by Various
“Yes, but for those two weeks, Brooks showed up everywhere I went with his ‘I’m so disappointed in you look.’ He made me feel so stupid and guilty that I had zero fun,” Lolly said. “Being a cop is perfect for him. He made us follow the rules.”
“That’s true,” Darcy agreed. “The only time we ever got away with anything was when he was at college.”
“I know, but remember that time your parents took us to the State-Carolina football game? Brooks snuck us into the student section and let us share a beer. Oh my gosh, that was so much fun. That’s when I decided I wanted to go to State.”
“All right,” Darcy said reluctantly. “I’ll give him that. We did have fun at that game. And the tailgate afterwards.”
“There were no rules being followed at that tailgate,” Lolly reminded Darcy. “I think that’s when I finally saw his true personality.” And I liked it. She was reminded it was also when she’d first started fantasizing about Brooks, but that bit of information she’d kept to herself.
Darcy laughed. “Well, it wasn’t baseball season. He could afford to be relaxed.”
“Speaking of relaxed, when I ran into him this afternoon he seemed much more open and forthcoming than he’s been since picking me up tonight.” At Darcy’s scowl, Lolly rushed on. “Don’t get me wrong; he’s been very attentive. I thought maybe I should give him time with his buddies.” She nodded in their direction.
“Where did you run into him this afternoon?” Darcy asked.
“I was over at the high school talking to Coach Evans about research for my graduate project.”
“You were with Vance?”
Lolly nodded. “He’s going to get some of his baseball players to give me feedback on my newfangled athletic cup.”
Darcy’s mouth moved, but it took a few moments for something to come out. “Your newfangled what?” She shook her head quickly. “Never mind. First, tell me about Vance.”
Lolly blushed, causing Darcy’s eyes to narrow. “It was all very innocent,” Lolly assured her. “I had some cramping in my feet from a run I did yesterday and Vance sort of massaged them out. Brooks came in unexpectedly, and at the time he seemed very happy to see me and very excited about tonight.” Darcy eyebrows were so far up her forehead that it made Lolly laugh. “What?”
“Vance massaged your feet?” she asked. She stepped in closer. “I hear he has great hands.”
Lolly turned so that her back was to the crowd below and only Darcy could hear her. “His hands aren’t the only amazing thing. He had his shirt off when I arrived. I swear to God he could easily be an Abercrombie model.”
“Holy crap.”
“Yeah. So I can’t tell if Brooks is upset about Vance massaging my feet or if our date tonight is simply a casual thing or what.”
Darcy stood silently, working her lips. “So Brooks walked in on Vance massaging your feet. Now it makes sense.”
“What? What makes sense?”
“Right before Brooks left to pick you up, he asked me if girls in general would rather go out with him or Vance.”
“Oh Dear Lord. What did you say?”
“I told him that you were very much looking forward to this date. With him.”
“Thank God.”
“But he was persistent. So I told him it depended on the girl. That he was sort of the all-American superhero and Vance was sexy, dark, and dangerous with the power and pull of a black hole.”
Lolly laughed. “Well, you certainly summed that up. And truthfully, right now Vance would be the perfect summer fling because I have no doubt he could take care of my pent-up Davis frustration with two hands tied behind his back. But Brooks?” Lolly sucked in a deep breath. “He’s really the dangerous one. Because he sorta stole my heart when he gave me that bracelet.”
“You should date them both. I mean, you’re stuck here in freaking Mayberry all summer where nothing ever happens. You’ll need to create your own excitement. So I say date them both.”
“I can’t date them both.”
“Of course you can. Pit them against each other. May the best man win.”
“Brooks is the best man.”
“Then he’ll win,” Darcy said with a smirk.
“You are baiting me just to give your brother some trouble.”
“Only because he deserves it. It’s obvious he’s not thrilled about my marrying Lewis.”
“Well, that’s surprising. Have you asked him why?”
