by Brenda Novak
And now he was paying the price. Tense and completely unsatisfied, he tossed and turned while the girl he’d dreamed about for over a decade lay in the next room wearing nothing but her T-shirt and a pair of pretty panties. He felt her soft skin in his mind every time he closed his eyes.
The memory alone made him hard.
He could only hope she’d want him as badly in the morning, but he knew her better judgment would take over by then. As much as she thought she wanted a wild affair, something to fill the sudden loneliness, it was all too typical of being on the rebound. She wasn’t the type to take sex lightly, which was why he’d always been careful to keep a safe distance. He wouldn’t be good for someone like her. He was too devoted to his freedom.
Frustrated with his inability to shut down, he rolled over to search for his phone on the nightstand. For the past hour, he’d been debating whether to send Kyle a text. He figured he might as well be gallant all the way around.
She’s in the guest room asleep. Safe and sound. Get some rest. Big weekend ahead.
He hoped that would bring Kyle some peace.
A return text quickly confirmed that Kyle was still awake, which wasn’t a surprise. If Kyle felt half as torn about his upcoming marriage as Brandon suspected, he might walk the floor all night.
You better not have touched her.
“So much for trying to do you a favor,” he grumbled and scrolled through his pictures, looking for one his mother had sent him, months ago, from Thanksgiving. It was a group shot with Kyle and Olivia and the whole family.
As he stared at her image, at her and Kyle smiling for the camera, he remembered how difficult it had been to see them together. He didn’t want to sacrifice the life he had, but she’d always been a temptation. He’d hated the idea that his stepbrother, of all people, would end up with her, knew it would make every family event a challenge.
The ding signaling another text drew Brandon from his thoughts.
Have you been calling her since we took our break? Did you wait even that long before making your move?
What does it matter to you? he replied. Aren’t you getting married this weekend?
Have you been chasing her?
Brandon didn’t bother to deny the attraction. Was waiting to see if you were going to wake up and realize you’re screwing up your life.
This time when there was no response, Brandon figured it was just as well. They weren’t close enough to be so up-front with each other. He leaned over to return his phone to the nightstand—but another message appeared.
I have no choice.
Propping his pillows behind his back, he typed, Yes, you do. Don’t let your sense of duty drag you into making a bad situation worse.
What about the baby?
What about it? Did you ever think she might’ve gotten pregnant on purpose? That she’s manipulating you? Brandon wouldn’t put it past her.
She’s still pregnant. You’re telling me you wouldn’t even try to create a family?
You can still support the baby, still be a good father regardless. Maybe it’s not optimal to do it single, but you can make it work. That sort of thing happens all the time.
There was a long wait before the next text came in. Brandon had just decided Kyle must’ve gone to sleep when he heard the reply arrive.
Not to me it doesn’t. I want my kid to have my name, my presence. I don’t want to be a part-time dad with a stepparent joining the action.
Brandon could sense the resolve in those words. He could easily understand the sentiment behind them, too. But he was afraid that Kyle’s background and misguided nobility were pulling him into a nightmare of catastrophic proportions.
So how should he answer? What Kyle did or didn’t do wasn’t any of his business. He’d spent the past decade telling himself he didn’t really care about his stepbrother. But…he couldn’t help admiring Kyle’s determination to fall on his sword. He was a much better person than Brandon had ever given him credit for. Maybe Bob had a right to be so damn proud. Brandon couldn’t have made himself marry Noelle.
But no one—even Olivia—knew her the way he did. Although he was trying to believe she’d grown up and changed, he’d seen her at her worst, when she was obsessed and unrelenting and so narcissistic he couldn’t even like her. He’d done everything he could to discourage her from pursuing him eight years ago, to let her know he wasn’t interested. But it made no impact whatsoever. If anything, she became more determined. He’d come home to find her waiting in his driveway, turn to see her staring in his window, “bump” into her so many times a day she could only be following him. He couldn’t imagine a woman so out of touch with reality and the wants and desires of other people being successful in a marriage, even to a white knight like Kyle, who was willing to do ninety percent of the work.
I wish you’d listen to me, he wrote. There’s something missing in Noelle.
I already know she had a crush on you. She was just being young and stupid and too forward.
Too forward? Her behavior went far beyond that. You’re saying the Noelle she is now would never cross the lines she crossed back then?
Of course not, Kyle responded. Anyway, I could never undo the damage I’ve done. I can’t go back to Olivia while Noelle has my baby. I might as well have some integrity and stand up and take responsibility for my actions.
Brandon wanted to reiterate that he’d be sorry if he married Noelle. But what good would it do? Kyle had made up his mind and nothing was going to change it. Then you need to let go of Olivia.
Again, Kyle’s answer took a while to arrive. But Brandon waited because he knew it would come.
Won’t be easy.
* * *
Olivia woke up to a splitting headache. It took effort just to open her eyes. Thank God the room was dark. She could see sunlight peeking around the cracks in the blinds, enough that she could make out an overburdened desk, a computer, a ship in a bottle and some tribal masks on the wall—but she didn’t recognize any of it. Where was she?
