Beautiful Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book 3)

by Lia Fairchild

  “Leaving where?” I ask.

  “Flying to Seattle. Remember that whiskey campaign I told you about?”

  Nodding, I widen my eyes in anticipation.

  “I got it, man. They want to fly me to their headquarters, so I’ll be out there at least three days.”

  “Wow, that’s incredible. Congrats,” Kaylee says. “Don’t get too famous now.”

  “Oh I think it’s inevitable, Kaylee baby.”

  “You’ll miss the first rehearsal for the show,” I say, just putting it together.

  “I think I’m good, mother hen.”

  “I was stating a fact, not scolding you, your highness.”

  “Just don’t let anyone diss me while I’m gone. My aunt’s running the show, and she’s got everything covered. I’ll be there for dress rehearsal.”

  “I think we need a toast to your new campaign,” Turner says.

  We all raise our glasses. “To the whiskey king,” I say, and the three of them repeat it. Then we all laugh at the irony of toasting to whiskey while drinking sake.

  ***

  “You know one of the best things about being an adult?” Kaylee is lying on her side, a plate of cheesecake next to her, the laptop open in front of her.

  “What’s that?” I’m sitting on the edge of the bed near her feet.

  “That you can eat dessert in bed any time you want.”

  “That’s pretty good”—I run my hand up the inside of her calf—”but I can think of some other things that are much better. But don’t worry. You can still do them in bed.” I slide my hand back down to her ankle and rub my thumb over the arch of her foot, a place I’ve learned might be far from the goods but definitely acts as a pressure point to pleasure.

  She grins at me as she slips the fork slowly into her mouth, her lips capturing a small clump of white sweetness. My gaze zeroed in on her mouth, I take a hunk of air in as she licks her top lip. I can feel my heart swell against my ribs, heat shooting through my veins to all my extremities. Damn, she knows exactly what’s she’s doing to me too, evidenced by the sexy bump at the corner of her mouth.

  I crawl up her body and lick the very place on her lip she just did. “You missed a spot.” Then I kiss her and when I draw back, our gazes lock, her deep hazel eyes calling to me. I move the plate over to the table and say, “Want to finish that later?”

  “Actually, I’m full…but I have a feeling we’re about to work up another appetite.”

  Those words, that look, it was like she turned the key in my ignition, and I’m ready to floor it. I go in for another kiss, but she leans back.

  “But first…”

  A burst of air whooshes from my lungs as I fall to my back on the bed. “Wow, Kay, that’s about the worst thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  She laughs and turns the screen in my direction. “Have you even seen this website Turner put together? It’s amazing!”

  I flip to my stomach and take a look. He showed me when he was building it, but with my dad’s heart attack and Ari and Mason having the baby, I totally forgot to go back.

  Kaylee starts tapping into different areas, and I’m both impressed and guilt-ridden. “Dang, my boy is skilled.”

  “I thought you knew that. Isn’t he your best friend?”

  “Yeah, but…we’re guys. It’s not like we hold hands and support each other.” Though, I don’t think it’s entirely true.

  She grows serious when she says, “You really should.”

  “I know. Turner and I do share some stuff. We’re as close as brothers. Just not so much about work.” I give her a peck on the lips. “But thanks for caring.”

  We look through the site more, seeing for the first time some pictures of the renovation in progress. It feels good to be a small part of that.

  Kaylee gasps when she clicks back to the front page and scrolls. “Oh, my God. Look!” She points to a picture of Daven Sparrow with a gorgeous, tall blonde. “I can’t believe Daven got Heidi Klum.”

  “That’s incredible. He mentioned he’d work to get some famous former models, but I had no idea he’d go that big.”

  “I’m so excited about all this, but I’m also nervous. Being in the same show with her?”

  I move up her body and press her down onto the bed, hovering over her. “How many times do I have to tell you you’re gorgeous before you believe it?” I say with my lips an inch from hers.