Darcy scoffed. “We may be in our twenties, but we relate to each other like we’re children. Little children.” She waved that off. “Back to you. Right now I insist you raise your right hand and repeat after me: ‘If Brooks and Vance are the two most exciting things this town has to offer, then far be it for me to deny myself the pleasure. I will take them both!’”
Lolly laughed and raised her cocktail glass, mimicking Darcy’s cavalier attitude. “If Brooks and Vance are the two most exciting things this town has to offer, then far be it for me to deny myself the pleasure. I will take them both!”
“Uh-oh.” Darcy knocked her elbow into Lolly’s ribs. Down the steps and standing directly below them were none other than Brooks and Vance.
Brooks with his broad shoulders, his short, curly bronze hair, and piercing crystal-blue eyes was dressed in traditional southern cocktail garb. Light pants, white shirt, bright tie, and blue blazer. But when he glanced up at her and smiled, he defied anything traditional, becoming achingly handsome and movie-star debonair.
In contrast, Vance stood a tad shorter and a little slimmer, with those magic hands tucked into the pockets of black slacks. He sported a blue, slim-cut dress shirt that hung over his waistband. Gold cufflinks secured French cuffs at his wrists and several buttons were left undone, showing off his tan and a small gold chain. With his dark hair and jewel-green eyes, when he grinned up at you like that you knew exactly what he had on his mind.
“Gentlemen,” Darcy acknowledged. Both sets of eyes shifted from Lolly to Darcy and then back to Lolly. “Okay then, I’ll run along and find my fiancé.”
“Darcy!” Lolly implored.
But Darcy simply flounced down the steps, letting the words ‘You have fun now’ float back behind her.
Brooks held out his hand as Lolly descended. “Something to eat?” he suggested.
“Sure,” Lolly agreed, taking his hand and trying not to look too long at either man. Her stomach was tied in one huge knot, the size of which could secure an aircraft carrier. You have got to be kidding me, she thought as Brooks tucked her hand under his arm and led her off toward the tent. Did they overhear me say I’d take them both? Her head throbbed at the thought. Speckles of light started to appear in her vision. She replayed the scene. No, she assured herself as she took a deep breath. It wouldn’t have been possible. She and Darcy were whispering. Just coincidental timing. Oh please, let it be coincidental timing.
Brooks handed her a plate and passed one to Vance, the three of them commenting on the crab cakes and the jumbo steamed shrimp, making small talk as they loaded their plates. Lolly’s head began to quiet and her pulse began to slow as it became obvious she hadn’t been overheard.
Or were they simply being kind enough not to call her on it?
Whatever. She followed Brooks to one of the tall tables and stood beside him while Vance headed off to the bar to refresh their drinks. Her nerves spiked again. Being this close to Brooks Bennett with his height and the enticing way he filled out his jacket was quite a rush. Especially now that she was his date, not simply his little sister’s friend.
“Your sister looks beautiful,” she commented.
“She certainly does,” Brooks agreed.
“Lewis is a lucky man.”
“So she keeps telling him.” Brooks laughed.
“Are you happy about all this?”
Brooks finished chewing, swallowed, and wiped his mouth on a napkin before speaking. “I’m not unhappy about it,” he said honestly. “But my two worlds are definitely co
lliding.”
“Because you and Lewis are close friends.”
“Because Lewis is the brother I never had.”
“Well, now he’ll be your brother-in-law.”
He chuckled, picking up a shrimp. “I never thought about it like that. That will be a perk. Lewis at family gatherings.”
“What’s the downside?”
Brooks lifted his head to consider. “I’m not sure Lewis will be able to continue as my confidant.”
“Afraid he’ll tell your sister things you don’t want her to know?”
“Something like that.”
Lolly nodded her understanding and started to eat. She’d never considered Brooks a man of few words, but it certainly felt like he was keeping things close to the vest tonight. There wasn’t another word spoken between them before Vance arrived with a small tray.
