by Blue Saffire
I chuckle, leaning onto the banister. “Damn right you miss me. I’m the best son you have,” I tease.
“Aye, ye might be right. Just don’t tell the other fuckers I said so,” the smile is evident in her voice.
“We wouldn’t want that. They’re already jealous that I’m the best looking one,” I chuckle, loving and needing this chat with my mom.
“How is she?”
I freeze when mom asks the question. I look around as if I’m being watched. I nearly swallow my tongue trying to reply.
“Aye, ye boys still think yer mother for a fool,” Mom chuckles. “Yer a good boy Braxton. She’s always needed a friend like you.”
“How’d you know?” I manage to choke out.
“The lass came to spend the day with me before her vacation. Nearly ate three batches of cookies for herself,” Mom laughs. “I could see the worry in her eyes. The same worry ye had before ye left. Ye both disappeared around the same time.”
“We’ve never been able to get much by you,” I snort.
“Not at all,” Mom chirps. “You don’t have to tell me what youse two are up to. I just want to know the Lass is okay.”
“She’s better than okay. At least, I think she will be,” I reply honestly.
“Christ on a stick, yer determined to be a martyr,” Mom sighs into the phone after a few beats.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I frown, lifting my eyes to the sky.
“Loving that one is not going to come easy,” Mom returns, her voice soft again. “I’ve never been fooled by her. I have eyes, I do.”
“It’s complicated, Mom,” I blow out. “I know it’s not going to be easy. I just can’t give up.”
“You’re a Black. I said nothing about giving up,” she takes a pause. “I was sure ye would be my last. Even told Joe so. I talked to ye in me womb from the moment I knew ye were in there. I wanted to cherish that feeling of me boy growing in me belly for the last time. Aye, ye and I were close. It’s why yer a spoiled little prick now.
“Yer temper is as hot as the flame of yer hair, but yer heart is as grand as the largest pot of gold. Just remember, she’s peeled, Braxton. Allow her to heal inside that big heart ye have and ye both will be just fine,” I’m choked up by her words.
“I love you, Mom.”
“Give her a snog for me. Love you, wee monster,” she says before hanging up.
I stare out at the crashing waves, letting my mother’s words sink in. I wish she were here so I could hug her. Mom has had to be tough with us boys, but she’s never held back from giving us just the right amount of softness, right when we need it.
Mom’s right, Heather is peeled. She’s been broken for a very long time, but I’m here to help fix that. First, as her friend, then hopefully someday soon, as her man.
Chapter 27
Falling
Heather
I can’t take my eyes off of him. I feel like such a creep. I sigh softly, reaching to run my fingers through his thick hair. I smile as it glides through my fingertips.
Braxton stirs a bit in my lap. His face is so relaxed, my eyes bounce over his features. I’ve never taken the time to really appreciate how beautiful Brax is. Yeah, it’s pretty much a fact that all the Black brothers are gorgeous, but sitting here watching him sleep, with his head in my lap, I’m getting to soak up every detail.
His lashes are so long and thick. They’re more blonde than red. Only a few strands stand out as flaming red as his hair. His nose is the perfect proportion for his face, as if molded by an artist. His full lips are parted slightly, displaying their plumpness and soft rose color.
He’s been surfing this week, while I sit on the sand to watch, which has given his skin a golden tan. My eyes travel to his shirtless chest, where one muscular arm rests. His other hand is shoved slightly into his grey sweat shorts. His hard body is sporting the same golden tan as his face, maybe just a shade lighter. One of his long legs is bent at the knee, his foot planted in the cushion, the other is stretched out, hanging over the arm of the sofa.
I look back to his face. I have a problem. A year or two ago, I could’ve looked into Braxton’s face, still seeing some of the boy I grew up with. Now, as I look at this gorgeous man, I can’t see that boy anywhere.
I’m in trouble. My excuse of him being a baby is fleeting at best. Proving my point, he shifts, muscles flexing in his chest, his semi-hard erection twitching in his shorts.
