by J. E. Parker
Felix was a Vietnam Veteran who Shelby had befriended before she met Anthony. When she moved out of her duplex and into Anthony's home, she'd taken Felix along with her, moving him into the small apartment above their garage.
A garage that sat sixty feet to the left of my house making the Moretti’s, along with Felix, my new neighbors.
God help me.
Without missing a beat, Isabella moved her finger to the next group of stick people and said, "That's Keith and Charlotte"—she giggled, moving her finger further to the right—"and that's Pop. He always has Jolly Ranchers in his pocket."
I almost rolled my eyes at that. James Cole, or Pop as most people called him, was Hendrix and Shelby's father. A lifelong fireman turned Fire Chief, he was a good guy although that hadn't always been the case. A former violent alcoholic, Pop had been sober for nearly a decade, and he'd spent the last few years trying to atone for the horrible stuff he'd done while drinking. A long road lay ahead of him, but redemption was something he was fighting like hell to achieve.
His determination was one thing I admired.
Keith was Maddie's father, and he was dating Charlotte, Hope's mother. I'd grown up with Hope; therefore, I'd known Charlotte my entire life. She was like a second mom to me, and I loved her as fiercely as I loved my own mother. I only hoped that Keith treated her right because if he didn't, he'd be dealing with me.
That's if Evan didn't get to him first, which he likely would.
But I doubted I had to anything to worry about. From what I'd seen Keith treated Charlotte like gold, much like my brother did with Hope. Even though I was jealous as hell, I was happy for both couples.
"And this," Isabella screamed as she bounced on my lap and pointed at a wild-haired stick figure wearing a knee-length flowered dress and bright pink lipstick. "Is Grandmama!"
Grandmama was Maddie's crazy grandmother. Her house sat between Pop’s and Evan’s, and across the street from mine and Shelby’s. Crazy as hell, she was one of the nuttiest people I'd ever met, and that was saying something considering my occupation. But she was also big-hearted and protective, two things that made up for the insanity that followed her everywhere she went.
The day she’d met Bella, she'd claimed her as her own. I hadn't bothered to argue with her. What was the point? If I did, her crazy ass would’ve either hit me or shot me, depending on her mood.
Grandmama was not one to be fucked with.
"And this"—Bella pointed at a redheaded stick figure wearing a long dress and scarlet lipstick—"is Clara." The longing in my little girl's voice as she spoke Clara's name hit me right in the gut. "I miss her, Daddy,” she said, looking at me over her shoulder. "And I miss Liam and Declan too." Tears filled her eyes. "Sooo much."
Handing her back the picture, I slid my hands under her arms and turned her to face me. "Don't cry, princesa," I said, rubbing my thumbs down the sides of her face. Her tear-streaked eyes made my chest ache. "You'll see her and the boys soon."
"Will I get to see her today?"
I clenched my jaw tight and took a breath. I didn't know if we would see Clara or not and thinking we may not about killed me.
It’s been so damn long...
I stood, taking Bella with me. The picture remained clutched in her hand as I placed her feet on the floor. "I'll tell you what. If Clara isn't at Aunt Hope's house when we get to Kissler, then we'll hunt her down first thing tomorrow morning."
My girl's eyes lit up; her tears vanished. "Really?"
I nodded. "Yeah, baby."
She opened her mouth to say something else but snapped it shut when the sound of the moving truck pulling up outside reached her ears. "They're here," she shouted, throwing her hands up in the air. "Does that mean we can leave now?"
I chuckled. "As soon as Mrs. Johnson comes over, we're leaving."
Not wanting to waste more time, I'd paid my nosy ass neighbor to come over and supervise the movers as they loaded the truck. I had no intention of sticking around, waiting for them to get done. Once I signed the papers okaying them to start work, Bella, and I were leaving.
It’s time to put Tennessee in the rearview mirror.
The thought had barely crossed my mind when Mrs. Johnson strolled through the open front door. "Yoo-hoo," she called out. "Anybody home?"
