“I left this with Amber the other night to play those girlie games on,” he grinned at her. “It was plugged in so the battery should be able to give us a good few hours. You can choose two DVD’s I reckon.”
Drat! She watched Todd happily set up the Laptop on the card table and scoot it over to the sofa. To watch the tiny screen they’d have to sit right next to each other. Arguing with the seating arrangements would make a big deal out of it and might make him think that she had feelings for him. Feeling outmaneuvered, she stated, “I guess I’ll go make us some popcorn. You still like butter on it?”
Todd looked up, meeting her eyes and nodded. Oh, boy. Maybe popcorn and something else, she thought, taking her hot chocolate with her.
When Bree returned, it was with popcorn, glasses, wine, and cans of soda. She’d left her mug in the kitchen, now empty of hot chocolate. She saw and blithely ignored his raised brows when he spotted the wine. Stuff it. She’d take courage tonight wherever she could get it, because her libido was wimping out on her.
“You didn’t choose something,” Todd said, picking up a DVD, “so I picked this one. I remember that you loved it.”
Romeo and Juliet featuring Leonardo - just great! Exactly what she did not need - a movie about star-crossed lovers! “Great,” Bree responded a bit too brightly. Her previously lingering fingers now decisively headed for the bottle of wine. Handing a glass to Todd, she took her own to her mouth for a big swallow. The stuff was as hideous as she remembered. She didn’t have any philosophical objections to alcohol; she just didn’t enjoy the taste. So, she just hadn’t had any alcohol since her early experiments. Well, she was certainly making up for it tonight.
The movie was predictably sad and beautiful and with each lover’s tryst, as uncomfortable as expected. During the movie, Todd had scooted closer and had even gotten a blanket out to cover them. It reminded her of how they used to do this as teenagers; only then, the excitement was a pleasurable one. Now, it was torturous.
Towards the end of the movie, Bree had forgotten all about her resolve to keep Todd away, her heart mellowed by the alcohol. Laying her head on his shoulder, she felt exactly as she had with him, in this situation, before. The feel of the warm wool covering his hard chest was comforting, his arm steady, and creating the cozy feeling of being held safely, lovingly. Inhibitions gone, she snuggled closer to him and snaked her arm around his waist, loving the feel of his hard abs against the soft wool. Wondering what it felt like beneath the wool, Bree slid a hand underneath and me with hot, searing flesh. The ripples fascinated her and she played along the ripples, giggling at the stirrings of desire that leapt within. She was beginning to really enjoy this movie-watching idea of his. Her hand hit the hard leather of his belt. Not liking it, she made her way to the buckle.
“Bree, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Todd’s hand stopped hers from loosening the offending belt.
“I disagree, Todd,” she answered, leaving her hand in his and slithering up to the side of his neck. Her tongue flicked over his warm skin. “Mm…” she groaned, “you taste good.”
Todd was frozen. He really wanted to give into her and rid themselves of this lust they’d been carrying around and denying, but his sense of right wouldn’t let him. He’d never taken a drunk woman to bed and he wasn’t about to start with Bree. She deserved a lot better than that.
Todd grabbed both of her hands and held them to her side, careful not to hurt her. “Bree,” he pleaded, “you’re drunk, and I won't take advantage of you.”
“Then let’s just look at it as me taking advantage of you,” Bree purred against his ear, her hot breath shooting shards of lust straight to his groin.
Todd got up, accidentally pushing her to the side. The laptop nearly got knocked off the table and he scrambled to steady it. Cursing, he straightened up then yelped when Bree stood right behind him, cupping his rear.
“Bree, stop it!” Todd moved to the other side of the room. Even drunk and not herself, she was beautiful, the light from the fire casting a golden hue around her. It was taking all his inner strength to not go to her and slate his need.
“I’m going to sleep upstairs and I’m locking the door,” Todd stated. “We have a life together as parents and I’m not going to disrespect you with a one-night stand. I want you, Bree. I want you more than I can remember. And when we make love again, I want you fully aware of what we’re doing because that’s what you deserve.”
