Sonata by Moonlight

by A. E. Easterlin

  He gave her a scorching look. “You aren’t my mama. Far from it. But I’ll tell you anyway. You’re looking at the new quarterbacks coach for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers.”

  She screamed and threw her arms around him. “Brodie, that’s wonderful! I’m so proud of you. When did this happen?”

  “Tuesday. I got wind of the job, called the athletic department for an interview, talked with Coach Rampart, and he hired me on the spot. I think I can do this, Ally. I think this is what I’ve been searching for since I got home. Football has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Brett and I, we ate, drank, and lived it. It’s still a part of me, of who I am.”

  Tears welled in her eyes, and her heart swelled with pride. “Of course it is. Oh, Brodie, Brett would be so proud of you.”

  “Yeah…he would. You said something to me the night you told me about his death. About how you coped. You said you carried him with you in your heart. That he was beside you when you played piano for your guys and helped them through their problems. I feel the same way. The minute I told Coach I’d take the job, I felt like Brett was right there with me. I swear I could almost hear his voice, feel his hand on my shoulder. Am I nuts?”

  She shook her head. No,” she said gently. “You’re not nuts. You’re healing.”

  “Because of you, baby. All because of you.” He picked up his glass and held it up. She clinked the rim of her glass to his. They toasted each other and sipped.

  Brodie’s eyes turned dark and fastened on her chest. “Damn. You’re not wearing a bra.”

  One end of her mouth pulled up. “Oh?”

  “No fair. A guy could get ideas, and dinner is almost ready.” He dipped his forefinger under the neckline of her dress and slowly pulled it down.

  She sucked in a breath. “Brodie,” she protested—a half-hearted protest—while his gaze caused her nipples to pebble and stand at attention.

  He flipped the steaks to the side and turned off the grill. Moistening his finger with wine, he circled her nipple and bent to suck off the fine vintage. “Hmmm…wonderful year for Cab.”

  “Brodie,” she whispered again. Her inane repetition of his name was all she could manage; his touch forced the air from her lungs.

  When he did the same thing to her other breast, she shivered. Ridiculous, the things this man could do to her. He took her into his mouth, and her back arched, her body bowed. Dinner was a long time coming. In fact, it was almost midnight when they finally surfaced for sustenance.

  He turned on the gas grill and warmed up the beef and corn. She cut a piece of the delectable meat and brought it to his lips. One brow arched as his strong, white teeth attacked the steak, and they ate from each other’s plates. She’d never thought of dinner as foreplay, but it had its merits. He was a great cook. He could fire up her grill any time he wanted. The thought made her giggle.

  “What?” he asked through a bite of steak.

  “Nothing. I’m just happy. Very happy.”

  He put down his fork. “Suddenly I’m not hungry for food.” He grabbed their plates while she gathered the glasses. This time he couldn’t wait to get to the bedroom. This time he made sweet love to her right there in her own kitchen. She’d take this meal again anytime.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Over breakfast the next day, Brodie told her he was headed to the university around ten. New recruits would be arriving on campus in a few weeks. The staff was going over their wish list for the roster and viewing film on the returning upperclassmen. The team would begin practice in two weeks, with the first game and the beginning of the fall semester two weeks after that.

  Ally was meeting with Mary Leo to look at the Victorian for their residential project. A warm feeling stretched over her like a thick blanket on a cold day…Brett approved. They were doing the right thing. Dr. Leo had texted that they had gotten the green light from the board and she’d made the appointment with the realtor for midmorning. No way would Allison allow them to lose out on the property—she was willing to do whatever it took to get the house for the project. If it exceeded the budget the board had given Dr. Leo, she was prepared to buy the house herself and donate it to the VA.

  In fact, the more she thought about it, the better she liked the idea. She could retain the deed to the property and set up the residence as a foundation. Not only that, but it would save the budgeted money from the board for other things, like renovations and maintenance fees. That way, she’d maintain partial control and have input into the facility and program procedures. The field was wide open—new developments in treatments were discovered every day. She wanted to be free to implement them when they became available.