I can feel myself panting, I’m far from unaffected by Braxton. It’s just the opposite. I’m falling for him. With each day that passes I’ve grown to care for him more. His smile, his voice, the care and time he has put in to helping me.
I’m falling for Braxton and it’s scaring the shit out of me. I’m probably lying to myself. I’ve been in love with him way before now. I’m just falling deeper as he shows me this side of him.
“If you keep staring at me, you’re going to burn a whole through my skin,” his voice startles me, as I don’t even realize I’ve zoned out into my thoughts.
My eyes snap into focus just as his golden eyes flutter open. My lips part, as if this is the first time I’ve ever seen such breathtaking colored orbs. I feel as if I’m seeing him for the first time.
“Are you hungry?” he asks, lifting the hand from his chest to cup my face, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip.
“No, I’m fine,” I say breathlessly.
I want to poke myself, when I hear my voice. I need to get it together. We return home after my next doctor’s visit in the morning, as long as all is healed. Brax wanted to try to stay another week, but we both need to get back. I’m sure if we both tried to stay longer, we’d draw some suspicion.
“Am I hurting you?” he inhales, getting ready to lift from my lap.
I place my hand on his shoulder. “You’re good,” I say gently.
His skin is blazing, the heat coming off of him pulls me in. I want to be wrapped in it. I pull my fingers back, as if scorched.
He looks into my eyes. Studying me for a moment. I can feel the smart ass remark on his lips. Yet, he holds it in. We’re still in the neutral zone.
“I should finish our laundry and the packing,” he yawns.
“I want to stay in Switzerland,” I blurt out.
His brows wrinkle, he stares at me for a few seconds. I see when comprehension dawns on his face. His full lips twist, this time he does sit up.
His hand scrubs over his face. I can see the tension that coils within his body. His pecks flex, causing my nipples to strain against my bra. Further proof that I need neutral ground between us.
“First, let me make one thing clear,” he huffs, placing his forearms on his thighs, turning his head to look at me. “I didn’t do this to get back in your pants.”
“I didn’t say you—,” he holds his hand up to cut me off.
“When we were little, you were my hero. I watched you take on everything without fear. If you fell and hurt yourself, you jumped up and shook it off. You were fearless.
“I knew when something was wrong because I could see the fear. But you want to know something? I’ve never given up hope that someday, you would find that hero I looked up to, brush her off and let her shine again.
“Again, I don’t want that for me. I want it for you. I’m in love with you,” his words punch me in the chest, stealing my breath away.
I turn my head away from him. Afraid of what my face will reveal. Brax is having none of that. He reaches for my face, turning it to him. His thumb tracing first my jaw, then my lower lip.
“I love you, Heather. Not like my big sister. Not as a friend. I know who you are to me. I’m willing to go to my grave knowing and accepting that, even if it means I die alone. You’re my other half, I’ve never had to question that.
“Someone broke you, before I was big enough to protect you. There isn’t a day that goes by that that shit doesn’t rip me to shreds,” he pauses to swallow his emotions. “He hurt you, but he doesn’t get to hav
e our happiness.
“He doesn’t get to rob me of being the one you love. He doesn’t get to rob you of having the world set at your feet. He doesn’t get to keep me from setting your body on fire, every single day, whether I’m inside you or not.
“He doesn’t get to keep you from having me. The man that will cherish your every breath, move, and very existence. You’re my wife, Heather. I’m your husband. I don’t care if we never had a ceremony or signed some damn documents to say so. I was yours the moment I drew my first breath on this earth.
“So fuck that Switzerland shit you’re talking. You’ve had neutral for six weeks. I’m coming for you and I’m coming harder than I’ve ever have before because I’m not the only one that knows who we are. Your eyes tell me you love me every day,” he snorts. “Switzerland, you don’t get to eye fuck me, then tell me you don’t want me as much as I want you.”
