A sunken tub took up one corner while a glass shower took up the other. She couldn’t help herself and peeked in. Gorgeous tile and two shower heads. Sexy. The bathroom had a modern, sleek, and stylish décor like it had been recently remodeled. Normally bathrooms weren’t her thing, but she could see herself soaking in the giant tub—preferably with Drew and mounds of bubbles.
She took care of business and washed her hands. Peeking up into the mirror, she gasped. No wonder he took off as soon as he saw her. Brooke ducked her head closer to the faucet and splashed water on her hair. The finger-comb look would have to do until she found her hat. She remembered Drew flinging it off along with her clothes. It had to be around his room somewhere.
Spying his toothbrush and toothpaste on the counter, she squirted some paste on her finger and scrubbed her teeth. She’d find her toothbrush after she downed a cup of coffee.
When she deemed herself as good as she was going to get, Brooke turned off the light to the bathroom and searched the room for her clothes. Laughter from outside distracted her, and she went to the sliders, opened them and stepped out on the deck.
The kids were playing a game of catch with Glen and Jason while Katie and Rose sat on the lower deck sipping what must be coffee.
This was a first. For twelve years she got up at the crack of dawn, her internal clock waking her before the sun, or at least with it.
“Morning, Brooke,” Katie called from below. “Sorry if we woke you. The kids are early risers.”
“Not at all. I’m an early riser as well.”
“That’s what Drew said this morning before his run and was surprised you were still sleeping. I thought bringing the kids outside would be quieter than them running around the house.”
She suddenly remembered she was naked under Drew’s shirt and stepped back from the railing. “I’m going to... I’ll be right down.”
Mortified that his family not only knew she slept in his room last night, but that she’d been talking with them in just a T-shirt, Brooke plopped herself down on Drew’s bed and dropped her head into her hands.
“I’m such an idiot.”
“Oh, I beg to differ.”
A pair of running shoes appeared next to her feet and a hand cupped her chin, tilting it until her eyes met Drew’s.
“You okay?” He dipped his head and kissed her. “No second thoughts.”
“No, not at all.” Brooke stood and wrapped her arms around him. “I had a wonderful time last night.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
“But... why do I hear hesitation in your voice?”
“It’s not hesitation.”
“She says with hesitation.” Drew moved away from her and tipped her chin up again. “What’s wrong?”
Damn. She really didn’t want to be that insecure girl. The one who questioned if the guy really liked her, if the sex was okay, if she was too tall for him, too big-boned, not girly enough. What was it about her that appealed to Drew Beckett, the famous author?
What did she have to offer him? Heck, she didn’t even have a place to live and here he was, rolling around in his millions, taking a shower in luxury, looking so dapper even in his sweaty running gear.
“Do you really think this thing between us is going to work?”
He frowned. “You don’t?”
“I want it to.”
“So do I. And I sense another but.”
Brooke shrugged and sat on the bed. “I’m not fishing for compliments here, so don’t placate me.”
“I’d never.”
She raised an eyebrow at him. “Yes, you would. You’re a perfect gentleman.”
“I don’t lie. Ask me anything, and I’ll tell you the straight up truth.”
She tossed him a teasing grin. “Anything?”
“Anything.” The seriousness in those kind eyes spoke the truth.
“We’re total opposites.”
He sat next to her and laced his fingers with hers. “I disagree.”
“You’re a nice, well-mannered guy, and I’m... Well, I’m a little rough around the edges.”
“I think you pretend to be. I think you like to be at times, but you’re kind, generous, thoughtful, genui—”
“Ack. Enough. I said no accolades.”
“You said truth.” He lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckles. “For the record, those rough edges you speak of felt pretty damn nice under my hands last night. And mouth.”
Brooke did all she could to calm the raging hormones rushing through her body. “You come from this classy family, have buckets of money, a solid career. You’re all sophisticated and handsome and close with your family. I’m none of that. I’m the exact opposite of you.”
“For one, my family, money, and career don’t make me who I am and don’t make you who you are. You’re so much more than that. What makes you so amazing is who you are despite your setbacks. And besides, don’t opposites attract?”
“See? All these nice compliments. I’m not like that.”
“I believe you called me adorable. Twice.”
She couldn’t help the cheesy smile that took over her mouth. “You are adorable.” She ruffled his hair, damp with sweat from his run, and gripped his ears, pulling him in for a kiss.
“And you’re adorable as well.” He gave her a noogie and tackled her backward, tickling her sides.
“No you don’t,” she warned between giggles.
The man was relentless. His fingers dug into her hips and then moved up to her ribs, poking, rubbing, and tickling. Brooke fought him off, squirming and pushing him away, but he didn’t back off.
“I warned you.” She clenched her Kegel muscles, scared she’d pee her pants in the middle of his bed. Her ribs were terribly sensitive, and she bucked at his touch, tears pouring down her cheeks from laughter. The sensations between her legs and in her belly were so intense, she thought she’d lose control of all bodily functions if he didn’t stop.
Including her ability to hold back how deep her feelings ran for him.
