by Kimi Flores
Opening her eyes wide, she smiled as the flash went off. “I’m blind.” She instinctively closed her eyes, trying to rid the white spots from behind her eyelids. He was so close, she took a whiff when he pulled his arm away.
There is nothing better than a good smelling man.
“There, look at us,” he said warmly.
Squinting, she tried to see the picture, but there were still a few dots of light in her vision. Once her eyes were able to focus, she mentally compared the two shots. In their first picture, they weren’t touching and looked like they were rushing off, not wanting to be bothered. This picture looked more intimate. As if they knew each other well. As if they were happy.
She glanced at him when he handed her phone back and started up the car. “I like that one much better. Do you mind sending it to me?” he asked, pulling onto the road.
“Sure,” she managed over the lump in her throat. What just happened? Had they just shared a moment? A real one?
As she took it all in, something shifted inside of her, but she didn’t know how to react. It wasn’t a bad feeling, just foreign. Aside from Stefen and Caleb, she wasn’t used to feeling peace in a guy’s presence.
As he drove, she snuck another glance at his profile, the way his nose swept straight down into a perfect curve, the way his hands relaxed at the wheel, even though they were going over eighty miles an hour. And as she watched him, the lump in her throat grew.
I can totally fall for you all over again. Are you willing to catch me when I do?
“It wasn't a date.” Bri maintained as she folded her clothes, stacking them carefully on her bed. She was trying to hide her irritation over Dani’s insistence. It didn’t help that Blaine had called fifteen minutes earlier asking if Bri wanted to try going out again. She felt like such a bitch but had to level with him that it wasn’t going to happen at all.
Dani touched each of her fingertips with the opposite hand as she counted off her list. “Girlfriend, a hot guy took you out to a romantic dinner, then for a drive, and made sure to take a selfie of you guys together. Sorry, that sounds like a date to me.”
Bri continued to silently fold her laundry.
“I don't see what the problem is, Bri. Deny it all you want, but you like this guy. Seize the opportunity, I say.”
Bri folded the same pair of underwear twice while Dani just stood in the doorway, watching her. Dani obviously didn’t understand her reasoning. Pulling on the dresser drawer, the old wood creaking as it opened, and Bri transferred her clothes from her bed to the bureau. “It’s a little more complicated, but I’m happy with how things are. I had a good time. That’s all.”
Dani sneered, folding her arms in front of her chest. “I understand that he’s kind of turned into a hermit, but I don’t get why you aren’t at least trying to go after him. You already know how he is in bed. I’d be all over that, if I was you.”
Bri bit her tongue, so she wouldn’t offend her best friend. Dani seemed to go for just about any guy that threw her a crumb and it was starting to worry Bri.
She exhaled loudly as she held her hands out to her sides. “Here’s the thing. Not only was he my first, but he’s been my only. No matter how much he’s changed, I don't know if I can ever trust him enough to be with him.” Bringing her hands forward, she motioned as if showcasing something. “Okay, there it is. All on the table.”
Dani’s mouth fell open. “You’ve got to be shitting me. You’ve never been with another guy?”
Bri shook her head. Of course that’s all she got from that. “No. That’s why I get so upset when I see you giving yourself to these pricks who just run out the door the next morning. I know how painful it is to be rejected, Dani, and I hate that you go through that same feeling over and over. It sucks.”
Dani went stiff. “Well, not all of us are able to get a guy like Josh. I’m sorry if my sleeping around bothers you so much. I get whatever attention I can, when it’s offered. Nothin’ wrong with that.”
Bri carefully approached her, trying to figure out how to get her message across without further insulting her. “I’m sorry, Dani. That’s not what I meant. I just know how shitty it feels. You need a guy who’ll just love you for you, and spoil you. If you sleep with him the moment you meet, he won’t have anything to work for.” She gave Dani a pointed look. “Believe me, I know.”
Dani’s eyes rolled as her mouth went slack. “Yeah, that’s coming from a girl who doesn’t put out and guys throw aside because they know they won’t get anything.”
Bri sucked in a sharp breath. “Why are you attacking me? I’m trying to tell you I’m worried about you, and you come at me like I threw a punch.”
Lowering her head, Dani hunched her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Bri. I didn’t mean that.” She looked up with sorrow-filled eyes and her voice thick. “I’m just so damn jealous of everyone around me finding their perfect guy, and I can’t even get one to stay long enough to keep my sheets warm.”
Bri wrapped her arms around Dani, reassuring her. “We have to stick together. We’re just us, not what a guy makes us. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I just worry about you because I love you. I’m not here to judge. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
Sniffling, Dani admitted, “Yeah, besides my sister, you’re the best friend I’ve ever had too.” She pulled away. “I didn’t mean to be such a bitch.” She wiped her face with her fingers. “So do you need me to kick Josh’s ass just to remind him not to screw around with you?”
