Mel leaned forward excitedly. “Exactly! And that’s why I signed him up for the Bachelor Auction.”
Sierra’s hands suddenly flew to her face. “Oh my.” She stared at the other woman. “Does he know?”
Mel suddenly stood. “No, and you’re not going to tell him.”
“I don’t know….”
“Come on, Sierra, I need your help. Please? Pretty please?”
She stared at Mel for several moments before answering. “Sure. Why not? Especially since it’s for a good cause.” She took another sip of her coffee. “I am not doing this because Brax will be there.”
“Yeah sure,” Melanie said, grinning broadly. “Nothing to do with Brax being there.”
They both knew Sierra’s crush had not dissipated one iota.
* * *
The knock at the door had interrupted something, Braxton was certain of it.
Their laughter and chatter drifted through the door and into his ears. He couldn’t understand the words, but he could sure as heck hear their voices.
He’d told Mel more than once she needed a stronger door. One that couldn’t be easily destroyed in a robbery or attack.
All that had done was frighten her, so he hadn’t broached it again. But he was hell-bent on replacing that door for her after tonight.
The voices suddenly stopped, and he heard footsteps approaching moments before the door opened to him.
“Brax.” Mel stepped forward and kissed his cheek.
That got his shackles up. She never kissed him. Ever. Was she trying to soften him up for whatever it was she was planning?
He shook himself mentally. Surely not?
As he stepped into the hallway, he spotted Sierra. She stood up and walked toward him. They embraced, and she whispered in his ear. “Sorry about earlier.”
He brushed her words aside. “It’s fine,” he whispered back. “You were upset. I can understand that.”
She gave him a little squeeze, then ended the hug. He felt bereft as she walked away.
He sighed. This couldn’t happen. He wouldn’t let it happen. Again.
“We were just talking about the Youth Center Fundraiser,” Mel said.
“Hmph.” He really wasn’t interested. He didn’t mind helping the youth center, and as she had already pointed out, he volunteered there all the time.
He even ran trail rides to help the kids out. Some of them came from very dysfunctional families, and it could be the only time they got to see a horse in real life.
Mel busied herself with the last-minute arrangements for dinner, and left Sierra and Braxton to chat.
“So you’re going to the fundraiser?” he asked. “I think it will be quite boring,” he said low enough that Mel wouldn’t hear.
Sierra’s hand went to her mouth, which was curious. She straightened her back before answering. “I think it’s a great thing you’re doing,” she told him. “Even if you do run the risk of being bored.”
“Who’s bored?” Mel re-entered the room, carrying a tray with garlic and herb bread.
“I’m going to be bored at the fundraiser,” Brax offered, taking the tray from her and placing it on the table that was already set.
Mel grinned at Sierra and quickly left the room. Curiouser and curiouser.
She returned a few minutes later with a huge bowl of spaghetti bolognaise as well as parmesan cheese.
“Sit down, tuck in,” she said.
It was a favorite with Braxton. He adored Mel’s spag bol, so she often served it when he was around.
“Yum.” He grabbed one of the bowls Mel had set out and began to dish up. She glared at him.
He was so used to it just being him and Mel, he hadn’t given Sierra a thought. “Ooops, sorry. Ladies first.” He waved his hand toward her and stepped back.
Sierra laughed that sweet tinkling laugh that always drew him in.
At least he had the decency to be embarrassed. He could feel his humiliation creeping up his face.
“For a cowboy, you have appalling manners,” Sierra said, almost doubling over with laughter. He found himself joining in.
She was still grinning when she sat down to eat. “I was kidding,” she said, ensuring he understood her motives.
“Yeah, sure,” he said teasingly.
He’d really missed her. Missed her come-backs, her pretty face, and missed her warmth and her hugs. Most of all, he missed Sierra and the way they’d loved each other all those years ago.
He almost choked on his dinner and grabbed the glass of water sitting in front of him. Why was he thinking that way? He could not get back together with her – she would be leaving before he knew it.
Sierra jumped up from her seat and slapped him on the back. “Are you okay,” she asked, concerned.
He waved his hand around. “I’ll be fine,” he said between coughs. She stood beside him until she was convinced. He could feel her warmth and it bothered him.
Bothered him that her nearness caused him so much angst. Bothered him that he was still enamored with her after all this time.
And it sure as heck bothered him that all he wanted to do right now was kiss her.
He mentally slapped himself. He’d long been certain he was over his teenage crush from so long ago.
Obviously, he wasn’t. He had to get her out of his head, out of his mind, and out of his thoughts.
Memories were good, but not when they enticed you to want to do things that would be counter-productive. Like kissing the woman who left you so long ago. And fully knowing that woman would be leaving again in a few weeks time.
He glanced sideways at her. She still looked concerned. “I’m alright,” he said. “Honestly.” He reached across and took a piece of garlic bread, then passed the basket to her.
“I’ll take herb, thanks. You never know who I might be kissing later tonight,” she said, laughing.
His hand stopped mid-air with the garlic bread in his hand. Should he partake?
