Valentine Wishes (Baxter Academy Book 1)

by Jane Charles

  I can’t really blame him on that one. If it wasn’t so important to be there for Theo and now watch over Grams, I would have never moved back home after I graduated. “I love New Orleans.”

  “I’ve never been.” But he doesn’t act like he ever wants to go either. What happened between him and his dad? Not that I’m going to ask now, but I want to know. I’ll need to know if this relationship keeps going forward.

  “I’ve only been to Disney once, as a kid, and would love to go back.” I change the subject.

  He tilts his head a looks at me. “I’ve never been there either.”

  “Oh! My! God! Are you serious?”

  “Never had time.” Brett shrugs. “And, the family didn’t exactly have the money to take family vacations. Especially expensive ones like Disney. We were lucky to have a week in the summer where both parents were home and we went to the local water park.”

  I knew he wasn’t raised with the same kind of money I was, but to not be able to afford a family vacation?

  Not that I care about his financial status. Brett could be dirt poor for all I care. What matters is who he is, and he is one hell of a guy. “That’s where we should have spent your five days off.”

  “We wouldn’t have exactly been alone, or been able to do what we did earlier.”

  I lean in. “They have hotel rooms for that,” I whisper then lean back. “I am so taking you to Disney next time you are off work.”

  “I won’t have vacation time again until March”

  “I’ll make sure I’m free.”

  Running around Disney could be a lot of fun with Jackie. It’s easy to make plans for something like that while we are sitting on the couch, in front of a fire, thinking about the future, but she isn’t taking out a date book and scheduling it either. Not that I expect her to, but I will have to check on the cost, and budget. I make good money, but I also have school loans and I’ve been trying to save. But, how expensive can it be for two people to get a hotel and visit the different parks for a week? To do that with Jackie, I think I’d take out a loan. And, I’d get to visit with Roni.

  Besides, I’ve wanted to go, it just never worked out, and it isn’t some place you go alone. And, a trip with Jackie would be a hell of a lot of fun.

  “We’ll have to figure out when will be a good time and plan it,” I finally say.

  “It’s got to suck with your family so far away,” she says after a moment.

  That isn’t the half of it. “Once we graduated high school and went off to college, we kind of went our separate ways.” We all wanted to get out of that house and at the first opportunity of escape we took it and never looked back. Something I regret and I’m fairly certain my sisters do too. At least Roni and Claire, but it’s Claire I worry about the most.

  Not Dad though and I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive him.

  “I’m close to my Uncle Quinn.”

  “Your mom’s brother?” She asks. “Just assuming because the last names are different. Or, is his wife your mom or dad’s sister.”

  “My mom’s brother.” The last person I want to talk about is my mom. Not on a night like this when I finally have Jackie all to myself and there is no hurry to be anywhere. “How’s is your grandmother doing? All recovered?”

  Jackie frowns at me. It wasn’t exactly a smooth change of topic, but I’m shutting down any further discussion of my family. She’ll find out the depressing details eventually. Just not now.

  “She’s still weak and has to go to the doctor about every week. And, she’s been doing some therapy. She hasn’t moved back to her old room.” Jackie looks down into her nearly empty wine glass and swirls it around. “I don’t think she ever will. The surgery left her weaker and I don’t think she’ll be doing those stairs again.”

  Shit. I didn’t want to be the bummer here. That was one of the reasons I changed the topic, but her grandmother looked pretty good when I stopped by to get Jackie.

  “If anything needs to be upstairs, she gives the new maid explicit instructions.” She smiles. “I mean explicit so that it’s done right.”

  “Like?” Why would a maid need such detail? They cleaned. How hard could it be?

  “Packing, for one.” She’s grinning. “When I found out we were camping, grandma already had my clothing laid out on the bed. I know she didn’t do it, so I would bet that she made a detailed list for the maid, which included no makeup, hairdryer or curling iron. Instead, sunscreen and bug spray was on my bed with the appropriate clothing” She meets my eyes. “I didn’t even bring shampoo because I figured I wouldn’t have a chance to wash my hair.”

  I’m beginning to see the drawbacks on not telling Jackie we’d be in a cabin. Not that I mind that she doesn’t have makeup with her. I really like that she’s not wearing any, and that her hair is pulled back in a rather messy knot. “I’ll share my shampoo.” I wink at her. Hell, I’d share anything she wants.

  “Thank you.” She laughs. “But I could have packed on my own. Seriously, it’s not that difficult.”

  I can’t help but laugh at her. Then again, I’d probably be a bit insulted if someone decided to pack for me like I was five-years-old. “Have you heard from your brother?”

  The smile slips from her lips. Shit. I should not have brought up the brother who is sitting in one of the most dangerous places on this planet.

  “Last week. He’s not much of a writer.”

  “When does he get back?”

  “January.” She drains the wine from her glass and I refill it. “I can’t wait until he is back in the States.”

  I can’t really blame her there. “The camp going good? No pyros? Theo still taking pictures.”

  This time she smiles. Finally a more pleasant subject. “We have had a great group of kids this summer. This is the last one before we close up until next year.”

  “They haven’t agreed to the school?”

