by Brenda Novak
Somehow, her life just kept getting more complicated....
She told herself to head back to her parents’ house and turn in. She had so much to do in the morning. She had an early appointment with the events coordinator at the Pullman Mansion, where they were having the wedding and the reception. She also had to track a shipment of candy jars she’d ordered on the internet to find out why they hadn’t yet arrived. And if those jars weren’t going to make it in time, she needed to come up with an alternative. After that, she was scheduled to meet with the florist to see about adding lights to the centerpieces, and then the DJ so she could provide him with a playlist. All before the rehearsal dinner.
This wedding had to go without a hitch, had to run more smoothly than any event she’d ever planned, or she’d get the blame for anything that went wrong. After all her efforts, she certainly didn’t want to be accused of sabotage. If she wanted to let her parents down, she could’ve done that by refusing to handle it in the first place.
Too bad she didn’t have internet, or she could work on her computer right here, she thought with a frown. Her parents had service, but she was still dragging her feet about returning there. She preferred to wait until Kyle had gone and Noelle was in bed, and she didn’t think she’d let enough time pass for that to have happened.
Briefly she considered renting a room at one of the two bed and breakfasts in town. They’d have internet. But she didn’t dare spend the money. Her savings was off-limits. Besides, one of Kyle’s best friends owned The Gold Nugget. That crossed it off her list right there.
Sexy Sadie’s, a local bar fashioned after an old-time saloon, caught her eye. It was down the street. The place wasn’t usually crowded on weeknights but Thursdays were busier than Monday through Wednesday. She watched several people come and go, was contemplating stopping there for a drink, when her cell phone rang.
It was Kyle. She almost didn’t answer. They had nothing to say to each other. But if he was at her house, her mother, father or sister had likely asked him to pass on a message. She had to stop thinking of him as her ex and start thinking of him as her brother-in-law.
“Ick,” she muttered but, with a sigh, hit the talk button. “What can I do for you?”
“You can answer one question,” he replied.
This didn’t sound like he was planning to pass on a message. “Does Noelle know you’re calling me?”
He didn’t answer. “Are you already with Brandon?”
“No.”
“Are you really seeing him?”
She curled her fingernails into her palms. Making up a relationship that didn’t exist was pathetic. She should never have done it. Look what had happened with Brandon as a result! Just the thought of him lying in his bed, waiting for her, made her yearn for more than the memory of that one kiss all those years ago.
“No!” she said, as much to herself as him.
He seemed surprised by the energy of her answer, but he was probably too relieved to comment on the intensity behind it. “Thank God.”
“Not that it should matter to you,” she added, feeling more sane.
“I know, it’s just…I believed you.”
After the doubt Brandon had shown that anyone would be convinced they were seeing each other, she knew she should feel vindicated. But he obviously understood who she was better than Kyle did. Which was odd. “Even though I’ve been living in Sacramento for the past four months?” she said.
“He’d be willing to make the drive. He has a thing for you. I could sense his interest the whole time you and I were together.”
Strange though it seemed, given their limited contact over the years, she’d always had a thing for him, too. She’d just never allowed herself to entertain the possibility of letting it go anywhere. “Jealousy’s making you blind.”
“I’m not blind to anything! He likes tall blondes.”
“Doesn’t mean he likes all tall blondes.”
“I’m telling you we almost got into a fight at Thanksgiving because of the way he kept looking at you.”
Olivia hadn’t noticed anything amiss, nothing beyond the usual push-pull she felt whenever Brandon was around. He’d shown up for dinner, but he’d stayed only long enough to eat. As far as she was concerned he’d done nothing wrong.
“He didn’t even speak to me,” she said.
“He might try now.”
“So you’re…what? Giving me fair warning?”
“I’m letting you know that getting involved with him wouldn’t be a smart move. You remember how he treated your sister—”
“I like that better than how you’ve treated my sister!”
“Ouch,” he said but she ignored him.