“Dark & Stormy for the lady,” he said, setting down a roly-poly type glass in front of her. “Old Fashioned for my old-fashioned friend,” he said with a snicker, setting down a short, squatty glass in front of Brooks, who tossed him a sneer. “And a whiskey on the rocks for yours truly,” he finished, placing a similar glass beside his plate.
“Lolly,” Vance went on, “what are your thoughts on tequila?”
She heard Brooks suck in a breath as he tossed up his hands. She looked back and forth between the two of them, noting the mounting tension on Brooks’ face. Vance seemed oblivious and ventured on.
“You free tomorrow night?” He smiled. “Brooks and I have been talking.”
“Back off, Evans.” It came off like a warning shot. But Vance kept right on talking.
“Seeing as we are going to help you with your research this summer, we were hoping you could help the two of us with some research of our own.”
Brooks’ hand hit the table.
Lolly looked between the two of them, not sure what to make of all this. “I’d be more than happy to help in any way I can.”
“Great,” Vance said. “How ’bout we go out to dinner tomorrow night to discuss it? Just the three of us.”
“O-okay,” she stammered, glancing up at Brooks, whose eyes had rolled so far up she couldn’t see his pupils. “What’s this about?”
“Tomorrow,” Vance insisted, picking up his plate and drink. “You two enjoy yourselves tonight, and we’ll discuss this tomorrow. Until then….” He nodded at Lolly, backing away from the table, leaving her and Brooks alone.
“Brooks?”
Brooks closed his eyes and shook his head back and forth. “It’s nothing,” he said before opening them and reaching for his drink. “Vance thinks you might be a good sounding board. He wants a female point of view.” He sucked back half his drink.
“Well, I am female.”
Brooks' hand came around and touched her at the small of her back. “You are that,” he agreed. His light touch was far more potent than it should have been. She was immediately aware of the strength that stood by her side. Of the masculinity. But most of all she was aware of the edgy mood he was sporting––as if it were transferred through his touch.
His body turned toward her as he leaned down and placed his elbow on the table, bringing their heads together. His voice was low and smooth, and his words caused the knot in her stomach to unfurl and transform into something rich and molten.
“I have been looking forward to this date for some time. Yet I have allowed…other things to occupy my mind.” He looked directly into her eyes. “I apologize.”
She shook her head as the words, ‘no need,’ somehow found their way out of her suddenly dry mouth.
“Not only do I apologize, but I’m going to do my best to make it up to you.” He looked up and over to the far side of the pool where couples had started to dance. “Would you like to dance?” he asked, nodding in that direction.
Feeling starry-eyed, Lolly could only nod her head. Brooks Bennett, Henderson’s roving sunshine, had a surprisingly sultry side.
“Let’s take our drinks,” he directed in the same smooth tone. “We’ll come back for dessert.” His fingers drifted over her shoulder and down to the small of her back as they moved away from the table. His palm settled into place, guiding her through the crowd and toward the music. He was taking control in a way he hadn’t all evening, and her body started to hum under his authority. Oh my.
His hand slid from her waist, catching her empty hand, and he twirled her under his arm and onto the makeshift dance floor. With their drinks held aloft, they gingerly moved through the motions of a shag to a medley of beach music, laughing and grinning as they figured out each other’s rhythm and found a way to blend together.
Their drinks didn’t last long as the warm night air made them thirsty, and the increasing tempo of the music made it impossible to hold a drink and dance. Someone on the sidelines relieved them of their glassware, and Brooks, beaming and back to his old self, took Lolly by two hands and swung her into a high-octane jitterbug. He led her with skill, and Lolly was grateful, having never felt much confidence on the dance floor. Sure, she could run a half marathon with the best of them, but that was straight ahead with blinders on. Dancing with a partner required the ability to follow, keep beat with the music, and offer some sort of effort in the hip area, which did not come naturally to her.
