by Peggy Hunter
"Bri?” Zach said as he leaned back in the chair. “Naw. I've known her for a year or so."
Max's eyes widened. “You've been with that beauty for a year and I've never met her?"
Zach took a sip of his Jack Daniels. He let the fiery liquid scorch a path down his throat before he replied. “We're not sleeping together."
Max tipped his mug of beer to his lips. “Why in hell not?"
"She's gay."
It took a few seconds for the words to sink in. Max took a long swig of his beer. When the two simple words settled into his brain, his cheeks puffed and his face reddened. His hands went to his throat in an effort to ease the ale down. When it cleared, he stared at his brother. “Are you serious?"
Zach nodded as he peered around at the other men in the den, hoping no one had overheard. “When I met her, she was involved with a woman named Dawn. It was a very ugly breakup. She's still recovering."
"So why the hell did you bring her with you for Alex's wedding?"
"Because I'm sick of the women who are so determined to get a piece of me. I'm taking a break."
"Yeah, right,” Max said sarcastically.
Zach didn't expect Max to understand so he ignored the comment and went on. “Bri just wants friendship with me. She doesn't expect me to buy her expensive gifts or soothe her ego if she thinks she's getting fat. She's a formidable opponent at squash and tennis and she never puts on airs. She fully intends to win.” Zach grinned. “And she often does."
"So you aren't tempted to bring her back to our side?"
Of course he was. He'd thought of little else since he'd first met Bri. But his younger brother didn't need to know that. “I have too much respect for her,” he replied, averting his gaze so his brother couldn't see the lie in his eyes. “Bri's my best friend,” Zach said evenly. “I wouldn't do anything to change her."
Max was about to reply when Edward called out over the chattering crowd of men in the den. “It's been decided to have Alex's stag party right here tomorrow night. Since most of us are staying here on the ranch, either in the ranch house or in the cottages available, it seems like the best thing to do since everyone can have a few drinks and not worry about driving."
Zach looked across the room. Alex was sitting by his father's side. His face looked pinched, like he wasn't so crazy about his father's plans. But when the men in the room all agreed, Alex offered a strained smile and nodded.
Zach shook his head. He barely knew his oldest brother. Alex was Edward's oldest son, born of his first marriage and, it seemed, largely forgotten as Edward quickly moved to his second marriage. While Edward was annoyed his first son didn't want a part in Diamond Industries, Zach had secretly admired his older brother for having the guts to strike out on his own. And he'd done well with his ranch and even better when he found love with Leigh-Ann Percival, Edward's former administrative assistant.
Zach's gaze went back to the kitchen. Bri was smiling broadly as she tipped a glass of wine to her lips. As if sensing his gaze, she turned her head to look back at him. She lifted her glass in a silent toast. Zach smiled and nodded lightly.
When the doorbell rang, Zach saw his future sister-in-law run to the door. “John!” And then he heard Leigh squeal. Moments later, a burly man, dressed like Zach imagined a cowboy would, complete with a worn Stetson, walked into the room, with Leigh splayed over his shoulder. “Corralled a heifer for ya,” he said as he gently placed Leigh on Alex's lap.
Laughter ensued as someone handed the mammoth a beer. He tipped his Stetson back over his brow and grinned before he tipped the bottle to his lips. In true cowboy fashion, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “How in hell is the party going?"
Alex's hands wrapped around Leigh as he looked up at the man. “It was fine until you arrived, you big oaf."
"Well, I am your best man,” he replied. He turned his attention to everyone in the room. “Hey, I'm John Barker. Folks in these parts call me B.J."
Zach rolled his eyes. The guy can't be for real.
"Shouldn't that be J.B.?” Much to Zach's amazement, Bri had asked the question.
"No, ma'am,” he replied. “Guess I should have explained that most folks call me Big John."
Bri chuckled softly. “I can see why."