“Fine!” Bree shouted. “Run away. Run away like you’ve run from everything in your life. Run away again from me. I’m used to it.”
The last sight Todd had of Bree that night was of her sitting and pouting on the sofa, uttering a string of expletives and derogatory comments about her. They said that a drunken fool offered no lies. So, the words she uttered banked the need, but the pain that replaced it, cut to the bone.
Chapter 6
Bree woke up with a pounding head. Groaning, she squinted around the room. The storm and natural twilight of the Alaskan day offered little light, but it was enough to hammer at her aching head. She’d slept on the sofa, her clothing, and the blanket bunched up. Embers'd turned to ashes in the fireplace and the laptop jogged her memory. She’d been watching a movie with Todd. The empty wine glass, a smudge of lipstick on it, hit home. She’d gotten drunk. She remembered that and she’d remembered … well… she actually didn’t remember.
Smells were coming from the kitchen where Todd must be cooking up some breakfast. They were smells that made her want to hurl. Eggs had never done that to her before. Cursing, through the alcohol-induced fog, she realized that she was experiencing her first hangover. Frankly, she didn’t see what the fuss was about. Bree lay back down and pulled the blanket over her head.
“Oh no, you don’t,” Todd stated, pulling the blanket down.
“Leave me alone, Todd,” Bree croaked, her voice sounding like a frog, her throat parched.
“Aspirin and water,” Todd held out a glass and a pill.
Nodding, Bree sat up slowly, the room whirling a bit at first. “Thank you,” she said after gulping down first water, then pill, then water again. “Thank you,” she repeated before lying down again.
“Nope,” Todd stated, pulling the blanket completely off and grabbing her by the waist.
“What the heck?” Bree exclaimed as he threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and headed up the stairs. “Todd, put me down.”
“I will soon, I promise,” he stated, sounding too much like he was enjoying himself.
Todd unceremoniously plonked her in the shower and turned the tap on. “I would’ve undressed you, but I didn’t feel like bearing scratch marks for the rest of the week. So, have the shower, get the fog out of your brain, and come get some breakfast. I’ve already put clothes out next to the bath.”
Peeling off the wet clothes, Bree found a new target to aim her cursing at. As much as it pained her to admit it though, the Neanderthal did have a point about the shower. The pounding of the warm water on her skin, streaming through her hair had a way of washing away some of the haziness.
Dressed and feeling better, Bree joined Todd in the kitchen for breakfast. She didn’t really feel like eating but under Todd’s eagle-eyed stare, swallowed down little bites until again, he was right, and she started feeling more human.
“Looks like the predictions were right,” Todd threw in, leaning back in his chair while she ate. He’d eaten the equivalent of a horse for breakfast and his stomach was still as flat as ever.
Oh! Stomach! Bree had brief visions of her hand trailing over his flat, hard stomach, teasing the little hairs along the path to his…Cripes! Was that real or a dream? There was no way to fool herself, it had been real all right.
“The storm is over, Bree,” Todd interrupted her panicked thoughts and steamy memories.
“Huh?” Bree looked up at him, flinching at the concern showing in his eyes. “Oh yes, the storm. I’m glad it’s over. I miss Amber.” Taking their plates
to the sink, she turned around and asked him, “What happened last night, Todd?”
“We had dinner, played cards, watched a movie, and you got a bit drunk,” he replied.
“And that’s all?” Bree quirked a brow in inquiry.
“Yep. Why? Did you have some steamy dreams about me, Bree?” Todd teased.
“No,” Bree shook her head, “just asking as I’ve never been drunk before.”
Todd threw her a lifeline and changed the topic, “Should we see if the phones are back up?”
“Oh, yes,” agreed Bree, “I’d love to hear my,” she stopped and looked at him; considered. “I’d love to hear our baby’s voice.”
xxx
“So, how are things with you and Todd?” asked Shelly, her voice and manner all business.
“Oh, I don’t know,” responded Bree. At the steely stare leveled at her, she continued quickly, laughing, “Don’t look at me like that. I’m telling you truthfully. I don’t know.”
