Besting Brady (Hearts of Hollis Book 2)

by Nicole Dykes

  Her lips brush against my ear as she answers, “I’m pretty sure we already did.”

  “It wasn’t yours then.” I say and suck her ear lobe into my mouth. I feel her body tense and she pulls away.

  “Honestly, Brady, that was a one-time thing and it won’t be happening again.” she informs me.

  “So, you were jealous.”

  “No, I wasn’t jealous. You can kiss who you want, date who you want, and screw who you want. Being jealous is not an emotion I feel.”

  “Well, what’s the problem then?” I ask, confused as to what’s going on here.

  “I got you out of my system. We had fun, but casual isn’t really my thing. And I can tell it’s most definitely your thing.”

  Fucking hell. Everything about Lilly screams she’s just like me. Casual. No strings attached. Now she bluntly informs me she doesn’t want casual. She wants more. She’s the opposite of me.

  We finish dancing and I deliver her straight to Jade and Casey who are both scowling at me as though I’ve just deflowered a virgin. I ignore them and set off to find the brunette from earlier.

  Maybe her offer still stands.

  Chapter 10

  Lillian

  I watch Brady as he saunters back to the dance floor, no doubt trolling for his next conquest. Possibly the brunette I saw him kissing earlier when we arrived at the bar. I have to admit, his body pressed against mine felt incredible and I wanted nothing more than to take him up on his offer to “christen” my new place.

  I know better though. I know my heart and I would fall for him, that easy grin and cocky attitude would eventually be irresistible. He’s unlike any man I’ve been with before. The men I’ve dated were all super serious and stern men. More like my father. I love my father, but he’s not known to be easy going. He would despise Brady and his carefree attitude.

  I’m here for one reason and even though that is slow going at the moment, I don’t need any distraction. Brady Thompson is definitely a distraction.

  Jade and Casey are eyeing me hard when I sit next to Casey on the barstool. Jade hands me a fruity looking drink, “We weren’t sure what you wanted so I got you a Cosmo.”

  “Thank you.” I take a sip of the cocktail and sit it down on the bar, still feeling their eyes on me.

  Casey is the more blunt one of the two, “What the hell was that?”

  “What?”

  She huffs and takes a drink, “Please tell me you aren’t fucking Brady?”

  See, really blunt. “I’m not.” Not a lie. I’m currently not sleeping with him.

  Jade just shakes her head and nudges Casey, “Don’t.”

  Casey ignores her, “Seriously, I know I’m a bitch and all, but I’m really just trying to protect you. Caleb and Brady are one in the same and you know what Caleb did to our last waitress.”

  I’m growing tired of the warnings, although I appreciate her help. Everything inside of me is poised to always be polite. “I understand, but I’m not a young girl. I’ll be twenty-eight soon and nothing is going on.”

  Jade smirks and stands up from her barstool when Madden rejoins her. He doesn’t have to say anything, just holds his hand out for hers. She takes it and then looks back at us, “I’m going to go dance. I think you can handle her Lillian, but let me know if you need backup.”

  Casey flips her off as they walk away and I smile watching them hand in hand, “They really do love each other, huh?”

  Casey grumbles into her drink. “Yep.”

  My eyes go to Caleb on the dance floor, a pretty, although kind of fake looking blond, is dancing with him. Although it’s more like pawing and grinding on each other. I know Casey’s eyes are looking in the same area as mine and there is no way she doesn’t see it. “I’m sorry, Casey. That has to be painful to watch.”

  She tries to shrug it off, but her eyes are still glued on Caleb and I watch as his cold eyes find hers. They have an intense stare off before Casey turns around, facing the bar and I do the same. “Whatever. He hasn’t been my problem for a while now.”

  I know it’s none of my business, but unfortunately, I am very curious about their relationship. “How long were you together?” I ask cautiously, knowing that I already know some details from Jade. It might help her to vent to someone who doesn’t already know their story.

  She laughs bitterly, “Shit. I’m twenty-four almost twenty-five and we first starting going out when we were in junior high.”

