The Twin Contract (The Contract Series Book 1)

by Ceeree Fields

  Especially since they were so close to shaking the contract.

  Callie grabbed a pair of white converse from the stack. "These will work."

  The statement pulled Brianna from her thoughts as she watched her friend all but crab walk out of the small space.

  "Tennis shoes?" Brianna asked weakly.

  Who wore tennis shoes on a date?

  When Callie shoved them on Brianna's feet, she winced.

  Apparently, I do.

  Chapter Six

  Jackson peered through his car window at the two-story clapboard house. It was every movie cliche he'd ever seen in the of what a farm home should look like. Stepping from the car, he swiped his sweaty palms across his faded blue jeans. He was as out of place as a cat in a dog pound. Callie better be right in her recommendation, because he didn't want to mess this up.

  For a brief moment doubt crept into him. Why had Brianna asked him out? They came from two different worlds. Not only that, she was lying to her entire family and half the town about who she was but his gut and the bits of conversation he'd heard told him it wasn't by choice.

  "You coming in or just gonna sit out here admiring the view?" Callie's snarky voice cut into his thoughts jerking back into the present.

  Pocketing his keys, he headed up the dirt path to the front porch. Gardenia bushes sat at each corner of the wraparound porch, their fragrant white blossoms in full bloom while azaleas spread between them. Pinks, whites and reds merged with the smaller flowers that covered the borders, separating the green lawn with the flower beds. Taking the three steps up, he opened the screen door and paused. This was what he'd always wanted.

  To the left was a wooden swing painted in the purest of whites, two wicker tables perched at either end to hold sweet tea that the south was famous for. To the right was the requisite rocking chairs another wicker table nestled between them. It spoke of continuity and lazy afternoons spent with neighbors who'd come by to visit. Spinning on his heel, he took in the view. Colts frollicked in the paddocks watched fondly by their mothers. Birds fluttered to and fro from the ground to the trees.

  Turning back to the front door, he pushed it wider and followed the voices to the right into the den. Nothing registered the second he saw Brianna. Gone was the preppy sundress and strappy shoes. The dolled up hair and makeup. This woman looked relaxed, happy and natural. She was gorgeous in jeans that hugged her long legs and the curve of her ass. The dark blue flowy looking blouse bared a good bit of her sun-kissed shoulder, accented the swell of her breasts, and nipped in at her waist.

  "Thanks," Callie said from behind Brianna.

  Arching a brow, he leaned to the side to better see the minx. "For?"

  "Saying she's gorgeous."

  "I said that out loud?"

  Brianna shifted from one foot to the other, her face flushing a pretty pink.

  "Yep."

  "And you're saying thanks? Why?" He focused on Callie to give Brianna a chance to get comfortable with him.

  "Because I dressed her."

  Brianna squeaked, then swung on her friend. "Callie," she said through clenched teeth.

  "What?"

  Brianna turned back to him her face a full pink now. "She didn't dress me. She just picked out my clothes. I dressed myself."

  "Oh, right. I didn't put the clothes on, just picked them out."

  "Not helping," Brianna muttered.

  "Well, however it went. You look good." He held his hand out. "You ready to go?"

  "Let me grab my purse and keys." She looked at Callie. "Lock up when you leave, please."

  "Will do, bestie. I'll hang up the clothes upstairs and clear that bed for you two."

  Jackson stifled a laugh at hearing the murmurred "Oh lord." from Brianna.

  After Brianna slid into the passenger seat, he shut the door. Within seconds he was behind the wheel pulling away from the house.

  Silence descended between them as he made the various turns to take him back to the main road that ran through town.

  "So, are those horses yours?"

  "One of them and one of the colts. The other three are boarders and one I'm caring for while the owners are away. She's set to drop her foal any day now." Brianna cleared her throat and shifted. "Where are we going?"

  "It's a surprise, but don't worry Callie recommended it."

  To say the request had been odd was an understatement. Jackson had thought he should plan something at a high end restaurant in the city, but Callie swore this would be a hit.

  "That makes me worry more."

  He turned into the multiplex's parking lot and pulled into a spot close to the doors of the movie theater. When he turned the car off another silence deeper than the last took over until Brianna's face turned to his. A bright smile replaced the worry from earlier.

  "The movies."

  He grinned. "Yeah."

  She bounced, slinging open the door and jumping out. Taking the keys from the ignition, he followed her and met her at the trunk of his car. She vibrated next to him her excitement mirrored a golden retriever's as she bounced on the balls of her feet and rocked to her heels. "No one's ever brought me to the movies before."

  "Never?" That was weird. "Not even as a date?"

  "Nope."

  He took her hand, lacing their fingers together as she bopped next to him. Her ponytail swaying behind her. She looked so young and happy. It amazed him no one had thought to do something so simple for her. He remembered taking several of his girlfriends to the movies only to have to sit through some chic flick. But it'd been totally worth it later.

  "My dates took me to club openings, political rallies and several charity events, but no movies." When the arrived at the ticket window her eyes darted over all the offerings. She froze, her crystal blue gaze tangled with his. "Do I get to pick?"

  "Of course."

