He held himself above her, watching as she came down from the heights of pleasure she hadn’t known existed.
“Look at me,” he murmured, and she did. She stared into eyes that haunted her only a handful of days ago, but now whatever other memories they may have evoked, were gone. Shattered. The eyes she looked into were Brodie’s, and if she never saw another set of eyes boring into hers the way his were, it wouldn’t matter. All that mattered now was the man who lowered himself against her, and kissed the dewy wetness on her neck, her shoulder, and in the soft groove between her breasts.
“I liked it slow, Peyton. Very much.” He brought his lips to hers and tangled her tongue with his. “But next time, we do it fast. Fast and hard. Okay, baby?”
“Brodie…” She had no words, other than to say his name again and again, in something she could only describe as reverence. He slid away into the bathroom, dragging his fingers over her body as he went. A chill spread over her, and she reached for the blanket.
“No.” He pulled the cover away from her as he came back to bed. He rested his body next to hers. “I’ll keep you warm, Peyton. I’ve got you. Always. Do you understand?”
She let her heavy eyelids close, and snuggled into his heat.
She stirred, her body entwined with Brodie’s. He moved against her slowly, every inch of his body pulsating. “I want you again, Peyton,” he moaned. As if her arm had freewill, she opened the drawer of the nightstand, her fingers feeling the way until they rested on what they sought. She pulled the condom packet out, closed the drawer with the back of her hand, and rested it between them.
True to his word, he took her fast, and hard. They came together, pulling at one another, hands grasping, looks searching, until they exploded, landing in a heap of tangled limbs. She’d never be cold when she slept with Brodie, his body knew nothing but heat.
He pulled her close to him, and spooned her body, his powerful hands and arms covering more of her than a blanket could.
“Sleep, baby,” he whispered, and she did.
He should let her sleep, but was powerless against the overwhelming need to take her again. Reaching to the nightstand, he gently pulled the drawer open, and felt another foil packet. He snatched it up, tore it open, and sheathed himself. Peyton’s breathing was still even, she hadn’t moved a muscle.
Slowly he eased himself inside her wetness, and held himself still as she came awake. “Oh my God, Brodie, you feel so good,” she groaned, and moved her hips back and forth.
He put his hand on her hip, and stilled her. Slowly, slowly, he began again, easing in and out of her. His hands came up and held her breasts as he ran his tongue from her shoulder to the back of her neck, where he rained soft kisses up and down. Taking her from behind, he couldn’t see her eyes, but he could hear her soft mewls as he rotated his hips. He slid his hand down and cupped her, holding her still, so only he could control their movement.
“Mmm,” she whimpered.
“Shh.” He stilled her again. He felt every part of her skin heat against him, and forced himself to focus on how good it felt to have her wrapped around him. He never wanted to lose this feeling. When he dreamt of her, this is what he wanted his body to remember.
This time when their wave of pleasure crested, he stayed where he was, allowing himself and her to sleep with their bodies joined.
Peyton opened her eyes to the morning light casting a soft glow on her body. Brodie’s arms held her tight, one leg bent over hers, trapping her against him.
“Good morning, my beautiful Peyton.” His lips kissed across her neck, as they had the night before. Her need for him had not diminished. If it wasn’t for the exhaustion that came with the release he gave her body, she would want him again, only moments after their bodies came apart. Her legs were stiff from sleeping so soundly in one position, and her arms felt too heavy to lift.
“I want to see your eyes,” he said as he managed to turn her body around to face him. His hand cradled the side of her face, and he brought his lips to hers. His kiss was soft, not hard, as it had been last night.
“When do you have to be at Stave?”
“Later.” She grinned. “Why do you ask?” She squirmed against him, but he held her still.
“Breakfast, baby.”
