“True.” Brandon looked up, thinking. “Maybe we can get them to follow us somewhere, then have Jesse point the movers to what we need packed.”
“That could work.” She smiled. “At least they can’t just drive up to the house.” The private community had been the best thing about that lot. She hadn’t even realized it until the builder’s needed permission to get onsite.
He watched her face, glad to see she really was OK with the situation they were in. “Instead of a housewarming party, we can have a losing the paparazzi party.” He laughed. “The guys’re gonna love our house.” The next trip up the beach, they went back to the house. “Oh, hey. Tommy reminded me about his New Year’s party. Last year you couldn’t go. Think you can get the time this year?”
“I’ll find a way.” She had heard many stories about the last one. The list of celebrities who attended awed her. “I need to make sure some actress doesn’t take you away from me.” Jealousy was rarely her thing, but thinking of him alone at a party filled with available women got to her.
He stopped on the stairs to let Ashley, Bridgette and Julian pass them. Then he took her face in his hands, knowing she was not completely joking. “No one can take me away from you. I love you and only you. Always.”
She wondered if there was something she could give him to show he was hers. Between the ring on her finger and the crystal hanging from her neck, she was marked as his. He did have the tattoo of her nickname, but it was not easily seen.
“I been thinking of tattooing your real name on my forearm,” Brandon blurted out. He pulled back from her slightly and turned his arm to show her the underside, which was unadorned. “Something with musical notes and a guitar on each end.” He smiled. “And under your name, I wanna put, ‘Without you, I’m just a guitar player.’ Because it’s true.”
Emotion washed over her instantly. “Really?” She buried her face in his chest to hide her tears. If he did that, the world would see it. “You sure?” Her voice was shaky.
“Yeah.” He hugged her tightly. “I almost did it last month, but then...” His voice trailed off. “I’m so glad I didn’t lose you.”
She knew he meant more than just them breaking up. “I’d love it if you got that tattoo.”
“Brandon?” Scott called from the patio. He moved to the fence and stopped. “Sorry. When you get a chance, I wanna ask you something.”
“In a minute,” Brandon replied.
Scott backed away and looked at the patio. They had taken their time and decorated it exactly as they wanted. He loved that house. However, the insanity that awaited them every time they tried to leave was making him feel trapped.
When Brandon appeared, he was relieved. “Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Brandon smiled. “It’s cool. We were just talking.”
“Glad you’re happy.” Scott patted him on the back when Mackenzie walked away.
With a grin, Brandon said, “Glad you are, too.”
“So...” Scott looked down, then up, not able to meet Brandon’s eyes. The favor he was about to ask was big in his eyes. “Uh, so can we stay at your place until this blows over?”
“In Florida?” Brandon was surprised by the request. “Why?” Then it came to him. “Oh, OK. Sounds like a good idea.” He grinned, widely. “I was gonna invite you guys anyway. We’re gonna go home early and have a party at the new house.”
Scott stood up straight and met his happy gaze. “It’s ready? Cool!” He glanced back at Austin, who was walking towards them. “So, then it’s good timing. We can help you unpack and stuff.”
“Yeah. Great idea.” Brandon put a hand out to Mackenzie, who was walking back to him. “When will the furniture be delivered?”
She thought for a moment. “I think two weeks, but I can have that changed. It was all in stock.” She grabbed his hand and jumped a bit, excited. “I can’t wait to move in.”
Chapter 46
Friday afternoon, Scott, Austin, Brandon and Mackenzie got into a waiting limousine at the Fort Lauderdale airport. Instead of going to Florida, Chico went to Ashley’s, and Jake went home with Bridgette. They planned to be at the party the next Saturday. That would give Brandon and Mackenzie enough time to have the house decorated.
“So which house are we staying at?” Austin asked as he looked out the window.
Brandon pulled Mackenzie closer. “The rented one. We don’t have furniture yet.” He gently slapped her thigh. “You told them tomorrow, right?”
“Yes.” She leaned on his chest. “I don’t want to go to work Monday.”
“So don’t.” Brandon was dead serious. “Start that investment company. I’ll be your first client.”