  Utter joy made her eyes glitter and she swung back to the woman manning the ticket booth. "Two for the new Marvel movie."

  Surprised, he forgot to let go of his cash before shaking himself and passing the money over. Dragging his change and tickets from the bottom of the window, he faced her. "Are you sure you want to see an action movie?"

  Shadows passed over her face as doubt crept in. "Why? Do you not like action?"

  "No, I love action." He wanted to point out that most women he took to the movies preferred the romantic comedies or some drama. He should have known that Brianna would surprise him.

  "Great!" A smile replaced the doubts that clouded her eyes and she flung the door open asking over her shoulder. "Can we get popcorn and milk duds? Oh and sodas."

  She all but bounced to the concession stand. "Maybe we should get separate popcorns." Her teeth raked her lower lip as her eyes dropped to the counter.

  "Why?"

  "Because I like putting my milk duds in the popcorn."

  Jackson grinned. "Go for it."

  "Really?"

  "Sure." He shrugged. "I like popcorn and I like milkduds, so I'm sure I'll like them together."

  Hell, to see that brilliant, unfiltered smile he would probably crunch on some broken glass if she fed it to him. How screwed was he? Helping her gather their loot, he followed her enticing hips and bouncy golden locks into the appropriate theater. It was then he knew he was very screwed.

  Brianna surprised him yet again when she chose one of the upper rows before settling in her drink put to her left, and the popcorn nestled at the juncture of her legs.

  "How's this?"

  "Perfect." He passed her the milk duds while he placed his drink in the holder on his right, leaving the middle armrest unused.

  A shy smile thrown her way after she upended the box of milkduds into the popcorn; Brianna raised the middle armrest. "So you can reach the popcorn easier."

  He gulped as the theater darkened, and the rules of the theater started flashing across the screen. He was not just plain screwed. He was royally screwed. Especially, if he needed to reach between the V of her legs to grab
the snack. His ironclad control would be put to the test tonight.

  * * * *

  He drove her home after grabbing dinner at a BBQ place, another first for her. Oh, she had explained that she had been to the Joe's Shack several times just never on a date. When he pressed, she had smiled and explained that again most of her dates took her to fancy restaurants with so much silver the place setting could blind you.

  The description dragged a surprise chuckle out of him. In his book, the evening was a success. In her as well based on her laughter and brilliant smiles.

  The longer he was in her presence the more he wondered why she would pretend to be her dead sister. He burned with curiosity which was only kept in check because he refused to ruin their first date. He had thought this evening would be a disaster. That Brianna would poke fun at each of the places he had taken her and maybe in the back of his mind, that's why he went with them to see her reaction. If she was a raging bitch he wanted to know upfront but Callie's suggestions had been successful, and Brianna had not reacted at all how he had anticipated.

  However, watching as Brianna greeted each person, always carefully picking apart the shadows around her before lowering her guard and chatting as herself, kept the mystery of her facade alive.

  It wasn't until they were safely in his car on the way to her house that he decided to approach the role she had assumed using those careful greetings. He turned on his signal to take the next right winding down the gravel path that led to her home. "Why was everyone so careful about using your real name?"

  She shifted the leather seat creaking under her as the smile slipped from her face.

  "Don't tell me you can't talk about it again."

  "No, I won't. I'm not allowed to discuss any of the details."

  "Why not?"

  She released a sigh laden with so many emotions Jackson was at a loss to pick one. Sadness, bitterness, and exasperation were the easy ones. If he weren't driving, and it wasn't pitch black he could have picked out the subtler nuances sometimes being a detective came in handy in that respect. Instead, he was going mostly with his gut and what he could see of her expression.

  "I have a ironclad contract that precludes me from discussing why I play my sister."

  "A contract? Seriously, that's what you're going with?" No contract would tie her up to a point that she couldn't discuss it.

  "Yes, that's what I'm going with. It's what Callie hinted at in your office when she said if my parents caught us I would be forced to be Briony. So, you know if my family is around or nearby I cannot be Brianna. Ever—"

  "How does that work? Surely, they know you're not your sister."

  Another sigh this one sounded like a frustrated huff. "I can't tell you why—"

  "You could if you trusted me."

  She laughed but there was no humor to be found in the rusty, brittle sound. "Yeah, because one date proves how trustworthy you are. Was that what this was?"

  "What?"

  "Wine and dine me as if you cared. Make me lower my guard so you could push me to break something that could cost me everything."

  He turned down the dirt road that led to her house. "Now your just being melodramatic—"

  "Stop the car." Her voice snapped out in the darkness slapping him across the face with how commanding, and cold it was. He stomped on the brakes looking around to see what he was about to hit. Shock poured into him when Brianna flung open her door. "I'll walk from here."

  "Brianna, wait." He grabbed her arm before she could jump out. "I'm sorry." Swallowing the rest of his reply, he urged her back into the car. "I'm sorry. I can be an insensitive jerk when I want to know something."

  None of that was what he wanted to say.

  He wanted to shout at her that she should stand up to bullies who would make her sign that kind of contract. But the despair that took over her expression kept him from pushing. This wasn't a suspect he needed to intimidate. This wasn't a conartist milking a role for all it was worth.

