Brandon

by Anne, Melody

  They grabbed their beers and clinked them together. It was just another blessed day in a slew of many blessed years.

  Chloe tried to catch her breath as she stared in the mirror. She had a moment alone as Sarah and Brooke ran out to grab a few items they’d forgotten. She never needed time apart from her friends, but it was nice to catch a few breaths. It all felt so unreal.

  The wedding had taken only three months to plan. It could’ve been done even faster if Joseph had gotten his way, but she’d enjoyed planning the wedding and hadn’t wanted to give up a single moment of it.

  The one terrifying thing of marrying an Anderson was the fame that came from it. Everyone wanted to know what it was like to be in the exclusive Anderson family and empire. She’d graciously done a few interviews, as it was now expected of her. Brandon had promised her things would slow down after they were wed. He was going to take her on a monthlong honeymoon to a private island, away from cameras and reporters. She could barely wait.

  She’d grown up in the spotlight, and she didn’t want anything to do with it anymore. But you made sacrifices when you loved someone. And the truth about that was that it wasn’t even sacrifice when it was done out of love. You just adapted to a new situation.

  She knew there was a flurry of activity going on outside her suite door, but none of that mattered for one moment in time. Getting her ready for the wedding had taken two days, and she missed Brandon desperately. She hadn’t seen him much the past week. Knowing he’d be waiting at the end of the long aisle was the only thought that would get her through the walk.

  There was a knock on the door, and she let out the air she hadn’t even known she’d been holding. She was more than ready to meet her fiancé at the head of the aisle. But she wasn’t quite ready to face the crowd of people who’d be watching her take her walk.

  “Sorry that took so long,” Brooke said. “But we forgot your something old in the car.”

  Brooke and Sarah came into the room and pulled out a very, very old friendship bracelet. The string color had faded, and the first sight of it made her fear disappear and a smile fall on her lips.

  “I lost mine before we were out of grade school,” Chloe said.

  “I don’t know how I kept mine all these years, but when I got married and was going through all my personal stuff, I found it, and I knew it would be your something old when you got married. We’ve been best friends since grade school. We’ll stay that way for eternity,” Brooke said.

  She stood and rushed to her best friends, then threw her arms around them.

  “We’re going to mess up your dress,” Sarah said in a scratchy voice.

  “I don’t care. I can’t imagine having any of these special moments in our lives without the two of you,” Chloe said. “I also can’t believe I’m the last to marry. I definitely would’ve thought it would be Brooke, and yet she was the first.”

  “Trust me—I know!” Brooke said. “I was so set on never marrying. But I guess all it took for all of us was to find the right man.”

  “I can’t believe it was brothers,” Sarah said with a laugh.

  “We should’ve always known it would be, but in the real world three magnetic brothers for three best friends just doesn’t exist,” Brooke said.

  “It’s a good thing we don’t live in the real world, then,” Chloe said.

  The three girls laughed before Sarah grabbed their wineglasses. “One last toast before we’re all three officially married. To the past, the present, and the future. We’ve done the first two together—let’s do the last as well.”

  “Always,” Chloe and Brooke agreed.

  Another knock sounded on the door before their driver opened it. “Your carriage is waiting.”

  “I feel like I can’t breathe,” Chloe said as she gripped Sarah’s and Brooke’s hands.

  “This is just day one of the rest of your life. You can have a magical day, and then in ten years you’ll look back and realize this was just one moment,” Brooke replied.

  “That’s so true. Every momentous occasion seemed so big at the time, but there’s always something bigger around the corner,” Chloe told her with emotion crackling in her voice.

  “Now, don’t start getting all emotional and ruining your makeup,” Sarah said with tears in her own voice.

  “The next event will probably be big,” Brooke said with a laugh as she rubbed Chloe’s belly.

  “Oh, I can’t even think of that right now,” Chloe said, almost horrified. The thought of a child was a bit terrifying. Kids were a heck of a lot of work.

  Brooke and Sarah laughed, and she realized she must look as scared as the thought made her.

  “Okay, I’m ready,” she finally said. The girls led her from the room, down the long staircase, and out the front doors. Sitting at the curb was a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, with a footman holding open the ornate door.

  Several people had to help her inside because of the long train of her wedding dress. She’d been intimidated by all the silk and lace when she’d first seen the exquisite gown, but it floated on her, and she could barely feel the yards of fabric draping her body. It was exceptionally made.

  The top had thousands of sparkling beads weaved throughout the fabric. The gown hugged her tightly down to her hips, where it then cascaded in a full skirt. Before the train had been attached, she’d twirled in a circle, loving the layers of silk arcing out, reminding her of when she’d been a little girl and had dreamed of being Cinderella. The buttons up the back of the dress had taken a half hour to fasten. She smiled, thinking Brandon would be frustrated when it came time for the gown to come off.

  Her long hair was mostly up in a bun, with several strands curling down her neck and shoulders. They’d even attached sparkling gems throughout. She knew she’d glow when Brandon took her in his arms on the dance floor.

  The carriage started away from the resort, continued down the road, and rounded a corner, then entered the wedding venue. She looked out the carriage window and smiled gratefully at where she was heading.

