Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  It didn’t feel bad to share the difference in their statuses. She noticed his expression became shuttered when she mentioned her stepfather. “You would like my dad. In a way you remind me of each other,” Sunny told him as he ate the gyro, seeming to enjoy it.

  “Why do you say that?” His countenance remained closed, neutral.

  “Well, let’s see. He’s a proud man, who doesn’t trust easily. It took Beth, his wife now, a long time to manage to get him to admit he was in love with her. I helped, of course.”

  “Why would you interfere?” His question did not come across as accusatory, just merely curious.

  “Because I love him and I don’t want him to be alone. After everything he did for me. That man gave up everything to raise me. He fought for custody after my mother died and dedicated his life to ensuring I had a good upbringing. We didn’t have a lot of money, but I never suffered for anything.”

  Bryce put his fork down and covered her hand. The action took her by surprise. “I’m flattered you compare me to him. I am not that great of a guy.”

  “Yeah, you’re right,” Sunny replied with a chuckle, eyeing their hands. “But you did keep Moe for me and paid for my car to get fixed.”

  He finally removed his hand and shrugged.

  When he drove her home, she couldn’t figure out how to end the evening. He got out of the car and rounded it, then took her elbow to guide her to the door, taking any decision except one away. Whether or not to invite him in.

  “Thank you for dinner, it was nice. I’m glad I got the chance to know you better.” Sunny hugged him.

  Bryce surprised her by hugging her back, his arms tight around her. Then he kissed her temple, the gesture so sweet she had a hard time believing it was the same guy who’d been so abrupt before this day.

  “Good night, Sunny.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips and walked away.

  Chapter Eleven

  “He’s dead,” Braylen said, his voice without emotion. “Mom called last night to tell me. Said she’s left you a message. Like we would give a shit.”

  The man their mother married when they’d been young boys was dead and all Bryce wanted to do was celebrate. “The bastard finally kicked it, huh?”

  Braylen went to the refrigerator and pulled out two beers, handing one to Bryce. “Yeah. Mom said one of his relatives called her last night to say he left her some stuff. Although not sure what, she said they could keep it.”

  Braylen studied him. “How are the nightmares lately? You haven’t called in a couple weeks.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “I’ve actually slept well lately. I don’t know why, but it’s been good.”

  “Still need to talk to someone. Get rid of it, brother. I worry about you.” Braylen knew when to stop, so he looked out to the open area of the living room. “This place looks amazing. What time does the caterer get here?” Braylen was staying for the weekend since they were hosting the party together.

  “Yeah, Sunny did a great job.” At saying her name, he glanced at his cell. Other than a short call after dinner to inform him she’d mailed a check, he’d not heard from her in a couple days. He planned to call and ensure she would attend the party, but hadn’t yet.

  “You like her. Maybe you should ask her out or something,” Braylen said walking away. “Could be the reason you’re sleeping better. Maybe the big ‘L’ got ya.”

  “Let’s go ride. Need to exercise the horses.” Bryce drained his beer and headed out the back door.

  That evening he sat before the fireplace and looked out to the rainy night. It was true he’d suffered nightmares for years and had been too stubborn to get therapy, but maybe it was time. The cause of his fears was dead, not much could be done about the past other than leave it there. As hard as he’d tried to push away the memories of hours spent locked in a closet or in a foot locker to the perverse enjoyment of his stepfather, he couldn’t.

  At first he thought living in the large house would help, the expansive, open spaces did help with his claustrophobia, but it was never enough. The dreams returned when he least expected it. A terror so great he could barely breathe. He wasn’t lulled into complacency by the lack of dreams lately. He’d had breaks before and it never lasted long.

  After she didn’t reply to his call or voice message, Bryce had texted Sunny asking she reconsider coming to the party and asked that she be his date. She’d yet to reply. The woman was infuriating. If he texted or called any of his exes, none would hesitate to accept. But he knew Sunny was wary of him and with good reason.

