Road To Love

by Courtney Brewer

  A slow song then began to grace the stereo. “That was fun.” She breathlessly spoke. She started to leave, but he reached out for her arm. When she looked at him, he smiled. “I don’t think so.”

  He pulled her close to him and he could feel the rapid breathing of her heart. “What are you so afraid of?”

  “Stepping on your toes;” she snickered.

  He laughed. “I have tough toes.” He wrapped his arms around her and they slowly swayed to the music. She began to look more relaxed and her arms went around his neck. His hand was placed firmly on her lower back. Almost in response to their moves her hand opened up and he felt her fingers massaging the nape of his neck. “See, this isn’t so bad.” He whispered in her ear. He heard a sign escape her lips. Too soon, in his book, the song ended. When they looked into each other’s eyes he saw a shift in her attitude. He continued to hold her; it was if neither wanted to let go.

  He saw her bite her lower lip. When he was sure they both wanted the same thing he started to lower his lips to hers. However, as quick as the feelings came, it went. “We probably should go.” She interrupted the moment.

  “Of course;” he mumbled. He put the money on their table and they left the restaurant. There were two reasons why he could think she would have stopped the kiss. Either he misread her actions, or it was just too fast for her. He found himself hoping that it was the second choice, because he was sure all signs pointed to her wanting him to kiss her.

  ***

  Abigail found herself sick thinking of the moment on the dance floor. She wanted him to kiss her, but was frightened that he was only feeling something because of the atmosphere. She silently said a prayer that Todd was okay with them being home. She definitely needed to steer clear of Travis.

  As they drove down the road towards his house, she noticed the lights were off. She began to groan, but then she realized that Carolyn’s car wasn’t there. “That’s strange; Carolyn isn’t here.” She turned to Travis. “I suppose we can go in.”

  He parked in front and Abigail used her key to open the door. She felt around for a light and finally got it turned on. “Todd?” Travis called out. There was no answer.

  Abigail looked over at the table and saw a sticky note. She read:

  Abby and Travis –

  We went out for dessert. I’ll explain later.

  See you tomorrow!!

  Love,

  Todd

  Abigail let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad that explains it. I’m going to bed.”

  “Yeah; me too.”

  When she got to her room she looked at him and tried to smile. “See you tomorrow.”

  He nodded. “See ya!”

  She closed the door behind her and fell back against it. She needed a long, cold shower. Before she could move she heard a knock on the door. She stared at the door knob for a moment before opening the door. “Did you forget something?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, this;” his mouth closed over hers and for a minute she was too stunned to react. She allowed a moan to escape her lips and her hands caressed the curls in the back of his hair. When they pulled away they stared at each other. “Goodnight.” She was standing there with her mouth hanging open. She backed into the room and shut the door. A smile slowly crossed her lips and she felt like a giddy schoolgirl. That was exactly how she wanted the night to end.

  Chapter 7

  Travis paused outside of Abigail’s room. He couldn’t stop thinking about the previous evening. Just thinking about her lips on his made him want her even more. In fact it startled him on how much he wanted her. However, he would then scold himself because she was his best friend’s little sister and it wasn’t right.

  He bypassed her room and headed down the stairs instead. It was safer territory. When he got downstairs he looked outside and noticed that Carolyn’s car was in the driveway; it was clear that she had stayed over. When he turned away from the window he saw Abigail at the foot of the steps. “Good morning.” Her cool tone was refreshing.

  “Good morning.”

  “Would you like me to make breakfast?” She asked as she hurried to the kitchen.

  “That’s not necessary.” He replied as he joined her. She continued to busy herself so he reached out and touched her hand. Her eyes first went to his hand and then she turned and faced him. He, for a split second, considered kissing her and let it all work itself out in the end. Instead he broke her gaze and pulled his hand away from hers. “Let’s have a seat first.” She nodded as she followed him to the table. “First of all, I have to you one thing that I didn’t see coming. You are a very beautiful woman Abigail; I would be blind not to notice that. When I saw you I didn’t think I would be as attracted to you as I clearly am.” He hesitated before going on. “I kissed you last night because I wanted to. We had an amazing night out and that seemed like it was the best way to end it.”

  “Travis, I wasn’t expecting that, but…”

  “Please, let me finish.” He quietly interrupted. “Today when I woke up, reality set in.”

  “Reality?”

  “Abigail, we have spent the majority of our lives fighting with each other. Just because we went one night, and let’s face it we didn’t go the entire night, without fighting we are ready to call it more? You are Todd’s little sister and that reason alone puts you off limits.”

  “I’m not a little girl anymore.”

  “I know; believe me, I know. However, you are still his little sister and you always will be. The attraction is there and last night was great, but that’s all it can be.”

  “So, you’re saying the kiss is a mistake.”