“Besides, that was years ago, when he was home from college for the summer. And she was stalking him, Kyle. She spied on him with another woman. That would make anyone angry.”
“That’s not the way she tells the story. She says he was pursuing her, leading several women on at the same time.”
Because she didn’t want to admit the truth. He’d discover that was a common occurrence. “I believe Brandon.”
“Over your own sister?”
“Yes. Absolutely. Look, I appreciate all the brotherly love, but—”
“Brotherly love?” he broke in. “Would you just…stop? Please? Do you think this is any easier for me?”
The desperation in his voice surprised her.
“I screwed up,” he went on. “And now I’m paying the price. But I don’t want you to suffer any more than you already have because of my stupidity.”
Somehow his words made her even angrier than if he’d said he adored her sister and always had. “If you’re having second thoughts, I’m not the one to talk to.”
There was a long silence. Then he said, “I realize that.”
“What is it you hold against Brandon, anyway?” she asked. “It can’t have anything to do with him mistreating Noelle, because you didn’t like him before he threatened her with a restraining order.”
“You know how he is. He’s stubborn and egotistical and…and difficult to get along with.”
She wrapped her arms around herself and stared out at the town she loved so much. Kyle had cost her even this. She’d planned to come back but now…she felt as if she’d been cast adrift, as if Whiskey Creek was no longer her anchor. “How does that affect me?”
“He can’t commit, and as much as you’re trying to pretend you’re not looking for love, I know you too well. He’s not the kind of man you need.”
As if Kyle was any better! He’d set himself up with that statement. But this time she let it go. “Have you talked to him recently?”
“I don’t need to.”
“Maybe you’re going by dated information. Maybe he’s matured and you’re missing out on having a great brother.”
“I’m not missing out on anything.”
“You could cut him a little slack, you know. He’s in your wedding party.”
“For the sake of my parents.”
She understood how familial obligation played a role this weekend. She doubted she’d even be attending the wedding were it not for Nancy and Ham. “Now you know why I’m here.”
“I knew that before.”
Again, the door opening and closing at Sexy Sadie’s caught her eye. “I have to go.”
“Wait—”
“For what, Kyle? Get some sleep. You’ll need to be in top form this weekend.”
He’d dared to call her, so she knew he wasn’t with Noelle. Her sister was probably in bed, getting her beauty rest. That meant she could return to her parents’.
But Olivia couldn’t go back there quite yet. Telling herself she’d have just one drink, she drove down the street and parked in front of the bar.
Chapter 6
Brandon’s phone woke him. “Hello?” he muttered, squinting to see the time displayed on his digital alarm.
He was pretty sure it read 1:10.
“Brandon?”
Olivia. He recognized her voice immediately—although he could tell there was something wrong. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry, Brandon.”
She sounded genuinely distraught. “For what, honey? It’s okay that you didn’t come over. I wasn’t really expecting you.”
“I meant for b-bothering you in the middle of the night.”
When she sniffed, he gripped the phone harder. She was crying. “That’s okay, too. What’s wrong?”
“Um…do you think…would it be too much trouble…I hate to ask this, but…”
“Where are you?” He was awake enough to hear that she was slurring her words. That, together with the loud music in the background, indicated she was at a bar. But, if so, where? In Sac? Or in Whiskey Creek?
“S-s-sexy S-s-Sadie’s!” she announced, laughing. “I think I’m drunk. I was only going to have one drink, but…I don’t know what happened.”
“You had more.”
“Yep.”
He’d assumed she left town. He’d known she’d never show up at his place. “Do you need me to come get you?”
“Would you?” She seemed infinitely relieved.
“Of course.” He rolled out of bed and began to dress. “Where’s your car?”
“Out front. But I don’t think-I don’t think I should drive, Brandon. It wouldn’t be safe. I might hurt some-somebody. I wouldn’t want to hurt anybody.”
“You’re not going to get behind the wheel, sweetheart.”
