by Blue Saffire
I spin and storm from the room, not waiting for an answer. I thought I could talk to her. I thought I could get her to do something for Amanda. I thought…it was foolish of me to have hope.
Secretly, I thought I would find my mom today. I thought she would explain why it was so easy to throw me away. Yet, she’s just doing it all over again. Throwing me away for her perfect family that I’m not a part of.
Braxton
It’s my twenty-first birthday. I’ve been looking forward to this day. My brothers and I knew we would all have assignments that would scatter us this weekend, so we’ve been partying for the last three months, whenever we’re together.
It started with Wyatt wanting to do the tattoo thing again, like we did a year ago, when we pulled together for Felix. I was down for that, more than ready for my next piece of ink. However, when we got to the parlor a couple of us decided on a different type of enhancement.
Wyatt pierced his tongue a few years back. I thought it was cool, but I never committed to doing it. Yet, my twisted head was all in for a cock piercing. With this one, I didn’t want to be out done.
While Wyatt just got a four bar Jacob’s ladder, I got five. I almost added a Prince Albert piercing to the head, but I let that idea go after being told I would most likely have to piss like a girl. Not to mention, there’s the chance sex could be more painful for my partner with that piercing.
Nine times out of ten, I’m bumping up against a cervix. I wouldn’t want to make that unpleasant. I’m not selfish, I want to be enjoyed, as much as I get to enjoy. Especially, when it comes to a certain brown vixen that haunts my dreams.
My other brothers have been making fun of Wyatt and I for weeks now. Sending hot girls our way to hook up, knowing there’s no way we could or would hook up for six whole weeks.
Not that I’ve been doing much hooking up in a while. I still feel like I’m in high school. Girls selling tales of hook ups that never happen. Where that once was my goal to make Heather jealous, that shit grates my nerves now.
Heather thinks I’ll fuck anything with legs. Yeah, I get a release here and there, but I’m not the pussy monster everyone makes me out to be. Go figure.
Well, tonight might be different, tonight’s my birthday. I’m all healed up and I’m horny as fuck. I’m not tugging on my own shit with these bars in my cock, not a fucking chance. Honestly, I want to see what they can do.
“Dude, where the fuck are you,” I grumble into my phone.
I’ve been waiting on Ry for over an hour. We’re supposed to be meeting up with Felix and finding something to get into. My mind is set on Vegas. I want the full twenty-first birthday experience.
“Man, I’m sorry. I got caught up with a bounty. Fucking station lost the paperwork again. I don’t know when I’m going to get the hell out of here,” Ryan groans.
“Shit,” I mutter.
My night is falling apart at the seams. I may want to dive into something tight by the end of the night, but I wanted to get some time with my brothers. Toby called this morning to wish me a happy birthday, before he bailed on me.
I was okay with that. Toby has been going through some shit, he looks like shit to be honest with you. He’s been that way for about a year now. I don’t want his funk on my birthday.
Although, it did sting a little that he won’t be with me. I’m getting used to it though. I press my lips and mutter to myself, before replying to Ry.
“Fine, I’ll text you where I’m going. If you can, come out,” I say letting more of my disappointment show than I mean to.
“Bro, I’m so sorry. I’m going to make this up to you. I promise,” Ry says sounding just as disappointed as I do.
“No worries, your ass just would have limited the bars and shit I can get into,” I tease.
“Yeah, probably. I can’t wait until next year,” he snorts.
“I hear you,” I chuckle. “Talk to you later.”
“Later.”
I hang up the phone, looking up just as Heather’s little car comes to a screeching halt. She hops out, looking like she’s going to commit a murder. I jump up from my seat on the porch steps, heading across the street to her, before I can even think better of it.
I give Heather her distance when I can. I’m only going to allow her to step on my feelings but so many times. I’ve been taking a break from mission, Make Heather Notice Me.
I get it now. I have a lot more to prove than I thought. I haven’t given up on the plan, I’ve just revised it. Although, once I see the look on Heather’s face, that all goes out the window.
“Yo, H,” I call across the distance left between us.
Heather turns mid-step, already half way to the guesthouse. Up close I can see she’s been crying. I move quickly to close the distance, without another word.
I tug her into my arms and she comes willingly. Her arms wrap around my back, squeezing tightly. I try to ignore how perfect it feels. Heather needs me, not the shit that’s trying to run through my head.
“What’s going on,” I say against the top of her head.
Her fingers curl into my t-shirt. I can feel her shudder against me. I wait, giving her time to collect herself.
“It was stupid to get involved. I don’t know why I went to see her. She doesn’t care, I don’t mean anything to her and I accomplished nothing,” Heather sobs into my shirt.
“What are you talking about? What’s this about?” I say gently.
Heather shakes her head, not lifting it from its position buried in my chest. I reach for her chin, lifting her tear soaked face so I can see it. Those sad brown eyes are back, more sad than ever.
“What’s going on, talk to me,” I coax.
“I need to get away from here. I can’t breathe. If I stay I’m only going to do something stupid,” she says through a shuddered breath.
I don’t have to think about it. I move right into action. Placing my hand on her back, I guide her to the guesthouse.
