“Whoa, easy man.” He didn’t budge. “I’m just making conversation.”
“Well I’m not interested. Go. Now.”
Craig raised himself slowly out of the chair. “Chill. I’m going. What kind of bug crawled up your ass?”
“Sands.” Brett knew he sounded threatening and didn’t care enough to stop. “Not another word. I mean it.”
“Jeez.” Craig chuckled merrily as he pulled the door. “Some people just have no sense of humor.” He closed it before Brett could react.
Briefly, Brett considered going after him. Eventually, he convinced himself that the temporary gratification wouldn’t be worth the consequences. He really needed to get a grip on his emotions. Maybe he’d take an early lunch. That was the answer. A quick drink would take the edge off. He didn’t know why he was so testy. Tish was speaking to him and soon things would be back on track with her. He’d gone without for weeks at a time before, in spite of what Craig Sands thought. He could do it again now. No problem.
As he left the building the only question remaining was where to go for that drink he’d decided on. He had to think where he’d already gone that week. He didn’t want to repeat a place even though he didn’t know why he cared. It had been a stressful few days. Things would be back to normal tomorrow. As a matter of fact, he could go without today if he wanted to. He chose not to but he certainly could. Brett repeated that as he motioned for his third drink in half an hour. This was his choice and he could pass any time he felt like it. As he swirled the scotch in his glass, he began to hear a little voice in his head asking if that were really true.
Chapter Eight
“I haven’t heard much from him, Andie,” Jesse told her when he picked her up for dinner. “I talked to him on the phone a few times but he was always rushing to get somewhere.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t keep pestering you like this. I know I’m being paranoid. Brett may be stressed but he’s capable of taking care of himself. Tell me to shut up and we’ll talk about something else.”
“I’m here for you, dearest. Whatever you need. Remember?”
She laughed as he’d hoped. “Thanks, dearest. But I met his mother. She’s great and he doesn’t need another one. Can you tell me how your day was today or did it involve too much Secret Squirrel business?”
“Oh no. They have you saying it too,” Jesse complained with mock horror before he chuckled with her. “Actually, I spent the day with Wyatt and Frank. We were doing some research for a system that we’re quoting on. It’ll take a few months to finalize exactly what’s needed but we’ve worked with this guy before. He hems and haws more than I like but he’ll give us the job.”
“Wow.” That’s the first time you actually answered that question with something I understood.”
“I wish I could tell you more. Don’t think that I don’t trust you. I know you won’t repeat the things I say but it’s force of habit. Other than Shane, I haven’t ever talked to anyone about the stuff we do.”
“It really is okay, Jesse. It just feels like you give so much more to me than I return. You listen to me bitch about everything and rarely complain back. I feel guilty, like I’m taking advantage of you.”
“Damn, you’re sweet.” Jesse parked the car and kissed her nose before she could hop out. “Andie, don’t worry about me. If I need to talk, I know where to find you. Knowing that I have your friendly ear is more than enough most days. And Frank and I spend plenty of time, griping to each other.”
“What about Wyatt?”
“Hmm, Wyatt. Don’t get me wrong, I think my cousin is the greatest. He’s not someone I would ever describe as communicative though. Holly definitely got all the personality in that family. Wyatt may have the ability to design more than you could ever even begin to imagine but I doubt if we’ll ever know about most of it. He only speaks when it’s absolutely necessary. The rest of the time, he’s too busy tinkering with things or planning them in his mind. Probably both. He doesn’t have time to bother with anything as trivial as conversation. He’s always been that way.”
“Even when you were young?”
“Yeah. I remember hearing some teachers discussing him one time. We were in middle school and there was a new science teacher for eighth grade. She was asking my seventh grade teacher if he was slow or something since he always stared at her before he would answer a question.”
“What did your teacher say?”
“He advised her to stop asking Wyatt questions. He said that Wyatt already knew more about science than either of them ever would and there was no point in forcing him to participate. He explained how far beneath him her questions were and his hesitation was his way of forcing himself to be patient with her.”
“Why didn’t he get pushed ahead? He must have been bored. Wouldn’t he have been happier with more advanced classes?”
“They wanted to but he refused. He insisted that he wouldn’t go to school at all if they tried to do that to him. He was determined to stay in class with Frank, where they could keep an eye on me and Holly or he wasn’t going to play any of their games. It was kind of cool, being his cousin. No one else ever knew how to act around him. It was funny, watching him be amused by everyone else, teachers and kids alike.”
“I don’t think I understand him.”
“That’s the beauty of it,” Jesse declared, gleefully. “No one understands Wyatt. But he would make these comments to Frank and me sometimes that were so bizarre and hilarious. The anticipation would almost kill us, waiting for him to say something else but when he finally did it was always worth it. I think he’s really very witty inside his mind. He just doesn’t feel it’s necessary to share too often.”
“But Holly’s so open.”
“Yeah. That always added to the confusion. No one could figure out why there was such a difference between them. Frank and I never minded. I guess we were used to them so it didn’t seem as strange to us as it did to outsiders. There were times when she’d walk up to the three of us and say something even weirder than the stuff he came up with. You should have seen the way Wyatt would look at her then. It was as if he was extremely pleased with her or something.”
