Condemned

by Barbara Huffert

  She’d made him laugh with some of her observations on his character. She seemed to honestly care about him, enough to force him to face some things about himself he tried to avoid. She hadn’t backed down even though some of her words could have easily caused him to become angry and put a stop to her game. Somehow, she had known that he wouldn’t turn his back even when she was pointing out some less than flattering aspect of his behavior. And now, his mysterious friend had let him know her interest in him wasn’t always as platonic as it had appeared. He’d wondered from time to time if her thoughts were ever more than friendly. She’d teased him numerous times about his dates but never in a way that implied anything more personal. Now she’d shown him the depth of her self-restraint. Who was this woman?

  Chapter Three

  “Remind me how much I hate this shit if I’m ever stupid enough to agree to something so degrading again,” Brett muttered to Jesse as they waited backstage.

  “Relax,” Jesse urged. “You said yourself how good the publicity would be for the station.”

  “Screw the station.”

  “You don’t mean that. Think about your email lady instead. Aren’t you looking forward to talking with her in person? Don’t forget to flutter your hands.”

  Brett groaned. “Damn, I never should have told you about her. I wish I had replied to that one from yesterday. She may say she has nothing in mind other than dinner but right now, I feel as if I’ve been set up for something more. I’m not so sure I like it either.”

  “I’m surprised. I never expected you to be nervous when faced with an opportunity like this. You’ve been going on for months about how nice it is to have a woman who is capable of seeing you for who you are. I’d think you’d be chomping at the bit to get out there.”

  “I am I guess. It’s just, I don’t know. What if she doesn’t like me after she meets me?”

  “I don’t think that’ll be a problem,” Jesse declared. He was more worried that Brett would screw up the chance he was being given. When Brett had shown him the first message, Jesse had checked on the sender out of concern for his friend. He was surprised when he’d learned her identity. As her emails continued, he’d come to admire her determination. She’d found a way to capture Brett’s interest, knowing she might not otherwise. The woman in question was a treasure that Brett had never recognized. Hopefully, tonight he’d remember all the comments he’d made and look deeper than he had in the past. If not, Jesse feared his friend would miss out on someone very special.

  “Why aren’t you at least a little anxious about doing this?” Brett interrupted his thoughts.

  “One, I’m not nearly as interesting to this crowd as you are. Two, I’m looking forward to talking to whoever it is that wins my bid. I can’t wait to find out why someone would choose me over the rest of you. Three, I’m much better at hiding my emotions than you are. The truth is I’d rather be just about anywhere than here. This is to help kids like Max. If we keep that in mind, we can make it through a couple of hours of anything.”

  Brett nodded as he was told he was next. When he moved into the spotlight, Jesse added silently that he already had his winner secured and didn’t have to be concerned. Well, he didn’t have to worry if Brett’s bid ended the way it was supposed to. If someone other than his mystery lady won, Jesse’s alternate plan would need to be set into motion and that outcome wasn’t as certain as his first was.

  Andrea Sloan sat quietly and waited for Brett to be announced. What had possessed her to attempt something so harebrained? Who was she kidding here? Brett Hudson had no interest in her. He’d made that abundantly clear, frequently, during the time she’d known him. He’d dismissed her the first time he’d laid eyes on her when she’d arrived at her Great Aunt Sadie’s months earlier. He tolerated her company when Sadie was with them but disappeared as soon as it seemed they’d be alone. Too bad she’d fallen in love at first sight. Andie knew Brett would like her if he ever let himself get past her less-than-model-perfect appearance. There was much they could share but she knew him well enough to know he always went for looks first. She knew he wouldn’t give her the opportunity to show him how good they could be together.

  As she watched him stroll across the stage, flashing his smile at the audience, Andie refused to let herself chicken out. She’d come up with this idea so Brett could get to know her well enough to hopefully make him want to spend more time with her even though she didn’t have the looks he preferred. He hadn’t replied to her offers to end her game so she couldn’t become a coward now. She had to bid on him and hold him to the promised dinner where she would explain her actions to him. It was her only chance to have his undivided attention and she would do it no matter how humiliated she might be by the end of the evening.