  “Wow. Over a decade.”

  She nods and orders a shot of tequila. “Yep. Over a decade wasted.”

  “So, it was off and on that whole time?”

  She nods, “Yep. Pretty much. We just couldn’t take the fucking hint that we are totally wrong for each other. Both too stubborn to just give up and every time we would break up, one of us would cave.”

  “That’s kind of sweet.” I say that without thinking and she turns to face me, looking at me like I’m insane.

  “Sweet? It’s not sweet, it’s fucked up.”

  “Well, I don’t know. I’ve never felt that kind of intense passion for someone. Where I was drawn to them no matter what happened, constantly being pulled back to each other.”

  “You’re lucky.” She slams the tequila shot. I’m not so sure she’s right about that, although it’s obvious that they are both in some serious pain.

  “Well, maybe you guys can still work it out.”

  She scoffs again and orders another. I casually look over my shoulder and see Caleb and the girl are now full on making out.

  “We are done. We should have been done a hell of a lot sooner than this. I could be married to Michael Waters by now if I wouldn’t have spent so much time on Caleb.”

  I turn back to face her, “Who is Michael Waters?”

  She smiles, “A cute guy that was a year older than us in school. He was smart and kind. I went out on a date with him during one of our breaks junior year.”

  I nod listening to her, “What happened?”

  Her smile spreads, “Caleb showed up and beat the hell out of him. I, being stupid, thought it was insanely hot and left with Caleb. You know what Michael is doing these days?”

  I shake my head and she answers, “He’s in law school in Dallas, married and has his first kid on the way. I’m a fucking waitress stuck in Hollis, still fighting with Caleb.”

  My heart saddens for her. “You are also going to college and you have great friends.” I add.

  She laughs at that, “Yeah, thanks for trying to cheer me up.”

  “Honestly, I envy you. The men I’ve dated I never even thought about dating them again. It was always kind of boring. Zero chemistry.” Until recently.

  “I would take boring over heartbreak any day.” I shake my head. Something tells me Casey can’t handle boring and then she says, “And if you are looking for a thrill with Brady, don’t.” Too late. Thankfully I keep that thought in. “He’s just like Caleb except for the fact that he’s never even tried the relationship thing, except with Jade and that was just for under a year.”

  “What happened between them?” Wow. I just can’t keep my questioning nature in check, but maybe Casey isn’t a bad friend to have while I’m in Hollis.

  “They dated and then he left. Just out of nowhere for a job. Without a word. Charming, right?”

  “That’s awful.”

  She nods, “Yep. Jade and I sure know how to pick ‘em. It took her a year of celibacy to get over him. How she did that shit, I have no idea.”

  I laugh, I had been going on a good year when I slept with Brady. “Well, she found Madden. I’m sure you will find someone wonderful.”

  She takes one more shot and turns around on the bar stool. “Yeah, I just need to get under someone new.”

  As if on cue, Jade walks back over to us, “Let’s get out of here.”

  I nod my head. I don’t think Casey hooking up with a random bar guy is going to make her feel any better in her current state. “Sounds great.”

 
Casey groans, “I was just about to go dance.”

  Jade looks at me knowingly and then back to her, “Casey, you have the lunch shift tomorrow. Let’s go home.”

  She reluctantly agrees and I’m relieved. “You two go ahead to the car. I’ll pick up the tab.”

  Jade gives me her usual sweet smile, “You don’t have to do that.”

  “It’s really no problem, you guys have done so much for me.”

  They give in and walk out the front door of the busy club. I turn around and signal I’m ready to pay. I can feel him behind me before I even turn to look into those gorgeous eyes, “Brady.”

  “Hey, you guys out of here?”

  I nod my head and take the slip of paper indicating how much we owe from the bartender. I glance over it and hand him enough cash to cover it and then a generous tip. I withdrew a lot of cash before my trip so I couldn’t be traced. Charges in Texas would be noticed since I’m supposed to be in Europe. “Yes, I think it’s time.”