  “I’m saying that until you can figure a way to take back every name we’ve ever called each other and every prank we’ve ever played on one another, and no longer be Todd’s little sister there’s nothing else to say. In the moment, the kiss was not a mistake, but thinking back I should have just gone back to my house and been as far from you as possible.”

  “You didn’t want to be around your ex.”

  He looked at her; it was the moment of truth. “I haven’t been exactly honest with you. Yesterday when I went home to change, she was already gone.”

  Abigail looked away and he could see the wheels turning in her head. “This was all a charade? You could have easily gone home and none of this would be happening?”

  “Yes, but…”

  “Why did you lie?”

  “I didn’t want to go home.”

  “That doesn’t make sense; why?”

  “I was afraid that if I told you the truth then you wouldn’t want to go out with me.”

  “You’re right, but if you’re telling me that we would never work out, what would it have mattered?”

  “I don’t know; I didn’t realize the impact my conscience would have on my decisions. I am sorry that I lead you on; it was never my intention.”

  “It’s okay; it happens. It was foolish to think we would ever be anything else, but acquaintances.

  “Abigail, we’re friends.”

  “Friends? The last time I checked friends didn’t lie to each other.”

  “I thought that I was doing the right thing.”

  “You were doing the right thing for yourself; that’s the only person you took into consideration.”

  The words were to the point, but he supposed she was right. “Are you guys at it again?”

  He turned around and saw Carolyn and Todd in the kitchen; he hoped he didn’t hear much. By the smiles on their faces, he was sure that his problems were the least of their concerns.

  ***

  Abigail turned from Travis and stared at Todd and his girlfriend. She was so caught up in Travis that she didn’t realize Carolyn had stayed over. “When are you two going to have five minutes where you can just get along?”

  Abigail thought about the kiss; they definitely weren’t fighting then. “Carolyn, I didn’t know you were here.” She quickly changed the subject.

  “We went out cel
ebrating last night and got back too late.”

  “Celebrating?” Travis quietly asked.

  Carolyn held out her hand and smiled. “We’re getting married.”

  Abigail looked down at the ring. “Congratulations.” She wasn’t surprised, but she thought they would wait until she was out of school. She still had a year to go. “I’m so happy for you guys.” She hugged them both. “I have to admit, I thought that you would wait until Carolyn graduated.”

  “We contemplated that, but I don’t think I can wait that long.” Todd chuckled. “So, we are getting married in November, right after Thanksgiving. We’ll take our honeymoon when she graduates. I went to Tulsa to discuss plans of moving my office to Colorado. Once she graduates I will be moving us to Love, Colorado; that is where her family lives.”

  “Wow;” Abigail couldn’t believe he had everything worked out.

  “Abby, I have thought of everything and now it’s finally coming into place.”

  “I can see that.” She looked at Carolyn. “I know you will be an amazing wife to my brother.”

  “Thank you, but I do have a favor to ask of you.” Abigail nodded. “I have no sisters and I would be appreciative if you would be my Maid of Honor.”

  Abigail was shocked, but pleased. “I would like that.” Carolyn hugged her. “Thank you for the offering.”

  Todd then turned to Travis. “I’m hoping you will be my Best Man.”

  “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Abigail watched them hug and she felt a sense of regret. She wished things could be different between her and Travis. However, she did believe a trust that could have been there was lost when he didn’t tell her the truth.

  “I can’t believe it. In 4 months I will be getting married.” Abigail watched them kiss. She then glanced at Travis and he too was looking at her.

  Chapter 8

  Abigail busied herself settling into her new apartment and finding a job. When she was hired at a nearby fashion studio she knew everything would work itself out. The months started to fly by and she didn’t even get a chance to think much about her personal life. Whenever she had a chance she helped Carolyn with wedding plans and periodically that meant having to see Travis, but it was always business. They each steered clear of making anything personal.

  When the week of the wedding rolled around she was standing in Todd’s driveway as they were getting ready to head to Colorado. “When are you coming up?” Abigail had to roll her eyes.

  “You worry too much; you’re like a girl.” She teased. “I will be there on Wednesday night.”

  “I really wish you would reconsider and come up with Travis.”

  It wasn’t the first time she had heard that silly notion. “Todd, it’s fine. You don’t have to fret about me; I can make it on my own.”

  “Abby, it looks like we’re going to get some snow.”

  She started to laugh. “I’ve driven in snow before Todd.”

  “I wish that you could go up with mom and dad.”

  “We’ve been through this before; I couldn’t ask to have that much time off and they’re going up tomorrow. Don’t worry; I will get there.”

  “I’m your big brother; it’s my job to worry.”

  Abigail smiled. “I know and I love you for it, but I have my phone and if I need it I will call for help.” She hugged him and then turned to Carolyn. “You guys be safe.” After hugging Carolyn they got into their vehicle. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

  She waved as they drove away. She definitely was not going to go with Travis and no one was going to change her mind.