“No, but…I shouldn’t have called you. Today’s the first time we ever really talked since prom so…it’s rude, right? To do that to a new friend?”
“Is that what we are?”
“Aren’t we?”
He smiled at her distress. “Of course we are.”
“Okay, good. Anyway, I’d call someone else but…all my other friends belong to Kyle.”
“They what?”
“They’re his friends. Callie and Eve and Riley and Ted and Cheyenne…”
She seemed to lose her train of thought before she could name all the members of the tight clique Kyle had belonged to since grade school. Rattling them off by memory wouldn’t be that easy to do sober, since there were at least ten.
“Losing them, along with everything else, must’ve been hard.” Her own friends had gotten married or taken jobs elsewhere, but most of Kyle’s had remained here in Whiskey Creek and were as close as ever. A lot of people envied the support and friendship they gave each other. He doubted they liked her any less, but he could see why she could no longer hang out with them.
“Cheyenne’s so nice,” she was saying. “Even with that monster of a mother. Can you believe she grew up living in motels and clunker cars? That she had to beg on street corners? What kind of life would that be?”
He found his shoes and headed to the kitchen for his keys. “Cheyenne’s nice,” he agreed.
“And here I am wallowing in self-pity because my boyfriend got my sister pregnant. I should be more grateful.”
“You’ll get through this.”
“Do you think she did it on purpose?”
“I wouldn’t put it past her.”
“Me, neither,” she responded. “I wish I could talk to Cheyenne about it. But…it’s not the same with Kyle’s friends now. They have to be…have to be loyal to him. They were his friends first. I know they feel bad about what’s happened, but…what can they do? No more Fridays at the coffee shop for me.” She’d added a singsong quality to her voice, but that quickly fell away. “I wish…I wish it could be different. I wish—”
“Olivia?” He interrupted because he’d heard her voice crack and knew she was about to break down again. “Don’t think about Cheyenne or any of Kyle’s other friends—”
“Who aren’t my friends anymore,” she broke in, but he didn’t let her distract him.
“I’m coming, okay? I’ve got my keys in my hand. I’ll talk to you when I get there.”
“I’m sorry, Brandon. You shouldn’t have to come out so late.”
“I don’t mind,” he said. “Just stay put. I’m on my way.”
“Thank you. I’m so tired. Maybe if I get some sleep tomorrow will be better.”
“Of course it will. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of you.” He strode to his front door. “Now let me talk to Fisk.”
She didn’t need to ask who Fisk was. He’d been bartending at the Sexy Sadie since they were kids. “Sure. Goodbye, Brandon. You’re coming for me, right? You’re coming now? And you’ll show me the stars?”
A smile tugged at his lips. “If that’s what you want, honey. Give the phone to Fisk.”
“Okay…”
The music got even louder as the phone changed hands. Then Brandon heard the boom of Fisk’s deep voice. “‘Lo?”
“Fisk, Brandon Lucero.”
“Oh, hey, Brandon. What’s up?”
“I wanted to ask if you’d keep an eye on Olivia until I get there. Can you do that for me?”
“I would, but—”
“No buts. Don’t let her go anywhere.”
Fisk lowered his voice. “I doubt she could make it to the door. That’s why I called Kyle a few minutes ago. I know he’s seeing her sister these days—what a mess that is—but as soon as I said I was going to call Noelle she wouldn’t give me her phone, and I didn’t have the number for any of her friends or family. So it was Kyle or no one.”
Brandon had been jogging to his truck. At this, he stopped. “Don’t let him take her.”
“I just wanted someone to get her home safe.”
“I’ll see to that.”
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop him, Brandon. You’d better get here quick.”
“Shit.” Brandon hit the end button as he fired up his truck and roared out of his driveway.
* * *
By the time Brandon arrived at Sexy Sadie’s, Kyle was already there. But he didn’t have to worry about Olivia leaving with his stepbrother. She was clutching the bar for all she was worth, wouldn’t even stand, despite Kyle gripping her shoulders and urging her to get up.
