Taking Chances: A Donnelley Brother's Novel

by Carbonneau, Alannah

  He shifted slightly to face me. “You wanna drive?”

  “Not a chance.” I shook my head and he chuckled. I couldn’t hear it because the engine was rumbling loudly, but I could feel it. Moving closer to press my front against his back, I held on tight as the quad started moving.

  For a few minutes, the dogs ran ahead of us on the quad, before they grew bored and wandered off. I assumed they were going back to Collin’s house, as that was where their home seemed to be, but I couldn’t be certain.

  With the dogs now gone, I found myself focusing on the trees and land that passed us by. The land was thickly decorated with trees and in the not so far distance, mountains sturdy and gray loomed. With the sun setting over their massive peaks, they appeared almost golden in tone. The sight was so beautiful I couldn’t help but sigh.

  Collin rolled the quad to a stop outside a big log house with amber lights spilling from the large windows and I felt the relaxation in my body morph as it coiled into tension. I was so not ready for this.

  Collin shifted in my arms and I remembered that I was still holding tight to him, even though he’d turned off the quad. Feeling bashful, I quickly released him before scrambling from the quad. Collin followed quickly, before he reached out to grip my waist in both his big hands. My entire body turned to hot stone as he tugged me closer.

  “You don’t need to be so nervous, beautiful.” He promised softly. “I’m right here. I’ll be right here all night.”

  I nodded. “It’s because you’re right here that I’m nervous.”

  His brows pulled together. “You don’t want me near?”

  “People are going to think there’s something going on between us, aren’t they?” I whispered for no good reason. There was no one around to hear my words regardless.

  “Why would they think that?”

  “Because!” I shrugged, annoyance fringing my tone. “I thought you didn’t, you know, bring girls around much?”

  “I don’t.” He shrugged again and I felt frustration blooming in my chest.

  “I don’t want people thinking anything, Collin.” I whisper-hissed and his hands gripped my waist tighter. “You can’t touch me like this.” I placed my hands on his, trying to push his warm hands from my waist with no success. “This looks wrong.”

  “I don’t care what it looks like. It’s not wrong. You’re my friend, Hadley, there ain’t a damn thing wrong with me touching you.”

  I huffed. “You’re impossible.”

  “Let’s get inside.” His reply was gravelly. “The longer we stand out here, the more they’re going to think we’re making out against a tree.”

  I gasped, feeling my eyes widen as I squeaked. “They will?”

  He tossed his head back on a heavy sigh of exasperation. “No, Hadley. A man and a woman can be outside without sucking face.”

  “Oh.” I blushed, feeling aggravated with him. “Why are you being a jerk?”

  “Because, I’m irritated that you care so much about what people think.” He paused and I stopped to face him. “It’s your life. Stop giving a shit about what others think and live your days the way you want to live them.”

  I wished his words didn’t make so much sense to me. But they did - and they were words Michael would have said to me as well. After a moment, I nodded. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” He raised a brow. “You’re not going to fight with me?”

  “There’s really no point. You’re too bullheaded.” I smiled a peace offering. “Let’s have a good night tonight, yeah?”

  “Yeah.”

  Chapter 11

  There were tons of people at Reese and Logan’s house for the bonfire. I knew it was more than just family, because Jackson was there as well. As soon as I saw his easy-going blue eyes, I knew I wasn’t the only non-family member crashing on family time and I had to admit that I was deeply relieved.

  People were standing by the kitchen island, picking at the trays of food Reese had set out, chatting happily with humor and vigor. I could see through the large kitchen window, that there was a large fire blazing in the back yard. Considering most of the people inside, lingering around the island, were women, I figured most of the men were outside. However, there were a few men standing in the kitchen. Logan, the interrogator, was one of those men and I assumed that it had nothing to do with the food splayed over the island, but more the pregnant woman who was laughing loudly with another woman with long dark hair. I recognized the woman as the other half of the outdoorsy dressed couple who’d witnessed my humiliating face in the crotch moment.