"Come on, beautiful girl." I took Bella's hand in mine. "It's time for us to go."
A heart-stopping smile spread across my girl's face. "I’m ready!"
Together, we headed for the door.
Brantley
Welcome to Kissler, Georgia.
“Daddy!” Bella pointed at the welcome sign ahead. She bounced in her car seat, a huge smile on her beautiful face—a face nearly identical to my own. “We’re here!”
I slowed my SUV and flicked on my turn signal. “We are,” I turned left onto Magnolia Street. “In less than a minute, we’ll be at the new house.”
“Will Aunt Hope and Uncle Evan be there?” I opened my mouth to answer her, but she kept speaking, cutting me off. “What about Clara? I want to see Liam and Declan!”
My heart skipped at the mention of Clara’s name.
Like I’d told Bella earlier, I wasn’t sure if she’d be there or not. When I’d asked Evan if her and Hope had plans for the day, he’d changed the subject, evading my question. I didn’t have a clue what his deal was, but every time I asked him about Clara or the boys, he steered the conversation in a different direction.
It pissed me right the hell off.
“I’m not sure, princesa. We’ll find out soon.”
A second later my brother’s house, followed by ours, came into view. When Isabella saw both homes, she clapped her hands together and kicked her legs wildly. “Daddy!” she yelled. “Lookie! There’s our new house!” Leaning forward as much as her car seat would allow, she pointed to the faded grey SUV parked in front of my brother’s house. “And there’s Clara’s car!”
My grip on the leather steering wheel tightened.
She’s here.
Heart pounding, I scanned my brother’s yard for any sign of her. When I didn’t see her anywhere, agitation set in.
I’d spent every moment of the drive anticipating the moment my eyes would lock with hers again. The last time I’d seen her in person was over three weeks before when my nephew, Ryker was born. The twenty-four godforsaken days since had been torture.
Going that long without seeing her made me twitchy and unsettled.
I was as bad as an alcoholic pining for a drink.
I craved the melodic sound of her laughter, the beauty of her sparkling green eyes, the smell of her sweet, berry-noted perfume and her smartass mouth.
A smile crossed my face when I thought of the sass she regularly tossed my way. Her fiery spirit and low-tolerance for my bullshit flirting amused the hell out of me.
I loved every bit of it.
As I parked my car along the curb in front of our new house, I wondered if she’d been waiting for us to arrive. My chest tightened at the thought. I can’t tell you how many nights I’d laid awake wondering if she thought about me as much as I did her.
Messed up as it may be, I hoped she did.
“Daddy, hurry, open my door. I want to see everybody!”
I unbuckled my belt and climbed out of the car. When I opened Bella’s door, she jumped out and straightened the glittery pink tutu she wore around her waist, along with the silver princess crown she wore on her head. After pushing a lock of dark brown hair that had fallen free from her pigtails out of her face, she stared up at me with excitement-filled eyes. “I’m ready.”
“Alright, beautiful girl,” I said, taking her hand in mine. “Let’s go find—”
The words died on my tongue when the sound of a scooter or skateboard racing down the sidewalk reached my ears. Without having to look over my shoulder toward the approaching sound, I knew who it was. It was clear by the sparkle that ignited in Bella’s eyes as she peered behind me that it was Liam or Declan headed our w
ay.
Before I could look over my shoulder to find out which boy it was, Isabella ripped her hand free of mine and took off running like a bat out of hell. Her pink Converse sneakers slapped against the concrete sidewalk as she ran in the opposite direction, her arms outstretched in front of her. “Declan! I missed you!”
I turned, watching her run toward Clara’s youngest son.
Coming to a sliding stop, Declan jumped off the silver scooter he was riding and dropped it to the grass covered ground beside him. “Bella!” He screeched in return, running full speed ahead. “You’re here!”
I held my breath as their bodies collided, their arms wrapping around one another. When neither of them tumbled to the concrete in a heap of broken bones, I exhaled.