  “I didn’t say that.” She chuckles. “Theo and grandmother have spent every spare moment researching and making plans. This time when they talk to the Foundation, they are going to have facts and figures and plans. Grandmother has even talked to an architect on designing the place and how much land it would take.”

  “It won’t be possible for it to be done before Theo graduates though.”

  “That’s okay. I’m just glad he has something to focus on. It’s the first time he’s been really interested in something besides photography since the accident.”

  The fire is dying down and I’m not even sure how late it is, but it’s been a long day. I’m not exactly ready to sleep yet, but I’m ready for bed. Pushing the blanket away, I set my glass on the table and then go stir what is left of the logs and embers so it burns down more quickly. Jackie grabs our plates and takes them into the kitchen.

  “I’ll get these washed up so the food doesn’t dry on them.”

  Dishes aren’t exactly what I had in mind, but it needs done. “Do you mind if I take a shower while you do that?” I don’t really want to leave her with the cleanup, but I do need a shower. If I help her with the dishes and then take a shower, what if she falls asleep before I’m done?

  “You cooked, I’ll clean.” She grins at me.

  “Won’t be long.” I head up the stairs and intend to take the quickest shower in my life.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  I don’t really want to pry, but I can’t help but think there are things Brett is not telling me about his family. No real mention of his mom and evasive about his dad. It’s none of my business, of course. But, we are getting close and the closer we get the more family will become a part of that. He knows about mine and I want to know about his. Is there a dark secret that he’s hiding? Doesn’t he realize it won’t make a difference to me?

  I already know who he is, and that’s really all that matters. But, I assume I might meet his family one day and would like to know a little more.

  I’m drying and putting away the last plate when Brett steps out of the bathroo
m upstairs. He’s only wearing boxers and my body heats all over. Damn, I like a guy in boxers. I really like Brett in boxers. He rushes down the steps, gives the embers a few more stirs. There isn’t anything left of the fire, just red, glowing pieces of wood, and he shuts the grate so sparks don’t escape. He checks the locks on the windows and doors and I head upstairs.

  Do we really need to worry about someone breaking in? Then again, we are out in the wilderness, all alone. I’ve seen enough horror movies to know things could go badly.

  Shit! Quickly I erase the memories of the movies. I won’t think about them because if I do, I won’t get a wink of sleep. I may not be ready to sleep right now, but eventually, I’ll need to.

  He’s switching the lights off downstairs as I grab my pajamas and head into the bathroom. I don’t expect to remain in them, but I don’t want to be so forward as to crawl into bed naked either, and intend to take my lead from Brett. After all, I was the one who instigated this afternoon’s sex. What if he’s not in the mood, or today was enough? I don’t want him thinking that all I want to do is have sex. Even if that’s all I want to do right.

  Crap, I should have known grandmother would have instructed the maid to pack the warm and least revealing of my pajamas. Of course, I didn’t change them out when I did put everything into the backpack. At the time I thought I’d be in a sleeping bag or tent and even with Brett beside me, I anticipated a cold night. I so do not need these flannels, but it’s all I have.

  “Nice,” he laughs as I step out of the bathroom. Grey flannel pants with pink hippos aren’t exactly sexy.

  Brett’s already in bed and grinning at me. The covers are down to this waist and that delicious chest is on display. “Tent, sleeping bag and cold, remember?” Not that anything about me is remotely cold at the moment.

  He pushes the covers aside on my side of the bed. “I still would have kept you warm.” His eyes darken and I have the feeling he’ll have me more than warm before the night is over.

  After crawling into the bed it is suddenly awkward. Do I say goodnight and give him a peck? I’ve never just gotten in bed with a guy knowing I’ll be spending the night. I usually don’t end up in bed without a hell of a lot happening before I get there. This is very odd.

  Brett goes up on an elbow and leans over me before he starts unbuttoning my top. “I predict if you sleep in this you might become too hot in the night.”

  “Possibly.”

  “Then you’ll kick the covers off and I’ll get cold.”

  “We can’t have that.”

  “If we are both similarly clothed, I don’t think that will be a problem.”

  I blink up at him and frown. “I don’t own a pair of boxers.”

  “Then I suggest we both get naked. Just to even out the temperatures, of course.”

  His hand closes over my breast and my temperature strikes. “Of course. You are the Boy Scout and have experience in camping.”

  Jackie’s curled on her side away from me. She might have fallen asleep with her head on my chest, but at one point she pushed me away from her. As much as I liked holding her and having sex with her, and last night was no exception, I did sleep better not touching her. It could be that neither one of us is used to sleeping with anyone. Maybe it will change, or maybe it won’t. Not that it matters. She’s in this bed with me and all I have to do is reach out and touch her. Not that I will. At least not at the moment. I like watching her too much. Her face is so relaxed and her lips are parted only slightly. I hadn’t noticed how much tension she carried in her face before. At least, not until I noticed how peaceful she looked now.

  What made her so tense? Her grandmother? Theo? School? A combination?

  I do need to talk to her about Theo but I don’t know how to bring it up. To do so would mean talking about my mom, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to do that yet. Then again, telling her about my past and what mom went through might give her insight and maybe help Theo before it’s too late.

