Palmetto Passion: A Sweet Small Town Family Romance (The Bradford Brothers Book 1)

by Christina Benjamin

  There were certain people who you idolized after you lost them. Parents, friends, celebrities . . . but Rachel Hart truly was one of a kind. She was as giving as she was beautiful. I knew she lost her life for a cause that she believed in, but that did little to ease my pain. Even still, I knew if someone had warned her what would happen, she would’ve stayed with those refugees. There was no other option for her. I would’ve stayed there too just to spend that last night with her in my arms.

  For a long time, I’d wished that my fate had been hers. What happened to us was unfair, but life could be cruel. Rachel was taken and I was spared. I needed to find a way to come to terms with that. That’s what I was doing here, back in Bradford Cove—searching for a way to carry on.

  And maybe I had. I was surprised to find that I could speak so openly now. I’d avoided it for so long that I hadn't realized that some scar tissue had begun to form over the gaping hole in my heart.

  Maybe there was hope for me after all. But then the embarrassing memories from last night came rushing back. I’d practically had a full-blown flashback in front of Tess. If she was smart, she’d want nothing to do with me. I might be getting better, but I’d never be whole again. And nobody wanted damaged goods.

  I shook my head ready to change the subject. “What about you, Cole? It can’t be easy seeing Charlie with another guy, can it?”

  Colton grimaced again, clapping a hand over his heart as though the words jabbed him. “Really, Row? You’re going to bring Charlie up, too?”

  I grinned at him, eager to change the subject from my haunted past to his. “I just wanted to remind you that I'm not the only one with a sad love story.”

  “Our stories are worlds apart,” Colton remarked. “Mine isn’t comparable to yours.”

  I leaned back, tipping my head back toward the sky, watching the clouds float by, not so sure I agreed with my baby brother.

  “Love lost is still love lost,” I answered, softly. “No matter how it happens, it leaves a lasting scar.”

  Colton went quiet, pensively brooding over my words. “At least Ivy’s love story is a happy one.”

  We shared a sad laugh before I sat up again leaning toward Colton to clink our glasses. We drank deeply and when I dragged my hand over my mouth, I noticed Asher staring at us with judgmental eyes.

  “Damn, you guys are depressing!” Asher whistled with a shake of his head. “I don’t want either of you to question why I don’t seriously date ever again. I’m staying single forever.”

  Colton burst into laughter, dramatically quoting, “Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all!”

  “Yeah, tell me that again when you see Charlie and her new guy at the wedding,” Asher shot back.

  “I can handle it,” Colton grumbled.

  “That’s not what it looked like at the bar last night,” Asher shot back recounting the bar brawl Colton had almost gotten himself into with Charlie’s boyfriend.

  I couldn’t resist joining in and giving Asher a few jabs about his own lady troubles before the subject shifted back to Colton and his undying affection for a certain ballerina.

  Not nearly as amused, Colton set his bourbon glass down and ran at Asher, tackling our middle brother. The two rolled about, coming dangerously close to the water. Unable to resist, I joined in the fun and pushed them over the edge so they tumbled into the water below.

  Colton and Asher popped back up from under the lazy tide, both sharing a look and then leaping toward me at once. They each grabbed one of my ankles and dragged me down into the water with them.

  The brackish water was ice cold and stole my breath, but it was a refreshing kind of chilliness that helped ease the lingering ache in my soul.

  I sank down toward the seafloor, letting the frosty tide tug me back and forth before pushing up from the sand and emerging between my laughing brothers.

  Still, the cool South Carolina waters weren’t enough to wipe Rachel from my mind. But maybe I’d been going about this all wrong. Maybe I didn’t need to forget her to remember how to live.

  I’d certainly felt more alive in the past two days than I had in the entire year I’d spent back home. But as I looked at my brothers laughing as they dunked each other, it hit me square in the gut—there was a lot more missing from my life than just Rachel.

  I’d been searching for the comfort of home back at Bradford Estate for over a year. But this place . . . it wasn’t home without my brothers.

