Hank was a man in his middle fifties, just shy of six foot and sporting a good-sized beer belly. His hair was thin on top and greying on the sides. Opal was messing with his hair as if a little spit would get the hair to lay down. “Hey all, this here is my man, Hank. Hank you remember my girls, Sandy and RJ. This here is Clay’s momma, Bea, his sister, Hannah and this fine young man is Logan.”
“Hey.” Was all Hank said but he gave Hannah a closer look.
“Can I get you some iced tea?” Bea asked him.
“Uh, got any beer?” Hank mumbled.
Tittering like a little girl, Opal looked at Bea. “Hank’s part of the club that believes it’s five o’clock somewhere.”
“I’ll grab you a beer,” Logan offered and took RJ’s hand and pulled her back into the house with him.
When they got to the kitchen, Logan pinned RJ against the island counter. He could feel the tension in her and before she could say anything kissed her. He gently licked at her lips until she released a deep breath and opened for him. He deepened the kiss, pulling her tightly against his rapidly hardening body.
“Well, if it isn’t Frizzy Rizzy making out in the kitchen.”
RJ pushed away from Logan’s kiss and turned to see her cousin Chrissy standing next to her other cousin Merle. Chrissy was draping herself over Clay’s arm but giving Logan a head to toe once over. RJ recognized the look in her eyes and discovered those barriers she had been dropping for Logan slammed back into place with such a force it almost took her breath away.
Outside she had seen Hannah step back from Hank’s perusal. Now here was Chrissy rubbing her boobs against Clay’s arm while staring at Logan practically licking her lips. Chrissy was a bottle blonde with a face and figure most women would envy and many men coveted. But there was a hard, mean look about her eyes that repelled RJ and Sandy. Now poor Clay kept trying to get Chrissy to let go of his arm and was looking at RJ with a pleading look in his eyes.
“Hello, there cuz. Looking good.” Merle’s lecherous tone caused goosebumps to break out on her skin. Logan had put his hands on her shoulders standing at her back. With Merle’s words and look she felt Logan stiffen next to her.
“Chrissy. Merle.” Was all RJ said by way of greeting. Looking directly at Chrissy, he added, “Why don’t you pull your claws out of poor Clay so he can join Sandy on the back deck.”
Chrissy’s glare was one RJ was intimately familiar with. But it didn’t take her more than a split second to release her hold and smile up at Clay. “Thanks for welcoming us and walking us in. My cousin’s a lucky girl.” Turning back towards RJ she sauntered over keeping her eyes glued to Logan. “So, who is this?”
“Chrissy, Merle. This is Clay’s brother Logan. Logan, these are my cousins, Chrissy and Merle Taylor. Their fathers are my father’s brothers.”
Logan nodded a greeting but kept his hands on her shoulders.
Laughing, Chrissy purred. “A little kinky isn’t it to have two brothers panting after sisters. But kink is something I’m very familiar with, if you’re interested in something more adventurous than the bland offerings of my cousin here.”
RJ stiffened even further under Logan’s hands. He squeezed them in what she thought might be an attempt to assure her.
“You’re an interesting character, aren’t you?” Logan said. “Obviously, you know nothing about your cousin if you think she’s bland in any way. Personally, I find her the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met.”
“Oh, I can vouch for that.” Merle smirked at her.
RJ had enough of their games. She wasn’t a child or insecure teenager anymore. “Listen up you two. The MacBrides are extending their courtesy to you for Sandy’s sake. Either behave yourselves or I’ll see that you’re thrown off the property and barred from the wedding.”
“Look who is getting lippy all of a sudden. You need to watch that mouth of yours, girlie. No one talks to me like that,” Merle snapped.
Chrissy’s face skewed up before she hissed. “Oh, miss high and mighty thinks she can tell us what to do. You might remember what happens to you when you mess with me.”
RJ felt Logan take his hands off her shoulders, causing her to wonder if she overstepped herself. But what he did next stunned her. He stepped from behind her to stand at her side.
