“Sounds like you’re on the right track,” I responded with a smile. I was proud of my friends and the fact that they were opening a business and doing what they loved to do. “I’ll talk to Mr. Brandt and see if there is something we can do for our employees or clients.”
“Things are going so good right now, it scares me,” TJ admitted softly. He ran his hand through his sandy hair, making it stick up all over the place. “I feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
Cal was an optimist, I was a realist, and TJ was a pessimist. He had every reason to be. I never met a man who’d been dealt so much shit in his life, and didn’t turn to a life of drugs or crime. TJ kept landing on his feet, but he had to struggle to get there. I was thrilled to hear that he was happy, and things were going well, but it pained me that being happy scared him.
He deserved happiness more than anyone I’d ever met.
“You deserve it, brother,” Cal said, voicing my thoughts. “It’s your time.”
TJ responded by saying, “I sure as shit hope so.” He took a long pull of his beer and said with a big grin, “I’m going to ask Sasha to marry me.”
“What?” Cal shouted. “That’s fucking awesome!”
I chuckled. Cal thought everyone should get married. If there was ever a man who believed in true love and marriage, it was him.
I was a little more reserved, and, although the excitement on TJ’s face pulled at my heart, I still had to ask, “Are you sure it’s not too soon?” I held up my hands before either of them could come at me and quickly added, “I’m not trying to piss in your Cheerios, or say that I don’t think you and Sasha are perfect for each other … But, it’s only been a few months. I just want to make sure that you’re thinking clearly … Like you all did for me.”
“I know you are, man,” TJ said, still smiling. I felt instant relief that my words didn’t piss him off. “I know it’s quick by most standards, but this is Sasha … And I know what I feel. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The shining light in my shitty life, and I’d do anything for her.”
“You guys are great together, I’m not discounting that,” I replied. “But you’re already living together. Why don’t you just do that for a while?”
TJ brought his eyes to mine, his gaze unwavering, and responded adamantly, “We could … but I don’t see any reason to wait. We love each other. We’re best friends. We are already living together. What’s the point in waiting? I know she’s the person that I want by my side for the rest of my life, and she says the same about me. I don’t have any other family, but you guys. It may sound silly, but I want Sasha and I to be bound to each other legally, as well as physically, and emotionally. I don’t want to wait to begin the rest of our lives together. I’m ready to start now.”
His words penetrated, and I heard, as well as felt, the truth in them. I let them marinate for a moment in my mind.
I could relate to everything he just said. I’d marry Gaby tomorrow, if she’d have me, and she and I weren’t even actually together yet.
I faced my friend and told him truthfully, “I get it.”
Cal and TJ smiled at each other, then looked back at me with a nod.
They both got it too.
When you meet the person you were meant to be with, time didn’t matter. When a relationship’s right, it’s right, and you don’t want to waste a minute of time apart from that person, when you could spend it together.
I hadn’t felt that way with Victoria, which made it easier for me to realize that I did feel that way about Gaby, and I was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she was mine in the end.
Chapter 22 ~ Gaby
The ride back home was different than the ride to the lake. Cal and Shelly had to leave early in the morning, so TJ and Sasha rode back with Scott and me. It actually made it easier on me that way. Nothing against Scott, but I was still trying to process everything that had happened, and figure out how I wanted to handle the situation with Brock. Sitting in the backseat with Sasha, while TJ and Scott talked up front, took the pressure off me having to make conversation.
They dropped me off at Bee Sweet so I could get my car, and Scott got out to grab my bag and carry it over for me.
After he put it in the car, he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
“Give me a call,” he said, putting the ball in my court. I appreciated the fact that he was willing to give me the space I needed to talk to Brock. I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.
“We’re still on for the charity event, right?”
I nodded against his chest, holding on for a second more, before pulling back and telling him goodbye.
I watched him walk away, then got in my car and headed home. Rather than walking back to my place, I turned and headed for my mother’s house.
When I entered, the smell of apple cinnamon filled the air and I smiled at the feeling of comfort that filled me. I’d gotten my love of baking from my mother, and her apple cinnamon muffins were one of the staples of my childhood. They always managed to make me feel better, no matter what was going on in my life.
I followed my nose into the kitchen, where my mother was swaying to the music of the Grateful Dead as she maneuvered around her kitchen. I walked up behind her hugged her to me. I was a small woman, but I always felt like an Amazon next to my mother. She was petite, fair, and wise beyond her years. I’d always thought she reminded me of a fairy growing up.
“Morning, love,” she said in greeting.
“Good morning, Mom,” I replied as I let her go.
“Coffee?” she asked, reaching for the pot.
“Please,” I replied as I snagged a muffin and sat at the table.
She placed the mug in front of my and lifted my chin to look at my face.
“What troubles you?”
“I hurt Brock,” I explained sadly.
“What did you do?” I looked up as my sister Gwen entered the kitchen. Her words accusing and tone sharp.
“Excuse me?” I asked softly, surprised by the anger on her face.
