by K. C. Crowne
And the catching-up began. I talked about my life in White Pines; Bethany went on about Parker and all the stuff he’d been up to. In the back of my head, I kept thinking about Duncan. Part of me wanted to share the news that I’d met someone who was pretty amazing. But the other part didn’t want to get too crazy talking about a guy I’d only been on one date with, even though we’d had an amazing night of sex.
As if reading my mind, Bethany turned to me. “I’m going to get some more coffee – you want to give Mom and Dad some quality Parker time?”
“I think that sounds like a lovely idea,” I said with a smile. “What about you, kiddo?”
“Yeah!” Parker readily agreed. He might’ve been just a little kid, but he’d already learned the oh-so-important lesson that grandpa and grandma time meant he’d get all the spoiling a kid his age could ever want.
As soon as we were in the kitchen, away from listening ears, Bethany leaned against the counter, her hands on the edge, and flashed me a sly, knowing smirk.
“What’s that look all about?” I asked. I knew the answer – it was Bethany’s ‘I know there’s something on your mind and I’m going to get it out of you’ expression. But it was still fun to play the game.
“Come on,” she chided playfully. “You know I’m going to get it out of you eventually. Whatever it is, you might as well say it now.”
“It’s nothing.”
She laughed as she turned to the pot of coffee to change the filter. “Alright, so we’re past the part when I know there’s something going on and have arrived at the part where you’re trying to tell me what is going on isn’t anything major.”
“It’s…” I trailed off. She had me there. Bethany loved gossip and had a way of getting it out of people.
“It’s a guy, isn’t it?” Her eyes flashed as she spoke. “What’s his name?”
“God,” I groaned, running my hands through my hair. “Is it that obvious?”
“Only to your attentive sister. You’re pretty good about keeping things on the down-low otherwise.” She filled the filter, poured in some water, and turned on the coffee pot.
“Alright,” I said, knowing there was no point in pretending. “It’s a guy.”
“I knew it!” she exclaimed through a huge smile. “Tell me about him? What’s his name, what does he do, what kind of car does he drive…all the deets.”
“I can’t.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because…he’s kind of famous?”
“What?” Her eyes were huge.
“Not like Hollywood famous,” I said with a laugh. “But famous enough in this area that you might know who he is.”
She scoffed and leaned closer. “And this is supposed to make me less interested?”
“No, it just means I can’t tell you much right now,” I replied, enjoying my secret a little too much. “We’ve only gone on one date, and I don’t want to start running my mouth like he’s my boyfriend too soon.”
“Well, let me ask you this – do you want him to be your boyfriend?”
I leaned back against the counter, processing the question. “With Dean, how soon did you know that you two had something special?”
“Right away.” Not the slightest shred of hesitation was in her voice. “I knew on the first date when I saw him in that sexy suit. Didn’t take any time at all. Why?” Her eyes flashed again. “Are you thinking he might be the one?”
“Okay,” I said, raising my palms. “That’s a little too much right now.”
She laughed. “Too much how? I mean, whoever this famous guy is, if you weren’t thinking there might be something special, I doubt you’d be asking a question like that.”
“I don’t know,” I said, wringing my hands together. “Maybe it’s just because it’s been so long since Andrew. And maybe because it seems like every other guy in the world’s either a jackass or pervert or both.”
“Don’t sell it short,” she advised. “If you feel something, it might be because there’s actually something, you know. Not just because you’re on the rebound.”
“Mooom!” Parker’s voice came drifting in from the living room.
“Alright,” Bethany said, pushing away from the counter. “You’re off the hook for now. But you know I’m going to get it out of you eventually.”
I smiled, so happy to be with my sister. Without saying a word, I stepped over and gave her a big hug. “So good to see you, sis.”
She chuckled, patting me on the back. “You too. Now, come on.”
We grabbed our freshly filled mugs and headed back to the living room.
What was going on with Duncan? Who knew? But at that moment I was with the people I loved most, and nothing could’ve been better.
Duncan
The weekend flew by so quickly it was almost depressing. Granted, not like someone in my line of work had weekends. I worked all day Friday, coming home with just enough time to hit the gym before heading to bed. The next morning was another run, followed by a day of work, the evening spent with my business manager in town over drinks.
I’d thought I might have time for an hour or two to myself before bed, but the clinic in town called me for something of an emergency. The son of one of my regular patients broke his finger, and he only trusted me to set it. I was happy to do it, of course. But by the time I got home, I was done, ready to hit the hay and do it all over again the next day.
Sunday, however, I woke up with a smile on my face as soon as I remembered I had plans with Annie for that evening. As soon as the smile appeared, however, I made sure to wipe it off. After all, I didn’t want to get too excited about the evening. Work was one thing – I had control over that. But women were another. Building up expectations was never a good idea.
Still, as I stepped into the shower after my run and washed the sweat from my body, I couldn’t help but let my mind wander. My cock hardened as I thought of her, and without any conscious decision on my part, I began stroking myself slowly. I thought of Annie, thought of that gorgeous, curvy body naked in front of me, the look in her eyes suggesting she was there for the taking.