Scott looked up. “Hey, I hate my financial adviser. He’s always taking insane risks with my money.”
“You can take me on, too.” Austin bit his lip. “I kinda do my own stuff—badly.”
Laughing, Scott agreed, “Yeah. He lost like $100,000 once. Maybe he’ll listen to you. He thinks I’m nagging when I tell him to stop guessing.”
Mackenzie glanced at all of them. “You’re serious?”
“Hell yeah.” Brandon wrapped his other arm around her. “You’re the best at your company. You deserve this. I’ll pay for the start up costs.” He cocked an eyebrow when she groaned. “If you wanna pay me back, then fine. But it’s just going into our joint account.”
She struggled until he loosened his grip. Then she looked up. “We don’t have a joint account.”
“We will next week.” Brandon stared into her eyes. “Partnerships are even. I don’t care who makes what, or what’s mine or yours. Everything’s ours. Do this for me.”
Scott felt like they were intruding again. It was amazing how much things had changed for them all in the last few months. He sat back and set a hand on Austin’s thigh.
“You OK?”
With a sigh, Austin nodded. “I guess.”
“You didn’t say a word the whole trip here.” Scott had almost never seen Austin so quiet. “Been thinking?”
Austin again nodded but didn’t elaborate.
“What’s buggin’ you?”
“Um.” Austin didn’t want to freak Scott out yet again. “I kinda—” He pursed his lips, nervously. “I was wondering if one day...” His eyes shifted to the couple across from them kissing. “If you wanna get married one day. Like legally.”
Scott tried to hide the sudden fear by looking away. “I don’t know. This shit is still a mess as it is.”
“I don’t mean now.” Austin lifted Scott’s hand and pressed it to his lips. “One day. As in like a year or whatever. When you’re ready.” He leaned closer. “I love you.”
Still unsure, Scott turned to reply, but Austin grabbed him by the head and pressed their lips together. His eyes closed as he let the dread go. The world hadn’t ended. A door closed and another opened. The kiss made him forget their issues, at least for a few seconds.
“Love you too,” Scott gasped as Austin pulled back.
Austin played with Scott’s hair. “We’re a team. Don’t ever forget it.”
When they arrived at the rented house, they found a handful of media people camped out. Brandon debated what to do. “Stay here, and call the police. Let them know the situation.” He stepped out of the car and was instantly rushed, questions coming from every direction.
“Is the band broken up?” “Will you move to a private label?” “What does your girlfriend think of all this?” “I heard Demonfire signed Wicked End.”
Seething, he took a deep breath. “Back up,” he demanded, hands up. Their instant compliance calmed him slightly. He hated that his best friend’s life was being scrutinized. “Look. No matter what rumors are flying around, nothing has changed except the record label we’re under. Yes, we signed with Demonfire. The rest is none of your damn business. Now get off my property before I call the cops!”
He glared at every person surrounding him. A few got into vehicles, but most just backed away a bit
more. Then the siren of a police cruiser echoed a few times. People scattered.
Two Coral Springs policeman stepped out of their vehicles. “Do we have a problem here?” one asked loudly.
“They were just leaving.” Brandon grinned. “Right?”
The second officer tipped his sunglasses up. “Trespassing and harassment are taken quite seriously in this city. You folks might want to find a new target.” He folded his strong arms over his bulky chest. “Sir, this your house?”
Brandon nodded. “Well, I’m renting it.”
The first officer watched several cars pull away. “We were told you’re some sort of celebrity.”
“Um, I’m in a band,” Brandon explained. “Is there any way we can pay for surveillance or something? Just a few times a day?”
“I think we can work something out.” The first officer walked towards a few stragglers. “Let me hurry these folks along.”
When the street was clear of media types, Brandon went back to the limo and opened the door. “All clear.” He put a hand out and helped Mackenzie. “Glad that worked, but they’ll probably be back.”
The limo driver and the guys carried the luggage from the trunk, while Mackenzie fumbled for her keys on the front step. She searched her purse a few times before guessing she had left them behind.