“I had lunch with her last week. She’s great.”
“Sure is. She called me. She seems fond of you. I think it goes beyond your willingness to tell her more than I do about how this is going with us. Maybe I should introduce you to Wyatt again. I know you met him briefly but he was keeping to himself more than usual that day.”
“Do you think he’d speak to me?”
“Who knows? You’re just about the nicest woman I’ve ever met. Maybe he’d sense that enough to want to communicate with you. Of course, I’m not entirely sure he remembers how to talk to a female. His comments in school made it clear that he paid attention but I don’t think he’s ever spoken to a girl voluntarily.”
“I’d certainly never want to force him to talk to me. Maybe we should skip that for now. Since you and I are friends and Holly and I are getting to be too, perhaps I’ll bump into him sometime.”
“It’s possible unless Brett keeps you all to himself. Maybe I’ll swing by his house after I drop you off tonight. I’m sure he’s fine. He’s probably just overindulging in Tish right now.” Jesse instantly wished he could take back his last statement.
“I’ve already guessed that so don’t you dare try to say something to recant your comment. I’ve been paying attention to him for months, Jesse. I know he’s not a monk. As long as he doesn’t play around if we ever get together, it’s none of my business what he did before me. Or after me either.”
“Andie, how many times do I have to tell you that you’re a forever kind of girl? Once you and Brett get together, you won’t even have to consider the possibility of after. The only after will be more of you.”
“What would I do without you? Let’s change the subject and forget about Brett for an hour. Tell me more about growing up. I’m an only child and my mother thought most peopl
e were beneath us so I didn’t have any really close friends. I spent most of my time entertaining myself and I love to hear about other people.”
* * * * *
Brett answered the bell, wondering who would show up on his doorstep these days. Probably just another religious nut. If it wouldn’t scare off potential buyers and piss off his realtor, he’d hang up a sign telling them what he thought about people who tried to shove their religion down your throat. Why couldn’t they accept that others worshipped in their own ways?
“Tish. Hi,” he greeted her, slightly confused. Their dinner had gone fairly well but not well enough for him to expect her to just show up at his house unannounced. “This is a surprise.”
“I hope this is okay. I feel so much more comfortable with you since our talk. I was thinking about you so I thought I’d be impulsive and stop by.”
“It’s fine. You’re always welcome here.”
“Thank you,” she said, brushing his chest with her fingertips as she went by.
“Can I offer you anything?”
Without answering she stepped closer and smiled seductively. Placing her hands on his chest, she kissed him. Gently at first, then more deeply.
“Mm, this is nice,” Brett murmured. His mind flashed back to the first real kisses he had ever had. So much of Tish’s behavior reminded him of his girlfriend at that time. She’d been beautiful in so many ways, almost perfect. He couldn’t even remember why they’d broken up but there were moments, like this one, when he wished they hadn’t.
“Brett.” Tish sighed, slipping her hands under his shirt.
Her fingers were soft, just like the girl’s had been back then. Every nerve in his body ignited at the feel of her tentative touch. He wanted her more than he’d wanted anyone since that first time all those years ago. So much it took all he had to let her set the pace even though he knew he had to. After her confession of her fear of being thought a slut as she’d once been called when she’d been intimate with someone at a drunken party in college, Brett knew he had to let things progress at a rate comfortable for her.
Tish pushed his shirt from his shoulders and spent time exploring his chest. Her questioning glances went straight to his heart. She was so sweet, so innocent, yet capable of driving him wild with just a few simple touches. His cock was hard and hurting as it pressed against his zipper. He felt about to burst and she hadn’t even touched him yet. He needed her to and was ready to beg if necessary. When she leaned in to kiss his nipple she ran her hand over his groin. He groaned, forcing himself to stay still.
“Oh my,” she whispered, seemingly awed by what she felt. “You’re so big.”
Brett chuckled. “Thanks but I’m really about average.”
“Don’t be so modest.” She squeezed more firmly and kissed him again. “May I?” she asked timidly with her hand on his belt buckle.
“Please do.” Brett was enthralled. She was about to free his rock-hard cock but still so ladylike, so delicate. Just like his first love had been.
“I’m sorry. Could you help me please?”
“Of course,” Brett agreed instantly. Anything to feel her slender fingers wrapped around his shaft. He freed his cock and waited expectantly. Nothing happened. He forced the sexual haze in his mind to clear and focused on Tish only to see a tear slip down her cheek. “What’s wrong? I won’t hurt you.”
She sniffed. “I know you won’t. It’s not that.” She turned her back on him and paced to the far side of the room.
Brett felt his cock deflate. “Then what is it?” he asked, tucking it back into his pants.
“I’m sorry.” Another tear. “I do want you. Too much maybe.”
“Huh?” He was confused. “Then what’s the problem? I won’t rush you.”
“I know. It’s just— As I said the other night. If I do this, what will you think of me?”
“That you’re a beautiful woman who wants to be intimate with me.” He took a few steps toward her.
“Thank you.” She smiled weakly as another tear fell. “You’re so kind to me. And I’m so horrible to you.”