  “I’ll let you know,” she whispers, hooking my neck and pulling me on top of her. She smells flowery and fresh. All I want to do is memorize every inch of her, mark every spot with my hands, my lips, my tongue. I kiss behind her ear, run my lips to her collarbone, and when a breathy moan escapes her, I can’t help but cover her mouth with mine.

  We kiss slowly, as if we both know we’ve got all night this time. Though, these clothes will need to go soon. Her skin is so damn soft and supple I’m itching to feel it against mine. I spend the next twenty minutes replacing every stitch of material on her body with my lips. I want Kaylee to know there’s no part of her I don’t want. No part I won’t worship, make mine. Halfway through me unveiling her body, she pulls my shirt over my head and runs her hands down my chest. Once I’ve got her completely naked, I stand and stare down at her while I undo my pants. Holy fuck, the way she’s lying there, her hazel eyes so big and beautiful, looking at me in that way that makes me wonder how the hell I deserve it.

  I kick my pants away and climb back over her, the feel of her skin against mine like a searing heat that soothes instead of burns.

  I gently nip at her mouth, then take my lips to her ear. “You’re everything, Kaylee. Everything I ever wanted.”

  When she wraps her legs around my waist and says, “I want you, Justice. Now…” I don’t make her wait. I realize in that moment that all I really want is to give Kaylee everything she wants. I just hope I can.

  Chapter 20

  Kaylee

  Dress rehearsal can be hectic: tensions are high, designers and models often stressed, and support people are run ragged making sure everything goes smoothly. Currently, there are models everywhere in various stages of dress, some waiting for their cue, some getting photographed, and others sitting on the floor or in chairs waiting, on their phones or chatting with one another. The high intensity of it all never used to bother me—I actually enjoyed the energy and excitement. The part I didn’t like about it was I felt like the girls treated me differently. Whether or not it was because of my parents didn’t matter. It still screwed with my confidence. Today has been completely different. Of course, this is a fundraiser and this group of models is a mix of newbies, veterans, and popular upcoming models. Whatever the secret sauce is—it’s working.

  Holly, one of the dressers, went to get some pins and as I wait, my mind drifts to Justice. More specifically how he worshipped my body in his bed the other night. I’d never felt so cared for and completely ruined at the same time. Just as a flush heats my skin, the star of my day dreams—and apparently my real life—comes around the corner. Across the room, his eyes lock on mine, but then he’s bombarded by what I can only guess is some of the community center kids, since Curtis pulls up behind them.

  Justice turns back my way, waving me over. But before I can head that way, someone else catches my eye—Archie. He’s walking with Koko, determination in his gaze, his mouth set tightly. Koko, who houses a smile ninety percent of the time, looks unhappy as well. I step into their path and they stop short.

  “Kaylee, you look most beautiful,” Koko says.

  “Thank you. You too.”

  “I’m sorry I have to rush away. I’m late for my fitting.”

  “Just one second, please.” I glance with narrowed eyes behind her to Archie, who rolls his eyes. “Is something wrong? Did Archie—”

  “What the hell are you doing, Kaylee?” Archie interrupts. “I was simply telling Koko she needs to talk to her dad about the fundraiser. He called me, wondering why she was taking time away from her studies if she was
n’t getting paid.”

  I look back to Koko. “Is that right?”

  “Oh, yes.” She turns to Archie. “I told Mr. Archie I’m sorry my father angry. I will explain it’s for good cause.”

  It sounds reasonable to me, and I suppose I overreacted, but I can’t risk Koko falling prey to Archie, especially since I am supposed to be watching out for her. “Why don’t we call him together tonight?” I tell her and she grins.

  “Thank you, Kaylee. Now I must go.” She bows her head and rushes away.

  “You’re stirring up trouble, Kaylee, and I don’t appreciate it.”

  I tilt my head at him. “I’m just watching out for her. Given the circumstances…”

  “I think you’re a little confused, missy. You better be damn sure you know what you’re doing.” Stepping closer to me, he glances to the side when he speaks. “You’re going to ruin lives, careers, including your own mother’s, because of a misunderstanding?”

