Cards Of Love: The World (Swift Series Book 2)

by Leslie Pike

  “I’m gonna pee my pants. I swear I’m gonna pee,” she says, for some reason holding her stomach.

  “Who the hell are you with there, Ms. Lauper? Justin Timberlake’s understudy?” I say. “Nice perm.”

  “Shut up. He was a sweet boy. Poor thing, he farted once while we were slow dancing.”

  “Stop! Stop!” I scream. “That’s hysterical!”

  Just when our tears are drying up, the bulb in the projector flickers.

  “Shit!” we say in unison.

  I make like I know what I’m doing and jiggle the carousel. It fixes things.

  “We’ll have to get a new bulb. This one isn’t gonna last.”

  The cell on the couch rings, so I turn off the projector and grab a napkin to wipe my tears of laughter.

  “See who it is,” I say.

  Summer picks up the phone and eyes the screen. “Who’s Brick?”

  I come to her a little too eager to sell disinterest. “I’ll take it,” I say wiggling my fingers.

  Bringing the cell to my ear, I sit next to my sister who’s listening intently.

  “Hi,” I say.

  My sister mimes my suddenly sexy voice. She throws in the moony eyes.

  “Afternoon,” he says.

  “Are you sober yet?”

  Summer’s eyes widen and her jaw drops. I reject her assumption with a wave of my hand.

  “God, I hope so. It’s been a week. What I am is embarrassed.”

  “Don’t be silly. You were great company.” I giggle.

  I’m aware my sister is watching me twirl the end of my hair. She’s smirking and nodding like she’s just uncovered something I’m trying to hide. I give her a silent message to stop with the glaring eyes. One middle finger raised high.

  “Listen, I just got back from visiting my family. I have some pecan fudge bars I think you’d like. Will you be going to your office later? I could drop them off.”

  “No. My sister’s here for the next few days and I’ll be working from home. Why don’t you come over? I’ll make you a Lean Cuisine.”

  He laughs. God, that’s a sexy sound.

  “I think I can come up with something better. What about I cook for you two tonight?”

  “Sounds good. Summer was going to have to settle for a sandwich, so she’ll be happy.”

  Summer gives me a lopsided grin.

  “And Brick, get your ass over here with those bars. Now that I know you have them, it’s all I’m gonna think about.”

  “Okay. Send me your address. I’ll be leaving in half an hour.”

  “Perfect. See you then.”

  “Oh! You have pots and pans, right?” he says.

  “Of course I have pots and pans. Do you think I use a hot plate and a tin cup?”

  “It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility,” he laughs. “See you soon.”

  I disconnect and turn to face my sister. Her mouth falls open and eyes widen.

  “We have pots and pans, right?” I say.

  “You’re inviting a man into the inner sanctum?”

  “What’re you talking about?” As if I didn’t know. “He’s just a friend.”

  “And he’s cooking for us?”

  “Yep.”

  “Okay, I’m amending my first impression. The Tarot isn’t about Mom and Dad. It’s about this guy coming into your life. I know it!”

  I give her a You must be crazy look.

  “Help me up,” she says giving me an outstretched hand. I steady myself to lift her from the couch.

  “That’s good. I need to move. Now tell me about this Brick guy.”

  “He’s an agent. One of the best. He introduced himself at the award ceremony last week. Nice guy, you’ll like him. That’s about it.”

  “Who do you think you’re kidding?” she says taking a lap around the living room. “You’re into him, I can tell, January.”

  “I swear I’m not!” I chuckle. “Quit exaggerating. It’s that stupid card. I should have tossed it.”

  “Don’t you think I know your tells? Twirling your hair, biting your bottom lip. The goofy giggle. You’re transparent as hell.” She slaps the back of the couch for emphasis.

  “The heat’s frying your brain cells. Let’s go down to the pond and cool off.”

  “What about your “friend”,” she says lifting her hands in air quotes.

  “I’ll leave him a note. And when I text him the address I’ll tell him to bring his trunks.”