“Hey.” Jesse opened the door. “You guys’re home.” He looked around outside. “Where’d they all go?”
Brandon walked up the driveway. “Police scared them away.”
“Thought I heard a siren or something.” Jesse grabbed a suitcase from Brandon. “I got almost everything moved in already.”
Smiling, Brandon replied, “Good. It’s up to you if you wanna stay for the rest of the month. Scott and Austin are staying until we go up to New Jersey for the party at Jon’s.”
“Cool.” Jesse walked through the house and upstairs to the master bedroom. He set the bag against the wall. “I’d like to stay. I got used to having breathing room. Kinda hard to downgrade for a few weeks.”
Brandon dropped his bag and slapped Jesse’s back. “I get it. Don’t worry.”
“Where should we dump our shit?” Scott called from the hallway.
Jesse rushed to him. “I’m in that bedroom. You guys can have that one.” He pointed to the bedroom decorated in black and red. “We share the hall bathroom. There’s one downstairs, though.”
Mackenzie had just come up the stairs. “Let me know if you need anything. We may need to make a food-shopping run. Not much in the refrigerator.”
Blushing, Jesse muttered, “Sorry. With just me here, I didn’t need much.”
“You had Terri over.” Mackenzie smirked. “Bet you didn’t eat much at all with her in your bed.” She winked at him. “Good for you.”
His face reddened further. “Thanks. I’m gonna go start grilling some burgers. I remembered to buy them and buns too.”
“Great. I’m starving.” Austin rubbed his flat stomach.
Scott rolled his eyes. “You’re always starving.”
Dinner was ready just as everyone had gotten settled. Sitting out on the patio, food was passed around and drinks offered. Everyone was relieved to have some semblance of normalcy for a change.
When clean up was done, Scott wandered around the house. “Who decorated?” He was glad to see Brandon’s swords and such displayed.
Mackenzie followed him into the dining room. “I did. Why?”
“You did an amazing job.” He admired the wood table and matching china cabinet, which was mostly empty. “I thought Brandon hired someone. You did the upstairs, too?”
She beamed. “Yep. Guess you like my color schemes.”
“I do.” Scott moved onto what he guessed was a den or office. The room was mostly sealed boxes and bins. “I like how all the bedrooms have a different feel. The colors make all the difference.” He paused when his eyes caught a familiar sight. “Where’s he gonna keep in it in the new place?”
Mackenzie followed Scott’s line of sight. He was staring at the treasure box. “We didn’t talk about it yet.”
Scott had seen it multiple times when he visited Brandon in Baltimore. “Tell him to have it out, so he can start to smile when he looks at it.” He sighed. “He still misses her.”
“I do, too.” She bit her lip. His mom had become a surrogate mother to Mackenzie when she and Brandon were teens. “She was amazing.”
“Who was?” Brandon asked as he entered the room.
Turning around, Mackenzie waved a hand. “Uh, Noelle Young. She can really sing.” She poked Scott in the ribs.
“Yeah, she can.” Scott was glad she thought of something because his mind had gone blank. “Should we start packing?”
Brandon shrugged. “There’s not much. I didn’t unpack most of my stuff. And the new stuff is staying for the most part.” He looked around, his eyes settling on the treasure box. “Did you get a curio cabinet or whatever those glass showcase things are called?”
“Yes.” Mackenzie knew he liked to display some of his swords and other weapons. “I got one the size of an entertainment center, so you can add more.”
He smiled and tugged her to him. “You’re the best. Simply the best.” He hugged her, while kissing her temple. “Think we could do something fun?”
“Hmm…”
Her sultry tone made his cock stir. “I meant something more public than that.” He chuckled. “But I love how you think.”
“You really wanna chance being recognized with all the press lately?” Scott understood the urge to have some freedom, but knew it wouldn’t end well. “Unless you wanna go to a dark bar and play pool.”
Brandon grinned at him. “That actually sounds perfect.”
