He's on My Mind

by Crystal Red

  Beth walked over to her. “What happened? You know I can tell when something is bothering you.”

  Kelsey pinched the bridge of her nose, frustration building deep in her gut. “We saw Steve with another woman at Olive Garden.”

  The last thing she wanted to do was bring up Beth’s relationship, but right now she really needed to distract her friend from the truth. She didn’t have the guts to tell Beth that their neighbor turned into a dangerous wolf-like creature. Who would believe something like that? She still found the whole incident hard to believe herself, and she’d seen all of it half an hour earlier.

  “What?” Beth’s eyebrows furrowed as she tightened her lips.

  “Beth…he might be cheating on you. I’m sorry you had to find out this way.” Kelsey squeezed her eyes shut to prevent more tears from falling. She didn’t want her friend to get hurt, but at the same time Beth deserved to know the truth. Her eyelids flipped open the moment Beth spoke in a harsh tone.

  “No! He wouldn’t do that. Steve loves me.” She scowled and punched a fist into the palm of her hand.

  Loves her? Beth never once had said that about Steve. Could her best friend really be so blind to her boyfriend’s faults? Kelsey was no guy expert, but then again she’d never had a boyfriend cheat on her. Maybe this is why I don’t date.

  “Beth,” Kelsey touched her friend’s arm. “We saw him flirting with another woman. I wouldn’t lie to you about this.”

  “You’re just jealous that Brandon isn’t the right guy for you. That’s why you shouldn’t date men who ride motorcycles.” Beth threw her hands up and stomped off into her bedroom, slamming the door with a loud bang.

  A lump formed in her throat, and she swallowed hard. Had she done the right thing by telling Beth about Steve’s cheating on her? I would want her to do the same if I had a boyfriend who might be cheating on me.

  Her heart ached for Beth. Maybe she should have confronted the SOB. Then again, maybe it would have made things worse. Steve wasn’t her boyfriend. It wasn’t her place to handle the situation. Beth had to do this on her own. All she could do was be there to support her best friend. She’d always be there for Beth no matter what.

  * * * *

  After Brandon arrived at his house, he had to force himself not to run over to Kelsey’s place. He needed to give her space for now. Maybe she would come around. A big if. What if he’d already lost her? His heart clenched hard at the last thought.

  No more regrets. What he wanted more than anything was for her to give him a second chance. The short and strong connection he had with Kelsey couldn’t be wrong when it felt so right. He had to try. They could last forever. With a loud sigh, he sank onto the black leather couch.

  Chad poked his head out from the kitchen doorway. “Why are you back so soon?”

  Brandon’s shoulders slumped. “It didn’t go well. Ran into some trouble with two werewolves. I had to kill one.”

  “Shit, man.” Chad winced. “That sucks. What happened to the one you killed? Did you have to get rid of it?”

  He shook his head. “The myth is actually true. Evil werewolves turn into ashes once you snap their necks and kill them.”

  “What happened to the second one?” Chad sipped his can of root beer.

  “It ran off. I gave it a warning.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

  Chad took a long swallow of his drink. “Do you think they’ll be back?”

  “No doubt about it,” he muttered.

  “Wait,” Chad drank again. “Did you change into your werewolf form, and did Kelsey see the transformation?”

  Brandon groaned. The ache grew deep in his heart. That’s where it went all to shit. “Yeah, how else would I fight them off? Kelsey hates me now. She won’t talk to me about it. She saw everything.”

  “That’s rough man.” Chad leaned up against the wall.

  “I didn’t want it to come to that, but what was I supposed to do?”

  Chad’s brow rose. “If you’d told her the truth to begin with, maybe it would have been more believable.”

  His stomach twisted, and bile rose in his throat. He coughed. Damn it. The thought of Kelsey in any kind of danger made him sick to his stomach. Now what could he do? He didn’t want to sit around and wait for her to forgive him, if she ever did. Maybe it was a mistake to get involved with her.

  “She still probably wouldn’t believe me. Women are complicated.” His jaw clenched.

  “Ah, yeah. When did you find that out?” Chad snickered and then took a long swig of his soda.

