by Lea Hart
Saying anything to Tina was unprofessional, but too damn satisfying for him to resist. No way was he going to get away with it. Best case would be that his name would be included in the complaint that Tina filed. Worst case…he’d stirred up a hornet’s nest.
Either way, it was going to move the conflict forward. It had seemed to him that Drew and Tina were drawing things out as much as they could. To what end, he couldn’t tell. Maybe it kept everyone in the dance. Which, if he had to bet, was Drew’s motivation, but with Tina he had no idea.
As he moved toward the next group of motorists, the wind kicked up and rain splattered across his face. It would be interesting to see how mad Lilly was going to be when she heard about what he’d done. What he’d said to Drew could be interpreted only one way, and Lilly might not be real excited about him implying they’d spent their time together between the sheets. In fact, he could almost guarantee that she was going to have his head on a platter.
But seeing Drew’s expression was going to make it worth it. At least now Drew knew that Lilly had not only her family in her corner but also Brock. That should scare the shit out of Drew if he had any brains.
CHAPTER SIX
Thursday
Lilly walked into her sister’s office with Popcorn trailing behind her. She lifted the box higher on her hip, then set it on the credenza. “As requested, notes from the first two books.”
Loren glanced at Lilly and held up her finger. “Almost done.”
Lilly collapsed into a chair and watched Popcorn lie down. This was their fifth stop of the day and they were both tuckered out. Wasting time on this lawsuit was getting on her last nerve. Every couple of weeks there was some sort of fire drill, and she had to produce all kinds of information for her defense. At first, she thought the lawsuit was ridiculous and assumed it would go away with little effort on her part. That was a year ago, and if it wasn’t for her sister, there might be no end in sight. The fact that her legal bill would be well over a hundred thousand dollars if her sister had charged her was sickening.
It was hard to believe that Drew possessed the stamina to pursue the case the way he had. Lord knew he didn’t have any in bed or even in his career. Why he chose this as a place to display his fortitude was beyond her. His chances of walking away with a check were almost nonexistent, and she’d made it known to as many people as she could what he was up to.
Public shame had to be outweighing anything he hoped to gain financially. Most people she talked to expressed their outrage at his actions. They saw him as a wealthy man going after an old girlfriend for a paycheck. As far as she could tell, there wasn’t anything more shameful. Maybe he never heard about public opinion, so the fact that most people thought he was lower than a snake didn’t mean a thing to him. His folks were a whole different story because they courted people’s approval like it was their job. The whiff of scandal surrounding Drew probably had his mama’s hair on fire.
When this had started, she actually thought his mama would make him stop. She wasn’t a woman who would put up with gossip about her son, especially if it affected her social standing in the community. His folks had tightened the leash after they gave him control of the dealerships, and she couldn’t imagine why this had escaped their scrutiny.
“Sorry about that,” Loren said as she pulled her glasses off and leaned back in her chair. “I was finishing the notes on my closing argument for the soap trial.”
“How’s that one going?”
“As well as can be expected.” Moving her papers over, she smiled. “I heard from a little birdie that Brock Landry all but told Drew and Tina that you two were sleeping together.”
Sitting up straight, she gave her sister a blank look. “What?”
“Drew and Tina were part of that big accident on Interstate 10 yesterday. A friend down at the station told me about the report that Tina filed on her slashed tires. She was yapping away about what Brock had said while Drew stood next to her, throwing death glares at anyone who dared to look at him.”
“Funny, he failed to mention the conversation last night when he was over watching TV,” Lilly responded. When her sister tipped back in her chair and crossed her arms, she knew she was going to have to give her some details. “What?”
“Brock Landry…You gonna tell me what’s going on or do I need to call him and ask him myself?”
“Listen, nosy Nellie, butt out. Nothing is going on—at least, nothing I’m going to talk about.” The fact that her attitude toward him had completely reversed in the last couple of days wasn’t anything she was ready to discuss. How could she explain why he’d suddenly become irresistible if she didn’t understand it herself? They’d been smooching and groping for a couple of days now, and she had no desire for it to stop. For such an irritating man, he sure was appealing.
Loren clapped and her face lit with a big smile. “It’s about damn time.”
“What are you talking about?”
Flipping her hand around, Loren laughed. “Brock’s had a thing for you for longer than I can remember. I’m happy to see that maturity has taken hold and he’s finally going to do something about it.”
Giving her sister a faint smile, Lilly kept her mouth shut, which by any measure was a miracle. The Bertrand sisters shared everything, and the fact that she wanted to keep what was happening private was as much of a shock to her as anything. Her relationship with Brock was between the two of them, and talking about it seemed like a betrayal. “We had drinks and hot dogs the other night, and then watched Predators Up Close.” Sealing her mouth shut, she kept the kissing and groping to herself.
“Well, I doubt that’s the whole story, but I won’t push.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my sister?” Lilly asked with a snort.
“I always thought if something happened between the two of you then it would light the world on fire. There’s something combustible between you two, and…”
“What?” Lilly almost yelled.