“You don’t sound angry to me.” He nuzzled her belly, which made her screech.
Drew crouched over her, touching her everywhere, and she simply could not stop laughing. Her stomach hurt from the rapid convulsions and she could barely breathe.
“Drew,” she begged.
“I like the sound of my name on your lips.”
“Stop,” she squealed. “I can’t take it anymore.”
“I’ll stop if you promise me one thing.” He paused, still hovering above her, his hands firm on her hips.
“Anything,” she panted, trying to catch her breath while she could, wiggling her hips in an attempt to slip from his grasp, but he didn’t let her go.
“Promise?”
“Well, I can’t promise I won’t make a puddle in the middle of your bed if you don’t stop tickling me.”
A wicked gleam coated his lips and his eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’ll stop if you promise to stay with me.”
Brooke wiped her cheeks and sniffed back her laughing tears. “I brought my bag and told you I’d stay the weekend.”
“No. I’m talking about for the summer.”
“What?” This time he let her go when she moved. Brooke sat up and scooted back toward the headboard. “You want me to move in with you?”
“Yeah.” Drew sat back on his feet and held on to her ankles.
“That’s kind of a big step. One night of sex and you want me to move in? Sounds kind of desperate to me.” She attempted to sound lighthearted in her joke, but Drew’s expression remained stoic. “Wait. You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
“Is this because I said I was afraid you’d walk away after we slept together? You don’t have to prove a point here, Drew. I’m not worried about you dumping me the morning after.” Not anymore. Although the thought crossed her mind when she woke up and found the bed empty.
“I could list the hundred reasons why I want you to stay with me, but I know
you don’t like me tossing out compliments.”
“Is this because you don’t want me staying at the camp alone?” He’d come right out and mentioned that a dozen or more times. “Charlie will stay with me now and then. And Fish is coming up in a couple of weeks. Besides, you’re not that far away.”
“Sure, that may be one reason.”
“I knew it.” She whipped her legs around and over the edge of the bed. “It’s a pity offer.” She jumped to her feet and scoured the room for her clothes. Spotting her backpack on the chair, she unzipped it and searched for underwear and shorts.
“No, it’s not.” Drew grabbed her arm and swung her around until she was facing him. “I’ll admit that’s one reason, but it’s not the reason. If you were still in that rental, I’d want you here with me.”
“BUT YOU WOULDN’T HAVE asked me to move in. It’s a big step. One we’re not ready for.”
“You fit in with my family, you make me smile and laugh every day, you inspire my writing, and I enjoy spending time with you. What’s wrong with asking you to move in?”
“It’s a huge commitment, and one I’m not ready to make. I appreciate the offer, though.”
“You appreciate the offer,” he repeated, dropping her arms and sulking away as if she’d just run over his puppy. “I’m going to take a shower.”
He left her standing in his room, alone and confused. She’d hurt his feelings. What else could she say to him? That she was scared? That if she moved in, she’d never want to leave? Ever?
That was like telling him she was in love with him. One day, maybe not right away, but eventually, he’d look at her as an inconvenience—just as her grandmother had. Louise hadn’t minded Brooke’s presence in the first months after her mother’s death. It was when the shock wore off that she turned passive-aggressive and dropped not-so-subtle hints that Brooke was always underfoot and in the way.
The rejection from her grandmother hurt, even though they’d never been close or had a loving relationship.
Rejection from Drew would shred her heart to pieces.
“Shit.” Brooke dropped to the chair and rubbed her scalp. She was in love with him and it scared the crap out of her. Hell, she wanted to live in his house, be a part of his family, make love with him every day, and fall asleep in his arms every night.
Things like this didn’t happen to girls like her, especially not so quick. She was a mystery to him and once he figured her out, he’d cast her aside. Better not to fall too deep. The deeper the love, the harder the fall. Keeping their relationship on the friendly, sexual level was the only way to keep her heart out of it.
Yet, her heart was already in.
Way too deep.
DURING THE REST OF the weekend, things were different with Drew. The light in his eyes and the laughter in his voice had dimmed, but he put on a pretty good front for his family.
Brooke hated that she was the cause for it. Last night when she went upstairs to bed, he said he wanted to write. While she was asleep, he joined her in his bed and she’d turned to him, draping her arm over his back.
Drew hadn’t stirred.
When she woke a few hours later, she found herself spooned into his body, his leg covering hers, and his arm hugging her tight. Instead of risking waking him and having him turn away from her again, she forced herself to stay awake so she could enjoy his warmth.
Once again, the early morning sun woke her, streaming through the glass doors and revealing an empty spot beside her. They’d get past their tiff. Drew would come to terms with her need for independence and they’d go back to normal, whatever that was.
Stretching once again, she slid out of bed and rolled her shoulders back to work out the kinks. They’d left his bedroom windows open and a slight breeze fluttered the draperies. The smell of someone’s early morning campfire weaved its way into the air.
Brooke heard shouting in the distance and stepped onto the deck, this time wearing running shorts and a tank top.