  He’d hoped dinner together would have put her more at ease, but so far it seemed it would take more than that to get to spend more time with her.

  “Hey, what are you doing sitting in the dark?” Braylen dropped into a plush chair. “I can’t sleep.”

  “Want me to make you warm milk?” Bryce asked making a high-pitched voice. “Or do you need a lullaby?”

  “Nah. I think I need to read or something, that usually helps and I forgot my iPad. Can I borrow yours?”

  Bryce looked at his twin. They were fraternal, both with the same dark hair, although Braylen kept his short. But Braylen’s eyes were a bright blue unlike Bryce’s dark eyes. Since they were children, Braylen loved to read, often spending entire afternoons with his nose in a book. “Sure, it’s on my nightstand.”

  “Holy shit,” Braylen came out a few moments later. “Your bedroom wall is awesome! Did you pick that out?”

  “Like the purple, huh?” He couldn’t help but smile.

  Braylen shook his head. “Heck no, it’s ugly as hell, but I know it looks good to you. How cool. How’d you think of it?”

  “I didn’t. Sunny did it.”

  “Well, she’s awesome. You’re an idiot to let her go.” Braylen padded toward one of the spare bedrooms, already looking at the reading selections.

  Bryce pushed the call button and held the phone to his ear. Sunny answered on the second ring.

  “Is something wrong?”

  It was then he realized it was almost midnight. “No, I’m sorry to call so late. I expected it would go to message. Did I scare you?”

  “No, it startled me though. I forgot my phone at home today and when I got here it was dead. So I just plugged it in and it rang.” She laughed and he smiled at the sound. “How are you?”

  “Will you be my date for New Year’s Eve?”

  “Oh.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  Once again he heard her chuckle. “I won’t fit in Bryce. Not with your circle. It would be awkward.”

  “No it won’t. I would have not figured you to be a scaredy cat.”

  “Scaredy cat? I wouldn’t have figured you to use that term.” She let out a loud sigh. “Okay. I’ll come. I’ll do my best not to do something stupid.”

  “Good night, Sunny.”

  “Good night, Bryce.”

  Sunny smiled as her head sunk into her pillow. Moe snored loudly from his bed and she reached over and covered him up with a little blanket. “What is happening?” she said out loud. “I can’t do this. It’s going to hurt so bad when he breaks my heart.”

  The next day she’d go shopping for a new dress and shoes. She’d have to find out what the attire for the event was. She texted Bryce and asked. He replied quickly. The dress was semiformal.

  Great, now to figure out what her role would be. Did he expect her to show up early and help set up. No, that was silly, she remembered notes from a catering company.

  The way her mind started spinning, she knew it would be hard to fall asleep. She threw the blankets off and retrieved her laptop. Then typed in the local society page.

  Her mouth fell open upon seeing a picture of Bryce and the woman, Carla, leaving Paulo’s. The headline read: “Paulo’s Taverna, the new Hot Spot for single socialites.”

  “Ugh,” she grunted and fell back into the pillow. “What game is he playing? Why did he take her there?” She lifted her head and studied the picture. Both looked stoic.
He wasn’t touching her as she walked in front of him. As a matter of fact, his hands were in his pockets as he frowned toward the camera.

  The woman looked down with her hand up either sweeping hair from her face or covering it.

  It was interesting. Of course he could date. It wasn’t as if there was anything between her and Bryce. But did he have to take her to Paulo’s? If anything, this helped keep her mind straight. She’d go to the party and network. He was doing her a favor and that was it. So why not accept and use it to her advantage?

  Sunny closed the page and typed in cocktail party wear to study what sort of outfit she needed to plan.

  When she sniffed, it made her mad. It would take a lot of grit, but she’d work on protecting her heart.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was a perfect night. A multitude of stars sparkled from the dark blanket of the sky. Bryce stood outside with Braylen and their mother greeting guests. Jazzy music wafted from speakers giving the night a festive air.