  After another ten minutes, the carriage arrived at the trail that led down to where Brandon waited. The door opened, and the driver was there to help her from the carriage. She took his hand and stepped onto the red carpet rolled out before her.

  Brooke and Sarah helped straighten out her dress before stepping back and smiling.

  “You’re stunning, Chloe.”

  “Thank you,” she said, once more fighting tears. They helped her step forward, but she halted. “One second,” she said as she took in some soothing breaths. This was the moment she’d never thought she’d want, and it was the greatest moment of her life. It was odd how things worked out.

  “Take all the time you want,” Brooke said. “You’re worth waiting on.”

  Those words were all it took. “I’m ready,” she said. She beamed at her best friends. They stepped in front of her when someone handed them their flowers. The music began, and then they were gliding forward.

  She continued down the scenic path, everything a blur, not even seeing the people who were all standing and watching her every move. Once she caught her first sight of Brandon, it took everything in her to not rush forward, straight into his arms. He looked so stunning in his military uniform, badges proudly displayed. His smile caused butterflies to stir in her already-nervous stomach.

  Though he turned her legs to jelly and her stomach inside out, she also felt a calming deep inside her from knowing he was going to be her husband in just a few moments. She finally arrived at the stage, where he took her hand in his and led her to the altar.

  The ceremony went by quickly, and they repeated their vows, unifying them as one. They were pronounced husband and wife all in a blur of words and actions. All she could do was look at her husband’s face in awe that he was truly hers for the rest of her life.

  “Are you ready to run away?” Brandon whispered.

  His words made her smile. “I’ll go anywhere with you,” she sai
d.

  He kissed her again, much to the pleasure of their guests. They walked down the aisle, and Joseph stepped up to them, a suspicious shine in his eyes.

  “Do you get emotional at weddings?” Brandon teased his uncle.

  Joseph didn’t seem to mind one little bit. “Though I didn’t have the pleasure of watching you grow into a man, I have gotten to see you now, and what a fine young man you are. I couldn’t be more proud of who you are,” Joseph said in a surprisingly quiet voice.

  Then he turned to Chloe. “I knew from the moment I met you what a fine woman you were. I’m so glad to have you be a part of our family,” he added.

  She didn’t try to hold back her joy as she threw her arms around Joseph and hugged him. “Thank you for all you do and for never giving up on anyone,” she replied. Brandon gladly took her back into his arms when Joseph released her. She was safe and happy and right where she should be.

  Joseph turned the two of them toward the hundreds of people watching, a big grin on his face. His happiness was quite infectious.

  “Meet Mr. and Mrs. Brandon and Chloe Anderson,” he said to all present, and a roar of approval exploded all around them. She beamed as she thanked everyone. Then Brandon pulled her back to him and softly pressed his lips to hers, making her tremble when his tongue slipped out to rub against her bottom lip. She’d never get over how he made her feel. Each kiss was like the first time ever.

  They pulled apart when they heard some throats clearing, and Chloe felt her cheeks glow with embarrassment, but the kiss had been well worth it. Then Joseph led them to the reception. The area had been transformed into an incredible fairy tale, and Chloe hoped it would never end. She laughed as she cut the cake with Brandon, and he kissed away the extra frosting. Cameras snapped and questions were asked, but she floated along in her own perfect bubble.

  When it came time for her first dance as a married woman, she glided into his arms, happy her long train had been removed hours before. There was still too much material separating them, but soon they’d be alone.

  “Words can’t express how happy I am to have found you. You’ve brought so much joy into my life, and I know we’ll be happy the rest of our lives,” he whispered as he spun her around the romantically lit dance floor.

  “Brandon, you’re the prince I didn’t even know I was looking for. I love you today and always,” she promised.

  They danced for several more songs and stayed long enough to appease the crowd before they finally slipped away to begin their honeymoon.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Chloe woke up with Brandon’s hand softly caressing her hip. She stretched out her arms as his hands became more insistent on her body. They’d been on their honeymoon for a week, and she didn’t want it to end anytime soon. She turned into him, and they made love as the morning rays seeped through the open windows.

  “I love you, Chloe,” he mumbled as he nuzzled along her neck.

  “I love you, Brandon,” she replied, feeling content.

  “What would you like to do today?” he asked.

  “I remember you promising me a boat ride,” she replied. “We’ll never get out of this room if you keep kissing me like that, though,” she said with a giggle. She couldn’t seem to get enough of him.

  “Ah, I think staying in bed sounds just about perfect,” he replied.

  “But I’m starving,” she told him before jumping from the bed and walking across the room. She enjoyed the groan escaping his lips as she swayed her hips, moving away fully naked.

  “You’re killing me,” he said with a smile.

  “I wouldn’t want that,” she said and then firmly closed the bathroom door. She quickly showered and dressed for the day. They’d barely left their cottage since arriving. They were on a beautiful private island, and it was a shame not to do some exploring. There was only a limited staff on hand, which gave them endless hours of alone time. If their friends and his brothers could be there with them, she’d stay forever.

