Book Read Free

Another Man's Treasure

Page 18

by Jay, Wendy


  “We better get out of this storm, baby.”

  Miranda stood, pulled her skirt back in place, and grabbed her torn panties. Jude zipped up his pants and grabbed Miranda’s hand as they ran for the car. They sat in the car, dripping wet, and watched the storm pass over Willow.

  “Miranda, I don’t want to wait forever to get married. Our family is here in Willow. Ross, Francine and the Hedley’s are our only family.”

  “I don’t want to wait long either, Jude, but there are plans I want to make. Three months?”

  “Three months, no longer. I asked Ross to be my best man.”

  “You asked Ross before you proposed?”

  “I knew you would say yes.”

  “That sure of yourself?”

  “Yes, and sure about our feelings. We were meant to be together.”

  Miranda teased Jude, but he was right. Mr. Right. There was no one else she wanted to spend her life with other than Jude.

  “Mrs. Miranda Delaney…has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

  “It sounds wonderful. I am glad you want to take my name.”

  “I am proud to take your name, Jude. Grandpa and Grandma Delaney were always good to me and my family. I think us getting married would please both families.”

  “They had a soft spot for you, Mandy. Let’s get out of here and go back to the house and dry off. I am going to sleep like a baby next to my fiancée.”

  “Think she will mind if I come along? Oh wait…that’s me!”

  “Sarcasm suits you, Mandy.”

  Jude kissed Miranda. They drove back to the farm house and ran inside to find Ross sitting at the kitchen table drinking a glass of water. He laughed at them as they stood there like drowned rats.

  “Looks like you two got caught in the rain.”

  “Ya think smartass? What was your first clue?”

  “Rude bastard. How are you, Miranda? Mr. Chivalrous forget to gas up the car and make you push it back here?”

  div height="2%">Miranda laughed and smacked Jude’s arm when he threw his wet shirt at Ross.

  “No, we were at the pond.”

  “Did he throw you in that damn pond?”

  “He’s still alive, isn’t he? I am going to dry off and change. Jude, would you mind fixing me a cup of hot tea?”

  “I will put the water on and be right up. So, Ross how was your walk home with Frannie?”

  “Fine, she’s quite a woman.”

  “Interested aren’t you, my man.”

  “Yeah, but…”

  Jude looked at his friend and furrowed his brow.

  “But nothing! Ross, you have been alone too long. Don’t dismiss her so quickly. Give Frannie a chance. I think she would be perfect for you.”

  “And you know this how?”

  “Because I know you and if anyone can draw your heart out of the prison you have built for it, it’s Frannie. She’s beautiful, smart and she won’t take your bullshit. Like I said, perfect.”

  “I thought Daphne was perfect.”

  “Daphne was a gold digger, Ross. The little bitch left you for that Latin guy the minute he flashed some cash in her face. Francine has a job, her own money and she has ethics.”

  Miranda came back into the room and looked at Jude and Ross. They looked serious and became quiet.

  “Did I interrupt?”

  “No Miranda, just getting some brotherly advice from Mr. Matchmaker.”

  “I am going to change. Mandy, your tea is ready, baby. Be right back.”

  Jude kissed Miranda and left the room.

  “I’m sorry, Ross.”

  “No need to be, Miranda. It’s all good. Jude and I were just talking.”

  “About Frannie?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you like her, Ross? Maybe more than you want to?”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Ross, I practically lived with you for three years! I may have known you as Trevor, but you’re still the same guy. All the time I was with Hank, you were there almost every day.”

  Miranda put her hand over Ross’s and squeezed gently. “Ross, I know Frannie comes on strong, but inside she is so tender hearted and gentle. She would do anything for anyone. Just like youou. I agree with Jude. Give Frannie a chance.”

  “Miranda, I am on the road so much. I could be here for 2 weeks or 2 months. I could get my next assignment and be gone for 6 months. That isn’t fair to Frannie. I don’t want her to be a one night stand. She deserves better.”

  “So do you.”

  “Thanks, Miranda. Jude is my only real family. It means a lot that you care.”

  “Jude loves you like a brother, Ross.” Miranda got up to get another cup of tea, then walked up to Ross and held out her left hand. “And in three months, you will be my brother too.”

  Ross stood up and hugged Miranda. Jude had just walked into the room and listened to their exchange.

  “I am honored to have you as my sister, Miranda. I am so happy for the both of you.”

  “Thank you Ross, the feeling is mutual. With Jude and you watching over me, I have nothing to every worry about. I feel so safe and loved.”