  “We saw Beth’s boyfriend at Olive Garden. He’s probably cheating on her.”

  Heat flashed in Chad’s eyes. “I knew that fucker was no good. Beth deserves better than that asshole. He needs his ass kicked.”

  “You like her, don’t you?” Brandon chuckled.

  “Yeah, she’s hot. Can you blame me?” Chad whistled low in his throat.

  Brandon stared at his knuckles. Why couldn’t he have Kelsey in his arms? His lips on hers would feel like pure heaven. So soft and silky, like fleece on a cold winter day.

  Chad snapped his fingers. “Jeez, dude. What planet have you gone to?”

  He came out of his dazed trance. “Sorry. I never got to kiss her.”

  “Maybe she’ll come around. Women need time to cool off when they get pissed just like you do.” Chad rubbed his chin and then sipped his drink.

  He jumped to his feet as soon as the doorbell rang. “What if that’s her? I don’t even know what to say to her.”

  “Just tell her how you feel.” Chad smiled. “Or better yet show her.”

  Brandon rolled his eyes as he rushed to the front door. After he yanked it open, he wasn’t surprised to see Kelsey there. She hadn’t changed from her red sexy dress. His mouth watered to touch and taste her lips. She’s so beautiful. I don’t know if I deserve her.

  “Hey,” He inhaled a sharp breath. “You want to talk now?”

  She avoided his gaze. “Yes.”

  “You can come inside.” He held the door open for her, and she walked in without looking up.

  “Should we go in the living room or kitchen?” He tilted his head to the side to meet her gaze, but she still looked away.

  Her gaze landed on Chad, then she looked at him for a second. “No. In your bedroom.”

  “Make-up sex, huh?” Chad winked, holding his hand out for a high five.

  “Dude, no.”

  Kelsey raised her head, glaring at Chad, then at him. “No sex. Just talking.”

  Brandon shoved his hands into his pockets. “Wasn’t my idea.”

  He took her hand, and they walked into his small bedroom. They sat on his queen-sized bed that pressed against the gray and tan paneling. Not his thing, being a neat freak. Instead, the blankets were scattered over the mattress and almost falling off.

  She slipped off her high heels, then swung her bare feet. She cleared her throat. “What are you exactly?”

  He placed a hand on her thigh. “I’m a werewolf.”

  She shoved it away. “So you killed an animal?”

  “Yes.” His chest heaved in and out at a rapid pace. “I only killed the werewolf because it tried to kill us. It would have succeeded if I hadn’t changed. There might be more. I’ll have to protect you. Maybe Beth as well.”

  Her eyes widened. “What about Chad? Is he one too?”

  “No. He’s human, and yes, he knows what I am.”

  Kelsey’s fingers tightened around one of his blankets. “Why couldn’t you tell me this before we went out?”

  “I didn’t want to scare you off.”

  Her eyes frosted over in an icy stare. “So, keeping it a secret was better?”

  “No. I don’t have a good excuse.” He rubbed his temples. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. At sixteen, another werewolf bit me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  His fingers shook as he lifted his shirt and showed her a scar from his bite. It spread out in a jagged line across hi
s left side. “I’ve had this curse for twelve years. You have no idea how much I want to get rid of it.”

  She trailed the tips of her fingers across the scar, letting the caress linger. His stomach flip-flopped at the feel of her gentle touch. He wanted to be normal and keep her in his life. Her hand crept dangerously close to his favorite body part, and even without her touching his shaft, he stiffened at just the thought of her stroking him into heavenly ecstasy. When she stroked his erection, he let out a low growl.

  “So, when you get turned-on, does it bring out the beast in you?” She spoke in a low, seductive voice.

  “Maybe I could show you,” he murmured.

  She moved her hand to his thigh. “Not yet. We shouldn’t move too fast.”

  He fell back against the bed and tried to think about anything but her sexy, curvy body. His raging hard-on stirred in his pants.

  She dropped beside him. “I’m sorry for turning you on and not doing anything about it.”

