A Brevia Beginning

by Michelle Major

  “This is all my fault,” she agreed, tugging at the hem of his shirt even as he lay her against the cushions.

  He stripped off the shirt and almost smiled at the way her eyes widened. “Having second thoughts?” he asked, sitting up a bit. If she was smart enough to stop this beautiful madness, he had no choice but to let her.

  To his surprise, she leaned forward and lifted her own shirt over her head. “Not a single one,” she said, watching him from eyes full of need and wonder. “I just hope I don’t disappoint you.”

  Desire unfurled low in his stomach at the sight of her creamy skin under a peach-colored lace bra. “Seriously, how does a woman who dresses like a nun half the time have such great lingerie under her clothes?”

  She rewarded him with a saucy smile. “It’s my little secret and there’s no one to tell me that I can’t.”

  “If anyone tells you to stop, send them to me and I’ll break all of their fingers.” Scott placed his hand on her neck, feeling her pulse race. “You are so damn beautiful,” he whispered.

  “You don’t have to say that.” Some of the light in her eyes dimmed. “I know it isn’t true.”

  When she would have turned her head, he cupped her face between his hands. “Lexi Preston, you are beautiful, desirable, smart and too kind for your own good.”

  Lexi wanted to believe him. Looking into his eyes, she almost could believe him. The desire she saw there made her bold. With trembling fingers, she eased her bra straps along her arms. Scott sucked in a breath as he reached behind her to unhook the clasp. The small bit of fabric dropped to the floor, suddenly making her self-conscious again. She covered her breasts with her hands until he gently pushed them away.

  “I want to look at you,” he whispered, his voice filled with something that sounded like reverence.

  Lexi groaned softly as his hand covered one sensitive tip, rolling it between his fingers. “So beautiful,” he repeated softly and lifted his head to flick his tongue across her heated skin.

  She sucked in a breath and at that moment his mouth found hers, melding to her, and he pressed her bare skin along the length of him. He touched her everywhere, running his hands down her back, flipping her over and, in the process, easing her jeans and underpants down her hips. His clever fingers slid up her thigh and she gasped for air, his mouth over hers taking in her tiny moans as he touched her in ways she hadn’t imagined.

  He continued to kiss her as his fingers stroked her to a frenzy she couldn’t control. All her inhibitions seemed to melt away until there was nothing left but sensation and feeling, her entire body throbbing with need.

  “Let me hear you,” he said against her mouth, speeding the rhythm of his fingers against her.

  As if at his command, her body arched and bright pleasure tore through her, shattering her senses. He held her close as her arms and legs trembled, finally coming back to herself and settling under him once more.

  He kissed her softly, nuzzling her neck with his mouth and whispering gentling words to her. “You are amazing.”

  “We didn’t...” she began, embarrassed at her body’s intense reaction to him. “You didn’t...”

  “Not here,” he told her, raising himself onto his arms above her. “You deserve more than a roll on my office couch.”

  She looked toward the ceiling and mumbled, “I like your office couch.”

  He laughed, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “Then you’ll love my bed.”

  She glanced at him then. “So this isn’t over?”

  He straightened, his eyes heating once more as his gaze traveled across her body. “We haven’t even gotten started.”

  A knock at the door had Lexi jumping, grabbing for her clothes.

  Oh...no.

  She was naked in her boss’s office. How much more clichéd could she be? “This is bad. What was I thinking?”

  Scott picked up her shirt and handed it to her. “You weren’t thinking. Neither of us were.” He pulled her to him, kissing her once more. “We’re going to do more not thinking together later.” Then he unlocked the door, slipping out before whoever was on the other side could see that he wasn’t alone.

  Lexi took a steadying breath as she pulled on her jeans, then smoothed her hair back into a ponytail. She felt terrified and elated at the same time. Good-girl Lexi Preston having a go at it on the job. She put a hand over her mouth to suppress a nervous giggle. Finally, it felt as if her adventure was really beginning.

  * * *

  Lexi took another order from a table of regulars. They were a group of guys from a local construction company who came in for a weekly boys’ night out. She liked the harmless flirting, and when one of them grabbed her hand and loudly kissed it, she laughed before drawing back.

  She’d been in Brevia for two weeks and still reveled in how invigorating her new freedom made her feel. A few nights earlier she’d indulged in a dinner of chips, soda and cookie-dough ice cream, savoring the choice to do something her father wouldn’t approve of, even it was a tiny stake in the ground of her independence.

  She’d been embarrassed when Scott had walked in midfeast, then surprised when he’d grabbed a spoon from the kitchen and helped her polish off the pint while watching some cheesy reality TV show on cable. He hadn’t tried to kiss her or made any kind of move, but hanging out with him had been so easy and right that her heart had opened to him even more.

  But she’d been avoiding Scott since the encounter in his office, too afraid of her own feelings to pursue anything more with him. Realizing she needed to keep better control on her emotions, she turned away now to collect the table’s drink orders, but Misty hauled her off to a corner of the bar.

  “What’s going on with you and Scott?” the other waitress asked on a hiss of breath.

  “I... We... Nothing,” Lexi answered quickly. “Why?”