“I don’t know.” Rubbing her hand across her chin, Loren shrugged. “When Brock’s mama died, I think a part of him did too. I saw him go from an outgoing, funny kid to a cautious, overprotective one within the span of a couple of days. I think he took it harder than anyone else. A part of him shut down, and the only time I saw a spark in his eyes was when he looked at you.”
“I don’t remember any spark. All my memories are of him keeping me out of trouble. He was forever telling me what to do and how to do it. I didn’t figure out until much later that he couldn’t help himself. His mama’s battle with cancer and his inability to do anything about it ensured that whatever natural protective instincts he had were going to be the driving force in his life. Good thing he had me to keep him busy.”
“Is that why you were such a daredevil and would jump off anything someone dared you to?”
Shrugging, Lilly rested her hand on Popcorn’s head. “Maybe. I didn’t really grasp the gravity of the situation with Mrs. Landry because I was too young. But I did know that when he was watching out for me and telling me what to do, he didn’t look so sad. I guessed I figured mad was better than sad.”
Loren fiddled with a paper clip and made a face. “You gave him a lot to work with. Your fascination with homemade explosives had him about off his rocker. You’re just lucky that he didn’t tell Mama and Daddy what you were up to. If he had, you would’ve been on restriction for years.”
Smoothing down her sweater, Lilly knew her sister was right. “He told me something the other day that made his behavior when we were teenagers a lot more understandable.”
“I’m impressed. I never would’ve guessed he’d ’fess up to his feelings. All that lust he had probably made him nuts because he was considered an adult and you were not. Might’ve made him feel a little pervy, even.”
“How did I miss it?”
“You were fifteen and oblivious.”
“Well, I’m not anymore, and I’m thinking of getting to know the man he’s bec
ome. I haven’t spent any real time with him since he left for college. That eighteen-year-old boy is a memory, and it might be time to see who the thirty-year-old man is.”
“Maybe you should take him down to Jefferson Island next week, spend a couple of days together, and get to know the naked part of him.”
Crossing her legs, Lilly assumed a prim posture. “Maybe I will.”
Slapping her desk, Loren grinned. “It’s about damn time.”
“Okay, enough about Brock. Tell me how we’re going to get rid of Drew and Tina.” When her sister started rubbing her hands together, Lilly sat back and relaxed. No one was more resolute than her sister, and she thanked God that Loren was on her side.
“I plan on not only annihilating them but also getting a check. Little Tina Krewel isn’t going to know what hit her. This lawsuit is bullshit from beginning to end, and we’re going to prove it. They’re going to pay for the pain and agony they’ve put you through.”
“I never doubted it for a minute,” Lilly responded. As her sister began outlining the strategy for the trial, her mind wandered back to what Brock had told her the other night. A man who told you that he wanted to devour you was not a man to take lightly. And knowing that Brock was a man of action made her wonder if she was ready. How exactly did one get ready for something like that?
***
Lilly was about to flip the TV on when her phone buzzed. Lifting it, she saw Brock was calling. “Speak of the devil,” she muttered. “Hey.”
“I’m at your front door with some bread pudding from Poupart’s.”
“I see you’re bringing out the heavy artillery.”
“When a man wants something, it’s best to use everything he has.”
Standing, she dropped her blanket and pulled down her pajama top. “I’m coming.” As she walked down the hall, she saw his smiling face through the front door’s glass panes. He sure seemed pleased with himself as he held up the bag from the bakery. She opened the door and put her hand on her hip. “You ever going to call me before you show up?”
“That would give you a chance to tell me no.” Moving past her, he dropped a kiss on her head. “I hope you didn’t start watching Predators without me.”
“I had no idea that it was our show now.” After closing the door, she flipped the lock and followed Brock down the hall. Leaning against the island, she watched him pull two dishes out and serve up the bread pudding. He was making himself at home the same way he and his brothers had in her mama’s kitchen. The Landry boys had been in her house as much as she was.
“How long do I put it in the microwave for?” Brock asked as he held up the plates.
“I’ll do it.” Taking the plates out of his hand, she walked over to the counter. “Did they give you any bourbon sauce?”
“No, honey.”
“That’s okay. We can put a little ice cream on it, and when it melts it’ll be like vanilla sauce.” She slid one plate in and then grabbed the ice cream out of the freezer. “Anything you want to share with me? Maybe a conversation you had about the time we’ve spent together?” Looking over her shoulder, she was gratified to see a look of embarrassment on his face. At least he was smart enough to know he’d screwed up.
“It was presumptuous, but if I had to do it over again, I would. Drew is a self-satisfied son of a bitch with rocks for brains. I tell you, he and that Tina woman deserve each other.”
With her back to him, she could hide her smile of agreement. It would do no good to encourage him, and if he saw how much she agreed with him, she would never get him under control. Not that she had a hope of ever controlling Brock, but still. She finished getting their dessert together and then turned around. “Don’t be talking about what goes on between us.”