Before I crossed the point of no return, I took my hand off my cock. No sense in getting too eager beforehand, I thought.
I stepped out of the shower and dried off, throwing on a white cable-knit sweater and jeans before heading to my home office and seeing what needed to be done. I was a big proponent of giving my staff their weekends. I, on the other hand, loved to work, and I had so much planning to do, so much to take care of, that I was never short of it.
But more and more my thoughts kept drifting to Annie.
Over lunch downstairs in the kitchen, I decided I couldn’t take any more. I pulled out my phone and gave her a ring.
“Hey, there!”
Damn, is it nice to hear her voice. “Good afternoon,” I said with a smile. “How are you?”
“Good, good. Still processing that you actually like to talk on the phone instead of text. I’m starting to like it, actually.”
“This might be a little before your time, but there was a point when texting wasn’t even a thing, believe it or not.”
She laughed. “Is that right? And let me guess, next you’re going to tell me there was a time before cell phones were even a thing.”
“It was a dark and dismal past,” I informed her in a serious tone, leaning back in my seat and propping my feet up on the table. “And if you’re really in the mood for story time, I can tell you about how I had to walk five miles to school there and back—”
“Uphill both ways,” she finished, chuckling.
“Anyway,” I said, thoroughly enjoying our conversation. “I wanted to see if we were still on for tonight.”
“Why, of course,” she said flirtatiously. “I’ve been looking forward to it.”
“Same here.”
“What’d you have in mind?”
“How about another dinner out? I’ve got a great restaurant in mind.”
&
nbsp; “Even better than the last one?”
“A different kind of great. You’ll like it. Trust me.”
“I’m intrigued. And yes, that sounds fantastic. What time are you thinking?”
“How about I pick you up at seven?”
“Perfect.”
“And one other thing – don’t wear anything you’d be upset getting sauce on.”
She laughed. “I’ll wear my fanciest bib.”
I chuckled. “Now you’re talking. See you then.”
I hung up and tossed the phone onto the table, picking one of my tortilla chips off my plate and popping it into my mouth. I grinned, thinking of the night ahead. It couldn’t get here fast enough.
The day passed with more work, and each hour that brought me closer to my date with Annie passed more slowly than the last. When five finally arrived, I went upstairs and took off my sweater, putting on a black T-shirt that was a little more casual, more appropriate for where I was taking her. When I was ready, I grabbed my phone and my keys and headed out, doing my best to keep the grin on my face in check.
A single amazing date was one thing. But two amazing dates would be something else entirely. I’d had a hunch for a while that I’d hit it off with my brother’s ex and was more than pleased that it was actually coming to pass. But, of course, if something more serious did happen between us, it was only a matter of time before Andrew found out.
And it was only a matter of time before she found out. After all, I was her ex’s brother – you couldn’t exactly keep a fact like that hidden. I’d do my best, however, and when the timing was right, she’d learn.
And not a moment sooner.
I pulled up to her apartment, killing the engine and walking quickly to her front door. After a text to let her know I was there, I caught sight of her figure coming down the stairs.
She was stunning, just like before. Annie was dressed in hip black and white sneakers, a pair of tight jeans, and a dark blue parka, the fuzz-lined hood gathered around her neck.
More than anything I wanted to sweep her off her feet and carry her back up the stairs and give her a screwing that made what we’d done before look like a warm-up. I wanted to rip her panties off, put her up against the wall, grab those ripe curves and fuck her so hard she couldn’t see straight. I wanted to feel her come on my cock over and over, to make her moan.
“Hey there,” she said with a smile as she opened the door.
“Hey.” I couldn’t help myself. I leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek. Her skin warmed before I even had a chance to take my lips away. “Good to see you.”
“Likewise.” She chewed softly on her lower lip, glancing away as if overwhelmed by what was happening.
“Hope you’re hungry,” I said. “Come on.” I took her hand and led her to the car, opening the door so she could get in. Moments later, we were off. “And how’s your weekend been?”
“Now wait,” she said. “Before we get into any of that, tell me where we’re eating tonight.”
“Told you – it’s a secret.”
“Always with the secrets,” she said with a smile. “Is this how every date’s going to be? You surprising me with plans I’m not allowed to know about?”
“Maybe, maybe not. I suppose we’ll just have to keep going on lots of dates until you find out.”
“I like that idea.”
I had a reason for keeping the nature of the date a secret. The last place was a standard fancy joint. The food was great, the view was killer, and the service was always impeccable. But it was the kind of place that any date would be impressed by. After all, who would have a problem with sipping a glass of red wine while looking out over the moon-lit Rocky Mountains?
The restaurant I was taking her tonight, however, would be a real test. It was less a conventional place to eat, but one of my favorites.
“We’ll be there soon,” I promised. “So you won’t have to wait in suspense for long.”
“Fair enough.”
“And what about your week?”
“Well, maybe I’ve got a surprise of my own. When you reveal yours, I’ll reveal mine.”
“Perfect.”