Declan turned, his eyes meeting mine. “Hey, Brantley,” he called out, waving at me. “My Mama has been watching for—”
His words died on his lips when Liam yelled, pulling our attention to the place where he stood in Hope and Evan’s yard. “Mama!” His eyes moved from Declan to Isabella to me. “They’re here!”
I swung my gaze to the front door of my brother’s house. Knowing Clara was in there, standing on the other side of the stained glass caused nervous energy to rip through me.
Come on, Clara, my heart plead. Just step outside.
Let me see you, baby.
Every muscle in my body drew tight as the door slowly began to open. Swear to God, the world around me slowed, and time seemed to stop as the sound of my erratic heartbeat filled my ears, making it impossible to hear anything other than the thoughts running rampant through my head.
Unable to bear not seeing her any longer, I took a single step, followed by a second. When I was about to take a third, the door opened the rest of the way, and she emerged.
At the sight of her, I lost the ability to breathe, much less move. My brain short-circuited, and my entire body went numb.
There she is. My gorgeous girl.
Long red hair pulled on top of her head in a loose knot, she wore a long, coral-colored dress that fell to her ankles. A slit ran up the front, stopping mid-thigh. I licked my lower lip when I glimpsed creamy skin beneath the flowy material.
Her feet were bare, and a silver bracelet was wrapped around her left ankle. Turquoise polish adorned her fingers and toes, and ruby-red gloss coated her bow-shaped lips. Silver earrings dangled from her ears and a slight blush stained her peaches and cream complexion.
Thicker than any woman I’d ever dated before, her stomach wasn’t flat, her thighs weren’t slim, and she had more ass than all the women I’d been with before combined.
I fucking loved it.
Every time I saw her, my mouth watered, and my fingers twitched with the need to feel her soft skin. There wasn’t an inch of her I didn’t want to explore with my tongue and worship with my hands. I wanted nothing more than to cover her soft body with my hard one, and I ached to feel, and watch, her curves move beneath me as I slid inside her, giving myself to her entirely.
Movement from the corner of my eye caught my attention. I swung my gaze to the left just in time to see Declan and Isabella dart across the traffic-less neighborhood street, their hands entwined with one another. Warmth filled me at the sight, but it was nothing compared to the lava-like heat that rushed through my veins when Clara hopped down the front porch steps, hiked up her skirt, and ran toward my little girl. She stopped in the middle of the yard and dropped to her knees and waited for my baby to reach her.
A moment later, Isabella slammed into Clara’s chest, almost knocking her backward. Upon impact, Clara’s arms wrapped around Bella’s little body.
Body trembling, Clara’s lips moved as she spoke, but I was too far away to make out what she was saying. It didn’t matter though. I was too focused on the single tears that slid down her cheek to pay attention to anything else.
While watching them together, all I could think was, she loves Isabella like she’s her own.
I pulled my eyes from the scene before me when someone bumped my arm with their own. I glanced down to see Shelby standing beside me, a look that guaranteed trouble on her face.
Oh hell…
“Where did you come from, Blondie?”
She arched a brow. “Did you forget that I’m your new neighbor? Lord have mercy, Brantley, I thought you were the smart twin.” Her southern accent was thick, her tone filled with humor. “Or did your brain short-circuit when Clara walked outside?”
I smirked. “I didn’t forget. I just didn’t hear you walk up.”
Shelby hummed in reply. Then, “Well, can’t say I blame you. I mean, if I was busy watching that”—she pointed at Clara and Bella—“I’d be oblivious to the rest of the world too. Seeing those two together is a beautiful thing. I mean, it sorta looks like they are meant to be together. Like two puzzle pieces they just fit, ya know?”
I exhaled. “What are you doing, Shelby? I know you’re up to something.”
She shrugged. “I’m not doing a thing, sugar. Just pointing out the obvious.”
Without saying another word, she left my side and walked across the street toward Clara. Once she reached her, she tapped on her shoulder and pointed in my direction.
Clara turned her head; our gazes collided.
“Jesus Christ,” I mumbled under my breath as her green eyes locked with mine. “This woman will be the death of me.”