  When a group of four women headed to them, the brothers’ mother elbowed them. “Be nice boys. They are all single and from the best families.”

  Braylen pressed his lips together to keep from laughing, while Bryce groaned. “Mother, I have a date tonight.”

  “What?” they both asked Bryce in unison.

  They greeted the women, who’d obviously been primed by their mother. Each taking more than enough time to ensure the brothers noticed them. Braylen smiled widely, complimenting their looks while Bryce kept his greeting more cordial than friendly.

  Once the women went inside after getting promises to “talk later”, Bryce’s mother gave him a pointed look. “Who is your date? Do I know this woman?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” Bryce tried to keep his voice level. Morgan Forrester-Johnson was a social maven, who spent more time a month attending parties and functions than most people did in an entire year. She took pride in being in the know and part of the most prominent social circles. Although not a bad person, she lacked any mothering instinct. The only time he’d realized she loved him was upon her learning of their stepfather’s abuse. She’d divorced him within weeks, regardless of his attempts to get her back. Once she threatened to bring him up on charges, the man had given up.

  The abuse, which had lasted five years, from the time the twins were five until they were ten, left a lasting effect now twenty-four years later.

  “She decorated the house. I’m not sure you met her unless you stopped by while she was here last month.”

  “Hmmm,” Morgan replied tapping her chin. “I don’t think so. I feel obligated to point out that her attempt to get to know you after working for you is pretty transparent. She could be one of those women looking to climb up the social ladder.”

  He let out a breath trying hard not to be rude to his clueless mother. “It took me a long time to convince her to be my date. So please be nice.”

  “Of course dear,” his mother didn’t sound convincing and he looked to Braylen, who shook his head.

  “Mother, you really need to work on your social skills. Not everyone is high society,” Braylen said.

  “I know that,” their mother snapped, and then stopped talking as another guest arrived.

  Bryce could not tear his eyes from the woman who walked up. Her long, brown hair was pulled up in an elegant twist, showing off her graceful neck. The simple white dress she wore accentuated her figure, hugging every curve in a tasteful way. The dress went to just below her knees showing off her well-toned legs and tan heels. She pulled a shawl over her shoulders and looked to him, her gaze uncertain.

  “Holy cow,” Braylen said under his breath. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Yeah,” Bryce replied walking toward the vision that was his date for the evening.

  At Sunny’s tentative smile, he felt the need to reassure her. He took her slender hand and led her to where his mother and grinning brother stood. “Mom, Braylen, this is Sunny.”

  “Welcome,” Braylen moved close and kissed Sunny’s cheek. “Nice to finally meet you.”

  Sunny smiled and looked to their mother. “Hello.”

  “How are you,” their mother smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. “I just now learned about you.” She gave Bryce a pointed look. “Please come in, you must be freezing in that light shawl.”

  “Yes, I am. I didn’t have a coat that looked good with the dress, so I left it in the car.”

  His mother’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, that’s a shame. I’m Morgan Forrester-Johnson by the way.”

  The women went inside and as much as Bryce wanted to follow, he turned when more guests arrived. Carla was among them.

  “This is going to be an interesting night,” Braylen said with a cough to cover his chuckle. “We need to go inside.”

  They followed the last group into the house. The caterer greeted them instantly with hot mulled wine and appetizers. Bryce grabbed two cups and went to find Sunny.

  “I didn’t plan to come, but Margo was so looking forward to it.” Carla blocked his path. She swiped her hair to the side. “It’s all very well done.” Her eyes scanned the room stopping at spotting Sunny, who stood beside the fireplace flanked by two men he recognized as friends of Braylen’s.

  Carla let out a delicate cough. “Well, she came to the right place to find a man.”

  “Excuse me.” He went past her to Sunny who gave him a relieved smile.

  “Hi.” She accepted the drink and took his proffered arm. “Everything looks beautiful.”

  “Thanks to you,” he replied just as his mother neared with one of the single woman she’d invited.