Brooks didn’t seem to mind. If his goal was to show her a good time, he was hitting the mark. Fully. And when the music slowed to a sensuous ballad, well, that’s when things became serious. Because, like the trained police officer he was, he had no hesitation. His eyes narrowed, zeroing in on her like she was his target. He reached out, clasped her hand, and reeled her in…slowly.
His right arm settled around her waist, his large hand splayed and pressing against her back, drawing her in. His left hand held her palm flat against his chest. He lowered his head and whispered against her ear, “Finally.”
It was as if he’d been dancing all night waiting for a slow song to play. That his sole intent had been to put himself in a position where, given the opportunity, he could finally wrap his arms around her.
It made her feel wanted.
“Lolly DuVal,” he said, after they settled into a slow, languid rhythm. “I am a foolish, foolish man. Here I’ve had one thought running through my head ever since I laid eyes on you today, and I haven’t put it into words.” He pulled back just far enough so he could look into her eyes as he said, “You have sure grown into one fine woman.”
Lolly blushed and diverted her eyes, smiling shyly. Brooks squeezed her hand to get her to look back at him. “And tonight, when I saw you in this beautiful dress with your hair down like that, I’m afraid words failed me. The truth is, I am very proud to be the man on your arm tonight.”
He pulled her closer and resumed their dance, denying her the necessity of a response. But her heart did its best to beat through her chest and pound against his. And there were bells and whistles going off in places never heard from before, all because of his sweet, sweet talk. Never one to shy away from a budding romance, Lolly DuVal felt a nervous flutter drift around inside her stomach. A teeny tiny bit of concern that this time, she was in way over her head.
At the impromptu bonfire in the backyard where the closest friends of the bride and groom lingered late into the night, it was obvious Brooks had shaken off whatever was on his mind. He was on a roll, entertaining everyone with embarrassingly funny stories about Darcy growing up and the hilarious life lessons he and Lewis learned together from the time they bonded in third grade. All the while Brooks held Lolly in the center of his attention, touching her, holding her hand, or toying with the ends of her hair, until the night grew cool and he finally pulled her onto his lap and cuddled her close in the confines of an Adirondack chair.
Lolly marveled at how crazy this whole scene really was. Back in the day, when they were all kids, Lewis and Brooks paid zero attention to her and Darcy. Zero. And now Lewis was looking at Darcy as if his whole world revolved around her, and Brooks had just kissed the
back of her own head for the fourth time. Thank goodness she had kicked Safe and Boring to the curb weeks ago. Trusting her instincts had opened the door to this. This feeling of belonging. This feeling of camaraderie.
Even more interesting were the feelings of warmth and security and these really interesting bouts of longing she felt deep in her chest because Brooks had his famous pitching arm wrapped around her. He seemed content to have her snuggled against his chest and, Good Lord, she wanted to purr. She wanted to stay like that all night long, begging time to stand still, but eventually the crowd had no choice but to finally head home.
It was close to three in the morning when Brooks pulled his shiny black truck into her momma’s driveway. The ride home had been quiet, but comfortably so. Brooks came around to open her door and held his hand out to assist her exit. She took it and stepped toward the back of the truck so he could close the door.
It wasn’t a moment after hearing it slam shut that Lolly found herself pressed up against the side of Brooks’ truck, his legs and waist leaning against her lower body, his hands moving up into her hair and capturing her head, his lips landing on hers with a low, sexy growl as if he were releasing long pent-up desire.
The longing in Lolly’s body leapt at the chance to participate, immediately releasing a series of fireworks that spread out to her breasts, causing a tingling sensation from the inside out. Her arms reached up his back to the top of his shoulders and tightened their grip. Her mouth opened and closed, playing at the game before his tongue slid inside and the real intimacy began.
And the real fireworks.
The kind that drugged your mind and body so you didn’t have a thought as to where you were or how you got there. The kind that sharpened your awareness of what feels…so…good and God if I could just…have…a little more….
His pelvis rocked against her hip, and without conscious thought, her body adjusted to the right and she went up on her toes so that the next time he rocked, it rocked her world.