Brodie was standing and pulling her out of bed before her lips could form a pout. “But—”
“Breakfast,” he whispered as though it was the most sensual word in the English language. “Let’s see, what would Peyton want after a night of full-throttle, mad, crazy, passionate, all-out lovemaking? Hmm. Let me guess. Honey pancakes with an ollalieberry drizzle? Or maybe a Dungeness crab omelet with shrimp, mushrooms, and swiss cheese?”
“Stop.” She swatted at him. “I’m suddenly ravenous.”
“Not sudden, baby. You’ve been ravenous all night long.” His dimples creased his face as he smiled at her.
Peyton brought her fingers to his lips, and caressed his cheek in the same way he’d done to her so many times last night. “Brodie, last night was…”
“Was…go on…”
“I’m searching for words.”
“How about if I help? Spectacular. The best sex of my life.” He grinned.
“Without question.” She sauntered into the bathroom, reached in and turned on the shower. Brodie came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Those were my words, Peyton. Tell me yours.”
“Mind-blowing. Other-worldly. Sweet, sensual, and loving.”
“I like your words, Peyton.”
“I like you, Brodie.”
He followed her into the shower, and took the bottle of shampoo from her hand. “Let me.” He drizzled it into his hands and rubbed his fingers into her scalp.
“I didn’t realize how long your hair is. It’s always up. I like it, especially when I can run my fingers through it.”
She moaned as he massaged her scalp, kneading it with his powerful hands. That sound, so like the ones he’d heard from her the night before, made him want her again.
“Rinse, sweetheart.”
Peyton closed her eyes as the water washed the scent of him away.
When she turned and picked up the soap, he caught her wrist. “Breakfast,” he growled.
“But—”
“No, Peyton. Breakfast.”
She pouted at him, and rubbed her body against his as she got out of the shower.
“You’ll pay for that, darlin’.” He followed, swatting her bottom as she ran into the bedroom.
“Breakfast, Brodie.” Peyton stuck her tongue out at him.
He laughed, throwing his head back, and marveling at how in such a short time, she had him wrapped around her finger, and his heart beating out of his chest.
Peyton’s phone vibrated in the bag resting near her feet. She pulled it out and reached over to turn down the music wafting from her car’s sound system.
“Hi, sweetie, good morning,” she answered, seeing Jamison’s name flash on the screen.
“Hey, Mom.”
“How was your night with Grandma and Grandpa?”
“Good. Abuela Lucia stayed and watched movies with us until it was so late, Grandpa said he didn’t feel comfortable letting her drive home, so he drove her.”
She loved that Alex’s mom was so close to her parents. The friendship between Lucia and Peyton’s mom reminded her of her own friendship with Alex. When Alfonso died, Peyton’s mom brought Lucia into their family in the same way Lucia would’ve had Peyton’s father died. Alex said that her mom was as much the boys’ abuela as her mother, and she was right. Her boys were well-loved by their two grandmothers.
“Hey, Mom, is it okay if Finn and I stay here again tonight? Grandpa said he’d take us to the stables and we could ride in the morning.”
“Of course, sweetie, but I’ll talk to you again later, okay?”
“Yeah, bye. Love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, Jamison.”
She disconnected her call and looked
over at Brodie, whose smile once again brought out his dimples.
“How are they?”
“They’re good. They love their time with my parents, and even though I miss them like crazy, I’m happy they get to be with them as much as they do.”
“Did I hear Jamison say something about riding?”
“My dad keeps horses at Los Caballeros. He and my mom love to ride, and take the boys every chance they can.”
“We have stables too.” He grinned.
“I know you do.” She grinned back.
“Do you ride, Peyton?”
“Please, Brodie. Ride? I was born on the back of a horse.”
He reached over and stroked her cheek with his finger. “Beautiful and badass.”
“Huh?” She laughed.
“Every time I look at you, that’s what comes to mind. You’re breathtakingly beautiful and so badass that I wonder sometimes if I’ll be able to keep up with you.”
Peyton laughed again, and looked out at the waves crashing on Moonstone Beach. “Do you surf, Brodie?”