  Chapter 14

  Tess

  When I arrived at the Bradford Estate with Hal’s faded green pickup truck loaded to the max with materials to start decorating for Ivy’s big day, the entire place was a flurry of activity.

  People rushed madly back and forth across the courtyard, carrying tables and umbrellas and flowing drapes and decorations. I caught sight of Mrs. Bradford nearby giving them all orders in her sweet southern drawl. She waved when she spotted me and then looked over her shoulder to call for someone else. Rowan marched out from around the side of the house, nodding as his mother instructed him to do something.

  My heart began to race when I realized he was striding over toward me.

  It’d been several days since I’d seen or spoken to the Bradford doctor. The last time we’d been together he’d asked me to be his wedding date, then ran off to stop a bar fight, ended up having a PTSD episode, walked me home like a gentleman, then gave me an awkward goodbye.

  The whole night had been so hot and cold and a bit jarring. But just seeing him now still made me feel giddy.

  “At your service,” Rowan said with a grin as he approached, hands finding his hips.

  Maybe I was making too much of his reaction in the bar. He seemed perfectly fine now. And that dazzling smile was making it hard for me to think. “Well aren’t you a gentleman?”

  He shrugged. “My mother is directing some of the other decorators and the caterers and such, but she said she has enough faith in you and your sketches to let you do your thing. But she did tell me to be a gentleman and carry the heavy stuff for you.”

  I laughed. “Well, then you’re in for a workout.” I walked with him to the back of the pickup truck, gesturing at the stuff inside. “I need to carry these pillars over to the area where Ivy and Brooks are going to do their vows. Then I need to start constructing the trellises for the flower canopy. I can do all of that, of course. That’s what you’re paying me for. But I appreciate your help carrying some of the heavier things.”

  Rowan shook his head. “I’ll help you in any way I can.”

  Though the other day he’d been flirty and asked me to be his date for the wedding, today he seems a little stiffer. Maybe it was the alcohol that had loosened him up. The shot had definitely given me liquid courage.

  Plus, I guess it might be awkward to flirt with me under the watchful eye of his mother, who was stealing glances at us while she conducted the symphony of deliveries arriving at the Bradford Estate.

  Shrugging off my worries, I reached into the truck bed and pulled down the dolly I’d brought to move the larger items. I was just putting on my gloves when Rowan leaned past me to pick up one of the pillars, lifting it up and over his head like it was made of feathers and not stone. Though he held it with a single hand, the muscles under his t-shirt bulged sinfully against the cotton fabric. I swallowed hard, eyes following his muscles as they moved. It’d taken me about thirty minutes to drag one of those pillars with all my strength into the truck. Things were certainly going to move a lot faster with Rowan’s help.

  “Where to?” he asked, throwing me another sexy grin.

  Unable to speak for fear of drooling, I just pointed to the spot where the vows would take place. Then I collected what I could carry and chased after him.

  When we got to the grassy lawn, he put the pillar down where I instructed and then marched dutifully back to the truck to get the rest.

  I gazed after him, eyes following his toned legs until I felt the heat of someone’s eyes watching
me. I gulped and glanced around, finding Mrs. Bradford looking in my direction. Flushing scarlet, I waved at her and then bent over my supplies to get to work on the large trellis I had to construct.

  I planned to use it as an arch to frame Ivy and her husband-to-be while they exchanged vows, and it would serve as the base of the canopy as well. I hadn't brought the flowers that we would be using since they would have to be applied to the installation the day of the wedding to avoid wilting, but the greenery could withstand the fickle South Carolina weather so I was using it to make a base layer on the arch.

  While I got to work organizing the greenery, Rowan carried the rest of the heavy objects from the truck back to me. When he finished unloading all my supplies, he settled down at the opposite end of the trellis I was working on putting together.

  I glanced at him, watching him work.

  He seemed super focused as he worked with the delicate wood, stringing it together with canvas thread and hammering in nails where needed. It was obvious that he would be skilled as a surgeon. Only someone with his intense level of precision could operate in such a way.