  “It’s okay.” He turned sideways to face her, forcing a smile. “That kind of thing happens a lot to guys. It’ll happen when the time is right. Unless I totally screwed this up. Did I?”

  She stared at him tenderly. “I know you can’t change what happened to you, but I don’t think it defines you. To me, you’re not a beast. You care about what happens to Beth and me.”

  Her kind words melted his heart, but he wasn’t sure he deserved them. Maybe he wasn’t good enough for her.

  “Brandon?” She nudged his shoulder.

  “I thought you’d never talk to me again after what happened. You told me to stay away from you.” The words spilled out of him in a choked tone.

  “I don’t know if I can trust you completely, but I’m going to try. If you wanted to hurt me, you would have done it already.” She blew out a heavy sigh. “The moment I met you, I knew there was something different about you. At least now I know what it is. You kept me safe. That made me want to give you a second chance.”

  Brandon sat up and pulled her toward him. She rested her head on his shoulder.

  “I’ll do everything in my power to protect you and make sure no one hurts you. Ever. Even me.”

  “You’re so sweet.” Her arms trembled as she clung to him. “Is it true that werewolves have a strong sense of smell?”

  He nodded. “We can hear conversations from twenty feet away. Sometimes even farther.”

  “No wonder you knew Steve was a cheater,” she muttered.

  “Are you cold?”

  “Maybe a little.” She shuddered.

  He ran his hands up and down her arms. Her skin prickled with each caress.

  “I could look at you all day.” Brandon wrapped his arms around her and then placed one hand on the small of her back. “I really want to kiss you.”

  “I don’t think we should yet.” Her breath came out at a rapid pace.

  She seemed to no longer fight the attraction that sizzled between them. She raised her face to meet his. Her lips, red and moist, were like a ripe berry. Oh, what he wouldn’t give to kiss her. Even if he only got the chance to once.

  “Why not?”

  “Because…”

  He placed a hand to her chest and felt the hammering of her heart. He heard it pounding before. “You’re scared of me, aren’t you?”

  “I should go.” She yanked out of his hold and stumbled to her feet.

  “Kelsey.” He rose, his gray-eyed gaze meeting her hazel one.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She caressed his cheek with a light kiss.

  He reached for her arm, but she pulled away. “You don’t want to go out with me again, do you?”

  Her scent still lingered in his nostrils.

  Kelsey sighed. “I do, but maybe it’s best we stay inside. We could rent some movies and order a pizza. What do you think?”

  “That’s perfect.” He grinned.

  “Okay, bye. I have to get to bed on time.” She leaned forward and hugged him.

  He walked her to her house, making sure she got inside safely. Once back in his room, he stripped down to his black boxers and then headed to bed. Even after his head hit the pillow, troubled thoughts filled his mind. The biggest question that hammered at him was if Victoria was after him and Kelsey, would she stop at nothing until they both were dead? His grip tightened on the corners of his blanket. He had to be wrong. His ex-girlfriend couldn’t be that damn crazy, could she?

  Chapter Six

  Kelsey yawned, throwing her flower comforter to the end of the bed. For once she woke up on time and actually had slept well. She hoped a peaceful rest wouldn’t be short lived. With all the crazy shit going on with Brandon and his ex, she wasn’t sure if she was now living in fantasy land or what.

  Just one more work day to get through. She could do this. After she showered and dressed in a gray top, black skinny jeans and her favorite boots, she put on a light touch of makeup.

  Beth walked with her to the bookshop, but didn’t say a word. Maybe that was for the best. Her friend needed to vent, and Kelsey would give her some space if that was what Beth needed. She hoped her friend, though smart, didn’t get manipulated to fall for Steve’s lies.

  Once they arrived at the bookshop, Beth unlocked the door. She stepped inside and Kelsey followed. Beth set up the cash drawers, and Kelsey decided to do more inventory in the back.

  If she stayed busy then the day would go fast, and she’d be cuddling up to Brandon on his couch. As long as he doesn’t bite me. She shook her head, arguing with herself. He wouldn’t do that. At least not in his werewolf form. She chuckled to herself at the thought. The bell dinged, and Kelsey’s heart raced. Maybe Brandon had come to see her.