With that he stands, heading for the laundry room. I’m left staring at his back flexing, as he walks always. I look down into my lap, my heart racing.
Well, fuck. What am I going to do now?
Chapter 28
Return the Favor
Lucy
Heather is so different. I want to say her vacation was good for her, but it’s more. The change I see scares me. I think I’m going to lose her.
I convinced myself a little time apart would be good for us, after Heather suggested it. When she said she was going away for six weeks, I was able to breathe a little easier. I wouldn’t be with her, but Braxton wouldn’t be around either.
However, now, I’m not so sure I should’ve kept my distance. I need for us to get back together. I need Heather to see how good things are between us. We have chemistry. I know we do. She just doesn’t see it because Braxton is always around drawing her attention.
Braxton’s a problem, but I don’t foresee him going anywhere. I might be crazy, but I feel like the two have become closer. I have a plan. I hate that I have to lie to her, but it’s the only thing I could come up with to force things in the right direction.
Heather is completely engrossed in picking out colors for my makeup look. I’m nervous. It’s the first time we’ll be doing a shoot since we took our break. I inhale deeply, readying myself to breathe a lie.
“Okay, I think I have the perfect look. Edgy, but soft,” Heather murmurs to the makeup before her.
She turns, placing her hands on her hips, her eyes bouncing over my messy bun and freshly washed face. Heather rolls her lips, then starts to chew on the inside of her mouth. The action is so hot, but I don’t even think she knows it.
“So the vacation was good,” I start.
“Yeah, it was great,” I see something flash in her eyes, but it’s gone before I can place it.
Heather starts on my makeup, tipping my chin up. I look into those brown eyes and my heart squeezes. She’s so pretty. If she ever were to model, she would take the world by storm.
“Did you hang out a lot?” I stop myself from asking if she went out on dates.
Heather snorts. “Not at all. I spent most my time relaxing. I wish I was still relaxing.”
She pulls a frown, a few thoughts seem to cross her face. I take a chance that this thread will be the right one to pull to get me where I’m heading. Heather turns to grab eye shadow and a brush.
“You seem pretty relaxed,” I reply.
Heather blows out a breath. “Looks can be deceiving. We both know this,” she mutters.
“You seem…I don’t know happy,” I smile.
“Yeah, because my Dad isn’t here driving me nuts,” she rolls her eyes.
Bingo! I mentally fist pump. This is just what I need. I want to jump up and down, but rein in my composure.
“Was your vacation too long or something?” I inquire.
“No,” she mumbles. Taking a step back, her eyes assess her work before she steps back in and adds more shadow to my right eye. “Dad’s up my ass about,” she stops and frowns. “He thinks I went away with someone. He knows we “broke up,” she stops to make air quotes, shrugging.
“He’s back at trying to set me up,” her frown deepens to a huge scowl. “How about you? What’s up?”
I jump at the subject change to me. It’s exactly what I need. I launch right into my plan.
“Things are kind of good. I’m interested in someone,” I spew out the lie.
“Really?!” She says, genuinely excited for me, causing a ping in my chest.
“Yeah, actually, I sort of wanted to talk to you about that,” I continue.
Heather pauses to shrug and look into my eyes. “Shoot,” she says, with that smile now on her lush lips.
“So,” I bite down on my lip, feeling the sweat start to dew on my top one. “It’s actually my ex.”
“Billy,” Heather’s brows wrinkle. She knows a little about our history.
“Yeah,” I nod. “She break up with her girlfriend. We’ve been talking on the phone some and we went out once. I…I sort of want to ask you for a huge favor.”
“O…kay,” Heather says, giving me a skeptical look.
“I think if she sees me dating, she’ll make a move. Please, Heather I know this sounds crazy, but I at least want to try. You know things going bad was my fault. I didn’t communicate with her. I think she’s wary now,” I rush out.