  I again wondered why he was taking a break from medicine. I knew it probably had something to do with his reaction to trauma. I’d witnessed as much last night. But I hoped for his sake he could find his way back to healing others. It was obviously a field he loved.

  I’d been tempted to look up the airstrike he told me about, but I’d ultimately decided against it. It was bad enough that I knew his net worth.

  It felt sort of strange to stalk him online rather than wait for him to tell me about himself. Especially because I also had things in my past that I'd rather not open up about—at least not yet.

  Shaking my head, I refocused on the task at hand.

  Even though the weather had been balmy the last few days, today was a scorcher.

  Small beads of sweat collected on the back of my neck and down my spine as I carefully pruned back some of the flowers with a pair of shears that I’d had to beg Hal for. He didn’t trust me with sharp things after the one little incident where I almost nicked myself with the sharp blades. He’d only let me have the shears today because he was too busy doing his own deliveries to come out and prune back the greenery for me.

  Rowan grunted, standing up from where he was working a few yards away, and slowly ripped his t-shirt up and over his head. He balled up the shirt and used it to wipe away the sweat from his face and chest before stuffing the white fabric into his back pocket where it hung like a flag warning me to surrender now. And good lord did I want to.

  I’d gladly surrender my bra, panties, first born . . . anything he wanted. The man was a god!

  My jaw dropped at the sight of his muscled body under the unrelenting sun. I could feel my pulse everywhere as I took in the sight of him standing there. I’d imagined he would look flawless under his clothes. I’d felt how hard his body was when I’d been crushed against his chest in the bar and I’d seen the strength of his arms and muscles firsthand, but I had no idea he would look so good.

  It was like he’d been chiseled from stone.

  He was without a doubt the hottest man I’d ever seen in real life. Golden skin, lean and sun-kissed glistened with dewy sweat as he heaved up a heavy piece of the trellis. He crouched down to grab another one and I tilted my head appreciating just how well the man filled out a pair of jeans.

  Rowan Bradford was no mere mortal. The man looked like he’d fallen out of my wildest dreams and therefore was completely out of my league. I’d already been intimidated by him, but now this . . .? There was no way I could ever hope to attain a man like him.

  Different species indeed.

  But that didn’t mean I couldn’t admire his flawless body.

  Rowan shifted and the sunlight gleamed off his glistening back. My eyes followed the beads of sweat over his muscles, catching on a faint patchwork of scars on his shoulder blade. When he turned toward me again, I noticed the pattern continued onto his chest.

  How had I missed that before?

  Though, I was so mesmerized by his hotness I probably wouldn’t even have noticed if I was the one standing out here topless.

  Get a grip, Tess!

  I gulped, moving to wipe away the sweat on my brow, when the shears slipped in my damp hand and grazed my palm.

  It was only the softest of cuts, but it sliced through my skin with ease.

  I gasped and gave a small squeal of pained surprise, dropping the shears to the ground and clutching my hand. Rowan turned at the sound, staring at me from across the lawn, as crimson drops began to ooze down my fingertips and drop onto the grass.

  Before I could even ask for help, Rowan sprang into motion. He crossed the distance between us in quick, powerful strides, looking at my injured hand with cool calculation. He pulled his t-shirt from his back pocket and quickly wrapped my wound.

  “Keep pressure on it,” he ordered before scooping me into his rigid arms.

  Despite his bulging muscles, he cradled me gently against his chest. I closed my eyes fighting the queasy feeling in my stomach. I hated blood, and right now, I could see way too much of it staining the white t-shirt around my hand. Squeezing my eyes shut I pressed my face into Rowan’s chest. I could feel his heart beating against my cheek and I focused on the steady rhythm, letting it anchor me.

  After a few deep breaths I felt better and dared to open my eyes. I stared up at Rowan and another bout of dizziness overtook me. Watching the sun illuminate his face from where I was tenderly embraced in his arms made me feel like I was hallucinating.

  Was this a dream?