  “He’s here,” Beth yelled.

  Kelsey hurried to the front of the shop to greet Brandon. She ambled over to him. He held a tray with two coffees and a bag of donuts. Her stomach growled. Why had she skipped breakfast? Gee, he seemed to have the intuition she hadn’t eaten.

  She inhaled the sugary scent mixed with a nutty aroma. Hazelnut maybe? She sniffed again. Yep, he had her favorite kind of flavored coffee. A latte with a splash of hazelnut flavoring.

  “How did you know what kind of coffee I liked?”

  A smiled ruffled across his lips. “You talk a lot when you’re drunk.”

  Her cheeks burned. “Remind me not to drink brandy ever again.” Her laugh came out rough and shaky.

  “I don’t know.” He smiled again. “You’re pretty fun when you’re drunk.”

  She shoved his arm. “Not funny.” Her lip curled downward.

  “Ah, aren’t you cute?” He handed her the hot drink.

  “What kind of donuts did you get?” She reached for the bag.

  He waved a finger. “Let’s go talk in the backroom.”

  Beth rolled her eyes as she plopped down onto the stool at the checkout register.

  Kelsey blew on her drink before taking a long sip. She followed Brandon into the storage room. “Are you going to come here every day?”

  “As long as you’re here I will.” He set the bag of donuts onto the card table. Her pulse quickened as he stepped closer. “Kelsey.” He ran the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip.

  She trembled, craving more. Yes, touch me again. Kelsey’s knees knocked together, making the rest of her body feel like overcooked noodles. Could he really have such of an effect on her in a short time of knowing him? Her breath caught.

  Brandon pushed her up against a bare wall. Her chest heaved in and out. Every time he touched her, or even looked at her, she was powerless to resist him.

  “Are you going to reject me again?” His voice deepened into a husky whisper.

  “No.” Flip flop went her stomach, falling to her feet.

  “Good.” His gaze lingered like a soft caress.

  He pressed his lips to hers, his mouth warm and smooth as silk. As the kiss deepened, she drank in the sweetness of it. She opened enough to let his tongue slide in and swirl with hers. He tasted like coffe
e. She had to have more. A fire grew deep in her belly as he thrust his hips into hers. She moaned into his mouth. He pulled away with a gasp, staring at her with wide eyes.

  “Now that,” he ran the tip of his tongue over his bottom lip, “was worth waiting for.”

  And I’m sure there’s more to come. I can’t wait to find out.

  He undressed her with his stare. She swallowed hard and tried to move past him. He blocked her with his broad shoulders. They’d only given each other a kiss. She certainly didn’t want to have sex yet. If she kept telling herself that, then maybe she’d believe it. Hell, who am I kidding? She’d jump his bones right now if she wasn’t at work.

  Heat filled her belly, trailing down to her core. Would she be able to keep resisting him? His kisses turned her on. She could still taste him on her lips and tongue. Kelsey wanted him more than her next breath. Too bad she had to get back to work.

  “Brandon, please,” she pleaded.

  His face softened, disappointment filling his eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t hold you up.”

  “At least you had a good excuse to distract me.” She smiled.

  Brandon’s lips brushed the top of her forehead in a light caress. Goose bumps formed on her skin, sending heat in places that hadn’t been touched in the past year. How had she gone that long without a boyfriend? Maybe this time she wouldn’t have to worry about being alone. She had Brandon, werewolf and all.

  “See you at six, beautiful.” He kissed the tip of her nose and then left.

  * * * *

  For a Friday, the day dragged on. Only a handful of people stopped in the bookshop, and her customers only made two purchases. Maybe Monday would be better. Hopefully. If things continued this way, they wouldn’t be open longer than a month.

  By the end of the day, Beth still hadn’t spoken to her, at least not since Brandon had come into the bookshop. Kelsey strode behind her friend, who apparently didn’t even want to walk beside her.

  A motorcycle roared, and a strong, male voice shouted, “Want a ride, gorgeous?”

  She turned to face someone she thought was a creepy stalker. When she saw it was Brandon, her heart fluttered.