“Brock’s a good guy, you said you hurt him.” Gwen crossed her arms over her chest. “What did you do?”
I looked from my mother to Gwen, then replied gently, “I’ve decided to pursue a relationship with Scott. I hadn’t had a chance to talk to Brock and explain my feelings, and he walked in on Scott and I kissing.”
I watched Gwen’s face convey her anger, and I wondered at her reaction, then I remembered that I’d never talked with her about whatever was bothering her the other day.
“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you the other morning like I said I would,” I began, but she cut me off with a scowl.
“Whatever, it hardly matters now,” she said sullenly.
I was confused. If she wasn’t upset over that, then was she really so upset for Brock?
“I know you like Brock, Gwennie, but he and I were only casually dating. I never meant to hurt him, but I finally have a chance to be with Scott…”
“Why are people so cruel?” Gwen asked, cutting me off again. “Why is it so hard to see what’s right under your nose?”
“What?” I asked, feeling even more confused by what she was saying.
“Gwendolyn,” our mother said sternly. “Go now. Don’t confuse your life with Gaby’s. You know your sister, and you also know the feelings she’s always had for Scott. She is conflicted enough, without you adding to it. Go on and leave us.”
Gwen looked like she wanted to argue, but our mother was never one to engage in arguments, so she turned and left the room.
“What was that all about?” I asked when she was gone.
My mother pushed the hair back from my face and said, “Don’t worry about your sister now. She’s having her own troubles of the heart. You need to focus on your men, and handle your situation carefully. I know you will be gentle with their hearts, Gabriella, but make sure you take care with yours as well.”
I though
t about my mother’s words as I enjoyed breakfast in my childhood home. I worried about Gwen, and what troubles she may be having, and promised myself that I would sit down and talk with her after I cleared up the mess I’d made in my own life.
I went through the motions of putting my things away from the weekend, showering, and getting ready. I wanted to give Brock time to calm down, but I didn’t want to put off talking to him. I figured he’d be at work, so I decided to drive by his office to see if he was there. If not, I’d try his house. I didn’t want to call ahead, because I imagined he’d either ignore my call, or tell me not to come over. I didn’t want to give him the option.
Brock’s Harley was parked outside his office. I pulled into the space next to it and took a deep breath as nerves coursed through me.
Shit, shit, shit… I thought as my hands began to sweat. Pull it together and get in there, Gaby.
I slowly opened the door, unsure why I was trying to be quiet, other than the fact that I was a giant chicken. Did I really think a sneak attack was the best course of action?
Ugh…
I walked in and surveyed the small waiting room. Brock was usually in his office in the back, so I started to walk that way, when Brady entered the room.
He didn’t look happy to see me.
“What are you doing here?” he asked unkindly. Brady had never spoken to me like that before, and it took me by surprise. His face was closed off and hard, causing my words to freeze in my throat. “Well?” he asked harshly. “Brock is busy, and doesn’t need you coming in here, throwing another dude in his face.”
Obviously, Brock had told his brother about Scott and me.
“I’m not here to throw anything in his face, I just want to talk to him,” I replied softly. I didn’t understand what Brady was so upset about.
“I think you’ve done enough,” Brady said, stalking toward me.
I backed up as he moved forward, trying to keep my voice from wavering. “I don’t know why you’re so upset … If you’d just tell Brock that I’m here…”
“I’m upset because you’re the first girl that I’ve seen Brock actually give a shit about and let into his life. I thought you were a nice girl, that you were good for him, but it turns out that your just as shady as the rest of them,” Brady said, his voice low and angry. “You don’t deserve to talk to him. You need to leave.”
I flinched at his words, and was about to flee, when I heard Brock’s voice from behind Brady.
“It’s okay, bro, let her pass.”
Brock was standing in the doorway, paperwork in his hand and a frown on his face. He was wearing jeans, a baseball cap, and a worn Whiskey Heat T-shirt. He looked handsome and sad, and my heart lurched looking at him. I hated to think that I’d made him sad.
“What’s up, Gaby?” he asked tersely.
“Can we talk for a minute?” I asked, causing Brady to stiffen. I had a feeling he was about to say something else, but Brock silenced him with a look, and nodded at me.
Brock walked back toward his office without a word, and I followed behind, giving Brady a wide berth as I passed.
Brock was standing in the middle of his office, facing me as I entered.
“Talk,” he said simply, not offering me a seat and not sitting himself. He obviously wanted me to say my piece and get out.
“I’m sorry,” I began. I clasped my hands together to keep them from visibly shaking. “I know that I hurt you, and I need you to know that that was never my intent. I care about you, Brock, and I don’t want to lose you in my life.”
Brock’s light-green eyes flitted over my face. He was quiet for a few minutes, and I worried he wasn’t going to respond, then he said, “I care about you too, Gaby, which is why I don’t know if I can stand to have you in my life, if you’re not mine.”
I trembled at his words and took a step forward, but stopped when hurt flashed in his eyes.
“We’re friends, Brock … And we share some of the same friends. I don’t want to come between you, TJ, and Cal,” I replied.