Bri grinned. There’s my sassy friend. “No. We talked; we’re cool.” Shrugging, she added, “Plus he’s kinda fun to hang out with. I feel like I can be myself.”
“So you’re still going out to the ranch tomorrow morning and Saturday, right?”
Tapping her lips, Bri answered, “Yeah, but I think he only invited me to go tomorrow because Alison’s gonna be there. I already talked to her, and she said after they go riding they normally swim, then she’s stuck, bored with a bunch of guys.” Bri tilted her head side to side. “If nothing else, it’ll be a great time to catch up. You should come out with Leah and me on Saturday too. The kids would love seeing you.”
“I wish I could.” Dani frowned. “I’m exhausted with my new patient. There are a couple of us switching shifts to take care of her, but she’s really demanding and kinda rude. Her grandson is the only other person around, and he just seems lost all the time.”
“That will be my mom when she’s at that point, except I’m sure Stefen and Leah’s kids won’t be by her side.” Bri shook her head. “She’s exhausting me too.”
“Same old stuff?”
“Yes and no. Stefen is dealing with her for me, but she keeps calling. I haven’t picked up any of her messages this week. She’s probably fuming. I’m just glad we don’t have a house phone.” Every time she looked at her cell there were more missed call notifications from her mother. She tried not to let it stress her out but it was beginning to wear her thin.
“I’m sorry, Bri. That must be rough.”
“It is, but I’m trying really hard not to let her get to me. I guess the first step would be to stand up to her, but I just don’t know how.” Bri moved her pillows out of the way, pulled the blanket back and sat on the bed. “I’d love to be strong enough to do that.”
“Let me know when you figure out how, so I can learn from you.” Dani offered a sympathetic smile. “I’m heading to bed now, see ya tomorrow.” She turned and walked down the hallway to her bedroom.
“Goodnight, Dani,” Bri yelled as she pulled her legs up, leaning her head on her knees.
If I can’t learn how to fight my own battles, maybe I can at least figure it out for Dani. I may not be able to defend myself, but I sure as hell will do it for my loved ones.
Unable to sleep, Josh got up early this morning. An exhausting day awaited him. Now he was wondering what he was thinking, cramming so much into one day. But he was up for the challenge, and his friends would be here to help out.
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Of course, that wasn’t the real reason he hadn’t been able to sleep—Bri was coming today.
They would be hanging out together. All day. And there was definitely chemistry between them. But given their history, he was afraid of making a wrong move and screwing up the whole thing.
Bri was special. He would have to take his time, figure out if things could work for them. Although, he wasn’t sure exactly how to go about that. The taking time part or the figuring out part. He’d never been in a serious relationship before and it had been years since he’d gone out with another woman.
What am I thinking? I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here. I’ll probably just fuck this up again.
If it meant she would be by his side, he was willing to take a stab at it. The other night was the best time he’d had in a while. Bri was funny, sweet, a little snarky, and sexy as hell.
He pulled up his pants and started to feel his heart beating faster at the thought that she was on the road already, heading to his ranch. Everyone else was also on their way but he imagined they’d probably all arrive around the same time.
When he was at Brad’s house the other day, he’d given the guys a hard time about hiring people to do work that real men should do, but Josh knew nothing about building fences. The workers he’d hired to install the new round corral were already in the back ripping up the grass where it was going to be installed. He figured the guys and he could be part of the labor force to get it done sooner. It would be fantastic to have it ready by tomorrow.
Jogging down the stairs, he heard the cranking of a truck’s emergency brake pulling up before several loud-fisted knocks at his door. It was barely eight-thirty, and he’d only had time to put his riding pants and socks on.
Opening the door, he found his brother and longtime friend, Tanner. Paul and Alison were just pulling up behind Brad’s truck.
“Hey guys, come in.” He waved them in. “I was on my way to make some coffee.” He left the front door open as he strolled into the kitchen.
Maneuvering around the counter, he grabbed everything needed to make the coffee when he heard the sound of another car pulling up, which made his heart rate nervously pick up speed even more than it had before.
Bri.
He couldn’t help smiling to himself as he hurried so he could go greet her. Once the coffee and filter were in place, Josh heard Paul open the screen door and girls laughing.
Introductions were being made while the guys’ backs faced the kitchen, and Josh couldn’t see anything else. Until Tanner turned his head to the side. Josh could see his buddy’s eyes as they bugged out.
Reaching for the cinnamon to add to the coffee grounds, like he’d done countless times, he peered up, catching a quick glimpse of Bri talking to Bradley and Tanner.
Are you fucking kidding me?
He gripped the counter, taking a deep breath.
Tiny black shorts hugged her curves and a lacy tight sports bra barely covered her chest. The knee-high socks and ballet flats she wore completed her skimpy outfit. He knew girls wore this shit under riding gear, but he certainly didn’t expect her to show up at his front door, dressed like that for all his friends to see.