  “He just about came over the bar when that guy grabbed you.” Misty shook her head. “He looks like he wants to throw you over his shoulder and carry you off.”

  “A little too caveman for my taste.” Lexi laughed as her pulse started to race.

  “I wouldn’t mind being carried off by that man,” Misty said with a knowing smile.

  Lexi’s gaze tracked to the bar. Scott handed two beers to a couple sitting at the stools in front of him before his eyes met hers. One side of his mouth curved up and the promise in his gaze made Lexi’s knees go a tiny bit weak.

  “That look isn’t nothing,” Misty said, whistling softly under her breath. She chucked Lexi on the shoulder. “I don’t know how you did it, girl. Most of the waitresses and half of the female customers have been angling for a way to catch Scott Callahan since he got to town.”

  “And you think I’ve caught him?”

  Misty smiled. “I think you’re darn close.” She winked at her. “I just hope you know what to do with him once you’ve got him.”

  Lexi swallowed hard as Misty walked away. She had no idea what to do with Scott. The things her imagination conjured made her tingle from her toes to the top of her head.

  She waited until he was busy at the other end of the bar to retrieve the drinks for a table up front. She’d gotten them balanced on her tray when a familiar voice spoke behind her.

  “I can’t believe I raised a common barmaid.”

  She managed to hold the tray steady as she turned to face her father. “What are you doing here, Daddy?” She glanced behind him to see Trevor Montgomery, her onetime boyfriend, standing in the wings. “And you’ve brought reinforcements. How lovely. Grab a table and I’ll get your order after I deliver these drinks.”

  Her father reached for her. “You’ll speak to me now, Lexi, and not to take my order. You’re coming home.”

  “I’m working right now,” she said, her spine stiffening. “We’re busy tonight and I can’t
keep the customers waiting.” She held her tray in front of her, pushing past her father and Trevor. She brought the drinks to the table, then motioned to Misty. “Could you cover my section for a few minutes?”

  Misty looked to where Robert Preston was glowering next to the bar. “Sure thing, sweetheart.”

  Lexi made her way back to her father, dread making her legs feel as if they were encased in cement. Lord, how she wanted to just run out the front door. She knew her father was serious about her coming home, but she’d never thought he’d actually show up in Brevia to collect her. She’d been stupid and naive to think he’d actually respect her decision. Respect for her wasn’t part of Robert Preston’s makeup.

  “I have return tickets on the late flight out of Charlotte,” he told her when she stood in front of him. “We’re leaving now.”

  “You just got here,” she answered weakly, pretending not to understand

  He shook his head. “Let’s go, Lexi. Trevor will drive us to Charlotte, then return to Columbus with your car. You’re lucky he’s willing to take you back after the way you deserted him. You’re lucky we both are.”

  Trevor’s eyes darted to her father before returning to her face. “I’ve missed you, Lex.” He gave her a placating smile.

  “Give me a break, Trevor. I doubt you noticed I was gone, besides the fact that you had to find a new way to brownnose my father.” She shook her head. “Dad, I’m not going back yet. I told you that on the phone. I want a few more weeks.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “You’re the one who sent me away.”

  “You ruined the relationship with one of our best clients.” He looked around with clear disdain. “What is it about this town that attracts you?”

  Lexi forced her gaze to remain on her father. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Scott with a group of men at the far end of the bar. “People are nice here. It feels real. I feel real.”

  “Nonsense,” her father scoffed. “Your life is in Ohio with me. The firm needs you. I didn’t pull you out of the gutter only to have you return there.”

  “This isn’t the gutter, Dad, and you didn’t pull me out of anywhere.”

  “Your birth mother was a common bar whore, Lexi. A stereotype of the worst sort. I saw something more in you.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “The adoption agency thought I’d be happier with a boy, but I chose you. I invested in you. Don’t make me regret my decision.”

  “I’m not a piece of property.” Her voice caught and she swallowed, trying to get ahold of her emotions. Robert Preston could smell weakness in an adversary and would gladly use it to his advantage. She knew that better than anyone. “I’m your daughter.”

  “Which is why I can’t understand how you could disobey me in this way.”

  “I’m not trying to disobey you,” she argued. “I just need time.”

  “Time is up and you’re coming with me.”

  She shook her head and backed away. “No.”

  He reached for her arm, but someone stepped between them.

  “She said no.” With Scott looming in front of him, her father took a step back, his eyes wide with disbelief.

  “This is none of your business,” her father said on an angry breath.

  “Anything that happens in my bar is my business.”

  “It’s okay, Scott.”

  He glanced at her. “Are you sure?”

  She nodded, wiping at her eyes.

  Scott turned to Lexi, his thumb smoothing a tear off her cheek. “You’re safe here, you know.”

  “Safe?” her dad sputtered. “I’m her father, you idiot. I’m the one who keeps her safe.”

  “I’ll take care of this,” Scott told her. “You can go in back and get yourself together.”

  She nodded. “I’ll let you know my decision about my future in a few weeks, Dad. Don’t contact me again before that.”

  “Come back with me now or I’ll make sure you have no future. Not in the legal community, anyway.” He pointed at Trevor. “Do something, you oaf. Ask her to marry you.”

