Build a Nerd

by Wendy Smith

  Rolling over, I gaze into those dark eyes of his. The eyes that have so much love and promise in them. “I like surprises. And you are one.”

  “As long as I made the grade last night.”

  I can’t help but grin. “Oh, you more than did that. I’m giving you straight A’s for that performance.”

  “Even the first one?”

  I plant a kiss on his nose. “Especially the first one. I’ll never understand why no woman claimed you before me, but I’m glad they didn’t. I loved being your first.” And I hope I’m your last.

  He reaches over and strokes my hair. “What are your plans for the day?”

  I shrug. “It’s Saturday. Maybe we can just stay in bed.”

  He smiles. “I like that idea.”

  “There is one problem.”

  His eyebrows knit. “What’s that?”

  “There are only seven more condoms in the box. We might have to go out at some point to get supplies.”

  Tom laughs. “Do you really think we’ll use them all today?”

  “I’m pretty sure they’ll be gone by lunchtime. But that might work because maybe we could break our marathon with a nice lunch.”

  Tom’s laughter makes me laugh. “You are crazy, and I love it.”

  “Sex and food are the best things on the planet. Combining them makes sense. We could get lunch and bring it back to bed with us.”

  “I love you, Bridget. I love every single thing about you. Especially your obsession with sex and food.”

  I run my index finger down his chest. “You forgot my growing obsession with Star Trek. That Captain Kirk was such a player.”

  He laughs, then captures my mouth with his. I’m lost in Tom, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

  He’s my future.

  26

  Tom

  One month later

  * * *

  “This is perfect.” Bridget grins as she looks at the land we’ve just settled on to build a house. With us both working full time, it’s a long term project that’ll take a couple of years to complete. But we just had to have the plot when we found it. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

  I nod. “More than ready. I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for this.”

  She slides her arms around my waist, burying her face in my chest. I take a deep breath of her and plant a kiss in her hair. “I feel like I waited my whole life for you,” she says.

  She looks up at me with those dazzling blue eyes. My whole heart belongs to her, and I look forward to us living a long and happy life together.

  A few short months ago, I never would have dreamed I’d be so lucky.

  I wrap my arms around her.

  “Let’s go and get a drink to celebrate. I can’t wait to get started on the planning.” Her whole face lights up. I love seeing her so happy.

  I love that I’m the one who’s made her so happy.

  Bridget’s been worth the wait for love. We’re so different, but she fills a hole in my life that turned out to be Bridget-shaped.

  And as it turned out, she had a space just right for me too.

  I take a deep breath. “Do you know why I love this spot so much?”

  “Because you get to build a house with me on it?” she asks.

  I laugh. “That. Plus, I’m excited for all our firsts here. We’ll build our house, and we’ll have our family right here. One day, our kids will know this place as home.”

  She looks at me in mock surprise. “Are you telling me now you want children?”

  “I said one day. You know, if you want to.”

  Bridget presses a hard kiss to my cheek. “I want everything with you.”

  “And I’ll give you all of it.”

  While we take our time planning and building our house, the rental place I got is proving to be perfect. There’s so much room.

  I had planned to spread out, but now Bridget’s living here, I’ve not got quite as much space as I’d intended to have. But I don’t mind at all.

  We might be complete opposites in a lot of ways, but we’re learning to live with each other’s idiosyncrasies. One bedroom we share for sleeping and other activities. The second bedroom is mine for all my collectables. And the third one is Bridget’s, and hers alone.

  She’s been trying so hard not to clutter the place as she works out my foibles. And I’ve tried to get a handle on my tidiness obsession.

  But when it comes down to it, the love we share is winning. And compromise is never easy, but it’s made simpler when you have that love.

  As long as we’re nurturing our relationship, nothing can stand in our way.

  My desktop sits unused in the living room, along with the one Bridget bought for her place. I’m not gaming as much as I used to. I have better things to play with now.

  It’s my laptop I continue to use as I work sometimes remotely. A handful more people have made the journey here, and we’re slowly filling the temporary offices while construction continues on-site.

  Bridget rolls her eyes at me when she finds me sitting on the sofa, tapping away at my keyboard.

  “What are you doing?” She kisses my neck.

  “Just getting in these coding changes before sleeping.”

  “Forget them. Come and play with me.”

  I grin. Coding can wait.

  Placing the laptop on the coffee table, I turn. Her smile lights up the whole room. She gasps as I cup her cheek and slot my fingers into her hair.

  “Tom.” She’s beaming.

  I love her like this. I love her. “I’d much rather play with you.”

  Her eyes search mine. “Are you gonna kiss me or what?”

  I pull her to me, claiming her mouth with mine. She moans as I slide my tongue over hers. I’m not sure what it is that I do with it that’s so special, but she loves it.

  “Time to go to bed,” I say.

  Bridget squeals when I pick her up and throw her over my shoulder. She laughs as I carry her up the hallway toward the bedroom.

  “You’re so different now, Tom. So unlike the man I fell in love with.”

  I lower her onto her back on the bed and search her eyes. “Is that a bad thing?”

