she hadn’t anticipated running into him so soon, let alone spending time together.

  “And here we are.” He looked over at her as he shut off the truck.

  She cocked a brow up at him. “And what about supper?”

  “It’s in the back.”

  She laughed. “I assumed you meant a restaurant, but all right.”

  Getting out of the truck he grabbed the picnic basket and a wool blanket. “This is better than a restaurant.”

  “Better? I didn’t know you could cook.”

  “I couldn’t then, but I’m incredible now.” Finding a spot, Devon placed the basket on the grass and spread the blanket out. “I admit, I was pretty horrible when I first moved out, but it was either learn to cook or starve.”

  “When did you move out? Where are you living now?” She sat on the blanket and not bothering to wait for him, opened the basket, pulling out the contents.

  “On the outskirts of town. I went to the police academy right after you left for New York and when I came back I bought a small hobby farm. Nothing fancy, but it’s just me so I don’t need much.”

  Just like they’d always dreamed about. Remorse stabbed her in the heart. But she’d made the decision she thought was right at the time. She knew she had to keep reminding herself of that.

  She grabbed a pre-sliced piece of banana bread and took a bite, so moist, so delicious. “Did you make this?”

  Grabbing the bottle of wine, he removed the cork then looked over at her and gave her a wink. “Yes ma’am. As a matter of fact, I did.”

  “Mmm. I’m impressed. You even bake.”

  Grabbing two glasses he poured her a glass of white wine and passed it to her, then one for himself. “Your mother tells me you have some hotshot job now at some advertising firm. That’s amazing. I’m really happy it all worked out for you, V.”

  Despite his words, she could see what he was saying wasn’t entirely true. She took a long drink from the glass, downing the entire contents and motioning for a refill. “I did.”

  “Did? Not do?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. Got fired.” She couldn’t believe she’d said it out loud, she hadn’t even told her mother yet – she’d been too ashamed, because she’d have to tell the reason why. She could lie, but she’d lied enough for one lifetime, she had no desire to lie about the reason for her no longer being employed.

  Devon was about to take a drink from his glass of wine and stopped, lowering the glass. “Does your mother know? She made it sound like you were on a brief visit.”

  She shook her head. “Nope and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything.”

  “Sure. Well, what happened?” He chuckled. “Sleep with the boss or something?” Her face paled and he wished he could take back his words and mentally kicked himself for saying something so stupid. He just didn’t expect his joke to be on point. “I’m sorry. I…”

  “No, it’s all right.” She downed the second glass of wine and motioned for another refill. “There’s not much to tell. It was an accident.”

  He chuckled softly, an uneasy sound. “An accident? You tripped at the office and just fell onto his cock? I don’t follow.”

  She stared at him a minute and began laughing. “No, I didn’t fall onto his cock. I mean, I thought he was separated and in the process of a divorce; that’s what he told me. Apparently somewhere along the line they got back together, his wife found out about us and me about her, he fired me.” She shrugged. “Not that I’d have continued working there anyhow, but still…”

  “What are you going to do?”

  She shrugged again. “Hang here for a little while, get my bearings. I’ve never actually taken a vacation since I took the job a few years ago. Then I’ll go back to New York and start pounding the pavement. I guess. I can’t stay in limbo long, the apartment I have there is expensive and will do short work of my savings.”

  “Hmmm. Well, you’re here tonight, so let’s enjoy it.” He filled both glasses once again and clinked her glass to hers. “To reunions.”

  She smiled. “Reunions.”

  Chapter 3

  He hadn’t been lying. He’d become an incredible cook, Violet was beyond impressed and the conversation hadn’t been so bad either; it didn’t take long for the time to seem to rewind itself to the point where she felt like they’d never separated. She appreciated that he didn’t dwell on her mistake with her boss, heaven knows she’d beat herself up enough about it. She’d spent the past two days thinking back, dissecting the relationship and picking out points where she should have caught on that something was up. It was a futile endeavor, she knew this, but she was helpless to stop the self-pity.

  “So, are you coming?”

  Violet’s eyes lifted from the blade of grass she’d been picking at and towards the sound of his voice. She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t even noticed him getting up from the blanket. He was standing on the small pier about 10 feet away, pulling his shirt up and over his head. Balling the sweater up in his hands he tossed it at her, hitting her square in the face.

  “Hey, what the hell!” She laughed, clutching onto the sweater, and despite herself brought the sweater to her nose and inhaled deeply. It was over the course of the picnic that she’d discovered why the scent was so familiar. It was the exact same Calvin Klein cologne he wore when they were younger; she’d bought his first bottle for him one Christmas and he’d never changed from it. She’d loved it then and still loved it.

  “Come on. It’s a beautiful evening. Let’s go for a swim.”

  “I don’t have any swim clothes.” Her eyes scanned his naked chest and torso. The muscle was so tight and defined, even hotter than she expected – the moonlight seemed to accent every contour of muscle.

  He undid his belt buckle and unzipped his pants, hooking his thumbs into the waistband and pushing them down, leaving him in his boxer briefs. She couldn’t resist, her eyes lowered to his groin and the bulge beneath the black cotton. “So? It’s just the two of us here.”

  “You want me to go skinny-dipping with you?” She set the sweater down on the blanket and got to her feet, crossing her arms over her chest, lifting her eyes from his groin and shooting him a skeptical stare.

  “Why not? The girl I used to know used to be fearless.” His accent seemed to be thicker then; she didn’t think he’d ever sounded so sexy. This was madness. Stepping out of his jeans he grabbed them and tossed them onto the blanket.

  “I’m not that girl anymore.” She could fe
el herself crumbling. He was giving her that sexy, seductive smile that made her tummy flutter and ignited the fire between her legs, a feeling she’d been getting on and off for most of the evening. And those dimples, damn him and his sexy dimples.

  “I don’t believe you.” With one quick movement he removed his boxer briefs and tossed them at her. She caught them in mid-air and then dropped them onto the growing pile of clothing. “It would be a damned shame if that were true.”

  “What if someone comes?” Her eyes dipped to his groin again; his dick was standing at half-mast and she quickly looked away, her face burning from embarrassment. His laughter only intensified her embarrassment. Memories of them together intimately came crashing over her; how tender he’d been when he’d taken her virginity, how he’d always attempt to time his orgasm with hers, so many memories...

  “Were we ever caught before?”

  She forced herself to look at him, into his mischievous grey eyes. The man had no shame. None. At all. And he knew what a temptation he was, he had to know. “No. But –”

  “Then stop being such a prude, strip and let’s go for a swim.” He took a couple of steps towards her. “I have a feeling that girl I fell in love with is still in there, somewhere.”

  More memories bombarded her and she had to force tears from her eyes. He had no idea how hard it had been for her to say goodbye. Or maybe he did? Maybe he’d found out what his mother had done to her; it would certainly explain why he didn’t seem to hold a grudge over the breakup. Or maybe this was just a game for him, make her fall for him all over again so he could be the one to crush her instead of the other way around. She shook the thought from her head, no, she couldn’t believe he was capable of such a thing.

  She sighed. “Fine, you win.”

  His eyes twinkled with victory.

  “Now, turn around.” She made a circling motion with her finger. “No looking until I’m in the water.”