  Trevor looked visibly shocked, but stepped forward. “Lexi, would you...?”

  Her head started to pound. She knew Trevor was her father’s henchman, but hadn’t realized how far his loyalty went. “You don’t have to do that, Trevor. I’m not going to marry you. Now or ever.”

  He sighed, probably with relief. “I’m sorry, Lexi,” he whispered, and it might have been the first honest thing he’d said to her the whole time they’d been dating.

  She turned away, expecting her father to follow, but found herself alone, leaning on the hallway wall outside the kitchen. She stifled a sob, then jumped when Jon popped his head out of the kitchen. “You look like hell.”

  “I feel worse,” she answered.

  He shifted uncomfortably, then offered, “I made an apple pie earlier.”

  She smiled, grateful for the simple gesture. “A slice of pie is just what I need.”

  * * *

  Scott turned to Robert Preston. “Leave her alone.”

  Preston’s eyes narrowed. “I know you, Callahan, and you aren’t the Boy Scout your brother turned out to be.”

  “This isn’t about you or me. It’s about Lexi.”

  “I think you’re part of the reason she doesn’t want to come home.”

  “I don’t give a damn what you think.”

  “You should.” Preston smiled, but it was a mean look on him. “I have contacts in D.C., you know. Some with the U.S. Marshals agency.”

  Scott felt a muscle clench in his jaw. “So what?”

  “I know why you’re hiding out here. Based on your history, I’d guess running a bar in Brevia, North Carolina, isn’t going to cut it for you. You need action. I can help you.”

  “You don’t know anything about me.”

  “I know you have a snowball’s chance of getting back to active duty without a recommendation from the review board.” Preston’s smile widened as Scott flinched. “I want my daughter back. I didn’t realize how serious she was until tonight. I’m not used to seeing Lexi with a backbone.”

  “It looks good on her.”

  “In your opinion. But she belongs with me. Her life is in Ohio, not down here.” Preston sighed. “I’ll give her the month she wants. I’m not stupid. But at the end of the next few weeks I want her to return home. I want you to make sure she does.”

  “She can make her own decisions,” Scott answered, tension balling low in his gut. This guy was a real piece of work. No wonder Lexi needed to take such drastic measures to gain some sense of independence.

  Preston nodded in agreement and reached in his wallet to hand Scott a card. “Let’s make sure it’s the right one. Call me when you come to your senses.”

  Scott pocketed the business card. He didn’t plan to do anything with it, but Preston didn’t need to know that. Right now, he just wanted him out of his bar. “If you knew me at all, you’d know I can’t be bought.”

  Robert Preston only smiled, then turned and walked out of Riley’s Bar. Scott hoped it was the last time he’d ever lay eyes on the man.

  He looked around the crowded room, surveying the changes he’d made, as well as the groups of people laughing and mingling throughout. In truth, he hadn’t missed the action of the field as much as he thought he would. Renovating the bar had taken his time and energy and given him an outlet that was more satisfying than he’d thought it could be. He liked belonging somewhere, getting to know the regulars and making this place part of the community.

  The menu was already a success, with local business people coming for lunch and families in the early evening. He’d talked to a couple of local bands and musicians about hosting an open-mic night, and he’d put some events on the calendar to draw people in during th
e week. Carving out a place in Brevia was good, but he also wondered how long his desire to stay would last. Scott had a long track record of leaving people and places behind. After things were stable, would Brevia still hold his interest? Preston was right that this wasn’t the life he’d imagined for himself.

  * * *

  Lexi took another bite of the apple pie, then washed it down with a long drink of milk. “This is fantastic,” she told Jon from her seat at the large work island in the middle of the kitchen. “You’re a genius.”

  “Don’t plump up his ego too much,” Scott said from the doorway. “I’ve already given him one raise.”

  Her eyes darted to Scott. “Is my father...?”

  “He left, Lexi.”

  Both disappointment and relief rolled through her. “I guess that’s good.”

  “He’s giving you the time you want. He’s going to leave you alone for a month.”

  She nodded. “But he’s not interested in me until I come back to Ohio.”

  Scott didn’t answer and his silence told her everything. She took another bite of pie, swallowing back her emotions.

  “It’s his loss,” Scott said quietly.

  “Thank you,” she answered. She pushed away the half-empty plate and stood. “I need to get back out there. Misty can’t cover everyone.”

  “It’s thinned out. People are going home early. She’ll be fine.”

  Lexi took her plate to the sink, then turned to give Jon a small hug. “Thanks for the pie and the company. Your food is going to make this place a huge success. I bet your dad is smiling down on you right now.”

  A broad grin stretched across the older man’s face. “I’m glad you think so. You’re a good person, Lexi. I hope your father comes to his senses.”

  She tried to smile, then swiped at her eyes. “I need to pull it together,” she said with a shaky laugh.

  Scott took her hand as she came into the hall, tugging her toward the back exit. “Where are we going?”

  “Home,” he answered, pulling harder when she would have stopped.

  “You have a bar to tend and I can’t just leave because my dad’s a jerk,” Lexi argued. “I’m going to pull up my big-girl panties and—”