by Kelsey King
“It’s the most sensible solution. We’ll get to know each other and living together is the best way to do that. Learn one another’s quirks, routines, likes, dislikes…all of it. My family is going to expect we know those things about one another.”
“You don’t think that’s overkill?” I realize the ridiculousness of my own statement.
“You’re the one that wanted to get to know me,” Tate reminds me with a teasing grin.
I sit there for a moment and think it over. He’s being completely logical about this, and he’s right. I’m not sure what I expected. Maybe to ask him questions and learn everything I can about him in one night but now I can see that’s not going to be possible. It’s like studying for an exam, but if I’ll be around his family, they’ll all have the key. “I guess you’re right.”
“You’re not eating enough pasta.” Tate notices I haven’t touched my pasta since we started the conversation about Chicago.
I laugh and try to push the thoughts away as I eat. The mood shifts and things become slightly awkward, and I’m worried this is what it’ll be like with Tate for the next two weeks, though I haven’t actually agreed to live with him. Not yet, at least.
“Why is it so hard to talk about yourself?” I ask.
“Do you like to talk about yourself?” Tate challenges with a popped eyebrow.
I think about it for a moment. “Not really.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Well, I suppose if I get to ask you a bunch of questions, then you can do the same.” I smile, trying to lighten the mood.
“Are you attracted to me?” he bluntly asks.
I nearly choke on the wine I was swallowing down. The answer to this question seems so obvious that I don’t even know that I can dignify it with a response, but I have to say something. Because he’s asking this, does it mean that he feels the same way that I do? And if I tell him the truth, will it make the next couple of weeks even more awkward?
“You’re blushing,” he says with a pleased grin.
“Well…” I say, bringing my hands to my cheeks.
“So you are, then,” he says.
“Tate, I have to be honest with you.”
“I encourage you to be,” he replies, leaning in.
“I don’t think attraction should play into this. There’s money in the mix here, which I don’t feel totally okay with but I know it’s part of the arrangement. And if sex comes into play, then this is a different kind of situation, if you understand my meaning.”
“I do,” Tate replies with warmth and understanding.
“So, attraction aside. I think we have to be careful.”
“I’d never put you in a situation where you feel uncomfortable.” I trust his words more than he even knows.
“Thank you.”
“But you’re still going to need to lock your door tonight.” He throws a wink my way.
I freeze for a moment. Oh God, what have I gotten myself into? Tate breaks the tension with a relaxed smile.
“I was kidding,” he says, pouring me another glass of wine, and we sit there and talk until the food is gone and the bottle of wine is empty.
9
Tate
I have to admit the past two weeks with Brianna staying at my place has been magical. It’s incredible how well we get along, and there’s something wonderfully domestic about it. While Eden lived with me for a bit in Chicago while we were engaged, it was tense, and she was always pissed.
I was too busy with work. I didn’t give her enough attention. She hated how I hung my ties in the closet, how I left my shoes at the edge of the bed, and just being in the same room as her seemed to annoy her.
Being with Brianna is the polar opposite. She’s upbeat all the time, and she doesn’t nitpick the little things I do. She’s easy going, and I feel my walls slowly crumbling when I’m around her.
“How long were you with her?” she asks over breakfast. We’ve been having these breakfasts together for a couple weeks now, and I look forward to them every morning. Brianna makes some waffles and drowns them in syrup. I toast a bagel and put cream cheese on it. We sip coffee and look out the bay windows, enjoying the morning light in the forest.
“Two years.”
“You were engaged for two years and didn’t get married?” She seems shocked, but I can’t stop admiring the way that she looks in the morning light. Her hair is messy, and she wakes up looking gorgeous.
“There were issues. Things didn’t feel right, but I was getting pressure from my family. But then I found out…”
“What’d you find out?” Brianna asks, taking a sip of coffee. She’s intrigued by me, by this story, and truthfully, it’s like a soap opera.