  “Casey being a pain in the ass?”

  I laugh and look back for Caleb who is now groping the blond in a booth in the corner. “I don’t know about that.”

  He turns to see where I’m looking and rolls his eyes, looking back at me. He runs his fingers through his hair, “Christ.”

  I laugh, “Well, I’ll see you around. Jade and Casey are waiting for me.”

  “Right. I’m guessing it’s too late for you to move into your apartment tonight, huh?”

  I nod. I guess it’s another night at the crappy motel. “I guess so. Oh well, I have tomorrow off so I will just move in then.”

  He smirks at me, “Well, if you need help, I also have the day off.”

  I shake my head and my skin heats at the thought of him helping me. “I really don’t have that much stuff with me. Just a few bags.” I packed for a three-month trip to Europe so I didn’t arouse any suspicion.

  “Well, I can show you around now that’s it’s finished, plus I’m sure you have some shit from today to carry in.”

  I smile, really tempted to take him up on his offer. I did buy a lot of stuff today. “I’ll be fine.”

  He takes the receipt the bartender gave back to me and writes a number down on the back, handing it to me. “There’s my number. Call me if you change your mind.”

  I take it in my hand and he winks at me before walking over to join Madden at their table.

  I know I’m going to have to fight myself not to call him tomorrow.

  Chapter 11

  Brady

  I finish hanging the shower curtain and step back to admire my work. Jade and Amelia did a good job picking out the color scheme for the bathroom. The light shades of purple and yellow look good and the shower curtain matches. Amelia told me several times exactly what shades these colors are called, but to me, they’re purple and yellow.

  I walk out of the bathroom just as Lilly walks into the living room. She gasps in surprise and I laugh. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare ya.”

  “What are you doing here?” she asks, a slight trace of annoyance in her voice, but mostly surprise. She puts her purse on the table and crosses her arms. Everything in her posture is screaming that she’s putting up walls, trying to keep me out.

  “Had to put one more thing up.” I answer. “And I came to help you move in.”

  “I told you I didn’t need your help.” she snaps. “I can handle this on my own as soon as I get some coffee.”

  I look at her hair that’s piled into a messy bun and the fact that she’s still wearing sunglasses. She looks sort of adorable. “I take it you’re not a morning person.”

  “Not exactly. How is it possible that you are?” she asks, stifling a yawn. “You were out later than we were.”

  “I’m used to it.” I grin. “Every job I’ve ever worked I’ve had to be up at the butt crack of dawn. And…I don’t even need coffee. Did you have fun last night?” I say with a mischievous grin, thinking about our dance together. It was on my mind for most of the night.

  She smiles over at me, “It was nice to have a girl’s night. I don’t even need to ask you if you had a good night,” she quips.

  I smirk over at her, assuming she’s talking about the brunette. “Ah, you must be talking about Chasity. She was alright.” I don’t bother telling her that although I found her, I didn’t take her up on her offer. Not sure why. I just wasn’t feeling it.

  I spent the rest of the night trying to keep Caleb out of trouble. He kept wanting to down shots and then shocked the shit out of me by pulling out a pack of cigarettes. Neither of us have ever smoked a day in our lives. He knows I despise the cancer sticks.

  “Well, I liked the place. Maybe I’ll get another night off and go back sometime. It definitely won’t be when I have to get up early the next day though. Like I said, I am not a morning person.” she says and yawns again.

  “Why don’t you go make yourself a pot and I’ll start getting your things.” I suggest.

  “I really don’t need your help, Brady.” she tells me again.

  “Good thing my mama raised me to be a gentleman, Lilly.” I counter and hear her mumble, “I doubt that.”

  I laugh as I head down the stairs and outside. The only car parked in the lot is a silver BMW. I whistle as I open the door and pop the trunk. I wonder why someone driving a BMW like this is hanging out in Hollis. Sort of reminds me of Madden.

  He came here to run away from his family and the fact that Amelia, who he thought was the love of his life, was marrying his brother, Keegan. Obviously, he found a new love and started a new life here in Hollis.