  Bridget shakes her head. “No. I know I’m not the same woman you fell in love with. We’re so much better together.”

  I grin. She’s right. We’re both a long way from the people we were even a short time ago. And that’s not bad. We’re a team, and nothing will ever come between us again.

  Nothing.

  27

  Bridget

  The thought of spending time with Molly and Brad no longer fills me with dread.

  I enjoy their company.

  I follow Tom into the house and Molly gives us a warm greeting.

  “Bridget,” Grace yells, running toward me.

  “Hey, you.” I reach down and give her a hug. She’s the sweetest kid. If Tom and I ever have children, I’d love it if they turned out like Grace.

  “Brad’s out by the grill,” Molly says.

  I nod. “I’ll head out and say hello.”

  Molly smiles before starting up a conversation with Tom. I know they’ve got issues with someone leaking info from Mollab, and it’s playing on both their minds. I’ve got no doubt they’ll be discussing that a lot until it’s resolved.

  Brad’s standing outside, the click of the propane starter echoing through the empty yard.

  “Hey.” He beams a grin at me that not so long ago would have made me weak at the knees. Not anymore.

  “You look nice. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen you in a dress before.” Brad takes a sip of his beer.

  I laugh. “To be honest, I’m not sure when the last time I wore one was. I just felt like it.” And Tom liked it—he showed me his appreciation before we left the house. My heart swells at the recent memory.

  “Are you happy?” He searches my face, and I’m pretty sure he already knows the answer.

  “Happier than I have been in a long time. Who
knew all I had to do was get over you.” I poke my tongue out at him and he chuckles.

  “I’m glad. You deserve only good, Bridget. And Tom seems like he’s great for you.

  “You’re not the only ridiculously happy one now.”

  He grins. “Looks like it.”

  “Have you fired up that grill yet?” Molly walks toward us. When she reaches Brad’s side, he slips an arm around her waist.

  “I have, but right now I’m busy talking to Bridget. Just saying how happy her and Tom look.”

  Brad gives her an affectionate kiss, and for the first time, it’s not awkward for me.

  “You two are looking pretty happy yourselves,” I say.

  Brad grins. “Now we just have to work out when to get married. The sooner the better, as far as I’m concerned.”

  Molly leans her head on his shoulder. “It will be soon. The Psycom buyout is a bit more settled now, and with construction underway, maybe it’s a good time to sneak in a wedding.”

  I smile. “If I can help, I will.”

  Brad gives me a broad smile. I do my best to ignore him and focus on Molly.

  “Seriously. If there’s anything either Tom or I can do, let us know.”

  “I really appreciate the offer, Bridget.” Molly smiles. I think after all this, we can have a genuine friendship. And the feeling is better than I ever thought it would be. I can’t hold a grudge against the woman who’s put such a smile on Brad’s face.

  Especially when I’m pretty damn happy myself.

  When we get home, I head to the bathroom while Tom gets ready for bed. When I join him, he’s standing in the center of the room, unbuttoning his shirt. For a moment, I just watch.

  A few months ago, I never believed I could be so happy. I’m in love with a wonderful man and moving on with a life I could never have imagined.

  His gaze meets mine, and he smiles. “Tonight was good.”

  I nod. “I really enjoyed it.”

  “No regrets?”

  Confused, I step toward him, placing my hands on his chest and opening the next button. “Regrets about what?”

  “Everything, I guess. Things were messy for a while with the whole Brad thing, and I don’t want you to feel obligated to spend time with them.”

  I shake my head. “I’m fine. I’ve got everything I ever wanted right here.”

  His buttons undone, I spread his shirt. His chest is warm as I place my palms on it and step into him for a kiss.

  “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  I swallow hard. His tone is serious, but it’s hard to tell if this is going to be bad or good.

  “What is it?”

  His lips twitch. “Molly offered me the role of CTO.”

  I gape at him. “Babe. That’s huge.”

  He nods. “I think this is her stepping back a little. She’s always been so involved in as much as possible, but Brad and Grace are her priority now.”

  I smile. “Of course. Which means she’s delegating more?”

  “I’ll have to go to San Jose for a few days and appoint a project manager or two. They’ll be taking over a lot of my existing work.”

  I run a finger down his arm. “Including the construction project?

  “Oh, hell no. I’ll keep that on. It’s turned out to be the best project of the lot.”

  Licking my lips, I give him the most innocent look I can muster. “Why’s that?”

  “Do you really have to ask?” He grins.

  “No. I just want to hear it.”

  Tom reaches out, brushing a stray hair off my face. “I met a beautiful woman who kinda liked me back.”

  “Only kinda?” I take hold of his wrist, pull his hand to my lips, and kiss his palm.

  “Maybe a bit more than that.”

  “I love you.”

  He captures my mouth with his, and I close my eyes, losing myself in his kiss.

  “Did you want to go to bed yet, or do you want to play a game first?” he asks.

  “What kind of game?” I grin.

  “On the Xbox. I promise I’ll take it easy on you.” He waggles his eyebrows.

  I slap his arm. “Bring it on. I’ll beat you in a milli-whatever-you-call-it.”