“He’s been a bit odd lately,” added Bree. “The day after the storm…”
“When you had a hangover,” Shelly interjected, grinning broadly.
“Yes, you dog. And thanks for rubbing it in,” Bree mockingly slapped her friend’s arm.
“Oh, I remember a prim and proper miss who wouldn’t let vile alcohol touch her lips,” Shelly responded. “You bet I’m rubbing it in for as long as I can. About time you let loose a bit.”
“Nuh-uh, ain’t gonna happen,” stated Bree. “That one experience was enough thank you.”
“We’ll see,” was Shelly’s cryptic response. “Anyway, you were talking about you and Todd.”
“Yes,” nodded Bree, “He’s just been a bit distant since then. At first, I wondered if something had happened between us. I mean, I had all these steamy images from the night before, but he denies them.”
“Steamy images?” asked Shelly, leaning forward expectantly. “Do pray, tell.”
“There’s nothing to tell,” Bree grinned at her direct friend. “Did you not here the part about ‘he denied it’?”
“Nope,” Shelly shook her head disappointingly. “I was stuck at ‘steamy images’. You gonna make those images a reality?”
“No,” Bree stated, firmly.
“The lady doth protest too much,” quipped Shelly.
“Oh, no,” disagreed Bree. “This lady has been there, done that, and got the baby. And the only thing that lasted is the baby. Love like Todd and I had burns bright and fierce, but can hurt you if you’re not careful. So, I’m not going there.”
“Whatever works, Bree. You know I’ve always liked Todd and you deserve a good guy like that, but it’s your life and I support you.”
“Thanks hun,” Bree gave Shelly a hug, oblivious of the gleam of mischief that touched her friend’s face.
xxx
The next day, Bree decided to redirect her thoughts from Todd and explore the newer shops in town. Moving and settling Amber in had taken much of her time until now. With Amber at school, making friends and in a routine between grandparents and parents, she could take the afternoon off for ‘me time’.
Despite the isolation of the town, it was picturesque. Pots may be empty of flowers and covered with snow but the buildings were freshly and brightly painted in hues of blue, yellow, green, and some sporting natural brick that complemented the trees and mountains surrounding them. Lights twinkled in the windows of shop owners who refused to take down their festive season décor and though the streets were empty, the shops had a steady stream of customers as people departed them and rushed to their cars. Seeking nurturance in the form of hot meals and drinks, the bar, and restaurants were stocked with happy customers.
Bree remembered her father’s scathing remarks about the inadequacy of the town council. Although she believed that he would’ve still found fault despite the town being so well maintained, he’d have a lot less to criticize. He’d also found a lot to criticize with her. Stuff it, thought Bree, that’s definitely not the thoughts to carry around with you when indulging in some retail therapy and thanks to the help in house and home from her grandparents and her new job, she could splurge a bit - even if her bags held more for Amber than her. She’d rarely had a spare penny to splurge on her baby. Shaking the maudlin reflections away, she dashed from the toy store to the neighboring grocer.
“Hi Paula,” Bree greeted the woman who’d been a constant in the shop for as long as she recalled. She’d seen Paula age over the years, had been playpen mates with her children and now, she was shopping for school supplies for her own.
“Hiya Bree,” Paula’s face split into a huge, welcoming smile. “What brings you out in the cold?”
“Gran asked me to pick up the supplies she ordered,” Bree responded. “I hear you had stock come in from Fairbanks.”
“I did indeed, hun,” Paula nodded, scratching around behind the counter for a piece of paper. “Got your gran’s order. Now let’s see… yes… this came in this morning. Okay, I just gotta round up the rest of the order.”
“No rush, Paula,” Bree made her way to the back of the shop where a small table and two matching chairs stood for just such moments or a bit of gossip catch-up.
“Oh, hun,” Paula stopped Bree before she sat down, “won’t you be a dear and grab that box next to the table?”
“Sure,” Bree answered, setting the box on the counter by Paula.
“Thank you,” Paula responded, “it’s just been so busy today with the stock coming in and Jim being ill.”