  ***

  Travis was finishing up packing when he heard his phone ringing. Upon glancing at the caller id, he saw Todd’s cell number. “Hey buddy; have you gotten to Colorado?”

  “We’ll be there in about 2 hours, but I needed to ask you a favor.”

  “Sure; it’s your wedding, what do you need?”

  “I need you to bring my sister to Colorado.”

  Travis laughed. “I will do anything, but that.”

  “I don’t know what happened that night you went out, but things have been even tenser than before. Can’t you put your past behind you and put up with each other for a few hours?”

  “It’s more than 11 hours and you know that I have asked her to come with me. She has refused multiple times. There’s nothing else I can do.”

  “I have been watching weather reports and I don’t want her on the road alone; even if that means you follow each other.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Promise me Travis.”

  He didn’t want to make a promise that he couldn’t keep. “I promise you that I will try; she is a stubborn woman.”

  “Yes she is, but I feel better knowing that you will make another attempt. Goodbye Travis.”

  “Goodbye.” He threw the phone down. He didn’t know how he could convince her to go with him, but didn’t want to disappoint Todd; so he would figure a way.

  ***

  Abigail looked through her list and checked off everything she needed to remember. As she was moving onto her luggage she heard a knock at her door. “Coming;” she opened the door and saw Travis standing there. “Oh; it’s you.” She turned away from the door as he entered.

  “Your greetings are getting better.”

  She heard the door shut and she looked at him. “What are you doing here? Did you come so that we can have one last argument before Todd’s wedding?”

  “I came so that we can come to an agreement before his wedding. I want to be as civil as we possibly can before the wedding. I was hoping you wanted that too.”

  “I do;” she mumbled.

  “Good; then do something for me.”

  “What?”

  “Let me drive you to Colorado. It will be a wedding gift that your brother will never forget.”

  “Did he call you?”

  “Yes, but only because he heard there’s a storm coming and he wants you to be safe.”

  “I would be safer alone.” She let it slip under her breath.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing; I appreciate the concern, but I would much rather go alone and I am sure that you feel the same way. No offense, but I’m independent and this is the way I like it.”

  “It doesn’t matter to me; I could care less what happens, but I am trying to appease your brother.”

  Abigail couldn’t believe he had said that and she wondered if it even registered in his mind. “I’ll take care of my brother; you don’t need to watch and protect me. Now, if you don’t mind I have packing to finish and a busy day tomorrow.”

  “Fine, but if you change your mind…”

  “I won’t.” She pushed him out the door and went back to her list. She knew he was a jerk, but she didn’t know he was thoughtless. It was fine by her that he didn’t care about her, because she didn’t care about him.

  ***

  She had woken up the next morning early. She didn’t want to get there any later than 10:00 PM. She loaded the vehicle and looked up at the sky. It did look like it was going to start snowing at any moment. She pulled her coat tight around her. The breeze was cutting through her sweater. She ran back into her apartment and grabbed a heavier coat, scarf, and gloves and headed back out to the car.

  Glancing back in the trunk she made sure she didn’t forget anything. When she was satisfied, she closed up the trunk and got into the car. She dreaded long car trips, but she loved weddings; even it was her only brother’s and she knew that nothing was going to ever be the same.

  Chapter 9

  Travis tried his hardest to keep up with her. He didn’t realize she had a lead foot. When she was adamant that they go separate he knew the only way to keep his promise was to follow her. The only trick was that she couldn’t know.

  Now, he felt like a stalker and he was crazy to think that it would work. When she pulled into a restaurant he was relieved. He was hungry and he decided that it was time to make hi
m known. He didn’t want to be too obvious so he waited about 15 minutes and then headed into the restaurant.

  He spotted her the minute he entered, but her back was to him. “I would like a burger, fries, and water. Thanks.” He paid for the food and casually looked her way. She still hadn’t noticed him. When he had his food he headed her way.

  She looked up as he reached her table. “Hm…are you following me now?”

  “No; I’m not following you. I have to eat too.”

  “Whatever!”

  “May I join you?”

  “Actually, I was just finishing. Can’t waste any time; see ya there!”

  She was gone before he could get a word out. It didn’t matter; he could catch up to her. He quickly ate his food; he was sure it was a world record. When he exited the restaurant, he saw that she was still there. He walked over the driver’s side window and peered inside the car. She hit her wheel and he tapped on the window. “Open the door.”

  She glared at him, but did as he said. “Did you do this?”

  “Yes I tampered with your car so that you would do me the pleasure of riding with me. You will make such great company.”

  “Well, it wouldn’t be your first prank.”

  “Contrary to what I said to you, I don’t want anything to happen to you. Put your hood up.” She obliged, but Travis saw her reluctance.

  He looked in the hood and moved some levers, but didn’t see anything glaringly obvious. “Do you even know what you’re looking for? He jumped he hadn’t seen her get out of the car. He really had no idea what to look for, but he didn’t want to tell her that.