Condemned

by Barbara Huffert

  Tish preened. “It is a gift,” she stated proudly. “We’ll talk later, just us girls. I can give you some pointers that you might find helpful.”

  Jesse fought back a laugh at the look on Brett’s face. He obviously wondered what Tish could possibly teach Andie. “If my opinion matters,” he interrupted, “I think you’re charming. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

  “Thank you both but perhaps we could talk about something more interesting? How was your week, Brett? Aunt Sadie mentioned you stayed in the city.”

  “For a change.” Brett couldn’t decide if her eyes had always sparkled so much or if Jesse was the inspiration. “I had a slew of meetings this week to get out of the way.”

  Over their dinner, they discussed Brett’s current occupations. When it seemed he was having trouble hiding his concerns, Brett turned the focus of the conversation to Tish. After a lengthy monologue on all the various charities she was active in, Tish apparently decided it was time to charm Brett by showing her willingness to accept his friends.

  Smiling sweetly, Tish began, “Forgive me, but I feel I’m at a bit of a disadvantage here. You all know each other and I’m an outsider. Perhaps you could indulge me and tell me what it is you do.” She looked expectantly at Andie.

  After listening to all the things Tish was involved in, Andie frowned. When she heard Tish’s question and cringed, Jesse tightened his hand around the fingers he had been absently toying with, sensing her discomfort and hoping to give her courage. “I’m giving piano lessons right now. I was a substitute music teacher the past two years but I haven’t found a permanent position yet,” she replied in a dull tone.

  “Oh my!” Tish exclaimed as if she found Andrea’s occupation fascinating. “I admire people like you. I don’t think I would want to subject myself to the way substitutes are treated. I’m sure that hasn’t changed since I was in school.” Dismissing Andie, she switched to Jesse. “Your turn.”

  “I install security systems,” he answered blandly.

  “You mean burglar alarms?” Tish didn’t quite manage to conceal what she thought of that.

  “Yeah, you could say that.” He shrugged, glancing at Brett as if he dared him to say more. “Will you excuse us? I see some others are dancing and I find myself not able to resist the temptation. Andie?” He held out his hand to her as he rose.

  Giving her a moment to calm down on the dance floor, Jesse stroked her back lightly. “Whatever’s going through your mind right now, I want you to stop it.”

  “I can’t help it. I feel like such a useless blob.”

  “Why are you letting her get to you like this?”

  “Didn’t you see the way he was looking at her while she talked?”

  “He was showing interest in a new acquaintance. Andie, listen to me. She’s a spoiled brat who’s never honestly worked at anything. So what if she can drop a few names? I bet if I checked into it, I’d find that Ms. Michaels contributes very little. She’s decoration. Brett, on the other hand, has worked damn hard to get where he is. He admires that quality in people. I know he does. And you, my dear, are working just as hard. You have the ability to reach people and share something you love with them. Last night, you told me your mother wanted you to do more. If you had listened and ended up playing keyboards for some star musician, you might be famous now. Instead, you chose to give others a chance to find something special. Once Brett gets over the fluff he’s going to realize there’s not that much to Tish.”

  “But look at her.” Andie nodded toward the other couple who had joined them on the dance floor.

  “Glitzy fluff,” Jesse declared. “You’re better.”

  “Oh come on! How can you say that? I’m not blind and neither are you. You can see what her body’s like.”

  “Sure,” he agreed. “Let me make a purely male observation for you. Yes, Tish looks hot. Yes, Tish has a great body. I doubt if it’s all real. Think about this for a minute. Say you’re a guy and you entice Tish to join you in a more intimate setting. Once you peel her out of that dress, it’s over. There’s nothing more to unwrap. She’s killed the anticipation. You may want her, with the way she’s teasing right now, especially since most other guys are looking at her with lust and you with envy. As a man, I should point out here that if you care about the woman you’re with, you certainly don’t want her flaunting herself like Tish is.