“She was cheating on me.” I can’t remember how many people I’ve actually told that to. Brianna might be the second. It’s something I never share.
“Are you joking?” She sets her fork down on the edge of her plate, and it makes a loud clang.
“Why would I be joking?” I let out a lighthearted laugh.
“Because you seem like such a nice guy. Why would she do that?”
“I’m partially to blame, I guess. I wasn’t around a lot. I was married to my job and obsessed with investing.” I try not to think back to all the arguments Eden and I had bit it’s hard when our relationship was so toxic.
“I can’t even imagine you like that,” Brianna says, looking confused. “I mean, you’re so salt-of-the-earth now. A real-life mountain man.” She giggles. “I can’t even envision you wearing a suit.”
“Oh, I wore a suit, alright. I lived in a suit. I thought I’d be in the lifestyle forever, in all honesty. There was nothing I wanted to do more than work. And make money. Nothing else mattered.”
“Wow.”
I can’t blame her for being shocked. The man I am today is not the man I was before moving to Montana. “Eden’s going to be at the anniversary party.”
“Why?” Brianna asks.
“Her father’s my grandpa’s lawyer. They’ve been close for many years. Funny story, Eden ended up marrying my best friend, Thomas. So it’s going to be a very tense event, to say the least. One I’m not really looking forward to.”
“Oh, Tate. I’m so sorry.”
“This is why I need you to come to Chicago with me. Taking a piece of beautiful Montana with me to keep me grounded.”
“Aww,” she replies introspectively. Things get a little heavy, and I decide to change the subject.
“Is it okay if I take you to work at ten? I gotta run into town and get a few things.”
“You know that I can take myself. I have a car,” she says in protest, and it makes me smile. She makes me smile a lot actually.
“But I like taking my fiancée to work.”
We grin at one another for a moment, and Brianna goes back to finishing her waffles. Though it’s only been two weeks since she’s been here, I’ve become comfortable with Brianna, and I’m beginning to dread the idea of her leaving after our Chicago trip. It just feels right having her around. I push the thoughts away because though we’ve only spent a short amount of time with her, the way I feel is undeniable. She’s something special, and I’m not sure I want to let that go.
“I’m so lucky I’m not losing my job. Josh was really pissed about it, of course. But I told him that I was taking my dad to Chicago to see a specialist.”
My heart quickens when she mentions her dad. It’s been a touchy subject, and she hasn’t said much about him, just little things here and there. I’ve gotten the vibe that he’s sick, but she hasn’t really said much other than that. While our conversation is light, I take it as my chance to get to learn more about her, because I care, and if I’m going to pretend to be her husband, I need to know these things.
“So, I feel like I’ve told you almost everything about me, but you still won’t talk about your dad.” Her demeanor changes and I wonder if I should let it go.
“It’s hard to talk about. He�
�s been sick for some time. It scares me.”
My jaw tightens, and I want to draw closer to her and touch her, but I hold back.
“That’s not what I like to hear.”
“I’m sure it’ll all be okay,” Brianna says, forcing out a smile. “He’s a fighter.”
“At any point, if you need anything, just ask. Okay?”
“You’ve already been far too generous, Tate. I don’t know that I can ask you for anything else.” She moves syrup around on her plate.
“Well, you can. Just know that.”
I pick up the syrup and playfully pour more on her waffles. She starts laughing, which is precisely the reaction that I was looking for.
“Sugar helps everything,” she says lightheartedly.
“That’s true.” I smile.
“You want to know something amusing?” she says.
I nod.
“You still haven’t told me your full name.”
She looks at me in anticipation, and I pause, considering my words. Why should it be so difficult to tell someone your name? It seems like she should’ve known first, but I’ve been stalling and changing the subject when I can because I know once she knows, it could change everything. Since this morning the words seem to be flowing between us, and I decide that it’s the right moment. She’ll eventually know anyway.
“My name is Tate Williams. Tatum Henry Williams, to be exact.”
I look down at my bagel.