When she handed him his plate, he set it down on the counter and then enveloped her in a hug. It was a full-body embrace that surrounded her with his scent. Bounce fabric softener, soap, and testosterone were a powerful combination that had been known to take down greater women than she. Just as she was about to lean forward and bury her nose in his shirt, Popcorn barked. It was just enough to startle her back into her good sense. Looking down, she grinned. “No sweets for you. The vet said only dog food.”
Stepping away, she grabbed her plate and then walked over to the couch. When she collapsed into it, Popcorn settled at her feet and Brock sat down next to her. Not an inch of space separated them, and she figured he was going to start making good on his word. He was a predator by nature, and she had a feeling there was no escaping him. “Let’s watch the lion episode tonight.”
“Okay. Whatever you want.” He took a bite of the bread pudding and winked.
Pushing her elbow into his side, she laughed. “You’re only saying that because your butt is planted on my couch and you’ve managed to worm your way into my evening.”
“Yes, I have, and I plan on doing it for a long time to come.” He took one of her hands and slid his thumb over her skin. “Would you like to go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?”
Turning, she looked at him. “Are you asking me out on a proper date?”
“Yes, I am. It’s taken me more than a decade, but I figure it’s better late than never. Maybe we can go see a movie afterward.”
“Well…”
“I’ll buy you a big box of Milk Duds.”
She laughed and squeezed his hand. “Well, if there are going to be Milk Duds, then I have to say yes.” Lifting the remote, she pointed it toward the TV. Her heart was beating a little fast, and she wondered what she was in for. Saying yes to a date with Brock felt like she was opening a door she might never be able to close again. Canoodling on the couch was one thing. Going out in public was quite another, and she would do well to remember that.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Friday
Turning the engine off, Brock glanced up at Lilly’s front door. He hadn’t been on a date in longer than he could remember and his nerves were jumping. Being the lone scout sniper on a mission was comfortable, but a date…that was whole other bag of bones. Sliding his hand over his new haircut, he took a calming breath.
It was Lilly, a woman he knew better than almost anyone. There was nothing to be nervous about. Except this chance meant everything. Had he not gone into the Marines, he probably would’ve pursued her the moment she graduated from college. But that hadn’t been the case. So here he was—looking at her doorstep with a damn hornet’s nest buzzing in his stomach. Opening the car door, he got himself together. Worse case, he screwed up. Best case, he could keep trying until he got it right.
Striding toward her door, he decided to do them both a favor and relax. The moment he tensed up, so did she. It had been true when they were kids, and he had no doubt it would happen again. He’d noticed when he was eleven or twelve that whatever he was feeling, Lilly mirrored. It was like they were on their own wavelength together, and whatever was happening to one happened to the other. The weird connection had disappeared when he hit his teens, but he’d bet they could get it back if they tried. And he meant to try everything he could think of.
Tonight was the first night of the rest of his life, and he was going to have a relaxed attitude. He knocked gently and heard Popcorn give a bark in greeting. As far as he could tell, it was the best damn present he’d ever come up with. When he’d seen the Aussie pup, he knew he would be perfect for Lilly. In his reptile brain, it bound them together even when he was halfway across the world.
Watching Lilly walk toward him almost took his breath away. Through the glass door, he could see that she’d gotten dressed up. Her hair was draped over her shoulder in a shiny curtain, and she wore a pretty dress. Which, in and of itself, told him that she was taking his offer seriously. At her core, she was a tomboy and rarely took the time to get herself dolled up. Which was fine by him. He thought she was prettiest in her cutoff shorts and T-shirts.
But the woman walking toward him was a damn good sight too, and there would be no complaining on his part. When she
opened the door, he held out the flowers he’d gotten earlier. “Hi.” When her face lit up, he knew he’d done the right thing.
“These are lovely,” she said as she stepped back to let him in. “Thank you.”
Popcorn tilted his head and gave him a curious glance. If he didn’t know better, he’d think the dog was asking what he was up to. Patting Popcorn’s head, Brock winked. This wasn’t business as usual, and he planned on pulling out all the stops. “You’re so damn beautiful, Lilly. Every man is going to wonder why you’re taking pity on me and keeping my company.”
Sliding a glance over her shoulder, she laughed. “No need for flattery, Brock. All I did was put on a dress and brush my hair.”
When she set the flowers down on the counter, he took her hands and stepped back. “You’ve always been the prettiest girl in the world. Time passing has only made that more true.” When he saw her cheeks flush a lovely pink, he figured he was on the right track. “You know me as the boy who lived next door. I’d like you to get to know the man I’ve become.”
The corner of her mouth lifted as a smile crossed her face. “I think I might enjoy that.”
When she twirled around, the light from the kitchen allowed him a view of her figure. A really clear view. She grabbed a vase from the cupboard and turned around, and he cleared his throat. “I like your dress, Lilly. But I was wondering…are you wearing anything that’s covering the good china?”
Setting the vase down, she gave him a smile that told him she owned him…and might very well destroy him. “If you consider a couple of scraps of pink lace covered…then yes. The good china is covered.”