by Patricia Fry
Chapter Twelve
“I’m really glad you agreed to come with me this weekend, Brianna. When my dad started talking about me taking a trip to the wine country to look at a horse, I wasn’t too interested. And then when you came along, I thought it might be a fun trip to share with you.” Bud looked over at her and said, “You do make things fun. I don’t think I’ve laughed as much all year as I have with you just this week.”
“Yeah, we are a couple of laughaholics,” she quipped.
“Laughaholics? Now that’s a new one on me.”
“That’s ‘cause I made it up.” Brianna got serious. “Bud, have you thought any more about that curse and the bees and leaves thing?”
“Yeah, I can’t figure it out. I’ve never been much into that stuff. I guess I kinda took it for granted, growing up with it. But it wasn’t something I wanted to get involved in, except for the folklore remedies.” He glanced over at Brianna and nodded. “Now that interests me.”
“That’s because you’re involved in medicine and the science field, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, probably. Does that interest you?”
“Oh yes. I’m fascinated with anything scientific or mystical, actually. I could sit and listen to your grandmother all weekend.”
“Hey, I should have brought her along.”
“That would have been fun, only…”
“Only what?” he asked.
“Oh, I was just thinking that…what if we wanted to make out or something?”
“Make out? Where did that come from? I mean…”
“Bud, I do believe you’re blushing.”
“Well, I do believe you are a bold woman.”
“Yeah, I guess I am.” Should I tell him what I’ve been thinking? I’ve thought about kissing him since the first day I met him and saw those kissable lips of his. And, even though we’ve been together every night since I got here, he hasn’t tried to kiss me. All I could get out of him was a nice strong hug the night we went out to dinner. What’s up with this guy? Is he a gentleman, shy or…surely, he’s not gay.
“Don’t you want to kiss me? I thought maybe that’s why you brought me on this trip—for the opportunity to kiss me. Hey, we are going to share a room tonight, aren’t we?”
“Um, yeah, we actually have a suite, so it’s two rooms. I stayed at this place with my folks once. They know the couple who own it and they get a good rate. Does it sound okay to you?” he asked looking over at her briefly.
“Sounds nice. Sure.”
“The view is great—it overlooks rolling hills with grapevines. It’s actually a winery and they’ve added this bed and breakfast with all suites. Pretty classy. Oh, and there’s a Jacuzzi in each suite.”
“Sounds really nice, Bud. Can’t wait to see it.” He’s shy. I think he’s just a late bloomer and he’s shy around girls…er women. That’s what I think.
Bud was deep in his own thoughts, Gosh she’s pretty. Her skin is flawless. She has the sexiest figure. I wonder if she has seen me looking at her; staring at her. I’m not usually one to be so instantly taken by a woman. But this one is way different. She’s exciting and beautiful. I love being with her. I wonder if she’s serious about wanting to kiss me. ‘Cause I sure want to kiss her. It’s practically all I’ve thought about since I met her. But the timing just didn’t seem right. I’ve been so awkward in the past when it came to kissing a girl and I don’t want to blow it this time—not with this woman. She may just be the one.
Brianna was enjoying the small talk as the couple traveled north. With each subject, she learned something new about Bud and had the opportunity to share something about herself. She was surprised to discover how similar their childhood dreams and interests had been, considering what very different people they were now. Or were they? He was certainly every bit as dedicated and devoted to his profession as she was to hers.
After driving and talking for about four hours, he announced, “We’re here.”
“Where?” she looked all around.
“This is the vineyard. The winery and inn are just up the road a ways. Pretty, isn’t it?”
“It’s beautiful. Lovely country. So different than Los Angeles…or Indiana.”
“I’ll bet. I’ve never been to either place.”
Brianna looked at him in disbelief. “Really? I mean I can understand Indiana. Who goes to Indiana, unless you’re enrolled in a university there? But you’ve never been to Los Angeles?”
