Gone. Nothing but blackness.
The echo of her laughter fell away too, replaced only by the lurch of a distant clock. The slow-sounding drag of one tick to the next. A dream!
Braden forced his eyes open, shot up from the bed, and sucked in a breath of air. “Was just a dream,” he realized with a sigh. A mean one. He used his forearm to wipe the sweat off his brow, willing his blood to simmer down. It was boiling, Braden was sure of it.
He repositioned his pillow, covered himself once more with the sheets, and worked to push the nightmare from his head. But there wasn’t a chance; it was too fresh. And much too real. Behind his closed lids he could see her running a hand over Terrance’s chest. Putting her mouth on him. A vicious shiver rocked his body at the image.
Desperate, he switched sides, reached for a spare pillow and covered his head with it, hoping to at least drown out the sound. He forced his eyes shut and begged sleep to take him. She’s always wanted me, Terrance’s voice rang in his mind, and she still does.
That was it. Tossing the pillow from his head, Braden reached for his cell and checked the time. Only one in the morning? Great. No doubt he was in for a night full of punishment. Even if he managed to get back to sleep – which didn’t seem likely – his mind would tread over the same groove it was stuck in now. Talk about torture. “Nope,” he said, throwing off the covers.
With a fresh idea coming to mind, Braden flicked the light switch, pulled on a pair of Levi’s, and grabbed his boots. Within minutes he had shrugged into a shirt and was headed for the stables. He prepared Gunner for riding in the glow of the full moon, anxious to work off the adrenaline rushing through his limbs. The toxic thoughts infecting his brain.
As his trusty horse broke into a fierce gallop, the dream came to life once again. Terrance striding into the woodshop, threatening to take Allie away from him. Allie – to Braden’s horror – going along with every word. He hadn’t realized that fear before, but he had to admit – in that moment, with the nightmare fresh and sharp in his head – it didn’t seem so far fetched. After all, how many times had Allie forgiven the guy for his rotten behavior? Sure the divorce was final, but that didn’t mean Terrance couldn’t ensnare her once again.
Braden gritted his teeth. That’s exactly what it would mean if he had anything to say about it. No more stepping back and playing the nice guy. No more giving Allie her distance while that jackass lured her back into his trap. Braden had finally been given a second chance with Allie, and this time, she would be his. Taking things too slowly, was he? He’d change that; it was time to step things up before it was too late. Braden would make Allie his at last.
It seemed as if Gunner had settled on a resolve of his own; his rapid pace like the steady beat of a war drum – a warning to the enemy. Braden rode on the triumphant wave, fueled by thoughts of his plan for the day ahead. Once they reached the border of his land, the corner that met the Emerson’s property, Braden glanced at the house Allie grew up in, the sight of it small in the distance. How many times had he ridden out to this stretch, hoping to catch Allie on a midnight run of her own? Of course, she never did ride at night as Braden did, but he hadn’t stopped hoping for it. Nearly all of his teenage years. And even some beyond.
Braden smoothed a palm over the side of Gunner’s strong neck before giving him a few solid pats. “Let’s keep going, boy.”
A new sense of determination coursed through him as he led the horse along the bordering fence, picking up the pace once again. He hadn’t been clear enough with Allie. Sure, he was a gentleman, had never been one to rush things with a lady, but where had that gotten him before? This time he needed to let Allie know where he stood. If that poor-excuse-for-a-man ever sauntered back into her life, Braden will have already staked his claim on her.
Hours passed as he rode, drawing the pattern of his plan in his mind, a mental blue print he’d follow to a T. By the time he finally returned Gunner to the stable, the night was nearly gone. That suited him just fine.
Back in his room, Braden walked past the bed completely, stripped off his boots and clothes, and headed straight for the shower. Who knew if he’d catch a few Z’s before Allie came into work? Or if he’d simply head to the workshop once his shower was through.
Either way Braden wished he could just speed time on its course. He had something to take care of after all, and nine o’clock couldn’t get there quickly enough.