Zach set his beer on the table in front of him and watched the exchange between Bri and Alex's best man. His fingers curled into the arms of the chair as Big John walked toward Bri, his eyes dark, his voice low. He placed his huge paws on her shoulders and bent to whisper something in her ear. She flushed and giggled.
She giggled!
In all the time Zach had known Bri, she never once giggled in his presence. And he'd have loved to hear her giggle ... just for him. He'd imagined her doing so after a long lovemaking session, when he'd pull her against him before they'd fall asleep, depleted and exhausted.
But Zach knew something about Bri that Big John didn't and it irked him to no end that this monstrosity of a man could make her giggle like a schoolgirl.
Zach shot up from the chair. “Time to turn in,” he announced.
Edward frowned as he checked his watch. “It's only ten,” he said.
"It's been a long day,” Zach said. He took Bri's hand and pried her out of the mammoth's grip. “Bri needs her rest."
"I do?"
"Yes,” he said between clenched teeth, “you do."
* * * *
Bri stuggled to stay in step with Zach as they walked back to the cabin. “What the hell was that all about?” she asked.
Zach didn't look at her as he replied. “It's late,” he said, his tone clipped.
"It's not that late,” Bri said. “I didn't want to leave."
Zach shook his head. “Yeah, everyone knew why too."
Bri stopped in mid-stride. What the hell is wrong with him? “Excuse me?"
Zach quickly turned and moved toward her. He took a tissue from his pocket and reached out to her. “Let me wipe some of Big John's drool off your face."
Bri brushed his hand away and took a step back. She gazed at him, not sure if she could wrap her mind around the situation. Is Zach jealous?
"I don't know what your problem is,” she said, “but your behavior tonight was very unbecoming."
Zach took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He turned and began to walk again, this time slowly. “I don't want you to do something you'll regret for the rest of your life,” he said.
Bri's heart sank. He wasn't jealous. He was concerned ... like a brother might be concerned for his little sister. After breaking up with Don, she had no intention of ever putting herself out there again ... at least not for just anyone. If only Zach knew she was willing to take a chance with him.
Bri sighed as she followed him into the cabin. Fat chance of it ever happening if Zach continued to see her as his little sister.
She watched as Zach rounded the massive bed and walked into the tiny kitchenette. When he opened the countertop refrigerator, he pulled out two bottles of imported beer and quickly opened them. He set one on the counter while he took a long swig from the other. Knowing he'd opened the beer for her, Bri approached. She took the bottle and leaned her back against the counter as she took a small sip.
They stood in silence for a short time before she spoke. “I really appreciate the fact you're concerned about me,” Bri said. Unable to meet his eyes, she stared ahead of her. “But I'm a big girl and the last thing I need is someone deciding who I can and can't talk to."
"You were asking for trouble."
Bri bit back an angry retort. “He's your brother's best man,” she said through clenched teeth.
"Sure,” Zach said. “But that doesn't mean he's right for you. I saved you from making a mistake you'd regret for the rest of your life."
Bri's head began to swim. “You saved me?” she repeated his words, more so they would sink into her head than for Zach's benefit. She turned and glared at him. “I never asked you to save me from anything—"
"What side o
f the bed do you want?” he asked as he pushed off the counter and walked toward the bedroom.
Bri gasped angrily. “Don't change the subject!” She followed him with every intention of taking him on. But when she looked at the large sleigh bed, she gulped. “Isn't there another bedroom?"
"Nope,” Zach said, gesturing to the bed with his bottle of beer. “This is it."
"So we have to sleep in the same bed?” Bri wasn't sure the voice she heard was her own because she'd never squeaked like that before.
Zach's dark eyes settled on her. Her heart jumped, her body sizzled. “You have a problem with it?"
Bri swallowed a lump in her throat. “No, of course not.” She smiled up at Zach, trying not to let her gaze falter. “We're best friends,” she said. “Why shouldn't we share a bed?” She turned to retrieve her bags. “I get the bathroom first,” she said as she ran into the room and closed the door. As she washed up and changed into her nightgown, Bri knew she had to get a grip. Sleeping in the same bed as Zach shouldn't bother her as much as it did. And yet...
