blush (Westbrook Series)

by Mitzi Vaughn

  Chapter 14

  "Therapy?" Chloe looked up and saw a much brighter Brandon standing in the door of the hospital room. His large frame filled the opening.

  "Yep. She should be back pretty soon." She sat up in her chair and folded her hands together, then gently placed them on her lap. "I'm actually glad we have a chance to talk alone. I wanted to let you in on a dream she had. I don't know if this will mean anything to you, but I know it has her kind of freaked out."

  Brandon gasped as she told the rendition of the night at the bar.

  "I take it by your expression it was more than just a dream," Chloe sighed loudly. "I guess it's good that she is remembering more from that night."

  Brandon took a moment then explained everything that happened in the bar with Mark just hours before the attack. Chloe listened carefully. "You should probably talk to her about this. It may help put into place the last few things she's missing."

  "I will. I've got it from here. Thanks for coming." Brandon rubbed his fingers through his hair.

  Brandon paced as he waited for Missy to return. He didn't know how he was going to tell her everything that had happened before she left him at the bar. Telling her was taking a chance on her getting upset again. Missy, discontent and panicked was the last thing he wanted. He hated the expression she had on her face that night, as if she had seen a stranger. It's probably the same look she gave the bastard that assaulted her. Shit. Don't even let yourself go there. Surely she didn't believe he was anything like some random thug. They knew each other better than that, even if she was just remembering it.

  "Hey, you back?"

  Missy looked drained, the therapy was usually hard on her.

  "Yeah, you can't keep me away long. I hate being away from you."

  "Is Chloe still here?" She asked as he helped her back into the hospital bed.

  "No, I told her she could head out. I wanted to talk to you about something."

  Missy could tell by his appearance it wasn't going to be a cheerful conversation. Oh no! Did Chloe mention the dream to him? Chloe had a minor in psychology so it was in her nature to try and fix things even when Missy didn't want her to.

  "Okay, what's up?" Missy questioned apprehensively.

  "I wanted to talk to you about the night of the attack. The dream you had wasn't just a dream."

  "Yeah, I didn't think so."

  Brandon enlightened Missy on everything that happened. It all came back through each detail he gave. She remembered the bar, Mark, and the anger in Brandon's eyes. She had seen that anger before when she was younger in her father, every time he was drunk. Even more she remembered the attack, the ache with each hit the attacker took, the fear... oh God she remembered the terror she felt. She prayed that God would help her, that he would take her quickly so she wouldn't have to endure anymore of the horrid pain. It brought back memories of how she felt after Nicole died. She had prayed the same prayer then.

  Missy started to cry. "Oh baby please don't cry. I'm so sorry for that night. Please don't cry." Brandon was pleading for her to understand, but Missy could only weep.

  After a few moments of weakness, she touched his cheek softly. She was careful not to look directly into his eyes. The pain in his voice had been tough enough to endure; the hurt she saw may make what she had to say impossible. "Brandon, thank you so much for everything you have done for me since I have been here, but I need some time. I think it would be best if we don't see each other for a while outside of the office. I have a lot of work to do getting back to my old self. I don't think I can handle all of this too."

  Brandon looked into her eyes, begging without saying a word. Tears welled up and he fought them back. He had to be strong, for her. She shouldn't have to deal with his blubbering right now.

  "Sweetheart, I will give you time, but I have waited for you my whole life...I won't give up now." Brandon placed a kiss on her head and left the room.

  Chapter 15

  The doctor released Missy the next day. Chloe promised him that she would stay with her until after the next check-up, which was in a week. Missy thought he probably felt a little relieved for them to leave, because Chloe was constantly probing him on the long term psychological effects of the hit Missy took to the head. She knew Chloe was interested in the subject, but until her hospital stay, Missy had never seen exactly how passionate Chloe was about psychology.

  Walking back into her building and up the stairs where she had been tormented was devastating for Missy. She had to relive the abuse every time she came home. How was she going to do this? She knew she had to work through it. It was the only way she could heal, and yet each time was just as hard as the one before. Thank God Chloe was there to walk it with her.

  The next week with Chloe was like a constant slumber party. They laid around, watching chick flicks and feasting on ice cream. They always enjoyed a night in with Ben and Jerry. When Chloe had talked to Brandon the day before, he had told her to take as much time as she needed, as long as she tended to his girl. Chloe could see the sadness in his eyes as they talked about Missy. She almost felt bad for him, but she was "Team Missy" all the way.

  "Girl, you should have seen his face. He had big brown puppy dog eyes and everything. I hope you don't mind, I told him about your appointment tomorrow."

  Missy and Chloe were sitting at the bistro table in the kitchenette of Missy's apartment, drinking coffee.

  "I know, I really do miss him. We have so much fun together, and I'm kind of flattered by the whole protective, she's my girl, thing. But come on, did he have to hit Mark? They are supposed to be friends."

  "I understand. Men are animals."

  "I can't believe tonight is our last night." Sadness covered Missy's face.

  "I know! I am glad you're doing so well, but I am going to miss our sleepovers."