  She’d set up a board of directors with herself and Mary Leo as co-chairs. It would be open to the graduates of the VA program: the halfway house they envisioned. Recommendations for residency could be handled through Social Services. A lot of the work would be done at the hospital, freeing her and Dr. Leo up to continue their therapies there.

  She pulled up behind Dr. Leo’s car and joined her and another woman on the sidewalk.

  Dr. Leo hugged her and introduced Darlene Carpenter, the listing agent. They shook hands and walked up the sidewalk. The house reeked charm, but all the landscaping would have to be redone, some of the rotted wood on the porch replaced, plus scraping and painting of the exterior. Allison immediately thought of Brodie. He had plenty of muscles—he could help with paint and general cleanup. The landscaping? She didn’t go there. Not ready yet.

  A leaded glass door opened to a grand central staircase flanked by two enormous rooms. “Dr. Leo told me your plans for the house. I think the zoning board could be convinced. Most of the residential properties in this neighborhood have already been zoned for business. Either of these rooms could be used for reception and as a common room, don’t you think? The other could easily be converted into offices. There is a large dining room and kitchen at the back.”

  “Any restrooms on the first floor?” Allison asked.

  “No. You’d have to put one in. I checked with the inspector. The house was previously under contract, so we know it is structurally sound. I can’t see the city dragging their heels on permits.”

  “How expensive would such a project be?” Allison followed up.

  “Several thousand dollars, probably. We can get estimates from reputable contractors. This house has excellent bones, and while Dr. Leo told me what you intend for the property, I want to assure you it is solid. Most of the changes you would have to make would be cosmetic, not structural. Every old house has a few warts, but with the charm and large rooms, I think you’ll find it acceptable. Upstairs there are two baths and four bedrooms.”

  “Only four?” Dr. Leo asked.

  “Yes. But the third floor would be ideal for your purposes, also. The entire floor is open. The layout would be up to you. Add a bath—or two—and have a men’s dorm. It’s perfect.”

  Allison saw Mary Leo’s face light up and smiled in shared agreement. They wanted this house—they needed this house. So, Brett, what do you think?

  “Think they have any wiggle room on the asking price?” Darlene Carpenter nodded and scribbled on a piece of paper. “No more than that?” She handed the paper to Dr. Leo, who paled at the number.

  “Okay. This is what’s going to happen,” Allison began. “You’re going to take twenty thousand dollars off the asking price and make a cash offer. I’m buying this house personally. The hospital or the VA won’t be involved in the property transaction. If you think you can pull this off, you have a deal.”

  Mary Leo put her hand on her heart. “You would do this?”

  “I’m buying the house, and you are going to be the boss. If the VA won’t cooperate, I’ll do this on my own all the way. The only stipulation I have is that I get to name the facility.”

  The other woman smiled. “Let me guess…Brett’s House?”

  Allison nodded and took her friend’s hand. “Brett’s Hou
se,” she confirmed. And the warmth wrapped around her again.

  Writing a check for the earnest money, she committed a good portion of her savings toward the purchase of the old Victorian. She’d have to work on funding for the renovations—Dr. Leo’s plans for a dinner and concert would have to be implemented. She might have to take on some students or hold some master’s classes. The money she earned could be used to pay the bills, keep the lights on and the doors open.

  ****

  Allison could hardly wait to tell Brodie. He’d be thrilled. She stopped by the store and got all the makings for her grandma’s lasagna—his favorite. Salad, garlic bread, and a chocolate cake for dessert. They were going to celebrate.

  Dinner was in the oven and the house was filled with the tantalizing aroma of Italian food. She heard his truck coming down the hill and rushed to check her hair and freshen her makeup. Heart fluttering in her chest, a fresh flush to her cheeks—she was so excited to see him. Just the thought of Brodie sent her over the moon.