  Floating on a big rubber tube in the family pond is therapy. The trees surrounding the water’s edge are on display. All shades of crimson and gold leaves reflect in the water. Summer stretches out on the deck atop one of the red cushioned chaise lounges, reading People magazine.

  I’m trying to meditate. Fingers trail in the dark blue water and my eyes are closed against the afternoon sun. I’m pretending to be a tiny fairy riding atop a lily pad. It’s surprisingly effective at carrying me away.

  Music over the sound system helps set the mood. Right now I’m sailing along to Blake Shelton.

  When my parents were alive, the playlist was heavy on the Beatles and Stones, Donna Summer and The Bee Gees. As my sister and I grew to teenagers, we commandeered the system and filled it with our choices. Now it’s a combination of all of our favorites. Because with age comes a wider vision, of music and just about everything else you think you know.

  “Someone’s coming down the path,” Summer calls.

  The sound of flip flops on the stone steps confirms her suspicion.

  I open my eyes against the bright sunlight, and it takes a moment for them to adjust. When they do, I see the vision standing before us. He’s one hell of a good looking guy. And he’s only got his trunks on. They fall a bit low, exactly where God intended.

  Solid muscles, flat stomach and those arms. They’re a work of art. It’s only an observation and perfectly natural to notice a body so beautiful. It doesn’t mean anything. Why am I trying to convince myself?

  “Afternoon, ladies,” Brick calls.

  “Hi! I’m January ‘s sister, Summer,” she says, throwing the magazine to the ground. “I’d get up, but it’d be nightfall by the time I made it.”

  “I’m Brick. Stay where you are.” He grins, holding up his hand and spreading his fingers.

  Crossing to her side, they shake hands.

  He turns and gives me the once over. “Hello to the lady in blue.”

  Walking towards the edge of the pond he can’t see what my sister’s doing behind his back. She knows I can see her fanning herself and making like he’s so hot she might faint. I almost burst out laughing when she pretends to be riding him like a cowboy on a bucking bronc, waving an imaginary Stetson.

  I kick my feet and paddle my hands through the water, coming towards where he stands.

  “Hi. Wanna join me? The cool water feels wonderful.”

  He kicks off his flip flops and starts in. “A Tennessee pond with a beautiful blonde. I could get used to this world.”

  When I look at my sister, her eyes are wide and she’s mouthing the word, “World!”

  Chapter 4

  Brick

  Good thing I’m waist-deep in water. The sight of January in that tiny bikini’s waking up the rocket. And a distant voice is telling me life just got more complicated. Just friends, just friends, just friends. If I’m being real, I’d admit there’s something different about her. No, that’s not it. What’s happening is there’s something different about me whenever I’m with her.

  The vision here requires no imagination at all. She’s got exceptionally hot, long legs. Her breasts are small and they torment me with their perfect shape. What’s her ass like? Maybe I’ll turn over that inner tube and find out.

  I talk big. Instead, I’ll silently admire the view and act like a gentleman. The water’s cold against my warm skin. I swim up to her and rest my arms on the edge of the tube. I don’t miss the once over she gives them. Mostly unintentionally, my biceps flex.


  “What a great spot.”

  “My father built this whole thing before we were born,” she says with a wave of her hand.

  “How far back does it go?”

  Rolling off the tube, she disappears underwater, comes up and pushes the tube away. The beads of water on her lips, the hair slicked back, it looks striking. Taking a long side stroke, she calls back to me. “Come on, let me show you.”

  We swim together under the wooden bridge that spans across the water. From a pool house on a deck, to a field of wildflowers on the opposite shore, the entire scene amazes. As we pass, butterflies and birds fly among the flowers. It feels like I’m in an animated film.

  There’s a jutting landmass with a huge Magnolia tree at its edge. As I round it I can see the entire rock-lined natural pool. Impressive. It’s big enough to use the rowboat tied to the shore. Up ahead and on each side of the pond are water plants which take up a good three feet of shore all around. January’s father put a lot of thought into this design. It’s an explosion for the senses. Sight, smell, the buzzing of bees and the textures. Flowers on the land, in the pool, growing and floating.