“Nope,” he said as he pulled his Ford Explorer into a driveway. Soon, a large Tudor inn came into view. They parked in front of it.
“This is gorgeous,” Brianna said as she twirled around the room, trying to take it all in. “The décor, the view—look, we can sit out there on the balcony and watch the sunset. Where’s the Jacuzzi?” she asked, excitedly.
Bud stood leaning against the door to the suite, his arms folded in front of him, watching Brianna with a big smile on his face. “Probably in the bathroom,” he called after her, although she had already disappeared through the doorway.
“Wow, that’s luxury,” she said as she walked back into the room with her arms wrapped around herself, a dreamy look on her face. “I can’t wait to get in there and feel all of those jets all over my body,” she said.
“Want to take get in the Jacuzzi before we watch the sunset? I’ll go get us a bottle of wine in the gift shop.”
“No, I don’t want to miss the sunset,” she said. She looked over at Bud. “I feel like a kid in a candy store—so much to see and do and experience. She then walked over to him, put her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Thank you for bringing me here. I’m having such a good time and this…” she said, motioning with one arm, while keeping the other one wrapped around his neck… “this is an amazing perk.” She felt Bud slip his arms around her waist. He pulled her around so she was facing him.
“I’m glad you came.” He stared into her eyes for a moment and then slowly moved toward her until his lips touched hers ever so lightly.
“Mmmmm,” she said.
He pulled back. “Excuse me?”
Nothing,” she said just before kissing him back—quickly at first. And then she gave him a lingering kiss that left them both a little weak in the knees.
“I’ll go…” Bud started, his voice a bit froggy. He cleared his throat. “I’ll go get that wine now and a couple of glasses.” He started to turn and then looked back at her and said, “Don’t go anywhere.”
“Are you kidding? I’ll be right here waiting for you. You can be sure of that.” She winked.
***
Earlier that same morning at the Ivey household:
“Adam’s here,” Michael called out.
Savannah finished drying the last of the breakfast dishes. She checked to make sure the coffee was still hot and then she walked toward the living room. She watched as her husband gathered up his little boy in his arms in a giant hug. He then greeted Marci, Eric, and little Rose. Savannah smiled. She was so glad she had come to her senses (or that her hormones had passed their crises) and that she and Michael had made up last night after her crazy outburst. Poor guy, what must he have thought? Yes, it had to have been a hormonal thing and stress, perhaps. Whatever it was, I will not let it happen again. I never want to see that kind of hurt in Michael’s eyes again.
“Hi Marci, Eric. Come on in. I have fresh coffee and muffins.”
“Oh, muffnins,” Adam said. “Savannah makes good muffnins.” He looked back at his parents. “Come see my room,” he said, excitement in his voice. “Where’s Rags? He probably wants to see Mom and my other dad, too.”
“His other dad,” Marci repeated, shaking her head. “He has two dads and that’s just the way he wants to keep it,” she said.
“I think it’s great, don’t you?” Savannah smiled. “How many little boys have two such devoted dads that he loves equally?” she said as the two women followed Adam and his two dads up the stairs. Lexie walked next to Marci, trying to
get a better look at the child she held in her arms. Rose leaned over reaching her little hand toward the dog.
“I just hope it doesn’t hurt Michael’s feelings that he still calls Eric, Dad,” she confided.
“Not at all. I can tell you that he is happy that Adam has Eric in his life.”
“Mom, come see my room,” Adam called from the top of the staircase.
“We’re coming, honey,” she said as she set Rose down and held her hand, helping her walk the rest of the way up the large staircase. Lexie reached over and licked the four-year-old’s face and Rose giggled.
“She’s not wearing her glasses today.” Savannah noticed.
“Well, she broke them. Sometimes I think she does it on purpose,” she said, a knowing look on her face.
After taking a tour of Adam’s room, greeting all of the animals—including Peaches—and visiting over coffee and muffins, Adam waved goodbye to his mom, “other dad,” and sister.