  In spite of her determination, and her resolution not to lose her heart to him again, one look from him and she was a goner. She’d always been in love with him, always would be. If they didn’t work out—if something happened and it ended, she would always have this, and she wasn’t going to hold anything back.

  It scared her. He’d become a big part of her world. If she lost him? She couldn’t bear to think of it. But something was different now. He’d turned a corner in his recovery. He was more like the old Brodie, only better. She allowed herself to trust a little, lower the self-protective walls that called into question every emotion, every element of their relationship. She wanted to love him. Enjoy him. Enjoy them.

  All at once, his tall presence filled the doorway. Running at him like a linebacker on the team, she threw herself into his arms. He enveloped her and pulled her close.

  “What’s this for?” he asked as she peppered kisses along his jaw and cheek. “Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Remember I told you about my idea for a residential facility for the treatment of the worst PTSD cases? Well, Dr. Leo texted me this morning and asked me to meet her in that old neighborhood just west of campus. We found a house for the facility this morning. It looks like it’s really going to happen.”

  Returning her kiss, he smiled and patted her bottom. “That’s great, honey. Tell me more.”

  Enthusiasm poured from her as she recounted the morning and their discussions. They relaxed on the sofa as she laid out their plans for funding, and Dr. Leo’s idea for what she called “A Night With the Masters.” She could hardly wait to begin organizing her ideas and contacting friends and associates from her former life.

  When the timer on the oven pinged, she brushed a soft kiss against his lips before walking to the kitchen and pulling the lasagna from the oven. She set the food on the table and grabbed the cutlery.

  As they enjoyed the meal, he told her about the staff meeting and their hopes for the upcoming season. UAB always took a second to their big brother, Alabama, but they were beginning to attract some quality recruits from state high schools. An attractive scholarship program was a great incentive for a talented player who couldn’t come up with the escalating costs of tuition.

  Allison couldn’t help but smile at the easy relationship they were developing. The sex was mind-blowing, but what she treasured even more were the quiet times of sharing, the closeness. It was almost as if they were…

  Her cell buzzed on the table beside her. Brodie glanced at it as she reached. His face turned to stone as his lips thinned into a flat, hard line. His cold gaze flew to her face.

  “You’d better take that,” he said flatly.

  She had to take the call. He didn’t deserve to be ignored. She got up and walked to the kitchen. Not to shut Brodie out. She just wasn’t comfortable talking to one man while having dinner with the other.

  “Jess…hey, how are you?” she asked.

  “I think the question is, how are you? I haven’t heard from you in over a week. I miss you,” he said.

  She had absolutely no idea how to respond. She hadn’t missed him. She hadn’t given him a thought. Her mind, her life had been consumed with Brodie. “I…I’ve been really busy. Working, and a new project Dr. Leo and I are involved with. I haven’t had a moment to spare.”

  “Then it’s time you took a break and got out for some R&R. My mother wanted me to remind you about the soiree tomorrow night. Nothing fancy, just a few friends getting together to enjoy a night of music and hors d’oeuvres. She put the touch on me to ask you to join us, remember, but now something else has come up, as well. She’s singing the aria from Samson and Delilah and her accompanist has come down sick. Would you be willing to accompany her?”

  Not wanting to turn down the invitation yet leery of angering Brodie, she wasn’t sure how to reply. Jess picked up on her hesitation. “Your neighbor wouldn’t approve? I take it you didn’t ban him from your house the same as you did me?” His voice was tight and reluctant.

  “I didn’t ban you, Jess. The two of you almost got in a fight the last time you came over. You both mean a lot to me. I won’t have you fighting.”

  “So you’re not seeing him, then?”

  “Of course I’m seeing him. We live across the street from each other.” She heard a creak behind her, and turned to see Brodie leaning against the doorjamb. It was obvious from his rigid body language and hard expression he’d heard her. Her stomach fell to her feet. He looked more than a little provoked. Her gaze locked with his, sending him a silent plea for understanding.