Dammit!
He turned the coffeemaker on, practically running out of the kitchen. Coming closer, he saw her belly ring flicker while she laughed. He nearly lost it when he noticed the black garter belt tattoo wrapped around her upper thigh. He’d already seen the intertwined hearts inked on her shoulder, but the one on her thigh was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen. The lacey band reminded him of the top of a thigh high stocking and damn did he love those.
I’m in so much trouble.
“Hey, you.” While eyeing all the other males in the room, he snaked his arm around her lower back, pulling her body into a hug and kissing her cheek. The feel of her bare stomach did things to him. Especially the lower half of his body. Shit. He pulled away before it became obvious to everyone around.
“Hi,” she said, her eyes a little wide. Probably because of the warm way he greeted her, but he could’ve swore he saw her breath pick up a little. When her eyes landed on the tattoo on his chest, she grinned in a knowing way. Her delicate fingertips lightly stroked the image, and she beamed, letting him know that she remembered what it symbolized.
Feeling her warm fingers on his chest, he was momentarily speechless. How in the hell had he ever thrown this girl away? What a dumbass.
Snapping out of their semi-intimate moment, he noticed his friends staring. His eyes darted down to the brand new purple riding gear she had draped over her arm and that gave him an idea. “You probably want to get dressed right away.”
“Sure.” She reached down, picking up a pair of boots sitting next to her feet.
Without hesitation, he grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the group of onlookers gawking at them. He ignored them, though he was sure he’d get shit about it later. He didn’t care. She’ll be covered by then.
He led her into one of the downstairs’ guest rooms. “You can dress in here.”
As she entered, looking at the décor, he watched her greedily, taking in every curve as she swayed her hips.
Turning her head, she smiled shyly, then closed the door. Good thing. One more second, and he may have shut them in. Coming back into the living room, he realized for the first time that Alison was wearing almost the same outfit as Bri. Shit, shit, he mentally kicked himself. How had he not noticed that?
Probably because Paul would’ve gouged my eyes out if I did.
“Damn Josh, is that your girl?” Tanner asked with way too much interest.
“Um, no?” He instantly looked at Alison, knowing anything he said would leave this room and head directly to Bri. He had to be careful.
“You sure?” he teased, slapping Josh on the bare back. “You practically pissed all over her.”
Alison kissed Paul then gave Josh a knowing look as she passed by. “I’m gonna get dressed too. We’ll be right out.”
“This coffee tastes like shit,” Bradley yelled from the kitchen. “Dude, you put cumin in it not cinnamon. Distracted much?” He laughed, holding the spice bottle up.
Josh silently groaned, “Dump it and make a new pot. I'll be right down.” He still had to finish getting dressed. Sprinting up the stairs to his bedroom, he hoped he was back before Bri. Then again, Alison was with her now. They’d probably be in the room a while, gabbing about what an ass he was.
There goes my chance.
Once they all drank a cup of coffee and ate a breakfast sandwich that Alison prepared, everyone made their way from the house out toward the garage. Bri walked next to Alison, taking in Josh from behind. It didn’t matter what had happened in the past, she was still incredibly attracted to him.
Alison gave her an intentional smirk. “Our little secret,” she whispered, motioning between her and Bri.
Bri nodded, but felt a little embarrassed. I’m going to have to be more careful or she might say something that will scare him away.
When Josh zoomed into the living room earlier, she was a little shocked at his reaction. She couldn’t be sure but it was almost as though he was trying to shield her from the other guys’ view. It was difficult for her to fight her instincts to hold onto him when his fingertips grazed her lower back.
The poor guy was going in for a quick hug and didn’t need her hanging onto him, but then she saw the tattoo and had to touch him. Good thinking, Bri. She couldn’t help it, though. She remembered the first time she’d seen that tattoo and how moved she’d been when he told her what it meant.
She continued to watch Josh as he rolled up the garage door, revealing all of the bikes, his truck, and his Porsche. Large poster-sized framed pictures of dirt bike riders performing tricks covered the walls.
“Boys and their toys.” She chuckled with Alison.
“Hey, they aren't all mine,” Josh laughed. “Those bikes over there belong to these guys.” He swiped his finger in the air, pointi
ng to everyone but Bri. “They just keep them here so they don't have to trek them up every time they come.”
“So these other four bikes are yours? As well as the two quads and the dune buggy?” She was having too much fun teasing him.
Everyone laughed at her snarky comment while he gave her a sideways smirk.
“She’s got you there, bro.” Tanner laughed the loudest.
Josh raised an eyebrow at his friend. “I wouldn't talk. You have more than I do.”
Tanner shrugged, unfazed. “Mine are for work.”
Josh rolled his eyes as he took one of his bikes off its stand. “Whatever, man.”
Strange. She gave Tanner a curious glance. “Why do you need a bike for work?”