Then it came to her. She’d gotten drunk last night, and Brandon had brought her home. She could remember him fighting to keep her clothes on. She could also remember trying to kiss him. She’d wanted him so badly....
Surprisingly enough, he was the one who’d resisted. “You’re not interested?” she’d breathed.
“Not like this, sweetheart,” he’d told her and helped her remove only her shorts before tucking her in. She’d gotten the impression he’d been tempted despite those words, was fairly certain he’d almost turned back at the door. But she was embarrassed all the same. Now both of the Arnold girls had thrown themselves at him.
Kyle’s actions had knocked her on her butt and she couldn’t seem to get her legs under her again. She never would’ve behaved like that otherwise.
Brandon interrupted her moment of regret with a brisk knock. “Olivia? You awake?”
She cringed at the fact that she was going to have to face him, and so soon. She’d made a complete fool of herself last night, first by getting drunk, then by trying to get him into bed. She still wasn’t sure what he’d meant by, “Not like this.” Was he saying he didn’t want to take advantage of her while she was under the influence of alcohol? Or that he didn’t want to become a surrogate for Kyle?
She couldn’t imagine he’d refrain because of Kyle. Brandon probably preferred she be in love with someone else. Then he wouldn’t have to worry about her falling in love with him.
“I’m awake, but I’m not very happy about it,” she replied.
He poked his head inside. Freshly showered and wearing a black V-neck T-shirt with a pair of well-worn jeans and flip-flops, he looked better than ever—which was saying a lot. She wasn’t sure what accounted for that, unless just getting to know him made him more and more attractive. Maybe it was that she finally had some respect for him, since he’d rejected her advances.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
She shoved a hand through her
messy hair. “Like roadkill.”
He chuckled. “I was afraid of that. Would you like something to eat?”
Could her stomach tolerate food? She didn’t dare take the risk. “No, but a pain pill would be nice.” She knew he had some; he’d provided it yesterday. “What time is it?”
“Nearly nine.”
“Oh, no!” She shot out of bed, then staggered and nearly fell.
Somehow, he managed to get inside the room quickly enough to catch her and guide her back to the bed.
“I’ve missed my first appointment,” she explained, raising her good hand to her pounding head. “I was supposed to meet Abby, the event planner at the Pullman Mansion, at eight. I’ve got to go!”
He frowned at her. “I don’t think you’re up to it.”
She’d been stupid to drink last night. She wasn’t used to that much alcohol. “I don’t have any choice.” Her tongue felt thick and unwieldy. “Have you seen my phone?” She glanced around but couldn’t locate it.
“Your purse is out on the counter.”
When she started to get up, he pressed her back. “I’ll get it.”
He returned with a glass of water, two ibuprofen tablets and her purse, which contained her phone. At least she hadn’t left it at the bar last night. She figured, at this point, she should be grateful for the little things.
“She’s tried to reach me five times,” she said as she checked her call record. “My mother and Noelle have both called twice.” She lifted her eyes to his. “What am I going to tell them?”
“I say you tell them that you’re not feeling well and to get by the best they can without you.”
“I can’t do that! The wedding’s tomorrow night.” She rubbed her temples, hoping to mitigate some of the pain. The hand she’d injured was no longer swollen, but it was still sore, which didn’t help with her hangover.
He urged her to swallow the painkiller and watched as she obeyed. “Fine. Get in the shower. I’ll call and tell them you’re on your way.” He took the glass. “Then I’ll drive you to your car.”
It wouldn’t go over very well to have Brandon act as her secretary when she’d blown such an important appointment. They’d assume she was purposely causing problems, that it was a vindictive attempt to strike back at Noelle. But it would postpone the confrontation until she felt more equipped to handle it. And letting them believe she was having an affair was better than the pathetic truth that she wasn’t handling Kyle and Noelle’s union quite as nonchalantly as she’d planned.
Regardless of anything else, she deserved one small rebellion, didn’t she?
“Thanks.” She handed him her phone. “They’re right there on my list of favorites.”
“Towels are on the rack to the left of the sink,” he said. “You’ll see them.”
Despite the pressure she was feeling to hurry, she could only move gingerly. She made her way to the door before turning back. “Did Kyle come to the bar last night?”
He met her eyes. “He did.”
“I thought maybe I dreamed that part.”
“No.”
They stared at each other for a few seconds. Olivia didn’t understand why, but she couldn’t look away.
“You could steal him back if you want,” he said at length. “You know that, right?”
He was serious. He was telling her that if Kyle was the man she really wanted to be with, she could fight for him and would probably win.
But it wasn’t so simple. There were other people involved. Not to mention the baby.
“I wouldn’t want to hurt the people that would hurt,” she said.
“Despite what Noelle has done to you?”
She sighed. “Yes.”
“Then you must not want him enough.”