Chapter 47
Jesse and Scott lifted Austin out of the front seat. He had passed out on the way home. They played a drinking game while they shot pool at the bar. Miss a shot, take a drink. Austin lost big time. He hadn’t felt drunk until he was beyond controlling his own body. They left when he tried to order a double whiskey shot. He was not a big drinker.
Scott felt a bit guilty. He should have known Austin was nearing his limit, but was too lost in his own head. “He’s probably gonna puke when he wakes up.” At least he’s not thinking of the scandal we created.
Brandon took Mackenzie’s hand as she locked the car. “I’m… I’m a little drunk too.” He careened into her. “OK, maybe a lot drunk.”
“At least you’re not an ass when you drink.” She quickly got the front door open.
Everyone headed upstairs. It was about three in the morning. Jesse wasn’t used to California time, but he was as wide-awake as the rest.
“Let me help with Austin,” Jesse said to Mackenzie as they climbed the stairs. “Then I’ll see if you need help with Brandon.”
She had her shoulder under Brandon’s arm, and he weighed her down. They had to take the stairs slow since he kept losing his balance and laughing. “I haven’t seen you this drunk in years.”
“Pfft.” Brandon waved a hand in the air. “This is nothin’. A few weeks back, I drank myself to oblivion nightly.”
Her mouth dropped. “What? Why?”
“Was better than crying,” Brandon stated, not understanding the impact of his words. “But I got you back.” He leaned on her more and tried to hug her. Instead, they stumbled and fell.
Jesse heard the thud and rushed to the stairway. “No more drinking games for these two.” First, he helped Mackenzie up, then struggled to lift Brandon. “Damn. He weighs more than Austin. Where’s Chico when I need him?”
“All muscle.” Mackenzie tapped Brandon’s abs. The night had been filled with teasing, kissing and rubbing. He once had her to the point of ripping his pants off. Then he took one too many drinks. “My muscles.” She hoped she didn’t have to wait until the morning to get relief.
Brandon laughed. “Gonna strip me down and gimme what I need?” He had no idea why he was laughing, but his dick was stiff and had been for the
past hour. “Think you’re gonna haveta ride me though.” He cocked an eyebrow. “But my hips still work.” He pressed his hips to the thigh against them and gyrated a bit.
“Dude, stop humping me.” Jesse shook his head. “Even drunk you got a woody?”
Mackenzie bit her lip. “Best drunk fuck ever.” Several memories came to her. “If he’s too drunk to fuck, there is something really wrong.” They slowly got Brandon in the bedroom, then sat him on the bed. “Thanks.”
“Gotta take a piss,” Jesse said. “Be right back.”
Shaking her head, Mackenzie also used the bathroom. When she came back into the room, she stared at the bed. Brandon was buck naked, splayed out.
“Get up on my dick, baby.” Brandon lifted his erection and held it up, stroking slowly. “Too drunk to be on top.” He licked his lips and gave her his sexiest look. “Come get it, Tink.” He waved his cock at her.
Unable to resist the desire in his tone, Mackenzie quickly stripped. “Oh, you’re gonna get it.” She climbed the bed, eyes locked on his. “Gonna ride you rough.” When she had positioned herself just right, he lifted his hips and pressed into her pussy. Slowly rocking, she felt him still holding his shaft. “Gimme all of it,” she demanded, her eyelids hooded.
He moved his hand to her mound and rubbed her clit with his thumb. “So beautiful.” She moved over him, finally taking all of him. “Yeah. Fuck me.”
Jesse stopped in the doorway. He watched Mackenzie riding Brandon. Her body moved faster and faster, while she moaned. Brandon mostly just laid there and took it. He was a bit jealous. Terri had not come over in a few days. The scene caused blood to rush to his groin. His pants grew tight because of his swelling dick.
He groaned softly as her back suddenly arched, and she cried out. He could almost feel her tightening around his cock. Stepping into the room for a better view, his eyes never left the naked woman before him. When he shifted his weight, he winced. His cock was in a bad position. Instead of adjusting it, he opened his pants and dove a hand into his underwear.
Brandon noticed Jesse and grinned. “Come fuck ’er in the ass.”
Sinful Needs (Wicked End Book 2) Page 43