  Unfortunately, there was as much bidding for Brett as she anticipated. When the price crossed three thousand dollars, her heart sank. Even though she had told Brett she was financially secure, she was reaching the limit of her easily accessed cash. Most of her competition had dropped out, so she thought she might still have a shot at winning. She was top bid and about to be declared the winner when she heard a new voice behind her double her offer. She turned with the rest of the audience to see a stunning blonde sauntering toward the front of the room to claim her prize. The woman was wearing a royal blue sequined dress that completely covered her but managed to leave no doubts about what would be found beneath it. How had she let herself be foolish enough to think that a woman like that would let Brett be won by someone like her?

  Andie forced herself to smile when Brett met her eyes and shrugged even though she could see the relief on his face. Whatever made her believe that all it would take was a few words and Brett would abandon all he sought in favor of her? Raising her chin another notch, determined not to let Brett see her disappointment, Andie was startled when someone placed a hand on her arm.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” A petite woman smiled at her. “This is for you.” She was handed a piece of paper. “Please, read it now and do exactly as it says.”

  When Andie unfolded the note and would have looked back to the woman she discovered she was alone.

  Andie, the paper read, No matter what it takes, win my bid. I will reimburse you for any amount. We need to talk. Re: Charity Auction. Jesse. Andie felt the blood drain from her face as she read the bottom of the note. P.S. Brett is a blind fool.

  Jesse knew! He knew and he wanted to talk to her. Andie began to panic. She couldn’t face him ever again. She had to get out of there. Immediately. As she turned to the nearest exit, intending to run, she collided with the woman who had given her his note.

  “You need to let yourself trust Jesse,” she said softly as she blocked the path to the door.

  “Who— How—”Andie felt her face flush with embarrassment.

  “Cousin Holly.” She extended her hand with the same kind smile as before. “I was supposed to win him after you got Brett. Jesse was worried about you though, so he wasn’t taking any chances. He made me promise to give that to you if someone else took Brett away from you. I’m only to bid if you don’t. I’d guess that means he has a plan and intends to help you.”

  “But…”

  “Look, I don’t know what-all is going on here. My cousin is infuriating in the way he only gives out enough information to accomplish his goal. I know Brett is one of the few people he trusts enough to consider a friend. I’m not entirely sure how you fit in but something Brett is doing to you has Jesse angrier than I’ve seen him in a long time. I don’t know how well you know Jesse but I can assure you he doesn’t offer to help just anybody. I’d say that means you must be pretty special. If he’s willing to get involved, he must feel very strongly about this. May I recommend you at least hear him out?”

  “I don’t think I understand.”

  “I don’t either but I must admit that I’m very intrigued.” Holly smiled warmly. “Hell, he didn’t even tell me your name but now at least I can see why he sounde
d so protective when he asked me to help him with this.”

  “What?”

  Holly laughed. “You have a quality about you. It makes me wonder who you are, who you really are, not who you let show on the surface. What’s your name?”

  “Andrea Sloan, uh, Andie.”

  “I’m very pleased to meet you, Andie Sloan. I hope you’ll tell me all about this when it’s over.” Holly slid her card into Andie’s hand. “Call me sometime soon. You already feel like a friend and I can’t wait to hear your story. There’s Jesse. You are bidding, aren’t you?”

  Andie nodded at the expectant look on Holly’s face. When she won, she realized she was alone again. In a daze, she walked to the area next to the stage where she would be introduced to her bachelor.