“I don’t,” she said. “Not anymore.” That didn’t mean what she was going through didn’t hurt. The disappointment, the disillusionment, the sense of betrayal and the blow to her self-esteem were very real and ever-present, especially when she was in Whiskey Creek. But she couldn’t get back with Kyle knowing he had a child with her sister. How would they interact with that child? How would they interact with her family?
At least, for the first time since falling in love with Kyle, she was feeling desire for another man. The excitement that brought told her life after Kyle was possible; she just had to be careful or she’d land herself in an even worse situation.
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said.
Suddenly she became very conscious of the fact that she was wearing nothing but her panties and shirt. She was better covered than if she were wearing a bathing suit. But what had almost happened last night, what she’d wanted to have happen, made her feel very exposed.
The way his gaze traveled over her body, as intimate as a caress, made her breasts tingle. She struggled to find her voice. “Did I really try to rip off my clothes when you put me to bed?”
He grinned, which was answer enough.
“Thought so.” She’d actually brought it up so she could apologize. “I’m sorry. From what you said on the phone, I assumed that…that you might welcome a bed partner.”
“You think I was rejecting you?”
She felt her eyebrows slide up. “Weren’t you? I slept alone last night.”
“Next time ask me when I have the option of saying yes.”
Chapter 8
Olivia had left her luggage at Brandon’s house. Since she didn’t have a better place to stay, it’d seemed silly to lug it in so she could get ready, then lug it back out. He would have done the carrying for her, of course. He was a gentleman that way. But since her family already knew she was with him, there was no reason to leave his cabin on their account. He’d invited her to use his guest room for as long as she wanted, and she figured she might as well take him up on it.
That meant she’d be going back....
“Olivia, what do you think?”
She blinked before focusing on her mother, who was wearing a flowery dress and had her hair sectioned off in rollers with a scarf tied over the lot, making her look very 1960s housewife. “About what?”
“The bows that go on the chairs!” The impatience in Nancy’s voice suggested she’d already asked once. “Noelle doesn’t think they match the table runners. Are you sure these are the shade we ordered?”
Removing the sunglasses she’d been using to hide her bloodshot eyes, Olivia tried to focus. She’d expected these meetings to be difficult. But she was so preoccupied with Brandon, she was finding them more of a nuisance than a challenge.
“They’re a shade off,” she admitted. “I borrowed these from River City to save money, remember? That’s what you wanted me to do.”
“But will they look bad?” Nancy refastened a roller that was threatening to fall. Olivia had tried to convince her that a round brush and a blow drier would give her the curl she wanted, but she insisted her hair looked best when she “put it up” for a day—and she was going all out for the wedding.
“I think they’ll be fine,” Olivia assured her. “They won’t be right up against each other. See?” She held the two fabrics a few inches apart. “You won’t notice they’re not exact, especially with all the shades of pink and peach in the flower arrangements.”
“I don’t know....” Noelle shot her an accusing glower. “I thought they’d match better than that.”
She said this as if it was Olivia’s fault they didn’t, although it had been Noelle’s choice. She’d wanted to save money on the chair covers so she could get a pair of very expensive heels that wouldn’t even show beneath her dress.
Noelle wanted this to be the wedding of the century, which was so unrealistic. But it wasn’t only the color of the chair bows that was bothering her. She’d been hostile all morning. Olivia could feel the animosity; she just wasn’t sure of the cause. Was it the difficulty of pulling off an event like this? Or was it that Noelle knew Kyle had called her last night? That he’d come to the bar to get her?
Maybe she�
��d been the cause of a fight....
Or was Noelle upset that she was hanging out with Brandon?
The suspicion that her sister was once again jealous of the man in her life—even though she and Brandon weren’t as romantically involved as Noelle thought—made Olivia nervous. After everything Noelle had done to get Kyle, including, possibly, a purposeful pregnancy, she had no business even noticing Brandon.
“Regardless, it’s too late to change now,” Olivia said. Normally she would’ve gone to greater pains to reassure the bride, but she meant that statement in more ways than one. Noelle had made her decision. And in the process, she’d hurt and embarrassed Olivia, cost their parents a great deal of money by demanding such an expensive wedding, made a public fool of Kyle and humiliated herself.
Now she was carrying Kyle’s baby.
It was time for her to quit being so selfish.
“We could do without the bows,” her mother suggested, obviously trying to placate Noelle.
“Is that what you want?” Olivia turned to her sister, making it clear by her tone that she didn’t care either way.
Noelle pressed her fingers to her eyes. “Ugh! This is turning into a nightmare! Some wedding planner you are. I thought having a wedding was supposed to be fun.”
“I think it helps to be in love,” Olivia murmured. Fortunately Nancy didn’t hear. Abby was showing her where they’d set up the table for all the candy.
“I am in love!” Noelle insisted.
“With Kyle or Brandon?” Olivia asked.
Noelle’s lips thinned and her eyes grew so cold they gave Olivia chills. “You’re trying to ruin my wedding!”
Seriously? Was that all she was concerned about? There was so much more at stake!