“I’m sorry he’s still sick,” Bree offered. “It’s this horrible weather. Amber had quite a cold last week, too. Is there anything I can do?”
“Well hun, now that you mention it,” Paula began, “I haven’t had a chance to deliver that box. Would you be so kind and take it for me - it’s just around the corner?”
“No problem, Paula, I’m happy to help and it’ll give you a chance to get gran’s order together too.”
“You’re a darling, Bree.” Paula opened the box and double-checked the contents. “Yep, all there. And it’s right next door.”
“Next door? At Todd’s?” asked Bree. Surely, he could’ve fetched the darn box himself.
“Yes, he wanted to fetch it himself. He’s rather partial to that fancy coffee but he’s alone as all the staff are off sick too and I told him not to worry. In this weather a soul needs a warm drink, you know?”
Grunting a polite reply, Bree took the box and went a few doors down to Todd’s building. He was sitting in the same spot he had been when she first returned to Devil’s Creek - again jotting down clients’ telephonic requests.
Great, Bree thought, the dread lifting. She could drop the box on the desk, wave and dash back out. She’d go and grab a cup of coffee in the diner and give Paula thirty minutes or so to get the order ready. She’d just turned around when she heard the phone click and Todd greet her.
“Hi, Bree,” his deep voice hit her like she’d never heard it before. “You were at Paula’s?”
“Hi,” Bree turned around, subconsciously smoothing her hair, she nodded, “and Paula asked me to drop that off, with you both being short-staffed today.”
Whatever Todd’s reply was about to be was cut off by the ringing phone, “Excuse me he said and picked up the phone.” He’d just finished taking that call when another came through. Sitting down now, Bree noticed that he was looking strained, dark circles surrounding his eyes. His hair was mussed from him running his hands through them. Guilt tugged at her. He was after all supporting Amber in a style that was more than adequate and while she was frolicking about town, he’d been stuck here running himself out.
When the call ended, Todd took the phone off the hook. “Excuse me just another minute, Bree. I need to use the gents.”
Eyebrows raised, she realized that the poor man hadn’t even been able to do that. Check that, he hadn’t probably eaten yet either. She needed no more encouragement; her baby would expect it of her as she should because
she’d been raised that way.
Bree jotted a note down on the legal pad and dashed out the door. Moments later, she was back in Todd’s building with bags of steaming hot food. “You look like you needed it,” she said, breathless from rushing outside in the cold.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Todd said solemnly, touched by her care.
“You’re my baby’s daddy. Of course, I had to. Amber would rake me over the coals or kill me with verbal diarrhea if I didn’t.”
Ah, yes. Amber. Of course, that’s why she was being kind. Heck, he was starving and he wasn’t about to decline the piping hot meal she handed to him.
“Thank you,” he said, before putting the takeout down to answer the ever-ringing phone.
“You’re welcome,” Bree responded. “Now scoot,” she waved him away and sat herself down at the phone.
“What are you doing?” he asked. And why did he seem to always ask her that these days. The Bree of the past he’d known instinctively. This Bree was full of surprises.
“You go eat,” she ordered, “and have a human moment. I’ll take over the robot phone duty.” At his raised brow, she bit out irritatingly, “I bore and raised a child by myself and got myself a qualification at the same time. I can most definitely answer the phone, take down orders, and not chase your customers away.”
“Okay, okay,” Todd held up his hands, “no arguments from me then. And, I didn’t think that you couldn’t do it. More like I don’t think that you shouldn’t have to do it.”
“Been through this,” Bree gave him an eye roll, reminding him of Amber. “Now scoot. I’ve got phone calls to take.”
A few hours later, after many phone calls with the early Alaskan winter’s night already settled over the town, Bree gladly accepted the steaming mug of coffee from Todd. She sat back and relished the taste of a good brew slithering down her throat. “Mm… that’s good,” she uttered in pure bliss. “I get now why you order it especially.”
“Is it always this busy?” she inquired.
Home for Love (An Adult Contemporary Romance) Page 6