  When I open the trunk, there’s a total of four suitcases, some shopping bags, and a small bag that I assume is a toiletry bag. I grab two of the suitcases and start back inside. Lilly is standing by the coffee machine. She looks as though she’s praying for it to brew faster. I deliver those two bags up to her apartment and then go back for the rest.

  When I get back I ask, “Is that all you have? Just the suitcases?”

  “I’m not staying long.” she answers. “Told you I could handle moving in by myself.”

  I don’t argue with her or tell her that isn’t the point. It’s clear she’s in a mood. Maybe she’ll feel better when she has some coffee. Or more of my company.

  “Where are you from, Lilly?” I question, taking a seat on the barstool across from her. I rest my elbows on the counter and lean in.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know.” she deadpans.

  “Well, yeah, that’s why I’m asking ya. You know I’m from here, so it’s okay to tell me where you’re from. I think you know I won’t bite…unless you ask me to.”

  “Don’t count on it.” She narrows her eyes at me, a slight smirk playing on her lips. “I’m from Dallas.”

  “Really? That’s where the Steeles are from too. Did you know them?”

  “I’ve heard of their family, but I don’t know them personally.” she tells me and glances back towards the coffee pot.

  “It won’t brew any faster just because you’re hovering over it.” I joke and she rolls her eyes at me. “How about your parents? They still around?”

  “What is this? Twenty questions?”

  “If we’re not going to be having sex, I guess we should try to be friends.” I smirk.

  “Fine. My parents are still around and since I’m guessing you’ll ask, they’re both doctors. My dad is an OB/GYN and my mom is a neurosurgeon.”

  “Well, shit, Lilly! You following in their footsteps? Dr. Lilly kind of has a ring to it.” I wink and laugh.

  “Um, no, actually I’m not following in their footsteps.” she replies. “What about your parents? I’ve met your mom and I don’t think there’s a person who comes in here that doesn’t adore her. Jade tells me she’s famous on Taco Tuesdays.”

  “That’s true. She’s been working here at Jack’s since I was eight. I’ve been working here since I was twelve.”

  “Twelve? That’s not even legal.”

 
; “It was for pool lessons.” I grin. “I did cut grass and do yard work and shit though for money. My mom needed the help, so I helped.”

  “What about your dad?” she asks and leans against the bar towards me.

  I hadn’t thought when we started this conversation that he would come up. My intention was to get to know her better, not to talk about myself. Certainly not to talk about my dad.

  “He died a long time ago.” I answer and stand up from the barstool. “Hey, I’ll let you get unpacked. I’m sure you crammed a lot of shit into those four suitcases. Women are talented like that.”

  “Brady…” she starts.

  “I’ll see you around.”

  I cross the room in quick strides and push the door open. The sunlight and cool air hits my face and I suck in a breath. I haven’t thought about my dad in a while. I can push those memories down so deep they rarely ever surface.

  For some reason though, I wanted to tell Lilly everything.

  Chapter 12

  Lillian

  “Okay, Loraine. You think you can handle all this?”

  I smile politely at Jack, who apparently thinks my name is Loraine. Jade was right, he’s gruff, but may not be so bad once you get to know him. He’s just finished giving me a checklist before he leaves for the night, since I will be flying solo for two hours.

  It shouldn’t be a big deal, but my palms are slightly sweaty at the thought. I’ve never been responsible for a business before, or really anything for that matter.

  I throw my shoulders back and stand up straight, trying to appear confident. “Yes, sir.”

  He eyes me nervously and hands me a key, “All right, lock the front and back door before you go up to your apartment.”

  I nod and he grumbles a quick goodbye to the cook. The older gentleman is walking out the back door to leave also. They don’t serve food past nine here. Then he turns to me, “Don’t call me unless the bar is on fire.”

  My eyes widen at his bluntness, but I answer, “I won’t call.”

  “Don’t burn the place down. Goodnight, Loraine.”

  I ignore being called the wrong name yet again. “Goodnight, sir.”