“What shall we do first?” Michael asked.
“Can I take Rags out to play?”
“Well that’s a nice idea,” Savannah said. “It’s been a while since he has been outside.”
“You mean he hasn’t got to go visit Peaches?”
“No.”
He frowned. “I bet he misses Peaches.” His face lit up. “Can I put his harness and leash on?”
“Yes, that’s a good idea, buddy,” Michael said. “We don’t want him getting away from us.”
“Can I hold the leash?” Adam asked.
“You sure can.”
Savannah watched as Michael helped Adam strap the harness on Rags and hook the leash to it. She followed them outside and smiled when she heard Peaches whinny at the sight of them walking toward her. She’s probably most happy to see Adam because he always gives her apples and carrots. But she does seem to be rather fond of Rags, too. And he sure likes hanging out with her. Suddenly, Savannah looked beyond the corral at the barren land. She strolled out there and stared for a moment at the dried-up fruit trees planted here and there. She walked up to one of them and snapped the tip off a branch. She stepped over to another tree. Most of these trees were here long before I came and I don’t remember any of them bearing. What’s wrong with this soil? What’s wrong with this land? Is it the curse? But there is no curse on Antonio’s garden, she thought as she ambled over to the raised beds their long-time gardener so lovingly tended. She stared down at the lush eggplant plants, kale, and cabbage. She looked over at the thriving rows of cauliflower and broccoli. Why is his garden a success? I must ask him. He grows some of the best and biggest tomatoes around all summer long.
She glanced at her watch and then turned toward the corral. “Michael, I’m going in to work now. You boys have fun. I’ll be home in time for lunch.”
“Okay, hon. Have a good day,” he said as he watched Adam feed Peaches some carrot tops. He then called after Savannah, “How about if us guys fix corn dogs for lunch?” When he remembered how diligently Savannah was watching her diet, he added, “And a watercress, spinach, tomato, and gorgonzola sandwich on rye.”
Savannah smiled. “Perfect. I’ll see you two soon.”
***
“That was a killer shunshet,” Brianna said. “I mean sunset,” she corrected herself with a laugh.
“Are you shlurring your words, Brianna?” Bud asked. “’Cause it shounds like you are.”
“Yeah a little.”
“You only had one glass of wine.”
“A big glass and on an empty stomach.” She turned and pointed at him in a scolding manner. “You didn’t feed me lunch. That’s the problem.”
“I didn’t? Oh my gosh, I guess I was so anxious to get us here, I plum forgot to stop for lunch. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”
“Only if you’ll kiss me again,” Brianna said, looking at Bud and making no attempt to conceal her flirtatious mood.
“Sure will.” He leaned in her direction and then stopped, stood up, and walked over to the railing around the balcony. “No, I don’t think I will.”
Her smile faded. “Why not?”
He squinted in her direction. “You’ve been drinking, young lady, and I don’t want to take advantage.”
“Oh please Bud, take advantage,” she pleaded. “I only had one glass of wine.”
“One big glass,” he reminded her.
She walked over to him and said, “I will absolutely not regret anything that happens here this evening. I promise; okay, Bud?”
Although he tried, he couldn’t resist her. He was ever so aware of her sumptuous body next to his. He looked down at her full lips. No, he was past any possibility of resistance. He grabbed her and kissed her hard.
“Wow!” she said when he let her go. “Wow!” She pulled him to her again. After kissing one another over and over, Brianna moaned and pulled away. “Bud,” she said.
“Yeah?” he was obviously a bit unsteady and out of breath—weak with passion.
“Let’s get in the Jacuzzi.”
“Did you bring a bathing suit?”
“Nooooo,” she said, peering at him from under feathered bangs.
“Oh,” he said looking from her toward the door where the Jacuzzi waited—the thought of it tempting every fiber of his body. “Okay,” he said as he walked over to the sofa, sat down, and started pulling his shoes and socks off. Next, he pulled his T-shirt over his head as he headed toward the bathroom and the Jacuzzi. He reached over to turn on the water. “Do you like it hot?” he asked.