  This had been the hardest week of Brandon's life. Getting out of bed felt unachievable. He wanted to say fuck work and ignore the world outside. How could he have ruined the best thing that ever happened to him. He thought of Missy, her soft touch on his rough skin, the way she felt underneath him, and how her giggle sounded like the most beautiful noise he had ever heard. It was torturing him. She hadn't called. Knowing she would be coming back to work soon was the last bit of hope he was holding on to. Seeing her dark empty office everyday made his pain worse. She brought so much light into his life. He held out on his promise not to call, because he wanted to give her a little space. Man, he missed her. He would not be able to go on like this. Without her suddenly nothing made sense. The old Brandon was gone. He didn't know when he left or where the hell he went. Now it's just the new, love sick, pathetic Brandon. The one who is addicted to one woman.

  There was a knock at the door so Missy stood to answer it. She came back into the room carrying a beautiful arrangements of red roses.

  "Wow! Read the card." Chloe was taking in the alluring fragrance of the flowers.

  "It says good luck tomorrow; I will be thinking of you. Love, Brandon." Missy looked longingly at his handwriting on the card.

  "One, two, three....hey who buys a girl eleven roses?" Chloe asked sardonically.

  "Chloe, please, it was nice of him to send anything. Especially after I practically kicked him out of the hospital."

  Just then another knock at the door. Missy and Chloe looked at one another and ran to the door together. There stood a delivery man holding a single rose.

  "Read the card, read the card!" Chloe was just as excited as Missy. That's probably what made her Missy's best friend. She was always happy when something wonderful happened in Missy's life, never jealous like some of her pals were.

  "It says a dozen roses would not be complete without this one, just as my life has not been complete without you." Missy was tearing up at the wonderful message.

  "Oh my goodness! That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard. What are you going to do?"

  Missy decided to text Brandon. She needed to talk to him now that she had taken the time
to process all of her memories. "Thank you so much for the flowers. I think we should talk. Can you meet me for lunch after my appointment tomorrow?"

  He responded quickly, "You're welcome. I would buy you a botanical garden if you wanted. Lunch sounds great. I can't wait."

  Missy smiled at his kind words. She thought back to the nights they had spent together. There weren't near enough of them. She wanted more, but she felt hesitation every time she remembered the anger on his face at the bar. Was he even sorry for what he did to Mark?

  Chapter 16

  The appointment went wonderful. Missy still had pain, but everything was healing better than expected.

  "You are one lucky lady," the doctor said with a gentle smile.

  "Yes. I think so," Missy replied.

  After the appointment Chloe brought Missy to the restaurant they were meeting Brandon at. It was a chic French restaurant with beautiful pale yellow and pink floral decor. On each table sat an elegant antique tea set and matching cups. The menu was filled with appetizing sandwiches, salads, and soups.

  "Really! You should stay." Missy insisted, a little nervous to be with Brandon alone.

  "No! You and Brandon need to talk. He's really crazy for you Missy. You need to tell him how you are feeling. What if he's "THE ONE". You can't take a chance and let him go if he is. I will stay close in case you need me. Just text me."

  Missy kissed Chloe on the cheek before letting her walk out of the door.

  Brandon walked in as Chloe was leaving. He really respected her loyalty to Missy. She was an incredible friend.

  "Where is she going? Didn't she want to have lunch?" Brandon kissed Missy on the cheek before sitting in a chair across the table from her.

  "She wants to give us time to sort some things out." Missy was looking down. She knew if she didn't she might not be able to say what she needed to. She tended to get lost in his eyes and daydream about his lips. She wanted to just hold him; he had been so patient and loving with her. The drama that had occurred between them was still a weight on her shoulders though, and she wanted to clear the air before they could move forward.

  "How was your appointment?"

  "It went great. The doctor was very impressed with my progress." Changing the subject put Missy at ease a little. She relaxed in her chair and continued, "He said I shouldn't run any marathons today or tomorrow, but he anticipates for everything to heal fine."

  Brandon released a sigh of relief. He looked deep into her eyes waiting for the next shoe to drop.

  "Brandon, I have some questions I want to ask you," Missy stated just as the waiter came to take their order. Missy requested a mango and avocado salad and iced tea. Brandon didn't even look at the menu before he decided to have the same.

  "Go ahead. Ask me anything."

  "Why did you hit Mark? I mean, I know what he said and it was completely out of line, but what made you so angry you could get up and punch him? You guys seem very close."

  Brandon sat still and thought for a minute. To be honest he had asked himself the same question a hundred times since that night. Each time it lead to one answer.

  "Missy, I have never had feelings for a woman the way I do for you. Before your um...before the attack I was confused by them. They freaked me out a little. In a way I think I was fighting myself and that turned me into a bomb just waiting to go off."

  "You said before my attack. Are things different now?"

  Missy questioned him with the seriousness of a job interview. Damn he hoped he got this job.

  "Your accident put things into perspective for me."

  Missy tilted her head at him encouraging him to go on.