“This is my home, and RJ is right. We expect anyone we invite onto our property to behave politely. But I have a personal warning for you both. Sandy and RJ are special women that my family has welcomed. Sandy has Clay’s protection and loyalty.” Logan paused and looking at both of her cousins, alternately, straight in the eyes. “And understand this, RJ has mine. If she thinks you need to leave, I and my entire family will support her decision.”
There was silence. RJ was melting on the inside. No one, aside from Sandy, ever stood up for her before. Keeping her eyes on her cousins she moved her hand slightly to clasp Logan’s and squeezed. She smiled and shifted her gaze to his when he squeezed it back.
Reluctantly, she turned back to her cousins. “I think we understand each other. Now, let’s go join everyone on the deck. Can we bring you anything to drink?”
Merle gave her a look that still scared her. “I’ll have a beer,” he said before walking off.
“I’m sorry, RJ. I guess I’m just a little jealous. You know how rough my life’s been. But I’ve always loved you,” Chrissy whimpered. “I’ll take a glass of your white wine if it’s not too much trouble?”
“We’ll bring the drinks out in a moment,” RJ told her not fooled by the sudden change in Chrissy.
When she was alone with Logan again she turned to him still holding his hand. “Thank you.”
“Sweetheart, if you had to deal with that all your life I’m more amazed at the woman you’ve become.”
RJ felt tears well up in her eyes. Throwing her arms around Logan’s waist she hugged him. Feeling his arms come around her and tighten had those tears slipping free.
“What’s wrong.” Sandy rushed over to her and laid her hand on RJ’s back.
Giving Logan another tight squeeze before she leaned back from their embrace. “Nothing. I was just having a moment.”
“God, I can’t believe that bitch came out,” Sandy said as Clay approached and looked at Logan.
“Which one are you talking about?” Clay asked with a straight face.
A laugh bubbled out of RJ. “I suppose I should say something in my mom’s defense. But right now, it just feels good to laugh.”
Logan laughed a little also as he supposed his brother meant them to. But turning serious, he looked down at RJ. “I wasn’t kidding though. If any of them steps out of line, they’re gone.” Turning, to Sandy and Clay added, “We won’t have either of you uncomfortable or insulted.”
Clay threw his arm over Sandy’s shoulder. “Sandy knows I’ll take the decision away from her if she can’t do it.”
The brothers exchanged a don’t mess with me look as the sisters shared a look of awe.
After an impromptu dinner, Sandy and RJ excused themselves and took a walk. It was obvious the MacBrides were a little shocked by their family members. The worst part was that the family was on their best behavior tonight. RJ and Sandy were managing the alcohol intake by offering to fetch new drinks and then delaying getting them.
“God, I wish they’d just leave.” Sandy sighed.
“I know. If I didn’t want you to have your special day I’d encourage you to elope, giving them no reason to stay.”
Sandy chuckled. “I gotta tell you, the look on Chrissy’s face when she caught sight of Brand was priceless. You’d think she’d seen a god.”
“No kidding. But when Brand stared at her hand on his arm, and didn’t move until she finally got the hint and let go, was priceless. She went from an all fluttery slut to embarrassed. Never saw anything like it.”
“I’ve always been curious about him. He’s kinda hard to get to know.”
RJ thought about her interactions with Brand. “I know. He
appears rigid but I suspect he’s like us in many ways. Afraid to let anyone close.”
“Hmmm, you could be right. Speaking of the MacBride men how serious is it with you and Logan?”
RJ paused by the corral. She folded her arms on the top railing, bracing her foot on the bottom one. “I love him, Sandy.”
Sandy squealed and wrapped her arm over RJ’s shoulders. “Have you told him?”
“Last night we told each other.” RJ laid her head down on her arms. “I’m so scared that it might not last or be strong enough.”
“I know. We never had good examples, did we? But it’s exciting and hopeful at the same time,” Sandy said moving to mirror RJ’s stance against the fence. “I’d noticed how much time you were spending together but wanted to give you space to find your way through it.”
Lifting her head, RJ turned towards her sister. “I understand now why you didn’t tell me about you and Clay. I’m sorry I reacted badly.”