  And dead center in the water is a sundeck big enough for two chaise lounges and an umbrella. That’s where I’d be most of the time, taking it all in.

  “I can’t believe this place, January.”

  “The plants filter the water naturally.” She smiles and heads for the platform. “Let’s lay out. I’ll tell you all about it.”

  Smoothly, she moves ahead of me and her strokes are even and long. I hold back so I can watch when she climbs onto the deck. Reaching it, her hands grab onto the handles of the side ladder. She gracefully lifts herself out of the water. By that time I’m right behind her, taking in the awesome view. The fabric of her bikini bottom is wedged between two round cheeks. And the crack of her ass is showing just an inch or two. How much can a man take?

  “Quit looking at my ass, Swift,” she says without turning around.

  The comment shocks me back to reality. “Well then quit having such a good one.”

  She laughs out loud. Then she’s atop the deck staring down at me.

  “Come on. Get up here.”

  “Give a man a minute,” I say paddling in the water.

  It takes her a few moments to figure out the reason for my hesitation. It’s an embarrassing situation but I can’t help smile.

  “You do not! I don’t believe you,” she gasps.

  The way she’s looking at me, the setting, her body, the face, the water coursing over her hills and down her valleys, it’s only making things worse. So I lift myself out and stand in front of her dripping water.

  “Full disclosure,” I say.

  Eyes dart to my trunks and the tent pole pointed in her direction. She chuckles and runs her right index finger over her left one, scolding me three times.

  “Naughty, naughty, naughty boy.”

  “You’ve only yourself to blame.”

  “You’ve got something in your hair. Want me to get it out?” Her voice drips with innocence. But the eyes, those are saying something completely different.

  “Do it. Please.”

  She picks a piece of a flower out of my hair and sends a charge up my spine. We lock eyes. She’s biting her bottom lip.

  I look over my chest for something else for her to remove. Please be there.

  “Think there’s something here,” I point to the blade of grass stuck to the edge of my nipple.

  She pauses for a moment then delicate fingers glide over the blade barely making contact. It flutters off in the breeze. She smiles. My nipple hardens right along with my dick.

  Taking her into my arms, I let her in on my idea. “There’s no reason we can’t just kiss,”

  “It didn’t work for Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan,” she protests without moving away.

  “What do they know? Come on, we need to seal the contract,” I say with conviction.

  “Which contract is that?”

  “The Friend Agreement. It states our terms and conditions. Addendum one allows for kissing.”

  The corners of her mouth turn up. “How many addendums are there?”

  “I’ll let you know.”

  My lips touch hers. Softly at first. Her hands lift to my face, and her wet, nearly naked body arches against mine. And then it happens. Everything a kiss should be exists in this moment. I’ve a sense of being in a place that feels unmistakably new.

  When we part lips, her eyes lift to mine. For a few moments neither of us speak. I’m pretty sure she’s as stunned as I am.

  “It’s a shame we’re not soulmates,” she murmurs.

  I’m lost in the cool blue of her eyes. Then the world calls us back. A dinner bell’s sounding, like the ones in an old Western.

  “That’s Summer. We have to get back.”

  “Don’t pull away. Not yet,” I plead.

  “It’s our signal. Let’s go.”

  She grabs my face in her hands and kisses me once more. Then she dives off the platform, leaving me with a smile on my face and a hard on in my trunks. I dive into the cool water and follow her lead back to reality.

  By the time we go under the bridge, I see why the bell rang. There’s a man standing on the deck, waiting and watching. When January spots him, she slows her strokes and waits for me to catch up.

  “Who’s that?”

  “Richard. My high school boyfriend. We’re friends now.”

  My expression hardens.

  “Stop it,” she says firmly.

  Her face lowers halfway under the water, trying to hide the fact she’s smiling. Damn. She’s enjoying my reaction.

  “What’s so amusing?”