“Pack a bag, enough for two or three days,” I order.
Heather doesn’t protest. She moves into her room, leaving me to wait for her in the common area. I can’t sit. I still don’t know what’s going on. The protectiveness I feel for Heather claws at my skin, raging to break free.
It’s been so long since I’ve seen Heather cry. My mind spins with all of the possibilities of what could be going on. As the worst case scenario pops into my head, I feel my temper start to unhinge.
Before I can get too worked up, Heather is back with a duffle bag slung over her shoulder. I take the bag, wrapping my free arm around her shoulders. Heather sinks into my side, fitting there perfectly.
I guide her across the street to my parents’ house. My car is already parked out front. Walking her around to the passenger side, I open the door for her to get in. Heather looks up at me, rolling her eyes.
“You can never be normal, can you,” she ribs.
I crack a smile, glad that she can tease me. Heather hates my two door Aston Martin. It was my first gift to myself, when I got my first big bonus working for Dad. I’m a huge car buff. I saw this car at a car show and just had to have it.
“What’s the fun in that,” I shrug and playfully push her inside.
“Hey,” she pouts, as she feigns falling into the seat.
“Really,” I rise a brow at her dramatics, chuckling, as I close the door behind her.
I place her bag in the trunk, along with the bag I already had packed and ready to go for my weekend. I’m ready for anything, not knowing where the night would take me and my brothers. I smile to myself as I get into the driver’s side. I think I like the way this day is turning out after all.
I start the car, grinning as it purrs. Taking a glance over at Heather, I catch her rolling her eyes at me. I rev the engine just to be an asshole and bring more of that smile to her lips.
“Where are we going?” She asks as I pull away from the curb.
“Vegas, Baby,” I look over to her and croon.
“You can make it up to me in Vegas,” I shrug and keep driving.
Chapter 17
Birthday Wishes
Heather
We push our way into the enormous suite. Braxton has spared no expense. I offered to pay or at least go half, but he wouldn’t let me. I almost forgot how hard it is to argue with Braxton.
I whistle low, as I enter the room. The place is incredible. I turn to see Braxton with a huge grin on his face, as he takes it all in. He drops our bags by the door and stretches his arms over his head.
I chide myself for staring at his abs, while his t-shirt lifts, showing off a trail of copper hair that disappears into his jeans. Braxton has an amazing body on him. Unlike Toby, Braxton has more of a natural tan like his other brothers. He got Aunt Cass’s fairer hair, but not the fairer skin.
Heat rises in my cheeks, as I realize I’ve been staring way longer than I should. I have to tear my eyes away. If Braxton notices, he doesn’t let on. Instead, he starts to move for the bar.
“What you drinking?” he asks, as he assess the options.
I move towards the bar, taking a seat on the opposite side, right in front of him. I look up at him with a small smile. It’s his birthday, we’re in Vegas. There’s only one way to do it right.
“Are you really asking that? It’s your birthday. We can only do it the Irish way,” I beam at him.
I have to say, since we arrived my mood has shifted so much. Putting some distance between me and the drama back home is just what I needed. I’ll have time to process what happened today later. I don’t want to make this trip about me. Brax brought me along without a second thought., but this is his big day.
He places a shot of whiskey before me, taking his own in hand. I lift my glass, as he says a toast. “To birthday wishes and being who we want to be,” he croons locking eyes with me.
I feel my cheeks warm. His words hit their mark. Braxton and I have never talked about that night three years ago in the guesthouse. We swept it under the rug like it never happened.
“Salute,” I murmur, nodding my head, tossing back the shot.
Brax fills my glass again, when I set it on the bar. I welcome the burn, as it slides smoothly down my throat. It’s been a while, since I’ve allowed myself to kick back.
“So, what do we get into first? The night is young, I want to do it all,” Braxton says, with a grin.
I ignore the hidden innuendo. Noting it’s the first time in a long time, I can say I see a boyish glee in his golden eyes. Braxton is serious about his job at the firm. He may tease and joke with his brothers, but he takes his assignments very seriously. I’ve become used to seeing that part of him.
In this moment, seeing the Brax I’ve known all my life. The one that always has mirth lurking in his eyes and a plan for the best debauchery,—I want to see the real him come out and play. I want Brax to kick back and enjoy himself. Sometimes I feel like he’s always trying to grow up too fast. Twenty-one is the perfect age to kick back and have fun.
I look down into my drink. My thoughts are spinning. This is a once in a lifetime thing for Braxton. When I lift my head to meet his gaze again, I have an idea. I’m determined to see this through.
“I like what you said. Let’s be who we want to be,” I say, with a rueful smile, knocking back my second shot.
“What do you have in mind?” he lifts a copper brow.
What do I have in mind? I have a lot in mind, but none of it makes sense. What I know is, I want this to be the best birthday Brax has ever had. This kid, well, he’s not such a kid anymore. This guy has been there for me so many times over the years.
I was so glad it was his voice calling my name, when I got home from my visit with my mom. I can’t even tell you the amount of relief I felt when he embraced me. Although, I felt like shit for forgetting his birthday.