  “No, you’re the one misunderstanding, because once my mother sees your true colors, you’ll be out on your ass.”

  He scoffs and then looks me in the eye. “This is my company too now. Or did you forget that? You take me down, and she goes down too.”

  I’m fuming inside, my chest heaving, and all I want to do is punch him right in the face. “We’ll see about that.”

  “You want to roll the dice? Go ahead. But this company won’t survive. I’ll make sure of it.”

  “My father must have taken pity on you to become your friend.”

  “Now don’t forget your mother too,” he says with a grin.

  “I hate you. Now back off… I need to get ready.”

  Archie glances around before taking off without another word. I step over to my purse to check my phone and get a drink of water. I need to shake this off before anyone sees me like this, especially Justice. Glancing over to where I last saw him, I find only him and Curtis standing there, talking. When he catches my gaze, he says goodbye to Curtis and heads over to me.

  His presence alone calms me, somehow making me feel like things will be okay. Then he flashes me that megawatt smile, and I can’t help but return it. The fact that he can so easily make me feel better tells me so much.

  The stylish red pants and black and white shirt with scattered checkered pattern does not look like something Justice would wear, so I know that’s one of his outfits for the show. Our eyes connect when he’s just a few feet away, and a flutter starts in my stomach. I wonder when that excitement I get when I see him will pass. I want to get closer to him, but I’m also not in a hurry to lose that feeling that comes with a new relationship. Not to mention, being close could mean Justice will find out I’m a hypocrite.

  Stopping in front of me, Justice slips into his model strut, then does a turn. “I’ve still got it, right?”

  I shrug. “Meh.”

  Grabbing me by the waist, he pulls me in and nips at my neck, causing me to squeal. “Okay, yes, you’ve got it.”

  He laughs, then pulls back, turning serious. “So what’s the deal with Archie? Things looked…tense.”

  “Nothing, he just pissed me off, as usual.”

  He cocks his head, a skeptical gaze telling me he’s not buying it. “Kay…you have to tell me if I need to kick some ass.”

  I can’t help but smile at that, but given he’s literally already gotten in a fight because of me, I have to set him straight. “Please, don’t say that. I don’t want you getting involved, and I definitely don’t want you in another fight.”

  “How can you say that? I’m involved whether you like it or not, baby. In case you didn’t get the memo when you were naked and under me…that made you mine.”

  I don’t know what to say to that. The shimmer in his eyes shoots pride and confidence—not to mention heat—through my system. I flit my eyes around to see we’re definitely not having this moment to ourselves. Well, they can eat their hearts out, because this man is mine. Claiming him for anyone who might be watching, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him deeply. He doesn’t seem to mind one bit, his arms running up my bare back before he dips me slightly. A few people whoop around us, and he pulls me back up.

  “That’s the best greeting I’ve ever had,” he says, focusing only on me. He does one of those sexy hair flips, and I practically melt. Then his eyes travel down the length of me, taking in the hot pink shimmery dress with a scoop neck. “And wow, you look incredible.”

  “Thank you.” He probably doesn’t realize my thanks is less about the compliment and more about how he’s made me feel here today. Like I’m the most important person in the room. When I think about it, he always makes me feel that way no matter where we are. I can’t believe how much I misjudged him, how many times I assumed he was just a superficial jerk—no matter how gorgeous I thought he was. “Have you been out there yet?”

  “Yeah, didn’t you hear the cheers?” He chuckles, but then a guy and two girls walk by and call his name.

  “Nice to see you, Justice,” the blonde sings.

  “You too.” He nods before turning back to me.

  “Guess you do still got it,” I say playfully, trying to hide the tiny bit of jealousy creeping in.

  “I don’t know about that…” He takes my face in his hands. “But I do know the only thing I want is you,” he whispers against my mouth, and I’m sure my skin turns pink and prickles up.

  “Well, isn’t this cozy,” Holly says, walking back up.

  “Curtis wants me to go hang with some of the kids. They’re with his aunt in a private room…” He glances around our immediate area. “Away from this chaos.”