“Wait…” Realization flashes across her face, and it’s the kind of reaction I assumed I’d get.
“Williams…” she says the name aloud, finally understanding the heart of the matter.
“Yep, that’s me.”
“As in, the Williams dynasty? The Williams’ that have, like, their names on museums and libraries and stuff?”
“Those are the ones.”
“Tate, that’s a big deal.”
“I know. That’s why it took me so long to tell you. I just want to move past it, you know? I say the name Williams and everyone automatically has these assumptions about me. About what I stand for. Coming to Whitefish has changed me in a lot of ways because I’ve been able to get away from all the expectations and the looks from people who know who I am. I know I exceeded my family’s expectations in a lot of ways, I was on the path to walk in my father’s footsteps, but I felt dead inside, you know? Empty or something; like I wasn’t being myself. I was being what everyone else wanted me to be.”
“I understand,” Brianna replies sympathetically. Damn, she’s such a warm, caring human being.
“Well, you’ll understand it a whole lot better tomorrow.”
“Yes, I suppose so,” she smiles. I know how nervous she’s been about meeting everyone, but after spending all of our free time together, I feel as if she really knows me, at least well enough to fool my family.
The time we’ve spent getting to know one another better has flown by. Tomorrow morning we’re leaving for Chicago, and I don’t want this to be over. We haven’t even touched other than our arms randomly brushing together, but that’s it. Though I’ve wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss the fuck out of her several times over the past few weeks, I made a vow to myself I wouldn’t. I want our relationship to be on trust regardless of all the hints she threw my way. I diligently kept to my own room each night, which was hard. Climbing Mount Everest with no shoes on would be easier, but I’m proud of myself for holding back, and I can tell Brianna respects me for it.
“Are you nervous?” I ask her before biting into my bagel.
“Kind of. Are you?” she asks.
“Not at all.”
“Seriously?” She asks searching my face.
“Seriously. My family is going to love you.”
“I’m not so sure.” She’s allowing her nerves to get the best of her.
“Oh, come on. They’re going to be crazy about you.” I try to encourage her. She’s beautiful, sweet, and genuine, what’s there not to love?
“I think those designer dresses you ordered will make them think they love me,” she says. She didn’t like how much I spent on the dresses, but there was no other option. They arrived late last night, and I was stressed they wouldn’t be here on time before our flight.
“Everything fits?” I ask.
“Like a glove. Literally.”
“Well, if you got it might as well flaunt it,” I say teasingly. The dresses are meant to hug every curve of her perfection. Brianna’s body is like a dream, and I find myself thinking about it all the time, and I can’t wait for her to be the swan in a crowd of ugly ducklings in Chicago.
“And what about you? What are you going to wear?” she asks.
“Suits, of course. Armani.”
“Naturally.” She playfully rolls her eyes.
I take another moment to enjoy the perfect morning sunlight, as we sip our coffee and finish breakfast. When we’re done, Brianna clears the plates and brings them to the sink.
“You don’t have to do that,” I remind her.
“I know. I do it because I want to. I like to help around here,” she says. I give her a smile and watch her as she stands at the sink. Randomly she’ll look over at me, no words pass between us. She has no idea how much she’s actually helping.
“What do you have to do in town?” she asks as she dries the plates.
“I have to go to the hardware store.”
“Of course,” she replies. Brianna already knows me so well.
“And I gotta pick up something at the post office.”
“Oh?” She dries her hands and walks back over to me, hoping I’ll tell her.
“It’s a surprise.” That’s all I offer her, and she doesn’t press me to tell her. I smile thinking about the ring. It’s not traditional, and I remember showing it to Eden before picking her diamond, and she hated it. But something in me said that that’s why Brianna would like it. There’s something so unique about her, and something unique about the ring. In the center is a deep blue sapphire and twelve diamonds surround it.
I’m not sure if the fit will be perfect, but I’m sure it will. I’m super excited for Brianna to see it, but I have to wait till we get to the airport tomorrow to give it to her. It just seems like the perfect time.