  “You, on the other hand,” Jesse caressed her cheek, “are so enticing. That peachy color makes you look so soft and feminine. With your brown hair and tan, you look so wholesome. You don’t even seem to be trying…”

  “I’m not.” Andie blushed.

  “I know and that makes you even sexier. That dress shows how shapely you are without really defining it. There’s something for a guy to look forward to if you decide to take the evening further. When your man finally pulls himself away from that full mouth of yours long enough to lift that dress off you, there’s everything you’re wearing underneath it to add to the reward.” Andie couldn’t contain her giggle at the way Jesse was speaking to her. She didn’t see it, but the sound drew Brett’s attention instantly. “Describe your lingerie.”

  “Jesse!”

  “I’m serious, Andie.” Jesse surprised her with a quick kiss. “Tease me. Tell me what I’d find if I were the guy lucky enough for you to gift with your body.”

  “I don’t think I can.”

  “Oh you can. You will. Be wanton and torment me. I know you have it in you,” he urged, pleased with the flush that was spreading over her features. “Pretend I’m him. Trust me, Andie. Tell me.”

  “Well… Tell me what you think Tish has on first.”

  “Nothing. Not a damn thing. Not even any stockings to fuel a fantasy. Now you, I bet you’re even wearing some sort of slip.” He ran his hand more firmly across her back. “I’d say it’s a full length one.”

  “Okay.” She looked up at him with trust in her eyes. “You’re right. I do have on a full slip. It’s ivory silk.”

  “And under it?”

  “Under it,” she gulped, “I’m wearing thigh-high stockings, not pantyhose.” Jesse groaned and pulled her against his chest. “I have on a bra and panty set.”

  “What color? Lace or silk? Thong? Front or back hook?”

  “Ivory. Front hook bra. God, I can’t believe I’m telling you this.”

  “More details. Anticipation, remember? Tell me what Brett would see if you two were out alone tonight and he could feel the desire you have for him like I can.”

  “Um, mostly lace cups that give me some cleavage. The lace is thin enough so you could probably see my nipples through it. The panties are the same lace, only stretchy. They barely cover my, uh…”

  “That’s perfect,” Jesse whispered hoarsely. “Let me take it from here. If I got you down to that, I’d be torn between slowly removing your stockings and leaving them on, for contrast against your tan. First, I’d have to kiss those nipples through that lace. Then, I’d unhook your bra and let it fall away to reveal your breasts, one at a time. I’d need to spend plenty of time sucking on them because I’d want to feel how hard I can make your nipples when I pull you back against my bare chest. While I returned to your mouth, I’d rub my hand over the lace covering your crotch, to see if you were wet for me. If I were Brett and I knew how much my hands turned you on, I’d have to slip a finger under the edge and explore until it was covered with your juices. Then, I’d make a big show of popping it into my mouth for a preview of what’s to come when I let myself slide your panties off and take you with my tongue.”

  “Jesse, stop.”

  “Look at you!” He laughed. “I know you’re a passionate woman. Brett’s a lucky man. Now come with me. The scene in your mind has your nipples at attention and your cheeks beautifully flushed. I think it’s time for us to say goodnight and make Brett wonder at what he’s missing out on.”

  “I don’t think…”

  “Good. Don’t. Trust me. You’re so much more desirable than
that woman is right now.” Jesse grinned wickedly. “I bet you’d even let a guy rip the clothes right off you if he spent the time to tease you first. Tish would be horrified and bitch at the first little tear.”

  Jesse’s comment had the desired effect. As he steered Andie back to the table to say goodbye, she couldn’t contain her laughter. “If you don’t mind, we’re going to take off now. I promised Miss Sadie I’d have Andie home early. I want to make a good impression so she doesn’t regret inviting me to brunch.”

  During Tish’s response, Brett’s gaze swept over Andie. Jesse couldn’t miss the flash of interest that sparked in his eyes, nor the way he frowned when his gaze turned to Tish.

  Spontaneously, Andie invited Tish and Brett to join them for brunch also. She looked disappointed when Tish declined, saying she already had plans with friends from out of town.