~+~
Allie pulled up to the woodshop, thoughts of Braden filling her mind. After his visit to her place last night – an event Allie had fretted over for days – she felt like a new woman. Thanks to Braden she’d gained insight on Paige’s art, as well as unique inspiration on a new jewelry line. But even more, she’d managed to get in touch with that youthful side of herself. The one who knew how to let go a bit and have a good time. Last night she’d let the girls stay up late, stayed up much later than usual herself, and threw caution to the wind where calories were concerned. As a result, she felt closer to the girls than she had in a long time. And closer to Braden too.
She was so inside her head as she entered the woodshop that Allie almost missed the out-of-place figure in the office. On the far side of the room he sat, centered in front of the door – the one leading to the house.
After a quick startle, she realized it was Braden. “Oh, hi,” she said, setting her items on the desk. She reached for the buttons on her jacket, spun to face the chair as she unbuttoned them, waiting for his reply.
It came in the steady thud of his boots on the floor, and then the feel of his hands at her back. The heavenly scent of him came next, followed by the warmth of his arms as they wrapped around her from behind. “Hello,” he crooned, reminding her of their conversation at the door last night.
He rested his chin on her shoulder, moved his hands over hers, and replaced her in the task of unbuttoning her thin jacket.
She tried to pace her breath as her arms dropped, but it sped up just the same, turning jagged and loud as he slipped off the sleeves in a slow, gentle caress. The alluring action pulling a slight moan from her throat. After removing it completely, Braden laced his fingers through hers and led her into the woodshop.
Her mind ran wild. Just what had gotten into Braden?
While she wanted to know the answer to that question, Allie was not willing to break the silence. The unspoken spell that lured her closer as they walked. He led her to a dark portion of the shop. The area, lined with a shallow bar, was set against the outside wall. A few hand-crafted stools stood nearby.
The light from the skylight never seemed to reach this part. That’s what the bulbs were for. But Braden didn’t bother turning them on. Instead he leaned against the bar, pulled Allie toward him, and set his dark, smoldering eyes on her. A brooding frown pulled at his brow while he held her gaze, his face barely visible through the low light. One hand found the small of her back, the action begging her closer even still.
Allie glanced down, slid one of her pumps between his boots, and thrilled at the feel of his legs at either side, pinning hers in place. Her body flooded with desire. Her heart raced with anticipation. All of it drowning the inquiries in her head. There was only Braden. His strong hands. His warm body. And the living, thriving beat of desire that echoed in her head. She wanted his kiss. Needed it.
As if reading her thoughts, Braden leaned in, nudged her lips once with his own, and then pressed his mouth to hers in a hot, demanding kiss. His lips were new today, strong and hungry. He’d skipped the razor it seemed, the coarse feel of his scruff pleasing her as it grazed her lips.
Yes. The single word repeated in her head as he deepened the kiss and thrust his hand through her hair. She’d pictured kissing Braden in the workshop before, imagined how it might feel. Her answer came rushing in with the slick graze of his tongue against hers. So good.
He moved his hands to her hips, gripping her there with a deep, masculine groan. While keeping that hold on her, Braden spun around, hiking Allie
on top of the shallow bar. He nudged in against her, cupping a warm hand over her denim-covered knee, up the length of her outer thigh. She found herself gripping the fabric of his T-shirt. Not only to pull him closer, but to offset the passion racing inside. To save her from exploding entirely. Yet through the delirium of it all, a voice within her persisted. This wasn’t like Braden. Something was different about him; she should slow things down and find out what it was.
“Braden…” His name came out in a weak whisper as he moved to her throat.
“I want you, Allie,” he said against her skin before kissing her again. He encouraged her legs to wrap around him, the heat increasing with each urgent touch.
Mmm. And just like that she was lost again. Allie wanted him too. So much that she indulged in the taste of his kiss once more. Relished the spontaneous moment of passion, his masculine scent mingling with those of leather and wood. And thrilled in the sensations he arose in her. It wasn’t until his hand moved to the top of her blouse that the inner voice snuck back in. The urgency she sensed in him a cause for concern. Braden was hurting in some way, and as good as his touch felt – and it did feel good – the sheer contrast worried her. They needed to talk things out.