  “Of course, Jess. I’d be delighted to accompany your mother. Yes…yes, I know the music. I’ll look forward to it…seven? That’s fine, I’ll be there. Thanks…See you then.”

  Brodie’s lips were pursed into a thin, white line. The easy camaraderie of the past few minutes had been destroyed.

  Quietly, she put the phone on the countertop and came to stand before him. The muscles in his forearm twitched when she softly placed her hand on him.

  “Please, don’t, Brodie. He called me to pass on a request from his mother. She’s a musician—a singer. She teaches in the music department at Samford and needs an accompanist for a faculty gathering. The student scheduled to play for her came down with the flu. I don’t mind helping; in fact I’d enjoy it. Plus, her support would be invaluable with the project.”

  “And that’s all it is?” he asked.

  Brodie was quickly becoming a huge part of her life, but this thing between them was fragile. She wanted him to trust her. Would he?

  “Nothing to say?” He sighed, and ran his fingers through his hair. “I guess that’s my answer. I’ve never been one for sharing. I’ve told you repeatedly, when we made love, that you are mine. I meant it. This thing with Harper…I just don’t get it. But at some point you’re going to have to choose. You can’t love us both. You can’t have us both.”

  Not giving her a chance to explain further, he threw his napkin on the countertop and stalked from the kitchen. She found him standing in front of her front window, shoulders rigid, arms crossed over his chest. He was hurt. She could see it. And he was jealous. Could she blame him? If the situation were reversed, she would be.

  “Brodie, please. Don’t be this way,” she pleaded.

  “What way?” His voice was cold and hard. “Harper. Always in the way; always coming between us. You know he’s in love with you, don’t you? Tomorrow night is nothing more than an excuse to see you again. To get you alone and persuade you to give him another chance. You call him a friend. Be honest, at least with yourself. He wants you. I guess the real question is—do you want him?”

  She leaned into his back and slid her arms around his waist. She rested her face against his warm, broad back and hugged.

  “Brodie, at one point, I thought I might have something with Jess. You and I…well, it didn’t seem as if it was going to happen. And Jess was there. He’s a good man. If I couldn’t have you… I didn’t
want to live my life alone. I can’t. Not anymore. Sometimes you have to learn to love who’s in front of you instead of the one you left behind. Do you understand?”

  “You would have married him?”

  “I can’t answer that. Possibly. He’s a good man—kind, considerate, loving. He deserves someone to love.”

  At this moment, he might as well have been made of the same iron as the Red Mountain statue. There was no give in the rigid muscles in his back, none.

  “Please…please don’t be this way. Come, sit down. Let’s talk about this.”

  He turned, her Vulcan did, and pierced her with a gaze. “Nothing to talk about, sweetheart. It’s obvious you have some feelings for the man or you wouldn’t have agreed to be with him tomorrow night. Especially after what we’ve shared. I wouldn’t have thought this of you, Ally. That you’d be the kind of woman to toy with the affections of one man and keep another on a string. I’m surprised.”

  The criticism stung. Totally misreading the situation, he wasn’t listening. She owed Jess an explanation face to face. Unless he wanted her to make a date with Jess, the soiree would be the first opportunity she’d have to talk with him. But Brodie was more interested in lashing out than talking about things. His words were insulting. Didn’t he know her at all?

  She withdrew her arms and took a step back. “What kind of woman would you be referring to?” she asked icily. A sick feeling pooling in her stomach.

  “This kind.” He grabbed her, and crushed her to his chest. His mouth assaulted hers, and he forced his tongue between her lips. Not loving. Not erotic. Not Brodie. His jealousy made him rough. For the first time in her life, she was a little afraid of him, and pushed with all her strength against his chest.

  “Stop!”

  She pulled away, holding shaking fingers over her throbbing lips as her chest heaved. Was he deliberately trying to sabotage everything they were building together? He’d made huge strides in his recovery, but the man standing in front of her was a stranger. Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.