Clara stood, lifting my girl into her arms. Bella wrapped her legs around Clara’s hips and looped her arms around her neck. Then she rested her head on Clara’s shoulder, closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
My need to be closer to them soared.
Unable to stay away a second longer, I walked across the street.
Clara
My pulse raced as Brantley approached me, his heated gaze locked with my own. Every muscle in his body was drawn taut, yet he still moved with the grace of a predator. His long, purposeful strides devoured the distance between us, bringing him closer with each heart-stopping second that passed.
I licked my lower lip, tracing my eyes over every inch of his clothed body.
Lord help me… The man is sex on a stick.
Wearing a pair of tailored black slacks that hung low on his lean hips, a moss-colored button-up shirt, and shoes that likely cost more than my monthly rent, he oozed power and wealth—two things I abhorred because they reminded me of the devil from my past.
Don't think about him.
I lifted my gaze to Brantley's face.
Chiseled jaw, sharp cheekbones, kissable lips, and piercing eyes enhanced by dark, long lashes... The man was the epitome of male beauty. His honey-toned skin, muscle stacked frame, taller than average height, and flawless complexion only added to his appeal.
I wonder if it tastes as sweet as it looks?
I gritted my back teeth together, willing my inappropriate thoughts to dissipate. It wasn't the time nor the place. I realized that. Still, I couldn't stop the images that flashed through my mind one after the other like a movie on an old projection screen.
Brantley shirtless.
Brantley nude.
Brantley covered in sweat with his strong hand wrapped around his—
"What are you thinking about, Firecracker?" Brantley's voice interrupted the slideshow of dirty images running rampant through my head.
Beads of sweat dotted the length of my spine as I stared up at him. His scent, a mixture of warm amber and smooth vanilla, danced at the tip of my nose, making me dizzy with need.
A need that, until meeting Brantley, I'd never experienced.
"Answer me, Clara," he demanded, sending chills racing down my spine. His signature smirk appeared, tipping his lips up at the corners. "Or are you too embarrassed to tell me?"
Without me having to say it, he knew what I was thinking. I supposed he was as talented at reading women's body language as he was at deciphering the legal mumbo jumbo he buried himself in each day.
After all, Brantley had plenty of experience
with women.
I'd heard Evan talk. I knew the stories.
Flirting with women is what he does.
Chasing them is what gets him high.
With that thought, realization struck, and my heart ached like a rotten tooth. How I'd been so stupid, I wasn't sure. The heated look he'd given me moments earlier was only a game, and I was just another conquest.
Skin burning, a black cloud settled over me, darkening my mood.
I stepped back, my eyes narrowed. Standing tall, I called upon every bit of sass I possessed. "I was just wondering if you wanted my autograph, that's all." My tone was clipped.
Brantley's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why would I want your autograph?"
I shrugged. "You couldn't stop staring. Therefore, I figured you were star-struck, Pretty Boy."
I forced a bitchy smile that felt foreign on my ordinarily passive face.
He opened his mouth to speak but snapped it shut when Bella lifted her head from my shoulder and looked at her father. "Clara called you pretty, Daddy." Her high-pitched voice was one of the most beautiful sounds I'd ever heard. She swung her sparkling gaze to me and asked, "Do you think I'm pretty too?"
The pissy smile I’d tossed Brantley's way disappeared, and in its place, a genuine one appeared. "I do, sweet girl." I pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face. "You are one of the prettiest little girls I've ever seen." She giggled, but I wasn't finished. "You’re not just pretty though. You're smart and sweet and a whole lot of silly too."
Bella cupped my cheeks. "You're pretty too, Clara!" she shouted a second before her brows furrowed. "No, wait." She fell silent, seeming to mull over what she would say next. Then, "That's not what Daddy says. He says you are be-you-ta-full."
Brantley slid his hands into his pockets. "She is beautiful," he replied. His words hung between us as I tried to decipher if he was telling the truth or if he was playing some game. "The most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
My heart skipped.
No, no, stupid heart. Calm down.