He hasn’t talked about anything else in the office, all week. I thought he and Ry were going to get into some trouble this weekend. The fact that he pushed that all aside for me,—I mean, seriously, this is his twenty-first birthday. For that fact alone, I vow it has to be done right.
“We’re here in Vegas, no one here knows us. We can do anything we want and be anyone we want to be,” I allow my excitement to takeover.
“Okay, I’m game. Lead the way,” Brax says, with that panty melting smile.
I look away. I don’t need my thoughts going there. I was already so overwhelmed, when he held me outside of the guesthouse. He smelled so damn good and I felt so right in his strong embrace.
I toss back the third shot he places in front of me. I’ll be needing a few more for liquid courage. I want to step out of my box. For Brax, I’ll try anything. He means that much to me.
“You shower and change. I have something I need to go do,” I say, slipping from the stool I’ve been perched on.
He frowns a little. “Maybe I should come with you. I can shower when we get back,” he says, with concern in his voice.
I smile at him, reaching across the bar to hug him. “I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl. Now, do as I say,” I giggle, as I give him a squeeze.
I actually giggle. Yup, this is so not like me. I pull away and turn to leave, before I embarrass myself. I’ve already taken a long inhale of his scent, hoping he didn’t notice.
I take one more glance over my shoulder, as I reach the door. Brax has a secret smile on his lips, his eyes glued on me. When I catch him watching me, his cheeks pink a little, he shakes his head at himself and laughs.
I smile to myself and head out of the door. Tonight, I’m going to cut loose. Of all the people in the world for me to feel safe doing that with, Braxton would be the one.
Braxton
I couldn’t have wished for a better birthday. Once we were on the road and Heather still wouldn’t reveal what she was so upset about, I was glad we took off. If we hadn’t I’d probably be spending my birthday in jail. I know it has something to do with that prick. I can feel it.
Still, after her reluctance to speak, once on the way here, I vowed we’d forget all that shit and have a good time. The drive was just the start. Driving and talking with Heather just came so easy. There weren’t any awkward moments, or unnecessary lapses in conversation.
It was how I thought things would be the night of her coming home party. Just us, two friends that understand each other, none of the bullshit. It felt good to have that without my brothers and the office playing as a buffer.
I’m always focused at work. After I graduated high school, I never wanted Heather to feel weird about us working together at the firm. I didn’t go away to school like a few of my older brothers.
I knew Heather was working for Dad and Uncle Rob, that’s where I wanted to be. Everything I need is in California. I don’t need to take off and find myself.
“Don’t fuck this up,” I say to myself in the bathroom mirror.
This place has me feeling like a king. This trip has already been worth it. I brush my hair back as I dry it, styling it into place.
I think I heard Heather come back, before I got into the shower. Felix called distracting me, after Heather left. I don’t know how I forgot all about him on the way here.
Felix is the most laid back of us all. He took it well, when I told him I wanted to spend this time with Heather. Although, I know he’s going to give me shit, when I get back home. To him, I’m choosing my buddy over getting some ass. It will look that way to all of my brothers, maybe with the exception of Ry. Ry is even more observant than I am. I know he sees through Heather, just like I do.
I spray on some cologne, before making my way into the bedroom to get dressed. Pulling on a pair of distressed jeans, a white t-shirt, and a navy sports jacket, I feel ready to go. I look in the mirror, before turning for my construction boots.
I don’
t want to look too dressed up. Knowing Heather, she’ll be in shorts and those black boots. I’m not complaining, that’s who she is, but she’s here. That’s all that matters to me.
Placing my watch on my wrist, I walk out of the bedroom into the common area. I look up and nearly swallow my fucking tongue. I have to blink a few times to make sure I’m seeing right.
Standing before me is Heather, but not the Heather I know. This Heather has swallowed my H and replaced her with…a dream. She has on a navy strapless dress that hugs every, single fucking curve. It looks like it’s painted on.
I’ve always known Heather’s been hiding a smoking hot body, but damn. She’s all breasts and hips. A perfect hourglass. Her body is toned from working out, and those long legs are so shapely. The dress just shows off her small shoulders, slim waist, and the perfect lines of her body. I’ve seen girls in this type of dress, but they never made them look as sexy as Heather does right now.
I can see those hot ass tats of hers. Over the last three years, she has gotten a full sleeve on the right side. The left is still unfinished, but her shoulders seem to be a part of the amazing collection of artwork.
I’m usually not for girls having so many tats. To think of it, I didn’t know Heather had so many. I know she didn’t when she moved back home. She must cover them with makeup or something for the office.
Now it makes sense. I’ve seen ink peeking out from under her long sleeve shirts before. Yet, when she has on short sleeves at work, I never noticed all this ink. It’s just plain sexy on her. The black metal bracelets on her left arm say Heather and seem to act as an extension of the art on her body.
I tear my eyes away from her body, settling on her face. I can’t breathe. I really can’t. I reach to rub the back of my neck.
I’ve never seen Heather with makeup on. Her lips look so full and so fucking kissable. There’s no color, but they’re glossed to perfection. Her lashes are making her eyes pop, while the eye makeup she has on showcases their pretty brown.