  “How about you, Brett?” Jesse questioned, pleased with Andie’s invitation. “Why don’t you come and take some of the heat off me?”

  “Jesse. Sadie’s not nearly as imposing as she likes to seem.”

  “Oh yes she is,” Brett countered. “Since I haven’t seen her lately, I think I’ll take you up on that. That is, Andie, if you’re sure you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all, Brett. Please come. I know Aunt Sadie would be thrilled to see you. She may not ever admit it but she loves the way you heckle her.”

  “Well don’t tell her but I enjoy what she dishes out too.”

  “It’s settled then. Tish, Sadie loves her brunches. I know she’ll do this again soon and we’ll just have to make sure you’re available for that one.”

  “I’ll be looking forward to it,” Tish muttered with a forced smile. “Your aunt must really be something.”

  “She is. She’s outspoken and opinionated and feisty. And absolutely the best!”

  “Just like her niece,” Jesse interrupted, tugging her hand gently. “Time to go, my dear. Night, Tish. See you tomorrow, Brett.”

  Chapter Five

  “So how was the rest of your evening with Tish?” Jesse asked when he had a moment alone with his friend.

  “Good,” Brett replied. “She’s such a mass of contradictions. You’d think with the way she dresses she’d be hot, but I think she’s really kind of innocent. Just like my very first girlfriend. Dressed like she knew it all and was up for anything but inside just as sweet and soft as could be. I invited her to go along next week when I have to spend time at the station but she was a little intimidated at being alone with me.”

  “Hmm.” Jesse mentally rolled his eyes. “I have an idea. If Andie’s game, why don’t we come too? I haven’t seen the McKades lately. We could drive out with Tish Saturday morning, hang out for the day. You can show her around town and the girls can stay in the gatehouse. I’ll stay with you and Tish can ride back with you Sunday afternoon.”

  “Maybe. I’ll have to ask her—”

  “Ask who what?” Everyone knew Sadie hated to miss anything.

  “Tish, but not until Jesse discusses it with Andie,” Brett replied as Andie brought the last of the food and joined them at the table.

  “What’s up?” she asked.

  “Brett was just telling me how he invited Tish to go along to see his other house next week. She was hesitant at the thought of having his undivided attention so I offered to return the favor he granted us last night. We could take her with us, spend some time with the McKades, and you two could keep each other company in the gatehouse while I spend the night at Brett’s.”

  “Oh that sounds like fun.

  “A perfect opportunity,” Sadie declared. “Alyssa promised to do a portrait of you for me, Andie. I’ll call her tomorrow and see if she has the time next weekend.”

  Andie groaned. “Aunt Sadie, I didn’t think you were serious.”

  “Gee, can I watch?” Jesse asked. “Maybe we could pose together?”

  “Young man.” Sadie glared. “If you’re thinking along the lines of that calendar she and Shane are putting out, I may have to revise my opinion of you.”

  “Now, Miss Sadie. As much as that idea tempts me, I was thinking of something much more innocent. You have to agree that Andie and I look good together. Everyone would be green with envy if I had a picture of us on my desk. Furthermore, I don’t think I’d be at all comfortable standing around with Andie without clothes at this point in our friendship. We don’t know each other nearly well enough to even consider that just yet.”

  “Jesse, she was teasing you.” Andie giggled.

  “No she wasn’t,” Brett insisted.

  “Either way, I assure you, that type of photograph is not an option. I’m afraid I’d have to refuse, Andie, even if you beg me on Saturday.”

  “Too bad.” Andie smiled sweetly. “I was hoping to send one of those to my mother. She’s afraid I’m not making any friends here and I thought a picture like that would put her as ease.”

  “Andrea!” Sadie gasped. “Do not joke about doing something like that. Your mother and grandmother would descend on us like a swarm of locusts and sweep you away from me before we knew what hit us.”

  “I’m sorry. You always make me feel so welcome here that I forget the battles you and Uncle Hank used to fight so I could visit all those summers. I’ve never understood why Mother resisted so strongly.”