  They had a quick meal, then walked hand in hand toward the beach, where his boat was docked. Before long the sails were raised, and they were floating across the smooth sea. She loved the feel of the wind blowing through her hair. After an hour of sailing, he anchored the boat and started walking toward her. She knew the look in his eyes well.

  She gladly fell into his arms and let him seduce her with nothing more than his skilled hands and masterful mouth. He turned her to liquid in only seconds.

  “How about a swim?” he asked as he nuzzled her throat.

  “I could certainly use some cooling down,” she told him, her body already responding to him like they hadn’t been making love for a week straight. She loved how every time he touched her, she felt something new and exciting. He made her feel things she didn’t know were even possible to feel.

  He started pulling her clothes off, taking his time kissing and licking his way along each newly exposed piece of flesh. She was a quivering mess by the time he removed her last piece of clothing, yet he was fully clothed still.

  “Your turn,” she said, beginning by sliding her hands under his shirt and slowly lifting it up and over his head. She ran her hands along the smooth muscles of his flat stomach and defined pecs. He was so perfect, with his tanned skin and light sprinkling of hair. Everything about him was appealing.

  He groaned when she leaned her head forward and took his nipple into her mouth. She gently bit down on the dark skin before rubbing her tongue over the spot soothingly. He pushed his hand through her hair, then pulled her head tighter against his body. She freed herself from his grasp and moved downward, licking along his stomach, enjoying the slightly salty flavor of him.

  After undoing the button on his shorts, she slowly pulled down the zipper. His arousal was pushing against the fabric, straining to get free. She was more than happy to oblige him. She slid her hands inside the denim, running them along his muscled rear, her own breathing matching his excited gasps.

  Soon, he was standing before her, gloriously naked, his erection only inches from her face. He tried to bend down, and she shook her head. She’d never before tasted a man the way she wanted to taste him. She tentatively leaned forward, flicking her tongue across his pulsing head. His entire body jerked, and a moan rumbled from his chest.

  “Chloe, I can’t take much more,” he said through gritted teeth. His loss of control gave her courage she didn’t know she had. Slowly, she moved forward and took him into her mouth. He was smooth, solid, and tasted good against her tongue. He gripped her head in his hands, his legs shaking as she moved along his length.

  “Enough,” he growled and pulled her to her feet. He quickly wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her body flush with his, pushing his arousal into her stomach. Her beaded nipples brushed against his chest.

  He kissed her deeply, swiping his tongue inside her mouth, catching her cries of pleasure with his own. His tongue slipped out, rubbing along her bottom lip, and she couldn’t help but squirm, trying to get closer to him even though they were already pressed together.

  He pulled away from her, the warm air caressing her skin. She reached for him, ready to have him sink deep inside her, but it seemed he had other plans. He took her hand and walked toward the edge of the boat. She barely had time to plug her nose before she figured out what he was doing.

  He wrapped his hands around her and jumped off the boat, and both of them landed in the warm seawater. She came up with a look of shock.

  “What are you doing?” she asked him incredulously.

  “I’ve wanted to make love to you in this sea since we arrived,” he told her. He pulled her tightly against him again, and her confusion was forgotten as he stroked her passion immediately back up.

  He grabbed her legs and pulled them around his body as he continued kissing her. He pulled his mouth away only to trail his lips down her throat and finally capture her straining nipple, gently nipping her aching flesh.

  He ran his hands along the curve
of her backside. She could feel his thick shaft pushing against her tight passage, begging for entrance. She was more than willing to accommodate his request. She pushed her hips forward, no longer able to wait even a second longer to have them joined as one.

  He thrust inside her, quickly moving in and out of her heat. He’d been teasing her all afternoon, and she wasn’t going to last very long. He took turns lavishing each of her breasts while he pumped into her faster with each thrust. When he reached between their bodies and rubbed his thumb along her swollen flesh, she jerked in his arms and tensed as her climax washed over her.

  “Brandon,” she cried out in pleasure, only seconds before he tensed, and she felt his release pumping deep inside her. He brought his head up, taking her lips in a gentle kiss as he held her tightly to him, spilling his seed deep inside.

  “Ah, I’ll never be able to swim again without this image in my mind,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Mmm, it may not be a problem, considering my legs aren’t going to work long enough for us to get back into the boat. We may have to just stay in the sea permanently,” she said with a laugh.

  “Sounds good to me,” he told her. Her legs were starting to get a bit sore, though, so she finally released her grip around his hips and pulled back. He protested the movement.

  “Okay, I’m getting some energy back. Swim with me to the sand,” she said before pushing off and swimming toward the shore. She’d never sunbathed in the nude before, but her honeymoon was full of firsts, so it was one more thing she could add to her list. Her brow wrinkled as she realized other people could be about.

  “Is this area private?” she asked.

  “Yes, I brought you here so I could have my way with you,” he answered. She chuckled at his attempt at a wicked laugh. He wasn’t very good at playing the bad guy.

  They spent the rest of their day alternating between lying in the warm sand, swimming, making love, and eating wonderful food his private chef had prepared. By the time they got back to their cottage, she was completely depleted of energy, but the day had been well worth the exhaustion.