She brought her hands to his chest, pressing him away the slightest bit, the pounding of his heart hot against her palm. “Braden,” she spoke again once her lips were free. He came back in, made his way down the side of her throat in a hurried trail of kisses.
“Let’s talk,” she said. “Please.”
“I don’t want to lose you, Allie,” he whispered in her ear.
Lose her? Allie moved both hands onto either side of his face, tilted her head until he met her gaze in the dimly lit space. “What do you mean?” She was breathless. Nearly panting.
Braden was too. “I just…” He paused to gulp, rested his head on her shoulder, and then lifted it to run the tip of his nose along her collarbone. “I had a dream that Terrance came back.”
Allie cringed. “Okay…”
“And that you went back to him.”
“Oh. Ick. Braden, that would never – ”
“You gave me the impression – in the dream – that I’d been moving too slowly. That I haven’t made it clear that I want to be with you.”
She’d never witnessed this side of him. It was hard to find a word for it even. Scared? No. Not Braden. Vulnerable.
Just as the word came to her, Braden lifted his head to meet her gaze. And there was that tormented look again, the expression just as it had been when he’d pulled her into the shadows of the shop.
Allie brushed her thumb over his bottom lip, taking in a moment she knew would not come again. Braden was strong, unfailingly so; it was almost nice to see this other side of him. Even if the vision tore at her heart. “It was just a dream, Braden. I would never take Terrance back. Never. And I don’t feel like …” She blushed, causing Braden to lift a brow. “I think we’ve been moving at a perfect pace.” She grinned, glancing down at his hands. One at her waist. The other locked around her thigh. “Until this morning, anyway.”
Braden’s shoulders sunk a bit, the tension seeming to ease off him as he exhaled a deep breath. The act looked an awful lot like surrender. With a partial grin, he glanced down at her legs pointedly, the way they wrapped around his waist, securing him in place. He lifted his hands to either side, his eyes wide and innocent. “Well, you’re the one doing it all.”
Allie laughed, loosening her legs until they dangled at either side of him. “Yeah, I wonder what got into me.”
He shook his head while straightening his shirt. “My thoughts exactly. There I was, merely waiting for you to come into your shift, and you drag me in here, throw me against the bar, and seduce me.”
She laughed again, glad to see that playful side coming back. The concern fading from his face. With a quick push, she hopped down from the bar and gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Well trust me, it won’t happen again.” Yet just as she began strolling away, Braden grabbed her arm.
“Well maybe it will happen again.” He curled a solid arm around Allie’s back, dipping her low while hovering just inches above her face. “When the timing is right.” That confident gleam was back in his eye.
Allie gave him a smile, still basking in the effects of his touch. “Definitely.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Is it ready?” Allie’s question, coming from behind the dividing wall, made Braden smile.
“You’re not a very patient person, are you?” He traced the brush back up the final leg of his project before taking a step back. Perfect, even if he said so himself. Braden couldn’t remember being so proud of a job. Endless drafts of their design had finally led to one, incredible stand. Display case was more like it.
“C’mon,” Allie groaned, “it’s been the longest week of my life. I’ve been patient enough. I’m dying here.”
Braden chuckled. She hadn’t been patient at all. Constantly nagging, trying to sneak peeks around the sheet he’d used to block off this corner of the shop.
“Okay.” He gripped hold of the black sheet and wadded it into his hands. “It’s ready.”
In a rush, Allie came scurrying around the wall and into the room. She stopped short once she caught sight of the stand. Her hands flew to her face as she gasped. “Braden, Paige is going to love this.” Her voice was choked with emotion. She walked slowly, almost reverently toward the piece. “It looks exactly like the sketch. Only … more incredible than I could have imagined.”