  “Dude, don’t crush her before I have the chance to marry her.”

  “Miranda, you have time to back out now. I will hold him down. Run for your life.”

  Jude walked up to Ross and they bumped fists. Both men kissed Miranda’s cheeks at the same time.

  “I am not going anywhere. I am the luckiest woman alive. I am also the most exhausted. You two guys talk as long as you like. I am going to bed.” Miranda gave Ross another hug. “Good night, Ross.”

  “Good night, Miranda, and thank you.”

  “Anytime.” She held Jude for a minute and kissed him sweetly. “Good night sweetheart. I love you.”

  “I’ll be up in a bit. I love you too, baby.”

  Miranda went to their bedroom and settled in under the covers. Within 5 minutes she was sound asleep.

  **********

  “What are you thinking, Ross?”

  “I think you are one lucky bastard, Jude. Miranda is a wonderful woman.”

  “What about Frannie?”

  “I think I could fall for her.”

  “If it happens, just let it happen. Break down some of those walls and let the girl in. Don’t make her do all the climbing. Don’t let what happened with Daphne stop you from being u from bhappy any longer.”

  “I know you’re right. Give me time. I think I am going to shower and call it a night. Good night, brother.”

  “Good night, dude.”

  Ross went to his bathroom and showered. The hot water was welcome on his muscles. He dried off and lay down on the bed naked. He tried to meditate and calm his mind, but the leggy blonde with the softest lips he ever tasted skipped merrily through his thoughts. Just the thought of her made him hard. Fuck, he knew he should take things slow with Francine, but he would be glad when the day came that it was her hand wrapped around his stiff cock, instead of his own.

  ********

  Jude entered their bedroom quietly. He undressed then stood beside the bed and watched Miranda sleep. Her breathing was deep and steady. Her hair fanned out like an angel’s wings.

  My little temptress with the red hair…all mine.

  Jude crawled in bed and snuggled up against Miranda. She instinctively cuddled up closer to him and sighed. Jude whispered I love you and thought he noticed a smile cross her lips while she slept.

  Dreams do come true…and so do nightmares…

  Chapter 33

  The storm passed through Willow during the night and left a fresh clean smell. Everything began to dry under the morning sun that peeked up from behind the mountains. Jude woke early and put on his shorts for his workout before he left for work. He stood for a minute and gazed out the bedroom window as the sun came up. It was going to be a beautiful day, even if it was Monday.

  He turned and stared at the beautiful woman who slept soundly in his bed. Their
bed. He couldn’t wait to tell Craig about his weekend. Craig had known Miranda’s parents as long as he had known Grandpa Joe. Craig had always been good to Jude and shown him support in his career and respect for his family.

  Jude leaned over Miranda and kissed her forehead.

  “Sleep, my beauty.”

  Jude smelled coffee brewing and heard the clank of weights in the basement. He went downstairs and found Ross.

  “Good morning, brother. How long have you been up?”

  “Morning. Long enough to start the coffee and warm up. Miranda awake?”

  “No, I left her sleeping. What’s on the agenda today?”

  “Calls to Culver, paperwork and review more tapes.”

  “Miranda usually goes back to her place mid morning, so you will have plenty of privacy.”

  “Good, there is no need for her to hear anymore about that bastard Castile. What time does Frannie usually go to lunch?”

  Jude looked over at Ross and smiled.

  “You make a decision about what you are going to do about Frannie?”

  “I want to talk to her, let her inside my head a little. It’s only fair she knows what she is up against.”

  “She is strong, like Mandy. I think she can handle it and you.”

  “Does she know about the engagement?”

  “I thought I would let Mandy tell her. They are like sisters. I will tell my boss today and secure the time for our honeymoon.”

  “You got a good boss?”

  “Oh fuck yeah, Craig knew Grandpa Joe. They did business together.”

  “Grandpa Joe would be proud of you, man. He was an awesome guy.”

  Jude stopped his workout and nodded at Ross.

  “I still miss them, Ross. They were everything to me. I know marrying Mandy would please them. What an awesome couple of people they were. I was very lucky.”

  “That you were. I think back to Grandpa teasing Grandma June. She would get so damn flustered.” Jude and Ross laughed as they thought back to some of the things Grandpa would say or do. “Didn’t help that we would crack up and egg him on.”

  “Fuck, Ross, do you remember the time in the department store? Grandpa having it announced over the loud speaker that he was stuck in Women’s Intimate Apparel while she was in the bathroom? She could have killed us all!”