  His laughter warms my heart. “Bridget Walsh, I’ll make a nerd out of you yet.”

  “Oh, I think that happened a long time ago.”

  Epilogue

  Bridget

  It’s Brad’s wedding day, and I’m blissfully happy.

  Meeting and falling in love with Tom is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I would never have done that if Molly hadn’t come back into Brad’s life.

  What I thought was a curse has turned into my greatest blessing.

  “You look beautiful.” Tom walks up behind me, wraps his arms around my waist, and nuzzles my neck.

  “It’s not too much?” I fiddle with the sapphire pendant he gave me a week ago that goes with the deep blue of the dress I bought for today. He’s so sweet and thoughtful that it’s overwhelming at times. But I wouldn’t want him any other way.

  With one last kiss, he twists me in his arms so I’m looking at him. “No, you’re a vision. It’s a day for celebration. Let’s go and have some fun.”

  “Have you got the present?”

  He nods. “It’s in the car.”

  “Are you ready to drive?”

  I grin as he takes a deep breath. “I guess so.”

  Driving is another first Tom’s undertaking with me. He gets nervous, but Nettle Downs is so small, it’s a good place to practice along the quiet country roads.

  “It’s not far. You’ll be fine.” I plant a lingering kiss on his cheek. “Besides, I’ll take over whenever you need me to.”

  He captures my mouth with his, and for a moment, I consider ditching the wedding altogether for a day in bed with him.

  But today is important.

  Besides, he’ll be coming home with me later, and we have the rest of our lives together. No thought has ever been sweeter.

  “We should go before we end up back in bed,” he says.

  “You read my mind.” I laugh against his cheek.

  Hand in hand, we walk out to my car. This time, he’s on the driver’s side, and I have confidence in him.

  “Just reminding you that we’re not playing Mario Kart today,” I say.

  He shakes his head. “Is that your idea of helping my nerves?”

  I shrug. “I’m just trying to be helpful. Take it slow.”

  “If I’m good at anything, it’s taking it slow.” His eyes are so full of mischief, and I grin as I get into the passenger seat.

  “Let’s go, Jarvis.”

  When we arrive at Brad and Molly’s, we head around the back of the house with the gift. There’s a tent set up with a table inside piled high with presents, and Tom slots ours into a gap.

  It’s not a huge wedding, and about half the people here I don’t recognize, but I’m assuming they’re Tom’s co-workers.

  “Dude.” A tall, blond man approaches. His smile is huge, and it matches Tom’s as they embrace. “You must be Bridget. I’m Mark.”

  “The famous Mark. I was beginning to think we’d never meet.” I grin.

  “Me too. Tom’s kept you hidden. It’s nice to meet you now, albeit briefly, because we flew in this morning, and we’re flying back tomorrow.”

  “You made it okay, then?”

  He nods. “Yeah. That leased jet is brilliant to fly in. Molly knows how to live. We bought all the camera gear too.” Mark turns to me. “The wedding’s being live-streamed back to the office for everyone else.”

  I laugh. “Of course it is.”

  “Let’s grab a seat.” Tom reaches for my hand, and I tangle my fingers in his.

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Mark. We’ll have a drink at the reception, I’m sure,” I say.

  He grins. “Sounds great.”

  Tom leads me through the garden, and I smile as I look around. There’s an arc
hway covered in white flowers where Brad and Molly will exchange vows, and rows of chairs for us all to sit.

  Brad stands in front of the archway, talking to a woman I assume is the celebrant. Brad looks over and smiles as we’re shown to our seats.

  “You okay?” Tom asks as we sit.

  “I’m good. I bet you’ll be glad to spend time with your work friends.”

  He nods. “It’ll be nice to have a drink or two. And then I get to go home with you.”

  “That’s the best part.”

  The seats around us slowly fill, and Tom’s surrounded by his work mates. I’m introduced to a whole bunch of new faces. I’ll never remember them all by the time they go home, but it’s another step into Tom’s world.

  When the music starts, I grin at the sight of Grace walking up the aisle toward her father. She’s wearing a pale pink dress, and skips as she reaches the end to the laughter of the congregation.

  “Wow,” Tom whispers as a tall brunette also dressed in pale pink walks down the aisle. “Miranda looks amazing.”

  “She really does.” I met Miranda last night at Jackson’s bar when I went for a quiet drink with Molly. She’s radiant as she walks toward the front. I can’t even begin to imagine how happy Molly’s going to look.

  Miranda peels off to the left and turns to wait for the bride.

  The oohs and ahhs behind me make me turn around to look.

  I gasp.

  Molly’s breathtaking.

  She’s wearing a cream-colored, knee-length satin wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline. It’s simple, but she’s radiant, and she looks beautiful.

  Brad’s awestruck expression brings tears to my eyes.

  In that moment, I know 100 percent that the two of them belong together. There really was never any doubt, but it’s confirmed by the way they look at one another.

  I can smile now at the thought that I would never have been Brad’s. His second chance with Molly gave me everything I could ever ask for.

  Molly’s in tears by the time she reaches Brad, and the two embrace.