With her robe cinched tightly around her waist, she walked out of the bathroom and made a beeline for the bed. She pushed back the covers before she took her robe off and quickly hopped in, pulling them up to her chin before she gazed at Zach.
He drained the last of the beer from the bottle and placed it on the antique dresser. “I sleep in the nude,” he said. “But I guess I can keep my briefs on for one night."
Bri's throat went dry. “Whatever,” she said as she rolled onto her side, showing him her back.
She heard Zach go into the bathroom, heard the rush of water and then, soon after, heard him come out. Her fingers dug into her pillow when she felt the mattress give way to his weight. His spicy scent filled her senses as he sighed softly. Within seconds, his breathing slowed into long, rhythmic breaths.
He was asleep already? Bri wanted to grab her pillow and pummel him. How could he be so comfortable with her when every fiber of her being ached for him?
Bri struggled to relax. She was certain she'd never fall asleep. When sleep finally overtook her, she felt as though she was sinking into a deep, black hole. She was terrified, grappling to save herself. And then Zach was there, pulling her to safety, holding her close, telling her nothing bad would ever happen to her again.
At first, she took comfort in his touch but she wanted more. Her hands ran over his sinewy body, pulling him closer to her. She sighed when she felt the length of his body against her. His mouth closed over hers, drawing her into an explosive kiss. As her hands slid over his back, gently exploring every muscle, she kissed him back.
Bri gasped when Zach cupped her breast, his fingers pinching her sensitive nipple. His mouth ripped from her lips and scorched a path to her throat as his hand slid down her body. When it stopped at her core, Bri opened her legs and arched her back, encouraging him to touch her.
Zach chuckled softly as he nuzzled her ear. “Impatient, aren't you?"
"When have you known me to be patient?” she asked through clenched teeth.
"Never,” he replied. “And for the first time since I met you, I'm glad."
Bri would have replied but the air whooshed from her lungs as Zach's fingers opened her and slid over her moist core. He stroked softly at first, grazing over her engorged clit with a featherlike touch. And then his strokes grew stronger. He planted a kiss on her lips before he rose and crawled between her thighs. He knelt there, staring down at her as his fingers continued to stroke over her moist clit.
His other hand slid over one thigh until it met her core. As she felt one finger press against her slit, she gasped. Her hips bucked up, encouraging him to explore further but Zach pulled away. “Don't rush me,” he scolded her.
Bri's hips settled back on the bed and Zach's finger returned to her slit. Her mind was reeling with the pressure on her clit so when she felt him open her slightly, she cried out.
Zach shook his head. “You just can't wait, can you?"
Before Bri could reply, Zach shoved two fingers inside her. He immediately began to pump, pushing in as far as he could before he'd pull his fingers all the way out of her.
Bri quickly found the rhythm and moved with it, lifting her hips to meet the thrust of his fingers, lowering them when he pulled out. With each stroke, her body tightened that much more. And when he leaned over and closed his lips over one ripe nipple, her body gave way to a climax to end all climaxes. She screamed as her body shuddered and reeled against him. Her fingers dug into his back, pulling him down over her, holding him close, gasping for air ... loving him with all her heart.
With daylight came reality. Bri was reluctant to let go of the sweet dream she'd had the night before as she slowly woke. She wished for the day to be over so she could go back to bed and have more dreams about Zach making love to her.
"Wake up, sleepyhead,” Zach said as he stood over her.
She opened one eye and then the other. “Why should I?” she asked. “I was having the most delightful dream."
Zach grinned. “I made a pot of coffee,” he said as he leaned down and held a mug under her nose.
Bri blindly reached for the mug but he held it above her head. “You have to get up first."
She moaned and sat up, pushing her back against the headboard. “Okay, I'm up,” she said as she reached out. “Give me the mug or I'll rip you limb from limb."