“Well, if you want to leave soon, I can get dressed for work now. Showing up early might help them out considering I won’t be around for awhile to help pick up the slack.” She’s so considerate of me and my time, something I’m not used to.
“Take your time,” I say, and get up from the table. “If you don’t need to be there until ten, then ten it is.”
She nods and goes to her bedroom, and I take a shower. As I’m drying off, I inspect myself in the mirror and know I can’t show up in Chicago with this beard. I hate to say goodbye, but my family wouldn’t recognize me. Not only that, my Grandma might disown me. But I’ll get enough revenge by showing up looking good with a fiancée. So, I get out the clippers and razor.
Shaving off a scruffy beard is no easy task, but I manage to do it without any nicks or cuts. This fills me with pride. I look in the mirror at my clean-shaven face, and I see someone I’ve tried to run away from for a long time. My former self stands in front of me, which makes me feel exposed and uncomfortable. Looking at the remains of the beard in the sink, I figure that there’s no going back. It’s an ominous feeling.
I get dressed in my usual jeans and V-neck T, then I come out of my room and walk into the living room. A breeze comes through the window, and it hits my face, and I breathe in the fresh mountain air. I try to soak it all in.
I walk around to Brianna’s room, and I peek my head around, looking in. She’s wearing the jeans she usually wears to work, but hasn’t had a chance to put on her shirt. I freeze seeing her standing so exposed in nothing but her bra. Thankfully she has headphones on and is going through her morning routine, and has no idea that I’m standing here.
I linger for a few moments longer and just watch her. She’s dancin
g to the music she’s listening to, full of life and energy. Damn, it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. She’s tone, and her breasts are just the perfect size, not too big and not too small. I wish I could reach out and touch her, but there’s no way. Somehow I tear my eyes away from her though I want I could stand there forever. I can’t deny how breathtaking she is.
I walk away and consider taking a cold shower to get the thoughts out of my mind. Instead, I go to the kitchen pour myself a strong cup of coffee.
“Ready to go?” Brianna asks, almost startling me from my thoughts, my back is facing her, and I’m almost nervous to turn around without my beard. It’s been my security blanket for so long, I feel naked without it.
“Yep,” I manage to say, looking out the window.
“Are you alright?” she asks, studying my demeanor.
“Doing great.” I finally turn around.
Her eyes widen, and her jaw drops. “Oh my God,” she says in disbelief.
“I was thinking the same thing.” I give her a wink.
She opens her mouth then closes it. Opens it and closes it again and it causes me to chuckle.
“I guess I’m finally being introduced to Tatum Henry Williams,” she says in awe.
“You met him at the café last month,” I tell her, hoping she understands I’m still the same man. But now I look like a Williams. I look like the name I was given.
She tilts her head and continues to stare at me until she smiles. “I like either version of you. Mountain man or business professional, whichever.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.” Damn, I still can’t stop thinking about the white bra I now she’s wearing.
She steps closer to me and to my surprise Brianna lifts her hand up to my cheek and feels it. Before I can even think, I cover her hand with mine. There’s nothing I want more in the world right now than to lean in and kiss her. Hell, I want to pick her up and carry her into my room and throw her on my bed, but I can’t.
10
Brianna
I can’t help but feel nervous as we’re walking through the airport. There’s no way to know what’s going to happen entirely, and I just hope my performance is good enough for Tate’s family. I also don’t want to disappoint him. Tate picked out a Dolce and Gabbana floral dress that hugs my body, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve become a total stranger to myself. I look like a model in a magazine, and with the way every man looks at me, it’s confirmed. Tate glances at me and smiles, and I can’t stop taking glances at him. He’s so unbelievably handsome, wearing a nice pair of slacks with a white button-up shirt, and I can’t believe this man has been hiding behind torn clothes and a beard for so long. Though I can’t deny I like both versions of him. He’s insanely gorgeous.