  “If looks could have killed, we would have dropped on the spot! It didn’t help we were standing there with bras hanging over our shoulders.”

  “I don’t think I ever saw Grandma smack three people in their heads so fast,” Jude laughed. “Well, I got to take a quick shower and get to the office. I will give Miranda a call later. I will see you back here around 4pm.”

  “You got it, have a good day.”

  Jude ran upstairs and jumped in the shower. He was just about finished when the shower door opened and Miranda stood there, naked and smiling.

  “Want some company?”

  “Hell, yes…get your sexy ass in here.”

  Miranda walked in and shut the shower door behind her. Jude drew her in close and moved her hair aside so he could kiss her neck. Who said Mondays had to suck?

  ***************

  Ross was on the phone when Miranda and Jude walked into the kitchen, so they hesitated. He waved them to come in and finished his phone call.

  “Ok then, see you at 12:30. Yeah, I look forward to it too. Bye. Good morning, Miranda.”

  “Good morning, Ross, thank you for making the coffee! You guys have a good workout?”

  “Excellent, thank you. You should join us some morning.”

  “Thanks, I will get in a good run today. The weather is so nice and I love a run right after the rain. What are you up to today?”

  “Paperwork, phone calls and lunch with Frannie.”

  Jude bumped fists with Ross and gave Miranda a quick kiss and a pat on the ass.

  “I’m off to the office. Later, Ross. I love you, baby.”

  “Later, Jude.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart, have a great day!”

  Jude ran out the door. Miranda sat down at the table with her coffee and booted up the laptop.

  “Lunch with Frannie, that’s great. Don’t tell her about the engagement. I am meeting her after work and want to spring it on her and her parents.”

  “Mum’s the word, Miranda. The Hedley’s are special to you, aren’t they?”

  “They were my adopted parents after mine died. They treated me like their own.”

  “Good people.”

  “The best. Frannie and I grew up together. Friends since grade school, we are like sisters.”

  “I know the feeling. Jude and I are more like brothers than friends. He is my only family.”

  “You don’t have any<">any/font> family, Ross?”

  “My Mom died in childbirth and my Dad passed while I was in college. I have no aunts and uncles. My parents were both only children.”

  “Ross, I am so sorry.” Miranda reached over and took Ross’s hand. “You have us now…and Frannie.”

  “Miranda, that means more than you can imagine. As for Frannie, we will see what happens.”

  “All I can say is go for it. You won’t regret it. Frannie is an awesome person, but I won’t push.”

  Ross laughed and patted Miranda’s hand.

  “Push? You and Jude would have us walking down the aisle tomorrow if you could arrange it.”

  “I can make a few calls, if you want?”

  “Ah, no…let me take care of it.” Ross and Miranda laughed and he got up to grab more coffee for them. “More coffee, Miranda?”

  “No thanks, I am going to take off now and go for my run. I will be at my place after, stop by later. Looks like Jude left you the truck.” Miranda reached up and kissed Ross on the cheek. “See ya later, big bro.” Ross stopped her before she cleared the door.

  “Miranda, why does Frannie call you M?”

  “When we were little girls, Mrs. Hedley told everyone we were like Siamese twins, so she called me Emme like spelling the word me…m…e. She shortened it to M when we got older. Once in a while she still calls me Emme when we are alone.”

  “What did you call her?”

  “I called her Bebe…B…B…Blonde Bomber. She was, and still is, a very outspoken person.”

  “I’ve noticed.”

  Miranda winked at Ross and left. He watched her jog to the end of the driveway, then turn and wave to him. Jude, you are a lucky man.

  Ross headed to the study to look over paperwork and call Culver. He would work a while before he showered and met Frannie at her office.

  ************

  Francine was working at her desk when her phone rang.

  “Francine Marsh.”

  “Hey Frannie, it’s Jude. I hear you’re having lunch with the big guy today.”

  nt size=“Hi Jude, that I am. What can I do for you today?”

  “I need some info about some new accounts that were set up by the Florida office so I can do the wires. Seems like I got some transposed numbers and such. You got that info handy?”

  “Sure do, let me pull up last week’s newbies.”

  Jude could here Frannie typing furiously. He knew he would get the info quicker with her than calling Florida directly. “Ok, sending you the new account info and attachments to your email.”

  “You’re aces, Frannie, thanks. Mandy meeting you today after work?”

  “She sure is, at my place for drinks and dinner, so you two bachelors are on your own. You can drink beer and watch porn.”

  “Ha, you’re funny, Francine. Who needs porn when we have the two of you? Laters, baby.”

 

‹ Prev