  "Baby, I thought that I was going to lose you. Not like you were just out of my life...like really lose you. You scared me. I was so afraid to admit my feelings for you, but it was nothing compared to the fear of never seeing you again. I made a mistake with Mark. Don't get me wrong, I won't allow anyone to ever talk shit about you, but I shouldn't have punched him...at least not so hard."

  Missy laughed at his attempt to lighten the mood.

  He continued, "I love you Missy. I know that it will take a while for you to understand that, but please let me prove it to you."

  Missy reached her hand across the table and touched his arm. She adored hearing those words come out of his mouth. "I have missed you so much."

  Before he let her go on Brandon gave her a serious look, "I have something to talk to you about now."

  Missy felt a knot in her stomach. "Okay, shoot."

  "I know that you're probably going to hate this. I don't think I would love you if you weren't the independent woman you are, but I don't want you to stay at your apartment alone." Brandon looked deep into her eyes with concern. He waited for her to come undone. He loved that she had taken care of herself for so long, but he wanted to take care of her now.

  "Brandon, I can't let the attack change my life. They caught the jerk that attacked me and now I need to pick up the pieces and move on." Missy moved her chair beside his and touched his face.

  He was so relieved that she was willing to include him into her life again that he hesitated to go on, but he had to. "I understand, but will you at least think about staying with me until you are completely healed? I know you're still in pain; let me take care of you. I promise when you are stronger I will buy you a can of mace and send you on your way." He gave her his most charismatic smile.

  "I'll think about it."

  "Damn right you will," Brandon joked, dodging the playful punch she threw his way. He was so content. Knowing that she would be back in his life was a huge weight off of his shoulders. He wanted to take care of her. For once in his whole existence he wanted to live for someone else.

  Chapter 17

  Brandon drove Missy back to her apartment. The overnight bag in his car told her not only was he awfully presumptuous, but he probably knew she wouldn't jump right on the idea of moving in with him. She didn't mind his assumption though. After being away from him so long, she really didn't want to let him out of her sight anyway---not that she would let him know that. She didn't have to; he knew. In fact, Brandon didn't leave her side for the next week and a half. He waited on her hand and foot. He massaged her when she was in pain. He cooked for her; they even got in the routine of going on long walks through central park. They would stay up late talking about everything in their lives before they found one another. Missy learned things about Brandon she would never had known if it weren't for the accident. He was loyal, unlike anyone she had ever met. He was also so funny and adorable----not to mention he made her want to do things to him she had only read about in books.

  Missy walked in the door of her apartment. Chloe had just dropped her off after driving her to her last appointment.

  "How did it go?" Brandon had been working all morning.

  "Brandon, the doctor said I am doing great. I can go back to work and you can stop waiting on me constantly."

  "That is terrific sweetheart. It will be wonderful to have you back at the office. Your living room is not the best workspace."

  Brandon had taken over most of her apartment with designs for several upcoming projects.

  Missy gave him an impish grin. "In fact, the doctor said I could resume all normal activities."

  Brandon spun around in the chair he was sitting in looking at the latest emails that had arrived from his secretary. Heat went straight from his head to the tip of his cock. "Missy, don't tease me!"

  Missy blushed, "It's true. I can do anything that doesn't cause pain and right now I feel fine."

  Brandon jumped up, lifted her feet off of the floor, and carried her to the bed. "Are you sure you feel okay?"

  "YES!" She started unbuttoning his shirt and sprinkling kisses on his chest. Brandon let out a small moan. She kissed her way down to his pelvic bone and licked around his belly button while trying to rid him of his pants.

  "You don't have to....."

  Missy interrupted him before he could
finish his sentence, "I want to. You have taken amazing care of me. Let me take care of you."

  She released his erection from his pants and took it slowly into her mouth. Licking and sucking the tip, then taking it into the back of her throat.

  "Oh! Damn Missy."

  His sounds of ecstasy cheered her on, encouraging her to nibble and suck harder. She brought her focus back to the tip swirling her tongue around until she drew out a small drop of liquid.

  "Brandon, you taste superb."

  He grumbled. "Missy, I can't take anymore. I'm about to come."

  "Go ahead, I want to taste you."

  He released at her request. Missy consumed every drop, savoring his nectar.

  Brandon reached over to his pants for a condom. "Damn it! I don't have protection."

  "I'm on the pill Brandon. We don't need it."

  The thought of being inside of her with no barrier was electrifying. He pulled her up and laid her next to him thumbing his fingers through her hair and over the cut on her head. Missy reached her arms around his neck and placed sweet kisses on his jaw. When his lips finally touched hers, the sweet kisses turned into a battle of want. He reached down to find the hem of her cotton dress and lifted it above her head. When he saw she was wearing nothing underneath, he groaned and took one of her breast into his hand, rubbing his thumb over her perky nipple.

  She wrapped her delicate hands in a firm grip around the shaft of his erection and began moving it until she reached the speed she knew he liked. When he put his mouth over her other nipple, she reached around and pawed at his muscular backside letting him know she was ready. Brandon rubbed the head of his cock over her slit teasing her and drawing out several moans. When she couldn't take the tormenting any longer, she grabbed his buttocks and dug her nails in thrusting him forward. She was wet and ready for him.