“Let go of her,” Brandon said, coming up on him from behind.
At the sound of his voice, Kyle whipped around. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I came to take her home.”
Fisk had watched him walk in. Now he hurried over to address them. “I don’t want any trouble, boys.”
Brandon lifted a hand to reassure the bartender that they weren’t going to cause a scene but kept his focus on Kyle. “She doesn’t need your help, bro. I’ve got it from here.”
Olivia turned a beseeching expression on him. “Don’t let him take me, Brandon.”
“I won’t, honey. Just get your purse off the floor, and we’ll go home and look through the telescope.”
Her pretty blue eyes filled with tears but she blinked them back. “That’s…good.” Releasing the bar, she got up, managed to sidestep Kyle even though he reached for her and staggered right into Brandon’s arms.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, clinging tightly to him.
He let his arms close around her, once again feeling that inexplicable protectiveness he’d experienced all those years ago when they danced at prom.
The menacing look on Kyle’s face made Brandon wonder if he’d be able to keep the promise he’d just given Fisk. Kyle didn’t seem willing to let Olivia go without a fight. “You need to take her to her parents’,” he said, his voice threatening, low.
Fisk stepped forward. “Come on now. Let Brandon handle it, Kyle. I shouldn’t have called you. You have no say anymore.”
“I’ll let her leave with someone else but not him,” Kyle shot back.
Brandon arched an eyebrow. “She’s the one who called me.”
“Olivia—” Kyle started but she wouldn’t even look at him.
Brandon backed off enough to see into her face. “Do you want to go to your parents’ house? Your sister’s proba
bly waiting up for you. You know how concerned she is about your welfare. You wouldn’t want Noelle to worry, right?”
“You son of a bitch,” Kyle ground out.
“I’m just asking the question.” Brandon spread his hands, smiling when Olivia insisted she definitely didn’t want to see her sister.
“That comes as a real surprise, honey,” Brandon said and returned his gaze to Kyle. “I think she’s made her desires clear.”
A growl sounded deep in Kyle’s throat and he clenched his fist as if he’d throw a punch.
Prepared to put Olivia behind him in case he had to defend himself, Brandon stiffened. But Fisk grabbed Kyle before he could do anything stupid.
“Calm down, buddy,” Fisk said in a low voice. “I’m sure you could cause some serious damage, but I think your brother could, too. You don’t want to wind up with a shiner for your wedding.”
“Don’t hurt him!” Fresh tears caught in Olivia’s long lashes when she saw Fisk shoving Kyle back. “Please, don’t hurt him.”
Her panic over Kyle’s well-being showed that she still cared about him, and that took the fight out of him. Dropping his hands to his sides, he watched her with such agony that, for the first time ever, Brandon felt a degree of sympathy for his stepbrother. Maybe the way Kyle’s life had intersected with his own wasn’t what Brandon would’ve wished for, but Kyle was obviously in a great deal of pain.
“I’m sorry.” Kyle shook his head. “I’m so sorry.”
He was speaking to Olivia, but she didn’t respond to him. She’d already closed her eyes and turned as if she couldn’t bear to look at him another second.
“I won’t let anything happen to her.” Brandon had to offer his stepbrother that much comfort as he guided her out.
Chapter 7
Brandon felt like he deserved a medal. He’d managed to stop Olivia when she’d started peeling off her clothes. There’d been one moment when he’d almost succumbed—when she locked her arms around his neck and tried to pull him into bed with her. She kept insisting she could do casual sex and, Lord, did he want to believe her. With her body up against his, the silk of her panties coming out the back of her loosened shorts, he’d nearly thrown honor and decency to the wind. Thoughts like, “Just one kiss, one taste, one touch…” went through his head but considering the desire raging through him, he’d known that was all the spark it would take to start a conflagration. Sternly reminding himself that she wasn’t in any condition to give consent, he helped her remove the shorts she was so intent of getting off but refused every advance.