“How do you think this is going to help,” Heather groans, closing her eyes, and pinching the bridge of her nose.
“I know Billy. She just needs a little push. Besides, you just said your dad’s up your ass again. This could work out for both of us.”
When she opens her lids to look at me incredulously, I plea with my eyes. I hold my breath, dying inside. This is such a stupid idea. It’ll never work.
Heather
I look at Lucy like she’s lost her damn mind. We tried this and she was the one that got hurt. Why on earth would she want to do something this crazy again? Especially to make her ex jealous.
My mind races over all the things she’s told me about Billy. They dated for three years. Billy left because Lucy was focused on starting her business. They broke up not long before we started our arrangement.
“Please Heather, think about it. Your dad would totally back off. Billy with see us together a few times and we can act like we’re broken up again,” Lucy gives me a beaming smile.
I groan internally. I feel like I owe her so much. She was there for me. She wasted two years of her life to pretend she was my girlfriend. I’ll never be able to give her back that time. How can I tell her no now?
“Just think, you can help me get hot again and I’ll be out of your hair in no time,” her smile brightens some more.
I actually do groan out loud this time, face palming myself. Lucy walked in here looking a hot mess today. I didn’t mention it, but you would think she forgot everything I’ve taught her. I’m going to need to get after that hair as well.
I do want to get my dad off of my back. I could also use the buffer between me and Braxton. He’s wearing me down. I’ve had so much hope that I can get pass my damage, but I’m petrified that we’ll get into a relationship and I’ll find out that I can’t. This could be okay. I mean, her feelings for me wouldn’t be a concern, since it’s so that she can date someone else.
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Yes,” Lucy squeals, jumping from her seat to pull me into a hug.
When she releases me, she looks a little nervous. I cross my arms over my chest and sigh. I knew it wasn’t going to be that easy. I brace myself for her next request.
“Just one thing,” she shifts, her eyes dropping to the floor.
“Yeah,” I ask cautiously.
“It won’t work if we don’t look serious. I mean, we made out before…I promise not to touch you any way you don’t like,” she rushes the last part.
“Wait, what do you mean?” I side eye her.
“Like, making out and stuff,” she shrugs.
“Lucy,” I groan. “This is crazy.”
>
“If you’re uncomfortable at any point, fine. We can call it off,” she murmurs quietly.
The sad look on her face kills me. I hate that look. It reminds me of how broken she looked from my rejection. I look up at the ceiling, puffing out air.
“Okay,” I relent, feeling in my bones I’ll live to regret this.
Chapter 29
Tit for Tat
Braxton
Look at her. This is the happiest I’ve ever seen Heather. Since we’ve returned, she’s been changing. In a good way. The smile that brightens her face threatens to take my breath away.
However, it doesn’t escape me that Heather avoids me like the plague. We were fine the first week we returned. Then poof, she was back with the fuckery.
Hell, she’s even back at the bullshit with Lucy. I know it’s because Uncle Rob was all in her shit when we got back. He wanted to know who she went away with, if not Lucy. He was so hopeful that she found someone to date. Lately, it’s been killing me not to tell him the truth.
I know how Heather feels about me. She doesn’t have to say a word. Both of our feelings for each other grew, while we were at the beach house together.
If she wants to play with me, I’ll play. I promise she won’t like it. You see, things would be fine if Heather hadn’t taken things to a new level. Once again, she’s playing with fire.
Heather never used to be as affectionate with Lucy. A peck on the cheek here, holding hands there. Now, there isn’t a moment the two aren’t glued to each other. Lucy’s hand in Heather’s back pocket. Lucy nuzzling Heather’s neck.
If Lucy has had a few beers, forget about it. Last week, she tried to swallow Heather’s face. Heather hasn’t put a stop to the shit, but I plan to.
Yup, I’m not with the bullshit. Girl or no girl, I’m not having it. Yes, I, Braxton Black, am a jealous man. I’ll admit it.