Zach laughed as he handed the mug to her and sat on the side of the bed. She took a sip of coffee and looked up at him. “Did you sleep well?"
He grinned. “Like a baby. You?"
Bri's eyes hooded as she looked into the mug. “Yeah,” she said as lightly as she could manage. “I slept well too."
"No bad dreams?"
Bri's eyes shot to his. “No."
"Good dreams then?"
Lord, had she made noises through the night? Did he know she was dreaming about him? “Why would you think I had any dreams at all?"
Zach shrugged nonchalantly. “No reason.” He drained his mug and got up. “Get your butt in gear,” he said. “We're expected at the ranch house for breakfast in half an hour."
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Chapter 4
Dressed in a simple white sundress, Bri looked like a goddess. In her rush to shower, she didn't take the time to do anything with her hair and let the long auburn tresses flow wildly around her shoulders. When they entered the ranch house, everyone, men and women alike, stopped to stare at the beauty at Zach's side.
Zach beamed with pride. Bri was a natural beauty. Better than that, her beauty went deep down into her soul. Any man would be proud to have her by his side.
Add to that, how giving she'd been the night before. Sure, she thought she was dreaming. But Zach had touched her in ways he never thought possible. She melted under his touch and gave herself to him so freely. The experience left him feeling there was hope they'd make a sexual connection. Perhaps Bri wasn't turned off by a man's touch if she felt he was the right man. Maybe he, Zachary Diamond, could change her ... make her leave lesbianism behind for the love of a good man.
"Bri!” Leigh said as she approached them. “So glad you're here. We need your expertise in the kitchen."
"Why?” Bri asked. “What's up?"
"I've never had to make breakfast for so many people before,” Leigh said in exasperation. “I'm overwhelmed."
"It's not nearly as hard as you think,” Bri said. “Let me show you."
Zach watched the sway of Bri's hips as she followed his future sister-in-law into the kitchen.
A slap on his shoulder drew Zach's attention. “She's hot,” Edward said.
Zach nodded absently. “Yeah, she is."
"Why haven't you brought her back to fight for our team?"
Jolted into reality, Zach stared at his father. “What?"
"Max told me about Bri,” Edward said, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
Zach's eyes searched the room until he located his younger brothe
r. Max returned his gaze with a sorrowful shake of his head. No doubt Edward suspected Max knew something and eventually got it out of him. Max was known as the pushover of the family. He always wore his heart on his sleeve. Edward would have taken advantage of that fact and pumped him for information.
Zach should have been angry at his brother, but he took pity on him and gave a nod ... a silent message that all was well. Things could be worse. At least Bri wasn't there to hear his father.
"What did Max tell you?"
Shit!
Zach's heart almost stopped when he heard Bri's voice. He turned to find her standing in the living room doorway, holding a carafe of coffee. A wisp of auburn hair fell over her forehead as her brows knit low over her eyes. She walked into the room and carefully put the carafe on the coffee table. When she turned to Zach, the air around them crackled with tension.
Zach searched his brain for something to say ... something other than what she'd asked about. He came up with nothing and continued to stare at Bri like the idiot he was.
She turned her attention to Edward. “What did Max tell you?"
Zach shot his father a withering gaze. Surely the old man knew enough to keep his mouth shut.
"You're a lesbian,” Edward said easily.
Zach stood corrected. He closed his eyes as his father's words fell on the crowd in the living room. When he reopened them, Bri had gone completely white. Her hands went to her throat and her green eyes glistened.
"Oh,” she replied. “Well...” She gazed at the people around her. “I don't know what to say. I guess all of you are as surprised as I am."
Zach took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm himself while his kid brother sheepishly left the room. Damn you, Max!
"Bri,” he said as he took a step toward her. “Don't be angry."
She put her hand up, halting him as she took a step back. “I'm not sure I want to hear from you right now.” She looked around at the people in the room. “In fact, I think I'm going to leave."
Alex spoke up for the first time. “No one cares, Bri. Don't walk out on our account."