“Surf? Please. I was born on a surfboard.”
He stopped the car in front of the Ollalieberry Diner, climbed out, and came around to open her door. He loved that she waited for him, loved that she let him do that for her.
Brodie’s phone vibrated in his pocket, but he ignored it. Whoever it was, he’d call back later. When it vibrated again, between the car and the front door of the restaurant, he decided he better answer it.
“Excuse me for a minute,” he said to Peyton, and looked at the screen on his cell. Naughton was calling.
“What’s up, brother? House on fire?”
Naughton’s words sent a chill down Brodie’s spine. “It’s Ma, Brodie. Took her by helicopter to Twin Cities Hospital. It’s her heart.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Peyton was standing in front of him, concern etched into her face. “What is it?”
“My ma. I’m sorry, Peyton, but I’ve gotta go.”
“It’s okay, I’ll take you to your car.”
10
Ten minutes earlier Peyton was starving. Now the thought of eating made her nauseous. Instead of going home, she drove to Stave. They’d be opening in an hour, and there was no telling what kind of shape Alex left the place in last night.
Alex’s car was in the parking lot when she pulled in, but that didn’t mean much. After the night she had, who knew what might have gone on between Alex and Maddox.
“Well, good morning, sunshine,” Alex beamed when Peyton walked in the back door.
“Hey, Alex.”
“Wait, you’re not smiling like the sun. What’s wrong?”
“They took Mrs. Butler to the hospital by helicopter this morning. Her heart—”
Alex’s hand went to her mouth and she ran to the office before Peyton finished her sentence.
She came back out a minute later, holding her cell. “It went to voicemail,” she explained.
“Maddox?”
“Yeah.”
“My dad—” Alex’s eyes filled with tears.
Peyton walked over and hugged her. “I know, sweetie.” Alfonso Avila died too young, of a massive heart attack. Brodie’s mom being taken by helicopter hit too close to home. Alex’s dad had been too, but was dead before it touched down.
Alex hit the buttons on her phone again, waited, and then hung up.
“You can go if you want to,” Peyton offered.
“No. I don’t want to intrude.”
“Alex, that’s the last thing they’d think. You’ve known the Butlers your whole life.”
“I’ll wait.” Alex walked to the front of the tasting room and opened the garage door. “The weather is so beautiful, we should take advantage of it.”
Peyton noticed the way Alex’s hands shook when she hit the opener. Her skin had gone pale, and her eyes were filled with tears.
“Go. Please. If you’re okay to drive. Please go.”
“I don’t know.”
“Go and see if they need anything. I’ll be fine here.”
“Call Addy?”
“Yep, I’ll see if she can come in early. If not, I’ll try Sam.”
“Okay. You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Peyton was as worried as Alex was, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to go to the hospital. Maddox knew about her and Brodie, but what about the rest of their family? What would they think of her? And after last night—she wasn’t proud of herself at the moment.
There wasn’t anything for her to do to get Stave ready to open. Alex appeared to have been there a while. The floor was swept and mopped, the counters had been scoured, and the wine chillers were full. Peyton went into the kitchen to see if any food needed to be prepped, but that was done too. She walked over to the coffeemaker and brewed a fresh pot.
She was worried about Mrs. Butler, but knew Alex would call and give her an update soon as she knew anything.
With a full cup of coffee, Peyton walked out front and sat at one of the tables on the patio. The sun beating down from the east felt warm on her face. She breathed in the aroma of the strong coffee, and closed her eyes.
She opened them just as a man walked in the store across the street. She held her breath. From the back, he looked so much like Kade. This time she knew it wasn’t one of his brothers, what she didn’t know was whether she had imagined him or not. Would he ever stop haunting her?
She put her feet on the chair across from her, and set her coffee on the table, letting her mind drift wherever it wanted to go.