“I like it just about any way I can get it,” she responded while unbuttoning her light-weight cotton blouse. Bud watched as she unfastened her capris and let them drop. She stepped out of them and tossed them on a nearby chair. She then stood in front of the mirror and pulled her hair up, wrapping it in a loose knot. Bud was mesmerized as he stared at her lovely womanly form and the dainty skimpy undergarments she wore. If I’d known she was wearing such sexy underwear, he thought, I would have been so distracted while driving, I might have crashed the car.
“It’s taking a long time to fill,” she said, leaning over the edge of the tub and watching the water run into it. Bud stood bare-chested, staring down at her. After a few minutes, she looked up at him. Man is he ever toned and taut. He’s actually quite gorgeous—something that’s not obvious under the clothes he usually wears. “It’s full enough, don’t you think?” she asked.
“Uh-oh.” He looked over. “Yeah, I guess it is.” He stood up, turned away from Brianna and slipped out of his jeans. Brianna did not turn away.
Chapter Thirteen
The following day, Brianna and Bud woke up in each other’s arms. “Good morning, beautiful,” Bud said, brushing a curl off Brianna’s forehead.
“Hi,” she said sleepily. “What time’s it?”
“Do you need to be somewhere?”
She thought for a moment, looked around the room and then at Bud, and said, “As a matter of fact, no.” She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
“Mmmmm,” he said as he pulled away from the kiss. “Don’t get me started again. I have a horse to look at, remember?” He kissed her once, twice, three times on the lips and then moaned, “I really have to get up or…”
“Or what, cowboy?” she asked.
“You know what,” he said kissing her one more time before climbing out of bed quickly lest he succumb to the temptation to stay there all day.
Brianna rolled over and watched as Bud grabbed his clothes and headed for the bathroom.
***
“Good bye beautiful room, Jacuzzi, view, winery… I hope to see you again,” Brianna said, giving the room one more look on her way out the door with her overnight bag. “And dinner last night under the stars…it was wonderful,” she said. “And so were you.” She grabbed the front of Bud’s shirt and pulled him in for yet another kiss.
“I’ll give you all day to quit that,” he said with a chuckle.
She looked up into his eyes. “I wish we had anothe
r whole day.”
“We’ll have others, Brianna. At least, I’d like to.”
“Promise?” she asked.
“Oh yes. I want to see a lot more of you.”
She turned toward him on the way out the door and said, “What more is there to see of me?”
They both laughed.
Once the couple had loaded their two small overnight bags into the back of the SUV, Bud pulled out a square device with a small screen and affixed it with a suction cup to the windshield, at the left of the steering wheel.
“What’s that?” Brianna asked, crinkling up her nose.
“GPS,” he responded while pushing some of the buttons.
“Oh brother,” she said. “Don’t you know how to read a map? Those are the most ridiculous and annoying things ever invented. I knew someone who used one and he had these conversations with that woman in there all the time—even argued with her when he didn’t want to go where she said to go. I hated that thing.”
“You have one in your Lexus, don’t you?” he asked as he programmed the device.
“Yeah, but I rarely use it.”
“Well, I like GPS technology. It’s amazingly accurate.” He started the car and looked over at her. “Did you know that your cell phone has GPS? I find it to be incredibly useful for all types of travel. It’s a great system.”
Brianna flashed him a disgusted look and shook her head.
After they’d been driving for a few miles, Bud asked, “Are you hungry?”
“Sure am.”
“Wanna stop here for breakfast?” he motioned to a restaurant up ahead.
“Sure. As long as they have hot coffee.”
“How far away is the horse we’re visiting?” she asked after they were seated and had placed their order.
“According to the GPS, about thirty miles northwest. So not too far.”
“What will the horse be used for?”
“Dad’s looking for another ranch horse.”