  As the memory resurfaced, I felt my face heat. Jackson took that moment to call out loudly toward Collin and I. “Hadley, Collin!” He waved exuberantly. “You’re here.”

  “Hi.” I waved back, cursing my small, suddenly shy voice.

  Collin placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me through the house toward Jackson. I’d thought his hand on my back, in my space, while being in the company of all these people would make me uncomfortable - but it didn’t. Instead, I found my body leaning into his touch and the small, familiar comfort it provided.

  When had Collin Donnelley’s touch become familiar? When had it become comforting?

  “I thought you were going into town tonight?” Collin asked Jackson.

  “Naw.” Jackson shook his head before looking down at me. “You kind of stole my wing man. How am I supposed to pick up the ladies without my man on my side.”

  I felt my eyes lift to Collin’s face. “You help him get girls?” I looked back at Jackson. “Why do you need help?”

  Jackson grinned down at me. “You don’t think I need help?”

  Suddenly, I felt Collin’s eyes on my face. They were hot and piercing. I answered truthfully. “No. You’re very attractive and you’re also very nice.”

  Collin stiffened beside me, but Jackson replied, oblivious to his friend’s sudden tenseness. “You think I’m attractive?”

  “Well, yeah.” I nodded. “I mean, you’re not exactly my type, but I don’t see you having a difficult time getting girls.”

  “Huh.” Jackson smirked. “Not your type?”

  “Nope.” I shrugged. “Sorry.”

  “Is Collin your type?”

  “Um...” my palms were getting moist. “Well, if I wanted to get my heart broken he’d definitely be the man I turned to.”

  Jackson laughed loudly, but Collin didn’t even crack a smile. Instead, he stood stone still beside me - but he never once removed his hand from the small of my back. Suddenly, I wasn’t sure if what I’d said had been wrong. Had I offended him? Because that hadn’t been my intention. I was simply being honest. If I gave Collin any part of me, there was no doubt I’d have my heart shattered into a million tiny fragments.

  Collin wasn’t the kind of man who made promises. He wasn’t the kind of man you dreamed of spending forever with. That was a fact I had accepted and would exert no amount of energy to change. I understood I was beginning to care for Collin, but I cared more for the wellbeing of my already very fragile heart. For right now, Collin was helping me move past the death of my brother. He was my friend and regardless of what my dreamy emotions thought I wanted, I knew what I needed. And that wasn’t something hot and fast with Collin Donnelley.

  Collin dipped his head low to whisper in my ear. “You think I’d break your heart?”

  “I know you would.” I replied factually as I watched Jackson walk toward a girl who’d just entered the house. I didn’t recognize the girl, but she was really very pretty and I could see from all the way on the other side of the house that she had one of those infectious smiles. She reminded me of a few of my girlfriends back home in Toronto. Unlike me, they played their hearts in the gamble of the search for forever.

  The girl wore a little too much makeup for my liking, but most girls did. Apart from a slight dusting of cover-up and a sweep of mascara, I didn’t wear makeup. Her blond hair was big, definitely backcombed to stand higher and it was long.
She had dainty features and a loud voice, with a laugh, that I now could confirm, was one to turn heads. Literally. As soon as Collin heard the sound, he turned, and his emerald eyes landed on the girl.

  Something hot formed in my chest, bubbling in my stomach, and I realized to my horror that that something was jealousy. I was jealous of this unnamed girl and the way her laugh commanded Collin’s attention. I knew I had no reason to feel this way, but damn, I did.

  I felt Collin stiffen beside me as the girl’s eyes met with his. She smiled, winked, and began walking over to us. My heart froze, but only momentarily, before it resumed its beating with a violence that left me breathless.

  She closed the last few steps between us with a jumpy little skip before flashing me a wide smile. “Hey!” She leaned in to plant a kiss on my cheek - totally invading my cherished personal bubble of space. “I’m Clea.”

  Holy shit! Clea as in the Clea Collin had been messing around with? Oh God, I felt sick. The hot jealousy burning in my stomach suddenly felt heavy and rotten. The man my entire entity seemed to respond to had been with this - this little bundle of - perfectness. Shit.