  “Stay with me, Tess,” Rowan instructed.

  His voice brought me back to reality, his expression determined as he raced inside. I had no idea where we were, but Rowan quickly navigated us to the nearest bathroom. Kicking the door shut he gently set me on the counter.

  After gently unwrapping my palm and inspecting it for a moment, he ran the sink, holding my hand under the flowing water. Again I felt dizzy as I watched my blood stain the water, turning the sink basin into a red tinged whirlpool.

  “Hey,” Rowan said, his voice calm, but commanding. “Tess, look at me.”

  My eyes snapped open and met with his. Their stunning blue color held my attention, and I felt like I could stare at them forever—drown in them even.

  “Take some deep breaths,” he instructed, his deep voice softer as his cool hands stroked my cheeks. “Good girl.”

  When he was sure I wasn’t going to pass out on him, Rowan bent down to rifle through one of the lower drawers, coming up with a small first aid kit. I kept my eyes closed while he delicately cleaned and bandaged my hand. Holding it between his two smooth palms he said, “You can open your eyes now, Tess.”

  I stared up at him, still perched on the counter. He stood between my knees, the heat of his half naked body suddenly washing over me. I swallowed hard, gazing up into his concerned eyes. His thumb traced gently over my knuckles, his eyes narrowing with worry.

  “You have to be more careful, Tess,” he murmured.

  I gave him a weak smile. “Yeah, me and shears don’t have a great track record.”

  “How’s the pain?”

  “It’s not too bad,” I whispered, my voice soft as though I was afraid speaking too loud would ruin the intimacy of the moment.

  Rowan’s breath caressed my cheek. The scent of him was so strong in the tiny bathroom—like sun and sweat and cedar. Every time I inhaled it made me feel like the room was shrinking until the whole world felt like it was spinning.

  It hit me like a wave that we were so completely alone that I couldn’t even hear the commotion of the outside world anymore. It was just me and Rowan—and I wanted more.

  “I’m sorry.” The words came out breathy and I could feel my cheeks flushing.

  “You’re sorry?” he chuckled, leaning closer. “What for?”

  Our bodies were so close that I could wrap my legs around his hips and lean my chest agai
nst his—if only I was brave enough.

  “My hand . . . I got distracted,” I stammered out.

  “By what?” he asked with a frown. “What could have pulled your focus away from the dangerous weapon you were holding?”

  Even though I fought it, my eyes wandered down his chiseled chest. As if I could focus on anything else when he was walking around without a shirt on.

  Rowan’s eyes widened just a hair in realization, the faintest hint of a smirk lighting his face. His fingers brushed over my cheek, gently pushing a stray lock of brunette hair to rest behind my ear. “You have to be more careful,” he admonished. “What would Mabel and Hal do to me if I let you get hurt?”

  “But I’ve got you to patch me up,” I replied playfully, returning his grin.

  Our gazes connected, my knees bumping against his hips, as sparks suddenly leapt between us. Rowan leaned closer, as though the small distance separating us was too much. The charged electricity of the air was nearly tangible, making a shudder roll through me.

  Rowan swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. His hand at my cheek slowly slid behind my neck, tipping my head up toward his face. All I could see was his delicious lips and those beautiful eyes. And all I wanted . . . was to taste him.

  We inched closer, my legs slowly hooking around his waist to draw him against me. Rowan’s strong hands moved to grip my thighs, gliding higher and higher. As my eyes drifted down his body, my fingers tracing his warm skin, they caught on the raised scar on his chest. Rowan sucked in a breath, his hand reaching up to still mine. His trembling palm pressed my hand against his chest, against the scar that still haunted him. I could feel his heart pounding beneath my touch as his eyes slid shut. A shaky breath swept from his lips, and I leaned forward to taste him.

  But as my lips parted, memories flooded through me—memories of the heartbreak and betrayal a kiss like this could cause.

  I’d given my heart to someone else once and he’d crushed it mercilessly. I’d known him, I’d loved him. At least I thought I had. But it was all a lie.