  Lifting her grinning face slowly from the water she answers. “What do you care who he is?”

  “I don’t,” I say shrugging.

  “Uh huh,” she giggles.

  And off she swims, towards the shore. I watch her rise from the pond. The asshole’s standing there in his preppy shorts and polo shirt, wearing a ridiculous look on his stupid face. Wipe off the drool, man. He might be her friend, but this guy wants more. It’s obvious as hell. I want to hear what they’re saying, but I head in slowly making sure to look like I don’t care.

  Standing in the shallows I hear January say, “Thank you, Richard, I’m sure they’re lovely.”

  I look around for signs of a gift but can’t see a thing. Back atop the chaise, fingers braided behind her head, Summer’s getting a kick out of the two men vying for her sister’s attention. She’s enjoying the circus.

  The guy’s watching me and listening to January at the same time. His eyes dart between us. I’m giving him a stone-cold look. And I can’t really explain why. I barely know the woman, and I don’t know this guy at all. What’s happening?

  January turns to me. “Brick, I’d like you to meet my friend Richard. Richard, this is Brick.”

  Both of us heard the word friend. I’m happy. He’s not.

  “Nice to meet you, Dick,” I say, slightly emphasizing the last word.

  By the vein that just popped out on his temple, I’d say he knows exactly what I did there.

  “Brick is it? Sounds like your porn name,” he volleys.

  Oh, fuck you. So, we’re having a pissing contest? I can play that game. I invented that game. I laugh as if he didn’t hit a nerve. All the while January’s biting her bottom lip, waiting for us to blow.

  “Well, it’d be appropriate, Dick. I guess it could apply. Definitely. What do you think, January?” I say lifting an eyebrow to her. I sincerely hope he gets the wrong idea.

  Summer snorts her amusement. Dick’s eyes narrow and his mouth is set in a hard line and January loses her smile. Oh shit. I may have gone too far.

  “Okay that’s enough. Both of you, stop it,” she says.

  “No problem. I’m going anyway,” Dick says. “I’ll call you tonight, January. We can talk in private.”

  He gives her a peck on the cheek. Yeah, I’m watching.
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  “Okay, Richard. I’ll be here,” she says.

  He turns and walks away towards the house, disappearing into the trees. I notice he didn’t say goodbye to Summer. She waves energetically to the departing figure.

  “Okay, bye now! It was nice seeing you too, Dick. Good talk,” she says sarcastically.

  I laugh, and January breaks a smile, but it may be because of her sister’s comment. She turns to me.

  “What the hell was that?” she says calmly.

  “I just didn’t care for the guy. He’s too tame for you.” I shrug.

  There’s a hint of a grin showing on her face.

  “You don’t have to like him. And I’d appreciate it if you leave my choice of men to me. That’s the second addendum of the Friend Agreement.”

  “Done,” I say.

  But it isn’t.

  Three hours, two showers, and a very entertaining dinner later we’re nearly finished cleaning up. I move the vase of generic red roses to the side to wipe the table. Dick’s gift sucks. Doesn’t he realize January is a woman who deserves something unique? Something other than the generic bouquet a kid buys his mother for her birthday at the grocery store. If I brought her flowers, they’d be exotics. Or something that lets her know I’ve been paying attention to who she is.

  We’re doing the leg work while Summer sits overseeing the operation. It’s been a nonstop conversation between the Jordan sisters and me. Summer’s funny. In fact, they both are. There’s a sort of shorthand to their communication, words, gestures, anticipating what the other’s about to say. Just like my brother and sister and I do.

  “What a meal! The best I’ve had in years,” January says popping the last bite of a pecan bar in her mouth.

  “I’m happy you liked it. How about you, Summer? Want another pecan bar?” She answers with the loudest, longest burp I’ve ever heard coming from a woman. I start laughing.

  “Sorry. It was pretty funny though,” I say to an unembarrassed Summer.

  “Summer!” January scolds.

  “I can’t help it! I’m pregnant, you know.”

  “That was actually the greatest review I’ve ever had,” I say.