  “Makes sense.”

  “Text me when you’re done.”

  Justice kisses me on the cheek, and Holly watches him go like he’s some Hollywood celebrity. Then she seems to realize she’s ogling my man’s ass and turns back to me. “Nice… You guys make a hot couple.”

  “Thank you,” I say, though it feels awkward when I hear it.

  She makes some final adjustments to the shoulder and hem of the dress, and I’m on my way. I don’t have to wait too long for my turn, and surprisingly, after all this time, my walk feels natural—like I never stopped doing it. I told Justice this morning he wasn’t allowed to see my rehearsal, but if it went well he could peek at me during the show.

  I make my turn at the end, and when I head back, I can’t believe how good I feel. Too good. This can’t be right; I left modeling because it was all wrong. By the time I exit, my elation turns to confusion, and one of the stage hands steps up into my path. “What? You did great.”

  I shake my head. “Sorry, yeah, it felt good. I just…”

  “Are you okay? You need some water or something?”

  She goes to flag down one of the runners, then another model steps in front of me. I have to do a double take to realize it’s Denise. She was close with Trista, my arch enemy at the agency.

  “Oh, my God, Kaylee. How’ve you been?”

  I remember my mother saying she quit the agency and got married, so I’m surprised to see her here. “Hey, Denise. I’m good…and you?” I’m even more surprised when I glance down to see what appears to be a baby bump. My mouth opens, but I hesitate, not wanting to make a terrible mistake.

  “Yes, yes, I’m pregnant.” She leans over and taps my arm. “I didn’t tell them when they called. Just showed up for the first fitting and told them to deal.”

  We both laugh.

  “Well, I think you look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you.” Denise grins sweetly. “You looked incredible out there. You always were a natural.”

  Once again, I’m speechless. “Oh—um, thank you. I never thought…I mean, it always seemed like you and Trista—”

  “God, I hope you didn’t listen to anything she said. She always was jealous of you.” Someone calls her name, and she swipes her head back and forth. “Crap, gotta run, but it was great seeing you.”

  “Yeah, you too.” In a haze, I watch h
er go, emotions swirling inside me from this day. Just when I think it can’t get any more confusing, I see Justice across the hall, stalking toward the back door. I head in that direction. I can’t figure out why Justice is in such a hurry. Not only that, I can read his body language from here—he’s pissed. My pulse speeds up, my heart jumping to my throat when I see Archie a few steps ahead of him, exiting the back door.

  I’d forgotten about the runner who went to get me water. Now she steps in front of me with a plastic bottle. “There you are. I—”

  “Thank you,” I say, snatching it quickly. “Sorry but I need to—” Justice goes out the door, and I just turn from her and go. My stomach knots up as possible scenarios filter through my brain. Justice has already proven to be somewhat hot-headed with that guy in New York, and since I told him some of what’s going on with Archie, who knows what he’ll do.

  I didn’t come in this door, so my guess is it goes to a side parking lot. When I get outside, I see Justice and Archie arguing. Justice is right up in Archie’s face, but he hasn’t touched him yet, thank God.

  “Stop,” I say, rushing over to them. Archie immediately backs away, wiping what looks to be a drip of blood from his lip. I step in front of Justice, facing him, his face pinched in anger as he continues to glare at Archie.

  “Better control your boyfriend, Kaylee.”

  Instinctively, I take hold of Justice’s arms. “What’s going on here?” I throw a glance over to Archie.

  “You were right about your stepdad. He’s a piece of shit.”

  “Like I told you, you’re overreacting, and if you don’t calm down right now, I’ll pull every damn model from The Sumner Group off this event.”

  Justice and I lock eyes with that. Archie could be impulsive at times, and I knew he wasn’t bluffing. I hold up my hand to Justice, pinning him with a glare. Then I turn and step over to Archie. “My mother wouldn’t let that happen.”

  “You’re mother told me to take over the handling of this event when she had to fly to Madrid with two of our models.”