“You’re not,” he insisted even as he felt the sexual frustration return.
“I am. I come in here, really wanting nothing more than to visit and then I can’t keep my hands to myself. I start this and now I’m stopping like some, some damn cock tease.”
Brett slipped his arms around her, feeling suddenly very protective. He’d had a few stops and starts with his first too. “You’re not a tease. I understand.”
“You do?” She held on tightly.
“Of course. You had a bad experience that left a terrible impression in your mind. But Tish, I’m not that man. I would never criticize you for following your desires.”
Her back started to shake as if she were crying. “You’re too good to me. I love you, Brett.”
“I love you too.” It slipped out before he realized what he was saying. When her shaking grew stronger, he tightened his arms. “Everything’s fine, Tish. Really it is.”
“No, it isn’t,” she countered into his chest. “You’re perfect and wonderful. So patient with me. I know you’d never say anything mean if we had sex but I’m still scared. Part of me wants you so much. But another part of me is convinced that it’s wrong for me to ever do that again with anyone other than my husband.”
Without pausing to think, Brett said, “Then marry me.”
“What?” Tish leaned back to stare at him. “What did you just say?”
“I said marry me,” he repeated. “We’ll be good together.” Even as he said it, something inside Brett started to argue that no, they wouldn’t. That doing so would end up being the biggest mistake of his life. He squelched it, internally insisting that it was the right thing to do. Tish was a sweet girl. She was beautiful and cultured. Exactly the kind of woman he should have for a wife. And she needed him. He understood her. And in a little while, once they spent real time together, the insecure parts of her would vanish and she’d be relaxed enough to let him see the person she was in her emails.
“Yes. Yes!” she squealed, giggling like a little girl, hugging him tightly. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it. I’m getting married,” Tish exclaimed, breaking out in another round smile. “There’s so much to do. I have to get started. I can’t wait to live in this house. It’s perfect. So close to everything for me.” She pushed him away. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye, Brett,” she called as she raced for the door.
Brett stayed where he was, comparing how he was feeling to what it might be like to be run over by a steamroller. That would probably be more pleasant. She hadn’t even kissed him. What had he just done?
Brett opened the new bottle he had picked up on the way home earlier. Halfway through, the bell rang again. Afraid of what he might find this time, he considered ignoring it. But what if it was Tish, coming by to tell him she’d changed her mind?
“Oh. It’s you,” Brett headed back to the kitchen without saying anything additional to Jesse.
“Gee, Brett. Glad you’re so thrilled to see me.” Jesse’s expression showed concern his tone hadn’t. “What’s up?”
“Congratulate me, Jesse.” He took a swig straight from the bottle. “I’m getting married.”
“To whom?”
“Tish, of course.”
“Brett, what the fuck?”
“Don’t.” He lowered his head to his hands. “I’m so fucked.”
“How can I help?”
“Got your gun with you tonight? I’d be grateful if you would just shoot me now and get it over with.”
“Can’t do it.”
“But you claim to be my friend. A true friend would end my life now, quickly. It’s over anyway. Wouldn’t you prefer me not to suffer?”
“When did you decide all this, Brett?” Jesse tried to take the bottle from him.
“Don’t even think about it,” he snarled as he gripped it tighter. “Earlier tonight.”
“So how’s Tish taking this?�
�
“Tish? She couldn’t be happier. Ask me why. No, let me tell you. Tish is getting a wedding, something I’m beginning to suspect she wants quite a bit. She’s landed herself a wealthy husband who comes with a nifty house in an upscale neighborhood. She gets to keep her little charities and socialite activities. Fuck yeah, Tish is thrilled. Not that she actually said any of that. No, all she said was yes. Just reading between the lines here. Of course I could be wrong.”
“Have you called Jordan yet? What does he have to say?”
“How can I call him? He and Kiley are so happy about being together. I can’t dump this on him,” he paused for a gulp. “Don’t pay any attention to me, Jesse. I’ve granted myself the night to wallow. I just need to get used to the idea. Tish is a great girl and I’ve always planned on getting married at some point. We’ll be fine.”
“Wait a second. How is she going to keep up with her charities once you move?”
“Did I leave that part out? I get to move all that shit back here. I’m going to have to sell the other house, since she’s decided we’ll be staying here. Damn, I liked that house.”
“You say she decided to stay here? Seems to me that Tish gets everything she wants and you’re the one giving it all to her. Other than a glitzy wife, what are you getting?”
“Ding, ding, ding, give the man the prize. It’s just amazing the way you catch on so quickly.” He took another swallow. “Funny how going without can change a guy’s entire life.”
“Going without? Sex?”
“Yep. We came close, damn close, only she had a bad experience when she was younger and decided to remain celibate until after she got married.” He shrugged. “I was so relieved to learn she hadn’t run out on me last week because she’d been raped or something, that one thing led to another and now we’re engaged.”
“You can’t be serious! There’s other women out there, Brett. You don’t have to marry Tish just to get laid.”
“I know that. But she was so passionate when we almost got together. Damn it, Jesse, I want her. I know, thinking with the little head here but it’s done and I can’t just back out. I’m a decent man and I asked. And she really is a very sweet girl.”
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