  Brett was standing next to the woman who’d won his bid, with the other couples, waiting to be paraded across the stage one last time. He watched as Jesse swept Andie into a hug, kissing her cheek. Briefly, a flash of something he could only label as possessiveness flickered through his mind. He dismissed it as quickly as it appeared, deciding it was just his ego. Here he’d thought Andie wanted him when it was Jesse she was after all along. She must have been bidding on him to drive up the amount the hospital would receive for research, knowing someone else would top her offer.

  Brett didn’t permit himself to wonder at the jealousy he felt when the woman he’d been avoiding for months gifted his friend with a smile he hadn’t noticed before. His own date was saying something to him and, since she was his mystery woman, he needed to give her his undivided attention. Why, then, did Brett find his thoughts returning to the other couple?

  It didn’t help his frame of mind when Jesse and Andie turned down his invitation to join them for a drink. The reason given was that they wanted a quiet walk alone to talk. They claimed to be nervous with one another but from the way they were behaving they sure seemed comfortable enough. Added to that, he felt the fool for thinking Andie had eyes for him. He couldn’t believe how wrong he’d been with that. Just another example of the toll his life was taking on him.

  Chapter Four

  Jesse waited at the door to Sadie Brown’s home for someone to answer the bell. When Sadie appeared, he asked sheepishly, “Am I still welcome here?”

  “Of course. Come in. Andie will be down in a minute and I want a word with you first.” Sadie led him into her late husband’s study, seating herself behind his imposing desk.

  Jesse understood the significance of the gesture and remained standing until she motioned for him to sit. “I take it Andie told you what I’m hoping to help her accomplish.”

  “Yes, she did.” Sadie paused to glare at him. “What makes you so certain this little plan of yours is going to be successful? Most people don’t take kindly to being manipulated. I should know.”

  “We’re not exactly manipulating Brett into anything. All I intend to do is give Andie the opportunity to relax and be herself around him. I’m sure you’ve noticed how jumpy and unnatural she is when he’s in the same room. I’m just giving her some moral support so she can be comfortable and act like she does with the rest of us. I think your niece is a real sweetheart. Brett knows that on some level, even though he refuses to let himself see it. He’s afraid of what she represents and is hiding from what I’m positive is inevitable. All Brett needs is a pressure-free situation to see how great Andie is. I plan on providing that. I really don’t see any of that as being manipulative, do you?” Jesse waited for her response.

  “No, but your comments bring a question to mind.” Sadie stared at him steadily. “If you know Andrea is as truly wonderful as I do, why are you pushing her toward the playboy? I’ve always found you to be a charming young man yourself. Jordan respects you and that’s a good enough reference for me.”

  “I did consider pursuing Andie at one point. The notion flew right out of my head the instant I was in the same room with both of them. I couldn’t help but notice that your niece is head over heels in love with Brett. I suspect she has been from the moment they met. At times, I can’t believe he hasn’t realized it yet because her feelings radiate from her so strongly that they’re almost tangible. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Andie. I know I’ll enjoy the time we spend together while we’re working on this and I’ll probably miss her company once Brett comes to his senses.

  “As Jordan may have mentioned, I don’t allow myself the luxury of friendship often. She’s too special to ignore. I doubt if romance would be an option for us even without Brett in her heart but I would like a place in her life. I want her in mine. She’s such a warm, caring, giving woman and I’m honored that she’s willing to share herself with me. You know, not everyone can accept the way I live my life. Andie is always happy to see me when I turn up and never questions me when I don’t. She’s a rare treasure and I’m honored that she trusts me enough to let me help with this.”

  “Oh God,” Andie groaned as she appeared in the doorway. “Aunt Sadie, you promised not to attack Jesse.”

  Jesse sprang out of his chair to face her. “Your aunt didn’t attack me at all, Andie. She’s justifiably concerned and wanted a few reassurances that I have your best interests at heart and…” His voice faded as he looked at her.

  “Jesse?” Andie asked timidly.

  “Wow.” He whistled softly.

  Sadie snorted. “See? What did I tell you?”