  Forcing a smile to my face, I replied. “I’m Hadley.” I pushed friendliness I didn’t feel into my tone. “It’s really nice to meet you.” Oh God, it so was not nice!

  She tossed her head back slightly to expose her perfect neck before jumping in place. “I’ve heard there was another long term girl!” She clapped excitedly. “I couldn’t wait to meet you!”

  A nervous laugh escaped from my lips and I was happy to pass it off as a real, excited laugh. “Yeah, for sure!”

  A different hand touched my arm and I jumped, looking sideways to find no other than Reese, soon to be Donnelley, standing on my side. As always, Logan was nearby watching her. She smiled gently, her brown eyes fluttering between Collin, Clea, and me. Oh, she knew what I was feeling. I could sense it. And I also knew she was here to save me.

  “I was hoping you’d come.” She smiled. “Come with me and I’ll introduce you around a little.”

  “I’d love that.” She had no idea how much I’d love that.

  Her eyes flickered to Collin and turned slightly cold before moving down to me again. Suddenly the golden brown was warm. Huh, maybe she did know just how much I’d love to be taken away from this very awkward moment with Collin and his - what was Clea to him?

  Reese linked her hand with mine, tugging me from Collin and Clea. When we were out of earshot, she whispered. “Clea’s great. She’s a really nice girl, but believe me when I say she’s not serious about anyone. She believes in having fun while she’s young and...”

  I stopped her before she could say anything more. “I get it.” I raised a hand between us. “Believe me, I get it and I really don’t care. I just don’t want to stand witness to it.”

  Reese narrowed her eyes on me. “You can try and fool anyone but me, Hadley. You forget that I’ve also experienced the seduction of a Donnelley brother. Logan’s got it, but Collin’s definitely got it.” Her eyes widened. “Anyway, I see the way you look at him.” My mouth opened to deny everything she claimed, but she pushed on. “I look at Logan the same way. And Kami looks at Kyle that way too.”

  “Look, Reese, I’m not looking for anything like that - especially with a man like Collin Donnelley.”

  Reese shook her head. “I tried to fight it. So did Kami. Fighting is pointless when it comes to keeping your heart from falling for a Donnelley brother.”

  “He’s everything wrong for me.”

  “Or maybe you’re everything he needs to make him the right man.” Reese countered, pinning me with ‘we can go on all night’ eyes.

  I sighed. “Whatever you say.”

  Reese huffed. “One day, I’ll totally be able to say I told you so.” She rolled her eyes. “Until then, let’s drink some wine and get to know each other.”

  “You’re pregnant.” I reminded her gently.

  “I know!” She huffed. “But you can drink my portion, can’t you?”

  “Uh, no.” I shook my head, unable to keep myself from laughing. “I rarely drink. If I drank yours too I’d end up kissing your floor.”

  Reese laughed loudly. “Oh, alright then!” Her eyes turned devious. “You can help Kami drink my portion.”

  At that, the woman I’d recognized as the woman dressed for a day of trekking through the mountains turned. She was wearing dark jeans and a knitted red sweater. Her dark brown eyes were stern as she said, “Reese, I am not drinking your half.”

  Reese raised one brow at Kami before turning to me. “Kami’s a tank.”

  I waved at Kami. “I’m Hadley.”

  Kami gave a small giggle. “Yeah, you’re the girl on her kne...”

  I cut her off. “Please don’t.” I pleaded. “I don’t think I can hear that one more time.”

  Just then a very large, very deep-voiced man hooked his arm around Kami. When his eyes landed on me, he stated. “You’re the girl on her knees!” He laughed and I felt my face fall as both Kami and Reese joined.

  Kami raised her hands in a surrender-like motion. “I didn’t say it.”

  Kyle frowned. “Say what?”

  “You’re brilliant.” Kami rose onto her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Poor Hadley is known as the girl on her knees.”

  “That was awesome.” Kyle laughed again. “You should have seen my brother’s face.”

  I folded my arms over my chest and defended myself as I had a billion times prior. “I was picking up the credit card I dropped.”