He allowed for a humble smile as a burst of gratitude filled his chest. Twelve full-sized drawings would fit into the black, standing display case. He’d used narrow beams of wood to create a rotating piece that stood like a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower. Paige’s birthday was less than two weeks away. The piece – nearly as tall as Allie – would stand in the front room so all visitors could see Paige’s latest work.
“I love the finish,” Allie added, circling it as she went.
“I used this matted paint to make the surface flat. You don’t want glossy when you’re going to have all that glass to display her work. ‘Course I ordered non-glare glass but it’ll still catch the light a little. We want it to show off her work, not compete with it.”
“You’re right,” she said, throwing her arms around him. “I love everything about it. And I’m glad I put some extra work into our picnic, because I plan to reward you handsomely.”
He liked the sound of that. Not only did it have him looking forward to a nice lunch out back, the comment also told him that Allie had finally accepted his work as a gift, and that she was done trying to pay him for it. Cash, he’d never accept. Food was a different story. Braden ran the tip of his nose over her neck, pulling in a breath of her magnificent smell. The tropical scent had him recalling the lotion he’d seen her spread over her hands and arms time and time again. It had become a drug to him. Something he depended on throughout the week to make him feel right.
A loud crack of thunder boomed outside, followed by a light pattering on the glass skylight overhead. Allie’s eyes went wide as she looked up. “Oh, no. We can’t have rain today. I’ve got everything planned out.”
Braden eyed the dark clouds coating the sky. “Don’t worry,” he said, “we can still have that picnic. C’mon.” Taking Allie’s hand in his, Braden led the way.
~+~
“This wasn’t a bad idea,” Allie said, motioning to their indoor picnic. “In fact, I’ve really enjoyed it.” A thick blanket covered the center of Braden’s family room while rain pelted the rooftop. The sound of it, along with the swirling wind at the windows, made the room feel like a cozy shelter. The candles he’d lit had a similar effect. Their flickering light dancing along the walls in tones of orange and gold.
“Me too,” Braden said. “In fact, I wouldn’t mind if it rained all week long if it meant we could do this every day.”
Allie slid the pizza box to the corner of the blanket before stretching over the
length of it next to him. “Me too.” She nestled in close, resting her head against his warm, solid chest. The T-shirt he wore was thin, warm, and smelled of fresh laundry and sawdust. She pulled in a deep breath of it and sighed.
After a few evenly paced breaths, Braden spoke up once more. “I can’t tell you how happy I was about that pizza,” he said. “Can’t believe you remembered that place was my favorite. And that you got them to deliver.”
Allie grinned. “Of course I remember. And the delivery part didn’t take too much coaxing.”
He reached an arm around her, took a lock of her hair and began spinning it lazily around one finger. The sensation made her scalp tingle. “Did you talk with them over the phone or in person?” he asked.
“In person. I went in last night.”
“And did the worker happen to be male or female?”
Allie thought back on the man who’d helped her. “Male.”
He let out a laugh. “Figures.”
“What figures?” She lifted her head off his chest to look at him. Once their eyes met, he eased into a grin.
“No red-blooded male is gonna say no to a face like this.” He moved his hand from her hair to cup her chin.
She laughed this time, raising herself up from his chest a bit more. “You can just keep on flattering me all day long. I promise it’ll never get old.”
Braden smiled in return before reaching for the bowl next to them. He grabbed a handful of Jelly Bellys and popped one into his mouth.
Allie held her hand out, smiling when Braden dropped a few into her palm. “What flavor was the one you just ate?” she asked.
He tilted his head. “I think grape.”
“Lucky. Let’s see what I’ve got.” She scanned the few in her hand, searching for a cream colored one with yellow specks – buttered popcorn, her favorite. “Don’t see anything I recognize,” she finally said, looking them over one last time.
Braden eyed the bunch in his hand. “Me neither. Let’s just toss them all in at once and see if it tastes good.”
Rough Edges: Allie's Story, A Companion to the Sweet Montana Bride Series (Second Chances Book 1) Page 12