  Of course, I could just be assuming he’s depressed, but my gut warns otherwise. The comments he’s made are too reminiscent of mom and it scares me.

  Jackie rolls over onto her back, stretches her arms above her head and then opens her eyes. Blinking up at me, she kind of pulls back. “How long have you been watching me?”

  So I just wigged her out. Must remember not to do that again. “Couldn’t help myself. You looked so beautiful and peaceful.”

  Jackie rolls her eyes as her cheeks turn slightly pink. “I’m sure I look wonderful.” Then she snorts.

  “You do to me,” I answer seriously. “And, that’s really all that matters.”

  She finally smiles, slowly. “You don’t look half bad yourself.” She runs her hand across my chin, which is in need of a razor. Not that I intend to shave while I’m here, unless she wants me to. This is one of the few times I don’t have to. In my line of work, a clean shaven face is a requirement. Before that, it was the Army. Now, I don’t shave unless it’s required and camping does not require a smooth chin.

  “Breakfast?”

  Her grin widens. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Tits and ass.”

  Her nose wrinkles. “Not ass. That’s just gross.”

  “Okay, tits then.” I push the covers away. “And I’ll be having breakfast in bed.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  This isn’t so bad. The hiking that is. Though I’m wondering how I can even walk right now. After a marathon lovemaking session last night and then the things Brett did to me this morning, I thought I’d need a day in bed to recover.

  “What are you humming?”

  We haven’t been talking, just walking hand in hand, until the path is too narrow and he goes ahead of me. “A song I can’t get out of my head.”

  “I don’t recognize it.”

  “Dance Ten Looks Three.”

  Brett looks over his shoulder and frowns.

  “It’s your fault,” I laugh. “You mentioned tits and ass.”

  “And that reminds you of a song?”

  “You don’t see much theatre, do you?”

  This time he makes a face. “Not really.”

  “It’s from A Chorus Line. The lyric is ‘Tits and ass won’t get you jobs unless they’re yours’.”

  He just shakes his head. “How often does this happen? Getting songs stuck in your head?”

  “A lot,” I grumble. “And, always a show tune.”

  “Nothing else?” He laughs.

  “A lot of musical theatre in my past. I can’t tell you how often someone says something that reminds me of a line from a show, and then the song that came after it and boom, song stuck in my head.”

  “Tits and ass!”

  “Yep!” I assume this happens to everyone, even if not as much as it happens to me. “You don’t get songs stuck in your head, ever?”

  He shrugs and shakes his head. “I never listened to music all that much. I couldn’t even tell you who the popular groups where when I was in high school.”

  “Oh, Brett, that is so sad.” I don’t know what I’d do without music. Though, I really haven’t listened to much lately. Well, other than the musicians at the camp. I just haven’t had time.

  Now that I think about it, he’s never even had the radio on when we’ve been driving.

  Not that it bothers me. I love music, but I like conversation much more, especially with Brett.

  We come to the top of a hill, or maybe it’s a gradual cliff. I don’t know, I haven’t been paying that much attention, just walking and sometimes following Brett up the path. There is a break in the trees and we can look out over the valley. It’s breathtaking.

  “This!” He holds his arm out and wraps the other one around my waist. “Wasn’t it worth the hike?”

  “It’s beautiful.” A patchwork quilt of nature is before us. Light greens of grass, dark greens of trees, blue of the lakes, a waterfall in the distance. The only sound is the occasional bird. It’s as if we are
the only ones in the world.

  Someone had built a bench up here and we settle onto it. Brett’s got his arm around my shoulder and I’m just leaning into him, at peace. I could probably sit here all day.

  “When are your grandmother and Theo going to present their plans to the Foundation again?”

  The question comes out of the blue and kind of surprises me. The last thing I was thinking about was the school or my family. “In a few weeks, I think. Once they have everything planned out and are ready to answer any anticipated questions.”

  “Does your grandmother want this school as much as Theo?”

  What an odd question.

  “Or, is she doing it for Theo?” he asks before I can answer the first one.

  This is something I hadn’t given much thought to. “I’m not sure. I know she’s behind the school and has been since the first time he brought it up.”

  Brett nods. I can feel it even if I don’t see it. “Why does it matter?”

  He sighs. “I’ve just been thinking about Theo and some of the things he’s said to me.”

  This time I turn and look at him. Brett’s being all serious and I’m beginning to be alarmed. I’m not sure why, but I want to know what he’s thinking. I’ve lived with concern over Theo since the accident, but does Brett know something I don’t?

  “What kind of shift has there been since the Foundation meeting and the planning?”

  “His outlook is more positive.” But there is more. “Before that, Theo didn’t care about anything, except photography. Now, when he’s not with the campers, he’s with grandmother, making more plans for the school.” Actually, it’s more than that. “He’s reading more than ever, on the computer a lot, but it’s making him sick. After long hours with Grams, he’s been in bed for two days, in a dark room. He knows he can’t spend so much time reading without the consequences, so why is he doing it?”

  “Is there a deadline they need to meet?”

  “No. A meeting of the Foundation can take place anytime. It’s not like a corporation where there are time limits set on plans.”