  Another man, a younger version of Logan and Kyle joined the conversation. “Ah, girl on her knees.” He grinned at Kyle. “Collin really was shocked.”

  Kyle tipped his head back, gasping for breath. I frowned up at him and tried not to pay attention to Kami snickering at his side. “No one shocks Collin, but when he turned around to see you down there, with your face in his...” he laughed again. “Shit, he was shocked.”

  My face was heating by the second. “I didn’t mean to...”

  “I mean,” Kyle shook his head. “That was a legendary meet-cute.”

  “It really wasn’t.” I replied dryly. “It was rather humiliating.”

  “Awe, no.” His eyes turn serious. “Don’t be embarrassed. You’ve got a great story to tell.”

  “I’ll be sure to call my Dad tonight. I’m sure he’d love to hear this legendary great story.”

  Kyle’s grin turned quickly to a frown. “Maybe don’t tell your Dad. As much as I want to boot Collin in the ass every now and again, I’d prefer he live a while longer.”

  I felt my face pale at his words and suddenly, my world spun. Large hands circled my waist and my back suddenly molded to a hard, familiar front. Collin dipped his head down to my ear as the world focused once again. “You alright, beautiful?”

  Shaking the dizziness from my head, my vision cleared enough to see three concerned faces staring down at me. My pale skin flushed pink as humiliation burned. Pushing away from Collin, I assured. “I’m fine.” The three faces didn’t look convinced and I knew that if they weren’t convinced, the one behind me definitely wasn’t convinced. “I just...” I reached for a small square of cheese to nibble on. “I’m probably just hungry.”

  For a fleeting moment, I saw sadness flash through Reese’s eyes. And then she fluttered away. When she returned. She had a bottle of juice. And two bottles of wine. She grinned mischievously. “What do you say we ladies go upstairs and get to know each other?”

  “Hell yes!” Kami grinned widely.

  Collin tightened his hands around my waist. “Or we can go out to the fire.”

  Reese snapped her eyes to him. “Or you can go outside and let us get to know Hadley a little better. She’s here for way too long not to have girls to turn to when your ass says or does something stupid.”

  Collin stiffened. “I’m not...”

  “You already have.” Reese said firmly. “Don’t worry, your girl will be fine.”

&nb
sp; I waited for Collin to correct Reese, but he didn’t. Instead, they simply remained locked in a stare down that made me want to chuckle. I mean, what was a pregnant little thing like Reese going to do against the hulk of man that was Collin? Nothing.

  Feeling the need to break their intense challenge, I announced. “I’m not his girl.” I turned to Collin and saw his jaw was tensed. “But I will be fine. We’ll only be gone a little while and then I’ll join you by the fire.”

  After grinding his teeth a little more, he finally nodded. Which was good because I’d been close to giving him the number of my dentist - although it wouldn’t do much good as she was located in Toronto.

  Kami winked at Kyle before hooking her arm through mine to tug me from Collin as Reese was carrying the drinks. We followed Reese upstairs and just before I couldn’t see the downstairs anymore, I looked down to find green eyes watching me with an intensity that made my skin pebble with goosebumps.

  ***

  “And you just married him?” I gasped, wide eyed at Kami. “The day after you said yes to his proposal?”

  Kami laughed as she nodded buoyantly. “It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”

  “But you didn’t have the big white wedding.” I stumbled over my words before taking another gulp of my last glass of wine.

  “I never wanted one.” She shrugged. “What we had was perfect.”

  Reese assured. “It really was perfect.”

  “And Reese is having a big white wedding in September, so we can have the big party we missed then without all the stress.” Kami grinned at Reese. “I’m so excited!”

  “Me too!” Reese looked at me. “Do you want a big white wedding?”

  “Yeah.” I sighed, feeling suddenly emotional. “I’ve always wanted the big white wedding, with a man who just swept me off my feet.”

  For a moment, both Kami and Reese stiffened and I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise, but Reese pulled my attention back to the conversation before I had a chance to consider the reason.

  “What kind of man could sweep you off your feet?”