“Peyton, wake up.” The gravely voice she knew so well, startled her. She opened her eyes, and blinked, trying to focus. Kade was sitting at the table, in the chair opposite hers.
“Kade?” She gasped. “What—”
He held up his hand, and she stopped talking.
“She’s going to be okay.”
“Your mom?”
“It was a mild one, more of warning. They’ll keep her a couple days for observation, and then let her go home.”
“But—”
“Everything will be okay, Peyton. She’ll be okay, and so will you.”
“Peyton?” Peyton opened her eyes, Addy was shaking her shoulder.
“Where did he go?” She shot up and looked around the patio.
“Who?”
“Kade! He was just here. Where did he go?”
“Peyton…you were dreaming…”
“No, Addy,” she barked. “He was just here. He told me his mom was going to be okay.”
“That’s why I came out looking for you.” Addy handed Peyton her cell that she’d left on the desk in her office. “Alex is trying to get in touch with you.”
Peyton walked to the front of the patio and looked up and down the street. No one was out yet this morning. She looked across the street and saw a closed sign in the window of the store she only moments ago thought she saw Kade walk into.
“I’m sorry, Peyton.” Addy stood next to her.
“I need to find him.” Out of the corner of her eye, Peyton saw Addy shake her head as she walked away. Instead of calling Alex, Peyton went to her favorite’s screen and punched the icon for Kade.
The phone rang and rang, but he didn’t pick up, and it didn’t go to voicemail. That was odd. As soon as she set the phone down on the table, it rang. Peyton grabbed it. It was Alex.
“Hi.”
“Hey, Peyton. I’m not to the hospital yet, but Maddox called. Their mom is going to be okay. It was a mild heart attack.”
“I know. They’re going to keep her a couple days for observation.”
“Yes. How did you know? Did you call the hospital?”
“No, Alex. Kade told me. He was just here. I’ve got to go though. I closed my eyes and he was gone. I’ve got to find him.”
“Wait, wait, wait, honey. What’s going on?”
“I’ve got to go, Alex. I have to find him.”
Peyton disconnecte
d the call, and shoved the phone into her back pocket. He couldn’t have gotten far, he was just here. Why did he leave? Where was he?
She walked all the way from the west village to the east. No stores were open yet, except the market. Maybe Louie had seen him. She pulled open the front door and went inside.
“Good morning, Peyton,” Louie greeted her. “What can I get you? Coffee?”
“No, Louie, but thanks. Have you seen Kade?”
“Kade? Do you mean Brodie?”
“No, Louie. Kade. He was at Stave, and then he was gone. I need to find him.”
Louie came out from around the counter. “Peyton, sit down.” He pressed her shoulder, guiding her to one of the chairs near the bakery counter. He pulled another chair around and sat down in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Peyton.” He looked into her eyes. “Tell me what this is all about.”
She jerked her hands away. “I saw him, Louie. He told me his mom was going to be okay. He told me everything Alex said. I already knew. He’s here somewhere and I need to find him.”
Peyton got up and went out the front door of the market, glad that Louie didn’t follow her. She searched both sides of the street again, wishing she drove instead of walked. A few minutes later, Alex pulled up just as Peyton was about to cross the street.
“Get in,” she shouted.
“No, Alex. I need to find him.” Peyton started to cry, and covered her face with her hands. “He was here, Alex. He told me about his mom. He was here,” she sobbed.
Alex got out of the car and walked around to where Peyton stood.
“He was here, Alex. I swear,” Peyton cried.
Alex put her arm around Peyton’s shoulders and guided her into the car. Once Peyton started to cry, she couldn’t stop. She looked up when Alex turned a corner. “Where are we going?”
“Home.”
“Home? I don’t want to go home, Alex.”
Alex pulled the car off the side of the road. She took Peyton’s hands in hers, and looked into her eyes. “Kade is dead, Peyton. He wasn’t here, he didn’t tell you about his mother.”
The Promise (Butler Ranch Book 1) Page 10