  “Having you with us was worth every harsh word those women ever uttered. I suppose there’s no harm in telling you, now that you’re not living under their roof anymore.

  “Years ago, when Hank was first starting out in business, your grandmother had a friend she introduced him to with hopes they would marry. Clara was a few years older than Hank so she always insisted she knew what was best for him. He was one to try to keep the peace so he dated the girl she pushed at him a few times, just to make her happy. One day, I was on a picnic with my family and Hank was strolling in the park with the girl. My brothers and I were throwing a ball around and I literally wound up in Hank’s arms when I was running backward to make a catch. I ran right into him and we ended up on the ground, all tangled with each other. He was holding me on his chest since he had twisted on the way down to protect me from harm. I remember looking into his eyes and knowing I belonged there.

  “He kissed me right then and there, much to the horror of the girl he was with. When he helped me to my feet, he whispered that he would get rid of her and asked me to wait there for him. We were never apart again. Of course, your grandmother was furious. I don’t think she ever forgave him for not giving in to her wishes as he always had. She refused to come to our wedding and it was years before she actually spoke to me.”

  “How romantic.” Andie sighed. “I guess Grandmother passed the grudge on to Mother. Thanks for finally explaining, Aunt Sadie. I always wondered why they were so cold to you but I learned not to ask them.”

  “I should thank you for insisting that you wanted to come stay with us. Hank treasured every moment as much as I did. He’d be pleased that you’re here now.” Sadie squeezed her hand in an uncharacteristically soft gesture. “Let that be a lesson to you young people. Nothing should stand in the way of true love. And when you find it, fight for it.”

  Both men muttered assurances. When he had the chance, Jesse winked at Andie, indicating again that they were doing the right thing, trying to get Brett to see her for who she was. The rest of the meal continued with comfortable banter. When they were finished eating, Jesse volunteered to help Andie with the dishes.

  As soon as they were alone, Sadie turned on Brett. “So.” She watched his expression closely. “What do you think of them?”

  “Jesse and Andie?” He stalled. “They seem fine together. Why? Do you have some objection to him?”

  “Not at all, not at all. He’s a decent boy. On the occasions I’ve been around him, he seems steady enough. He’s not at all intimidated by me and he teases me almost as well as you do.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “I don’t know exactly. I can tell Andie like
s him well enough. I just don’t think they’ll ever move beyond friendship.”

  “Not everyone falls in love the way you and Hank did. They just started going out. Some people take time and fall in love gradually.”

  She snorted. “As if a playboy like you would know anything about love. Boy, you wouldn’t know love if it stood in front of you and slapped you right in the face.”

  “I resent that.”

  “Why? It’s true. We both know your latest bit of flash won’t hold your interest. I give her a few more weeks and that’s only because she’s holding back. Once she gives in to your charm, you’ll be bored in no time. When are you going to realize that you need more than a pretty face? I had hopes for you and Andie but she seems to have gotten tired of waiting for you.”

  “Sadie.” Brett sighed tiredly, wishing her assessment of Tish weren’t so close to the truth.

  “What? All I’m saying is that one of these days you’ll wish you hadn’t dismissed her so quickly. It’s your loss. But since you’re a good man beneath all that bluster, I promise not to say I told you so when you finally admit it.”

  “And I thank you in advance,” Brett responded, knowing it was fruitless to argue. “I’d better head out. I have some work to do for next week’s meeting at the station. Sure you don’t want to ride along?”

  “Whatever for? You boys are doing a fine job. The last thing you need is an interfering old woman sticking her nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

  “You know that’s not true.”

  Sadie patted his hand. “Thank you. I’m sorry if I’m too hard on you. I shouldn’t assume this Tish is like all the other girls you’ve dated since I’ve known you without even meeting her.”

  “That’s okay. Tell you what. I’ll bring her by to meet you sometime.”

  “Fine. But wait until next month. I don’t want to spend time with her until she makes it that long.”