“It’s okay. I understood why it hurt you but I still had to do what was right for me.”
“You’re pretty wise for one so young,” RJ teased, at peace with the smile Sandy gave her back.
“There they are,” Clay said, as he and Logan walked towards them. “You ladies okay?”
Both sisters turned and leaned their backs against the fence to face the MacBride brothers.
“We’re just dandy. Our family is here, embarrassing us. What’s there to complain about?” Sandy told Clay.
“Yeah, well. Just so you know. When you told me about your family I don’t think I quite got it. Never seen anything like those four in there,” Clay admitted.
“Be glad no one else showed up,” RJ teased. Then sobered a little. “Do us a favor though. Keep an eye on Hank and Merle. Hank’s not too bad unless he’s drinking then he seems to grow hands. Merle on the other hand is mean without drinking. With drink, he just gets meaner.”
Logan reached out to grab RJ’s arm and tugged her into his embrace. “We’ve already spoken with Brand about it. We’ll take care of it if need be.”
Clay looked sternly at Sandy. “Are you sure you don’t want me to tell them to leave now?”
Sandy sighed. “If it was just mom, I think we’d be okay, but the others just reinforce the bad. I don’t know what to do. But could we give it a day or two and see?”
“Alright, but like I said earlier, if they cross the line I won’t be asking you for permission. I’ll kick them out in a heartbeat.”
“My hero,” Sandy said as she hugged Clay. “Don’t worry about me if you do it.”
“Well, I’m going to take Sandy home. I’ve shown the family where they can park the RV and how to hook up to some water so they don’t have to use mom’s house for their bathroom needs.”
Logan nodded, “Alright, see you guys tomorrow.”
RJ watched her sister walk away, arm in arm with Clay. When Logan wrapped both his arms around her from behind she leaned back, relaxing into his embrace. Sighing, “I’m sorry about my family. It’s embarrassing.”
“Were they always like this?”
“Always. I don’t remember a time I wasn’t embarrassed or nervous about what any of them would do.”
Logan turned her around to face him. “You aren’t them. You and Sandy could never be like them. I’m starting to understand a bit more of what you were trying to tell me about your family. And I’m going to tell you the same as Clay. I won’t be asking for your permission if I think they need to leave.”
“I’m fine with that. If it were up to me I’d tell them now. But Sandy is softer hearted than I am.”
“That’s because you’ve always protected her,” Logan said as he nuzzled her neck. “It’s my pleasure and I’m taking it as my right, as the man who loves you, to protect you.”
Looping her arms around Logan’s neck RJ’s face was glowing. “I love you, Logan. Why don’t you take me home?”
“With pleasure. Leave your car here tonight. We’ll get it in the morning.”
From one of the windows at the front of the house, Chrissy watched her cousins with the handsome and wealthy men. Frustration and jealous anger grew and clawed at her throat. It just wasn’t fair. Those two always thought they were better than her especially RJ. Well, she had shown her all through school who men really wanted. She’d just have to remind RJ of that.
Turning away from the window as voices drew near she followed the others onto the porch to say goodnight. God, how she hated sleeping in that ugly, uncomfortable vehicle. But she wasn’t ready to try and weasel her way into a room in the main house yet. The MacBrides were leery of her, thanks to her cousins.
16
Logan woke up at his usual time, just before the sun came up. Taking a moment, he realized RJ wasn’t in bed. Propping himself up on an elbow to scan the room he didn’t see her. Then he listened but heard no sound in the bathroom. Tossing aside the light sheet they had covered themselves with during the night, he pulled on some jeans and went searching for her. He saw the dim under counter lights on in the kitchen but no RJ. Turning, he noticed the back door was open with just the screen door engaged.
As he stood at the door he could see her silhouette leaning against the deck railing in the waning darkness. She was wearing one of his t-shirts that barely covered her luscious rear. Sipping her customary tea, she was watching the sun as it barely started to make its entrance. When he opened the door, she turned. Seeing her there, on his deck, in his shirt, in the early hours, filled him with joy. He wanted a lifetime of moments like this with her. But she was still skittish so he had to bide his time.