  This was a person who absolutely hated being forced into the role she was playing and the trapped, cornered look in her brilliant blue eyes told Jackson she didn't see a way out. She was nothing like his parents. He needed to remember that.

  Especially, if he wanted to have a future with her. Surprise wound into him.

  Did he want to have a future with her? Everything in him said 'Yes.' But could he with this deception hanging between them? Realizing he had gone too far with Brianna, he patted her arm and released his hold. "At least let me take you to the door."

  She hovered between the outside and the interior of the car. He refused to take her choice from her. Others had already done enough of that.

  She settled back into her seat and closed the door. "I'm exhausted so that would be nice."

  He read between the lines. 'You screwed up. No coming in the house for you.' It was rightly deserved.

  Pulling up to the pretty house, he put the car into Park.

  She opened the door and stepped out, but before shutting it she leaned down and gave him a piece of the puzzle. Trusted him with some of it. "The contract was written up by an entertainment attorney. The group draws up agreements between studios and actors.Essentially, I am an actor playing a part with a very tight Non-Disclosure Agreement."

  With those words ringing in his ears, she slammed the door shut and turned up the peagravel path to her home.

  The type of contract explained a great deal. But why was it needed?

  If she wouldn't or couldn't give him the answers because of the NDA. He knew someone who could and hopefully would. Watching her climb the stairs, he winced.

  The bounce that had been in her step at throughout their date was gone. In its place was a woman who carried the world on her slumped shoulders. A woman who found the weight heavy and cumbersome. Her feet scraped across each step as if she barely had the energy to lift them, and a depressing cloud hung over her bent head.

  He had done that. Drained every drop of joy from their time together and left a dried husk in its place.

  Determined to fix it, Jackson watched the door close and the porch light turn off before he left.

  When he was well away from the house he stopped and parked. Digging out his cell phone he selected Callie's number from his contacts. How the resourceful woman had gotten his private cell, he didn't know but he was glad she had called him now. Because though the date ended badly before he'd screwed up, Brianna had seemed to be having a lot of fun.

  "Hello, Officer Studly. Or maybe Deputy Delish is more apprapo since you are quite obviously not calling from inside Brianna's house." It fell quiet for a few seconds. "Unless you're in her bathroom and need me to give you tips. If that's the case we have a lot more issues to iron our before you make a move on my bestie—"

  "I do not need advice about how to have sex, Callie."

  "Oh, well that's a relief. I was worried—wait if you're not calling me for sex tips why are you calling me?" An overdramatic groan. "You screwed up. Did you mention the Briony thing?"

  He felt his face flush and shifted in his seat. What was it about this woman that set his teeth on edge and made him think of the nuns during his schooldays? Thank God Brianna isn't anything like her friend. "Yes, I may have mentioned the Briony thing, as you call it."

  "Jesus, I told you not to do that." A drawn out huff of exasperation. "Just get over here."

  "I don't know where here is, Callie."

  "Take a right out of Brianna's driveway, go past two fenced in pastures then take the dirt road on the right. It'll bring you to my house." She hung up without so much as a goodbye.

  The message was loud and clear. She would hold her opinion after she talked with him. Shaking his head, he started the car and followed the directions. In no time he was pulling up to another clapboard house with a big wraparound veranda. This porch was screened in too and mirrored Brianna's with the porch swing and several groupings of rockers and wicker furniture with tables spread across the wide expanse. The
only difference being a two person hammock hung on the far end.

  The porch light snapped on and Callie stepped from the house in a robe covered in the Coyete and the Road Runner. She placed a tray with a pitcher of iced tea and two empty glasses on an end table nestled between two rocking chairs.

  As he stepped from the car, he looked around for Derrick and the boys. "Where's the rest of your family?"

  "Camping-slash-fishing trip."

  "You didn't want to go?"

  She shrugged. "I don't care for it much and I scare all the fish away because I start singing or talking when I get bored. So while they fish and do the he-man junk I do my spa treatments. Besides, they'll need the break since we're booked starting Monday until after the fourth. Which means all hands on deck." She took one of the rockers while motioning to the other one for Jackson. "Now, tell me what you did so I know how bad it is."

  Feeling as if he were being called into the principal's office, he reluctantly told her about grilling Brianna. Not that he had really gone after her but he had asked some pointed questions.

  Callie filled both glasses with tea and took a long sip of tea waiting until he fell silent. The silence stretched to a breaking point, and when she thumped her glass on the table Jackson braced himself for the fireworks.

  "Here's the thing. I don't know what business it is of yours what Brianna does with her family as long as she's not hurting anyone."

  He couldn't make himself open up about his own parents. If not for them going too far and his neighbor believing a twelve-year-old boy, then he would still be with them and forced to participate in their cons. There were scars from that time that ran soul deep in him and more triggers than a minefield. "Humor me."

  She looked at him then, her eyes pinning him to the rocker. In defense he lifted the glass of tea and almost spit it out. Sweet. Overly sweet. Like just holding the glass would give him cavaties. He'd forgotten how sweet southerners liked their tea. It was a wonder more of them weren't diabetic.

  "I won't humor you, but I'll tell you some of it—"