He felt four eyes trained on him. “Haha, good one,” he said, smirking, then took a huge bite out of the offending item.
During dinner they talked a little about the fundraiser, and Mel gave him a bit more insight into what she needed from him.
“Honestly, Brax,” she said, studying him. “Move tables around, help with ticket sales. Maybe even help take drink orders and deliver them.”
“Uh huh.” He was still convinced there was far more to this than meets the eye. Mel being Mel, there had to be.
“We might need you to help with the higher-up decorations too. With your height, that would be a Godsend.”
Yeah, being over six foot did sometimes have its advantages.
“So what’s the attraction this year,” he asked, hoping he’d finally get a real answer.
Mel stopped eating long enough to answer. “The auction,” she said blandly. “It’s always about the auction.”
He glanced sideways again, and Sierra’s eyes were opened wide. Something was up, only now Sierra was in on the act.
He put his fork into his bowl and placed his hands on the table. Time to get forceful. “Right,” he said almost angrily. “Time for the truth. What the hell is going on?”
Mel stood. “Nothing dear cousin,” she said quietly. “What makes you think that?” She went to the other side of the table and kissed his cheek. Again.
He squinted. It got more and more suspicious by the minute.
As she walked away, he grabbed her hand. “Mel,” he said between gritted teeth. “If you’re lying to me, so help me…”
She turned back to him. “Me? Lie to you? Never!”
He caught a glimpse of her grin as she faced Sierra. Those two were definitely in cahoots, and he only had a short time to find out what it was.
Come May 20, all would be revealed.
He was developing a headache. Mel had really outdone herself this time, he was certain of it.
Chapter Three
Braxton liked to relax with a coffee before
he started work on his horse property Whispering Pines.
He loved to sit outside and watch the sunrise – it was one of his favorite pastimes. He had a policy to relax before the busy day ahead. It was the thing that prevented burn-out. At least he believed it did.
After gulping down the last few mouthfuls, he returned his mug to the kitchen, then headed for the stables.
“Morning everyone,” he said as he walked through the door.
“Morning, Boss,” his Property Manager replied from inside a stall.
Braxton smiled. It was usually just him and the horses at this hour, so he was a bit startled to get a response. “You’re early, Austin,” he quipped, not giving away his surprise.
The other man stepped into view and shrugged his shoulders. “Couldn’t sleep, so thought I might as well come to work.”
Braxton reached for the brush before saddling his horse. Once he was done, he added the horse blanket, then saddled his horse, Amos. “Easy boy,” he said, as the horse backed away. The beast was a bit skittish this morning.
Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a chunk of apple. Amos greedily snatched it up and allowed his master to finally outfit him.
Pulling the cinch a little tighter, Braxton put the bridle on the now distracted horse, and led him out of the stables with a firm grip on the reins. Amos was not himself today.
Once outside, the reason was clear. Sierra stood at the fence, waiting for them to appear. Amos generally didn’t mind people, but he always sensed when something was wrong or different.
And this was not the norm.
He braced himself. The more he saw Sierra, the more comfortable he felt with her. And that was the last thing he wanted.
She stared across at him, the early morning sunlight glistening in her dusty blonde hair, which she’d tied up in a sweet bun.
He slowly looked her over from top to toe. She smiled as she noticed him looking, and he grinned. “Like what you see?” she asked, obviously amused.
Laughing, he walked toward her, Amos trailing behind. “Boots and all. I guess you never forget.” His thoughts went back to the first time she’d come to this place. She was sixteen. Sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He soon fixed that.
He’d invited her out to see what a real ranch looked like. She was a city kid – had lived in Oakdale all her life.
Not the real city mind you, just their quaint little outback town. But that had always been city to him.
His parents had owned the property back then. They’d since retired and let him buy it for a song. He’d worked hard to maintain what had been passed onto him.
His mind went back to the boots: the first time Sierra had visited, she’d worn boots. Bright red stiletto boots. The kind you would wear to a disco or a party. Or perhaps a music festival.
It had tickled his funny bone and he’d stood there laughing at her. She didn’t see the joke. Instead she put her hands on her hips, pouted, and said a few choice words.
His mother saved the day by offering her boots for Sierra to wear.
Today’s boot were much more sensible. Black gumboots.
She trotted over to him and Amos in her two sizes too big boots, her feet swishing this way and that.
He stifled a grin.
“Don’t even say it,” she said gruffly.
He covered his mouth as the grin threatened to break through. “Me? Say something untoward? Never!”
A tiny smile crept onto her face, and then it became a grin. “I borrowed them from Gran’s place. They were my grandad’s.”
Her smile faded, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I think I need a hug,” she said quietly, as she moved closer to her ex.
His heart beat rapidly. He didn’t want to do this. But really, he did.
Every time he touched her, he felt as though all the years had dropped away.
She leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. “I really missed you, Brax,” she said softly.
His lips against her hair, his answer came out muffled. “I missed you too. More than words can say.” He hoped she hadn’t heard him – he hadn’t meant to say it out loud.