I took a few turns downtown, eventually leading us to one of the side roads. Once there, I spotted the restaurant up ahead and pulled into an open spot. Annie, understandably confused, looked around at the empty street around us – well, empty aside from the cars parked in front of the restaurant.
“Where are we?”
“We’re there. Come on.” I killed the engine before going around to let her out.
And as soon as she stepped out of the Land Rover and sniffed the air, I knew the jig was up.
“BBQ?” she asked.
“BBQ,” I affirmed. “Come on.”
I took her hand and led her down the street. The entrance to the restaurant was down a flight of stairs from the sidewalk, nothing about the joint obviously advertised. When we reached the steel door, I pulled it open and watched her eyes widen.
The place – Finger Lickin’ BBQ – was packed, as usual. It was a massive restaurant with space for a hundred people, all of the tables covered in paper and messy-looking BBQ. Servers rushed here and there, dropping off big plates of ribs and pulled pork and burgers along with more than a few beers. Wild country music was in the air, and the walls were covered in neon sights of all different colors.
“Come on.” I took her hand and led her to one of the back booths, the sweet smell of BBQ thick in the air.
“I had no idea this place even existed,” she commented, then snickered. “Of course, I am new to the area.”
“It’s only for those in the know,” I said. “Believe or not, even a small town like this can have its secrets.”
She flashed me a sly smile, clearly pleased by this response. “And that’s why you made the suggestion about clothes.”
“I don’t know about you,” I said as I slipped out of my pea coat. “But I can’t seem to have more than a few ribs without sauce ending up on my shirt.”
“Hmm,” she said. “I bet if I ask the server, they’ll bring you a bib for that.”
“Cute,” I said after a laugh. She winked in response as the server arrived with menus. “How about a couple of sampler platters and pitcher of local pilsner?” She lifted a brow in question. It’s a little bit of everything.”
“Hey, as long as it’s meat and covered in sauce and served with a beer, I’m happy.”
And there was the answer I was looking for. Smiling, I ordered our food and beer. I’d been on more than a few second dates here in the past, and the women weren’t all that happy with my choice of restaurant. The fancy places in Denver always went over well, but when I brought them to a simple, downhome place like this, they often showed their true colors.
The last thing I wanted was a woman with expensive tastes who couldn’t get her hands all sauced up working through a plate of ribs.
“So you’ve learned my secret. Time for yours.”
Excitement lit up her face. “So I followed your advice. I looked for some jobs in journalism and landed an interview.”
“Are you serious? Congratulations! What’s the publication?” I asked, excited for her.
“You might’ve heard of it – it’s called Classical Monthly.”
“Wait, the Classical Monthly? The biggest classical music magazine out there?”
She blushed a tad, as if me mentioning that fact made her a touch nervous. “That’s the one. I sent them a little music writing I’d done for a blog I had in college. And between that and my hobby playing for kids in hospitals, they were totally down to talk about a position with the magazine.”
The server arrived, placing our pitcher and two iced mugs on the table.
“And it actually pays pretty well,” she told me as I poured our beers. “It’s a full-time job with benefits and everything. I don’t know if it’s what I want to do forever, but it’ll be perfect for now. And it’s a subject I love to write about, so tha
t makes it even better. It’s not even close to being certain, but I’m going to be talking to one of the editors soon so…who knows?”
I lifted my beer. “In that case, we’re having a toast.”
She smiled, raising her mug. “Alright. I’ll drink to that.”
We tapped rims, and as soon as we set our drinks back down, we fell into effortless conversation. I told her a little about my work that weekend, along with my plans for the next couple of weeks. And this was to my total surprise – I never liked to talk about work during dates. But not only did she ask, she seemed interested. So, I was more than happy to tell her about it.
But what I really wanted was to hear more about her. She told me other than the job hunt success, she’d had a great visit with her family. As she chattered about this subject, I couldn’t stop watching her. When she spoke about her family, nothing but love shown in her eyes, and the pure affection in her voice was lovely. She told me about her mom and dad, and about the sister she’d almost lost at a young age. Not to mention the adorable nephew she couldn’t get enough of.
The food arrived during our conversation, and we dived into it, Annie telling me more about her family, and me eagerly listening. There was no doubt in my mind that Annie cared deeply for her family. I already knew she had a big heart, but this only cinched it.
She was beautiful and kind and loving. What more could I want? There was the little matter of her being my brother’s ex, but I had no doubt I’d be able to handle that in time.
When we were done, nothing but bones and sauce on our plates, I ordered some apple cobbler to go and we left. I took her hand as we went back to the car. The sounds of our footsteps echoed through the otherwise empty street around us. The back of my neck tingled. The restaurant was second-to-none, but I wasn’t crazy about how isolated it was from the rest of town.
“I’m not too far from here,” I told her. “Want to come to my place for a bit?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but before another word came out, a voice spoke from behind us.
“Hey!” The word was delivered in a friendly tone.
We turned to see a tall, wiry man dressed in thick winter gear, a white tear on the elbow of his puffy black jacket, a knit cap pulled down nearly over his eyes.