He nodded, closing his eyes briefly before bringing them back to me and asking, “Was there anything I could have done differently?”
My throat burned at his question, and I instinctively took another step toward him, arms outstretched. I stopped just shy of touching him, knowing that he wouldn’t want me to, and replied truthfully, “No. You did everything right, Brock. You’re a gentleman, and I love spending time with you, but … It’s always been Scott for me. I thought he was going to marry Victoria … I thought we had no chance at a future, or I never would have started dating you. I swear it. I truly never meant for this to happen, and I hope one day you can forgive me, and we can be friends.”
I touched his cheek briefly with the palm of my hand. He closed his eyes again, and I knew that I was close to crying, so I dropped my hand and turned to go. I was almost out the door when Brock said gruffly, “He better treat you like the gift you are,” then he turned and looked out his window.
Luckily I didn’t pass Brady on my way out, and I made it safely to my car before the tears began rolling down my face.
Chapter 23 – Scott
I’d gone for a run to clear my head, and was toweling myself off after a hot shower when I heard my doorbell ring. I grabbed my shorts off the counter and pulled them on as I walked, glancing at the clock before I opened the door.
Gaby was the last person I’d expected to see that night. When I’d left her at her car, she’d still been upset about Brock, and I thought it would be a few days at least before she cleared things up with him.
Yet there she was, looking vulnerable and delicate at my door.
“Hey,” I said, the surprise evident in my voice. I stood to the side and added, “Please, come in.”
I watched her walk in and shut the door behind her. She stopped a few feet in and stood there.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, bringing my hand to touch her shoulder gently, worried that I’d startle her. As soon as she felt my hand, she turned and rushed into my arms.
I held her tightly, running my hands down her back to sooth her, unsure of what to say next.
“I went to Brock.” Her words were muffled against my chest, and when her hot breath hit my skin, I realized that I was standing there in only my shorts. I tried to control my body’s reaction. It didn’t seem like an appropriate time to get turned on by how good her skin felt against mine.
“Was he mean to you?” I held her a little tighter, asking the first thing that came into my mind. She was obviously still upset, so I guessed the visit didn’t go well.
She shook her head, causing her hair to rub against me like silk.
I cleared my throat.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Gaby pulled away and gave me a small smile.
“I explained that I was sorry, that he didn’t do anything wrong, and that I didn’t want what happened between us to mess up his friendship with TJ and Cal.”
“You did all you could, Gabs,” I assured her, running the back of my hand along her cheek. “He’s upset, but he’ll be fine.”
She nodded slightly and brought her hands to rest on my hips.
“Brock is a good man, and a great friend, but he wanted to put me on a pedestal, and I want to be with a man who sees me as a partner,” Gaby continued, her blue eyes drilling her words into me. “I told him that it’s always been you.” She pulled me closer against her and dipped her head farther back so she could maintain eye contact. “For me, Scott … it’s always been you.”
As her words filled me, relief hit, and I lowered my head to capture her lips with mine. She met them eagerly as her hands began to explore my body, pausing on my nipples when I shivered at her touch. When she pinched and rolled them between her fingertips, I groaned against her mouth and ran my teeth over her lower lip.
The damn broke and I maneuvered her backward toward the couch, lifting her shirt over her head and throwing it to the floor. As she f
isted one hand in my hair, I ran my hands over her breasts, freeing them from the delicate cups so I could rub my palm over the pointed peaks. Her breath caught slightly as she ran her tongue up my neck, pausing to whisper, “Yes,” throatily in my ear. That one word shot straight to my cock and I lost control.
I turned her around, kissing the back of her neck, her shoulders, and her upper back, as my fingers worked to unclasp her bra. I pushed it to the side and she let it slide off. I began to rain kisses along her spine, and my vision blurred when she bent before me, lowering her shorts to the ground and giving me the perfect view of her luscious ass. I ran my hand over her silky panties, enjoying the feel of it beneath my palm, before I ran my fingers underneath the seam.
“Scott,” Gaby breathed out on a moan, the desire in her voice turning me harder than iron.
“God … keep talking, Gabs,” I urged as I slipped my fingers under her panties and found her wet center. “I fucking love it.”
Encouraged by my words, or my fingers inside her, Gaby moaned loudly and gave me what I wanted.
“Yes, Scott … That feels so good.”
Nearly mad with need, I brought my finger to the string of her panties and ripped them from her body before plunging my fingers deep inside her. She writhed against my hand and I bent her farther over the back of the couch.
“Are you on the pill, Gabs?” I asked, while I prayed to God that she’d say yes.
“Yes,” she replied softly as she pushed back against my hand.
I positioned myself at her entrance and eased in slowly, the sounds coming from her throat making me want to slam into her. I didn’t want to hurt her though, so once I buried myself deep inside of her, and knew she was ready, I pulled out and slammed back in. The feel of her tight heat wrapped around me felt amazing. That coupled with her breathy “yes’s” and the feel of her ass slapping against me, made for a Molotov cocktail that was ready to explode.
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