  “I’m not sure you knew this Bryce, but Ava and you attended the same social class.”

  After the third time either Bryce’s mother or the woman, Carla, made it obvious she was interloping, Sunny began moving towards the door. A group of violinists were setting up and she held on waiting for the distraction so she could slip out. It was a huge mistake to have come. As nice as Bryce attempted to be, the women from his social circle were not pulling any stops to ensure he realized the mistake he’d made in inviting her.

  “These people are relentless, aren’t they?” Braylen leaned on the wall next to her. “Come, hurry.” He took her hand and led her down the hallway, through the study to a side patio. There were outdoor heaters, which made it bearable to stand outside. “There. I wanted to be sure they wouldn’t run over and stop me from talking to you. Hold on a minute, don’t move.” He rushed away.

  A few moments later Bryce walked out and went directly to her. He embraced her, bringing her against him and let out a long breath. “I’m so sorry. Are you all right?”

  “Yes I’m fine. What did your brother tell you?”

  “That you were about to slip out and leave. I don’t blame you.” He looked down at her searching her face. “Hell, I want to leave, too. I never realized how shallow and elitist these people are. Actually, mostly the women are. The men come around because they want to get to know you.”

  “It’s okay. They are being protective of you and what they perceive me to be. Don’t be upset. Enjoy the party. I’ll head home and celebrate with Moe. He’s quite the party animal it turns out.”

  “No.” He took her face with both hands and lifted her face. “Sunny, will you accept to be in a committed relationship with me?”

  “Oh, no. We can’t do that.” What was she saying? She wanted to do a happy dance in a circle and scream, “Hell Yeah!”

  His mouth covered hers, the kiss so deep and urgent, she couldn’t resist wrapping her arms around him. When he slid his hands down her back and pulled her closer, Sunny moaned. He was not playing fair.

  Bryce pulled back and waited for her to open her eyes. “I have not been in a relationship before, so I know I will screw up from time to time, but I promise you I won’t hurt you. I will be committed to you and ask that you give me a chance. Say yes.”

  “Yes.” Her voice was breathless. Before she could recover
, he kissed her again until she lost her breath and could barely stand up. Her knees wobbled when he held her against him.

  “Let’s go back to the party, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  She went to the bathroom and checked her lipstick. Thankfully, it wasn’t smeared across her face. What color was left was enough to give her lips a slight blush tone, which matched her cheeks perfectly. Her eyes sparkled at Bryce when he looked in to check on her. His gaze was inquisitive as if he expected her to change her mind any minute.

  A part of her considered it.

  They walked back out to the party holding hands garnering everyone’s attention. Bryce pulled her against his side and whispered in her ear. “Chin up, Miss Stilton. Bryce Forrester’s girlfriend is not the kind to intimidate easily.”

  She giggled and hit his shoulder playfully.

  “Would you like some champagne?” Braylen handed her a flute and winked.

  They spent the next few hours milling about, both she and Bryce relaxed as they became attuned to each other’s body language. He didn’t leave her side, either holding her hand or keeping his hand on her back or elbow. His protectiveness was both reassuring and sweet.

  “I don’t believe we’ve met,” the women she’d seen in the online picture came up and gave Bryce a pointed look.

  He spoke up. “Carla, this is Sunny Stilton. You’ve met her. She’s the one responsible for redecorating this house.”

  “Oh, that’s right, the decorator. How cliché.” She lifted her glass.

  “You don’t think an ex being snarky is cliché?” Sunny couldn’t help the comeback. Bryce did not want her cowering and she would not allow these people to make her feel bad because she wasn’t rich.

  Carla blinked in surprise then stalked off.

  “She’s much prettier from a distance,” Sunny told Bryce whose lips twitched.

  “It’s almost midnight. Do you want to join us outside?” His mother neared speaking only to Bryce before giving Sunny a cursory glance. “Your guests are all going out for the fireworks display.”