  Andie blushed as Jesse circled her. “After we talked this morning, Aunt Sadie decided my wardrobe could use a little sprucing up. We went shopping and found a few things.”

  “Oh, man.” Jesse whistled again. “Are you sure I can’t tempt you away from Brett? I’m going to have trouble remembering that we’re doing this for his benefit with you looking so delectable.”

  “Jesse! Stop teasing me.” Andie blushed as she put her hand on his arm.

  “Young man,” Sadie interrupted fiercely. “May I remind you that that’s my niece you are devouring with your eyes?”

  “Forgive me, ladies. Miss Sadie, I promise Andie is perfectly safe with me. My attentions will remain pure and any physical contact will be friendly in nature.” Andie rolled her eyes as Sadie nodded with satisfaction at his response. “Seriously, Andie, you look absolutely stunning. I mean, you always look good but that is perfect, you know, soft and alluring but classy and approachable all at the same time.”

  “Thank you.” Sadie smiled at her niece. “I tried to tell her that in the store but you saying it is so much more convincing.”

  “You sure it’s okay? I still think it might be too plain.”

  “Not at all,” Jesse replied instantly. “Consider what Tish wore to the auction last night.”

  “She looked gorgeous.”

  “Yeah, but that dress was way much too much. She may have pulled it off without looking ridiculous but you have to agree that it was on the flashy side. I suspect that she doesn’t know the meaning of subtle and understated. She may be the epitome of glamour but beside your natural beauty and warmth, she’ll come across as gaudy, cold, and fake.”

  “Somehow I doubt that.” Andie clearly didn’t share his opinion.

  “Trust me on this one please.” Jesse looked her over appreciatively again. “As a man, I find you so much more attractive than someone like Tish every time.”

  “But will Brett? He gravitates to flash, remember?”

  “He’s a damn fool!” Jesse declared hotly.

  “Listen to the boy, Andie dear,” Sadie added. “You look lovely and the other items we chose today are equally flattering as well as practical. What good is all that money Jordan keeps making me if you won’t let me indulge from time to time?”

  “Aunt Sadie, I’m sorry if I seem unappreciative. I shouldn’t be so ungrateful. You’re too kind to me.”

  “Nonsense, child. I don’t have a kind bone in my body. Ask anyone. Now why don’t you two get out of here and go dazzle the idiot? Jesse, I expect you to give this girl the attention she deserves. Make the playboy squirm. It’ll be g
ood for him to know he’s not the only man in the room for a change.”

  “I’ll do my best.” Jesse winked wickedly as he held his arm out to Andie. “If I’m right, he’ll be questioning his former need for distance by the time the entrées are served.”

  * * * * *

  Brett and Tish were already seated when Jesse ushered Andie into the restaurant. The establishment’s soft lighting and subdued atmosphere provided the perfect background for her new outfit. Jesse saw Brett frowning as he glanced between Tish in the garish red costume she was poured into that evening and Andie. He wondered if Brett shared his opinion, that the skin-tight dress and extensive makeup made Tish seem as if she was trying too hard to draw attention to herself.

  “Thanks.” Andie smiled sweetly when Jesse held her chair. “Nice to see you again, Tish. Brett, it was so kind of you to invite us to join you at the last minute.”

  “No problem,” Brett muttered as he watched Jesse’s hand cover the hand Andie rested on the table.

  “I tried to tell Andie you two hit it off so well that our company wouldn’t be an intrusion,” Jesse said smoothly, not giving Tish the opportunity to comment. “Unfortunately, we’re not as lucky as you are. I thought being with a friend and seeing how comfortable you are together might help Andie relax.”

  “Jesse!”

  Tish leaned forward. “Just ignore him. He means well but men can be so insensitive sometimes.”

  “Thanks, Tish but I think Jesse is very sensitive with the way he arranged this evening with my comfort in mind.” Andie let her gaze drift over Brett and linger on Jesse. “I’m just not as poised in new situations as you seem to be.”