Wrapping her in his arms, he kissed her. “Good morning. What are you doing up so early?”
RJ laid her head on his chest. “I just woke up. I think your hours are rubbing off on me. It’s very peaceful and quiet this time of morning, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I like starting my day just taking a moment to appreciate it before diving in.” Rubbing his chin on the top of her head. “You sure everything is okay?”
RJ turned around in his arms so they could watch the sky start to fill with early morning light. “Won’t say my family isn’t on my mind. But I just felt the need to be in this quiet. If you’d like I could make you some breakfast before you get going.”
Kissing the top of her head he accepted the offer. “But I think I’d like to kickstart my appetite first.”
Reaching under the t-shirt he caressed the undersides of her breasts. When her head fell back against his chest he moved his hands higher to abrade her nipples, which caused them to harden and elicited a groan from RJ.
“I think a quick trip back to bed is definitely needed,” she moaned.
“Who needs a bed,” Logan whispered gruffly then proceeded to build both their appetites.
* * *
Since RJ’s car was still over at the main house, she called Sandy to pick her up at Logan’s to take her over for breakfast with the girls. In the past, that meant Bea, Hannah, Sarah, Sandy and herself. Unfortunately, her mom and cousin Chrissy were joining them this morning.
“Morning,” Sandy greeted as she drove up in the UV. “Ready to face another day with the Taylors?”
Hopping in beside her sister, RJ just rolled her eyes. Remembering her meeting yesterday with Doug Farley, RJ tentatively opened the subject.
“So yesterday I met with a photographer in Grand Junction. I’d like to see if he could help out with some photography at your wedding. Make it easier for me so I don’t have to always try to set things up using the timer. What do you think?”
Sandy cast a curious look at her. “You know I have no problem with that. I thought you were trying to do too much to start with. Think you can get him on short notice?”
“I’ll send him a text when we get to the house and see.” RJ squirmed a little. “Uh, there was another reason why I met with him.”
Sandy stopped the UV in front of the main house before turning her full attention to her sister. “Why?”
/> “I was trying to get the lay of the land, so to speak, on the type and quantity of business in the area.”
Sandy squealed, jumped out of the UV and ran to RJ’s side. “Are you serious? Are you going to move up here?”
RJ got out and put her hands on Sandy’s shoulders. “I’m thinking about it. I haven’t decided but want to explore the option. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone yet.”
“You mean don’t tell Logan. The rule doesn’t apply to Clay, right?”
Laughing, RJ nodded. “Yeah, I guess the rule doesn’t apply to husbands or in this case husbands-to-be. Besides he’s the one that planted the idea in my head.”
“Really? Oh, I love that man. He knew I was going to miss you terribly.”
“Well, well, well. The Taylor sisters are certainly in a good mood this morning,” Chrissy said as she sauntered up to them. She was dressed in cut off shorts so short her rear cheeks were showing. The tank top she had on barely covered her nipples and showed a good two inches of her midriff.
Turning together, RJ gave her cousin a brief nod. “Good morning, Chrissy. Is mom with you?”
“Oh, she came up before me. I wanted a little more time to look my best. Looks like you two could have used your time more wisely.”
RJ took a step forward but Sandy held onto her arm. “Knock it off, Chrissy. I’m not going to let you spoil my special time. So, either play nice or catch a bus home.”
They watched as Chrissy sent them both a dirty look before climbing the porch stairs and entering the house. Rolling their eyes at each other, the sisters followed.
“Good morning, girls,” Bea greeted as she stood next to their mother pouring her some coffee.
“Good morning, Mrs. MacBride. Thank you for inviting us to join you this morning,” Chrissy cooed as she sat down at the table. “Oh, that coffee smells wonderful.”
“I’ll get you a cup,” Bea offered.
RJ greeted her mother with a quick kiss on her cheek observing the signs of a hangover before going into the kitchen to join Bea and Logan’s sisters. “Good morning. How can I help?”
The MacBrides Page 10