She bent her head back and looked up at him. “You did?” She sighed and leaned into him once more.
Without thinking he stroked her back. “Sweet Sierra,” he said softly.
Her head went back once again. “You haven’t called me that for years,” she said, staring into his eyes.
“Only because you weren’t here to hear it,” he said. He stared down into her face. Those beautiful coppery eyes that got him every time.
He pulled his gaze away and surveyed her lips. They were full and luscious, and he couldn’t resist any longer. Before he knew what he was doing, his lips covered hers.
There was a buzz in the air, all over his body too. His mouth tingled, and his brain was a fog. His sweet Sierra was home, had come back to him.
“Brax? Is this a good idea?” Her words were muffled, and he could barely make them out.
He stepped back from her. “You’re right of course. I’m sorry – it won’t happen again, I promise.” He wiped a hand across his stubbled chin, then studied her.
“I…” She looked bewildered, disheveled, and he had no doubt why. That kiss should never have happened.
“Did you come out here for something specific,” he asked abruptly.
She straightened up, seemed to get control of her thoughts then. “I came to tell you the funeral is tomorrow. 2pm.” She brushed a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. Just as well, otherwise he would have done it – the temptation was there, and he was fighting with himself to abstain.
“I know, I’ll be there,” he said. “I really liked your gran. Besides,” he said. “I want to be there for you.”
She focused on something behind him and nodded. “I appreciate that,” she said, and began to walk away.
“How long since you’ve ridden,” he said quickly, guessing it was ten years ago. Not many places in the city to ride.
She turned to him and the sunlight played off her eyes, reminding him of another time, forever ago. “Last time I was here. A very long time ago,” she said softly. “I really missed this place.”
He missed her being here too but couldn’t dwell on it. She was leaving again soon, too soon for his liking, so they had to pretend they didn’t feel anything for each other, and make-believe they were just good friends.
“I’m sure Amos wouldn’t mind.” He studied her – was she going to refuse? She was a city girl now. A real, fair dinkum city girl.
He watched as she wared with herself, until finally, she stepped forward. “Sure, why not,” she said, coming to stand before the placid horse. “I’m not sure I remember how to get on.” She flashed him a half smile, and he grinned. That was so Sierra.
“Left foot in the left stirrup, hold the reins and the saddle horn, then swing over.” He put his hands to her hips to help her up. “Hang onto tight the reins.”
She did a funny little skip, and Amos stepped back and whinnied. “Easy boy.” He held tighter to her hips as she nearly fell. “Let’s try that again, only this time, hold firmly to the reins, and let him know who’s boss.”
She nodded slightly then placed her foot in the stirrup as instructed. This time she managed to mount the horse. Amos whinnied, stepped backwards again.
Once she was properly seated and seemed settled, he took over the reins and began to walk her around the paddock. “You okay up there?” he tossed over his shoulder.
“Sure am,” she said, looking very comfortable, just like she had all those years ago.
Braxton inwardly berated himself. He was falling for Sierra all over again. And that just wouldn’t do.
* * *
Feeling uncomfortable in his suit and tie, Braxton slid into a pew at the back of the tiny chapel. He desperately wanted to be inconspicuous, yet still being there for his friend, Sierra.
She’d spotted him the moment she stepped inside, h
er arm linked with Melanie’s. The two were after all, best friends, going back decades.
“Brax?” Sierra had near glared at him. “What are you doing there? I need you down the front with me.”
Him? Down the front where the family traditionally sit?
It was as though she’d read his thoughts. “Yes, you silly. You were like family back then. Gran would want you to be there.”
His heart thudded. He suddenly felt guilty. He’d visited Evelyn regularly since Sierra had left, but he’d let that lapse the past few months since she’d moved into the nursing home. “No, I can’t,” he said quietly. “I let her down. I can’t sit in the family area.” He could barely breathe due to the lump in his throat.
She glared at him. “Dammit, Braxton,” she spat out, albeit quietly. “I need you today. Please sit with me.”
Sierra looked ready to burst into tears. Today was going to be difficult for her, and he was making it even harder.
He stood, and she wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. “Thank you,” she whispered.
The three made their way to the front of the chapel and took their seats. He was shaken to the core when he looked across and saw the highly polished coffin sitting to the side, covered in flowers.
He swallowed hard. He might not have seen her in the past three months, but Evelyn would always hold a place in his heart. Braxton reached across and covered Sierra’s hand with his own. He squeezed it gently to let her know he was there to support her.
Through her tears, she smiled tentatively.
As the service ended, they stood. She leaned against him for support, and he put his arm around her back, worried she might collapse.
If it hadn’t been for Evelyn, he didn’t know what would have happened to Sierra. Her parents had died when she was very young, and Evelyn had taken on her upbringing. She was like a mother to Sierra.
As they walked slowly down the aisle, out into the carpark area, tears continued to stream down her face. There was little he could do except be there for her.
He knew as little as it was, it meant a lot to Sierra.
Chapter Four
A Bride for Braxton Page 2