“Fire!” Drew shouted as he shot out of the woods and across his back lawn. “Get Brooke. There’s a fire.”
“Where?” she yelled down.
He looked up at her on the deck, his face dropping with worry. “The camp.”
“Shit.” Brooke ran through his bedroom and down the stairs, pushing her way past Drew in the doorway.
The thick, pungent smell of smoke slapped her in the face as she ran through the trail to the camp. Bright orange flames accosted her from between the thinning trees.
“The rec hall!” Sprinting across the dirt, not caring about the twigs and rocks cutting at her bare feet, she stopped suddenly when the heat from the flames burned her skin. “No,” she cried, whirling around. Ash from the fire dropped on the Allagash cabin, igniting the dry roof into flames as well.
Time stood still except for the growing flames and intense heat. Finally, sirens sounded in the distance, but it wouldn’t matter. Her hopes, her dreams, her future had turned to ash and crashed down all around her.
“You’re too close.” Drew held on to her shoulders and pulled her back.
“No.” She fought against him, yanking herself away. “The hall... My cabins...” She covered her mouth and nose with her hands to block it from the smoke and to suppress the tears.
Her stomach ached and clenched. The forest spun around her, making her dizzy with confusion before slowing down all around her. The flashing red lights from the fire trucks blinded her, and the firefighters ran toward the buildings as if in slow motion.
There was shouting and waving and all sorts of commotion, but Brooke couldn’t make out any words.
It was a war zone—only she wasn’t prepared to fight, and she was defenseless. She was trapped with no way to protect herself and no way to take down the enemy. Her life was in the hands of those around her.
And they weren’t prepared for the enemy, either. Left alone to take the fall, to face defeat, to lose, Brooke stared at the fire and smoke, at the commotion, at the loss of... everything.
She wouldn’t break down and cry. That’s not what Brooke Ross would do. Instead, she backed away, allowing the firefighters more space to fight the flames. She turned and bumped into Drew.
“I’m sorry.” He reached for her, but she stepped away, out of his grasp.
“No.” She shook her head. Her gut tightened and the walls of her throat swelled up at the sight of him. “This is what you wanted, isn’t it? For the camp to stay closed, for me to stay with you. Don’t pretend you’re devastated by this.”
“Brooke—”
“No. Stay away from me. This is all your fault,” she said again, turning from him and running away. To where, she didn’t know. The little she had was in the cabin, not far from the fire. Weaving her way around the firefighters, she made it to her cabin and yanked the door open.
The fire hadn’t touched it... yet, though smoke hung heavy in the air. She gathered her few belongings and shoved them into her duffle bag. She tucked her sleeping bag and pillow under the other arm and plowed her way out the door.
The Aroostook cabin was the farthest from the fire and would be the safest. Dropping her gear inside, she rummaged through her bag for her shoes. She’d left her sneakers and flip-flops at Drew’s and took out her only other pair.
Combat boots. Fitting since she felt like she was about to go to war. She found a pair of socks and put those on her scraped, bloodied feet, followed by her boots. While she laced them, she realized she was braless. She stripped off her tank, tugged on her dirty, grubby sports bra, and threw on her tank again.
No sense in putting on clean clothes when it was snowing ash outside and her world was burning all around her. Brooke found her camouflage army patrol-style cap and covered her head with it. Geared up for battle, she marched out of the cabin and toward the flames.
There was a second fire truck and a slew of pickup trucks, all with flashing lights on their dashboard. Seemed like the entire town had come out for the show. Not wanting to ge
t in the way but needing to monitor her camp, she patrolled the perimeter, watching for falling ash that may spark a fire in the other cabins.
Three firefighters held a hose and were watering down the nearby cabins, protecting them from the embers. She surveyed the damage—the worst of the flames came from the back entrance to the rec hall—and made her way around to the front.
She stood there in a daze for what felt like hours before someone approached her.
“You’re Miss Ross?” a firefighter asked.
“I am.”
“Chief Gordon. Anyone in the building that you’re aware of?”
“There shouldn’t have been. I’m the only one living here this summer.”
“That’s what I heard.” He took off his helmet and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “Leave any unattended candles? Cigarette stubs? Campfires?”
“No to all. I wasn’t even on site for the past two days.”
“Anyone you know could have set this? Did you have a row with anyone lately?”
“Set the fire? As in... arson?” Brooke balled up her hands into tight fists and clutched them at her side.
“It’s too soon to tell. Thankfully, the call came in early enough for us to get it under control before it took out the entire building. Not sure we can salvage the little cabin behind it. The walls are thin, and it went up pretty quick.”
The beating in her chest and the sweat dripping down her back had to do with more than just a fire. Arson. Someone intentionally set fire to her camp.
“Can you tell me if the fire was an accident?”
“Like I said, it’s too soon to tell. My crew has it under control, but I’m afraid you’re looking at a complete loss of the kitchen area. That fireplace is solid. You’ll still want a building inspector to come out and see if its gotta be torn down, though.”
No, not the fireplace. It was a gorgeous anchor of the building.
“Do you think the fire started in the kitchen?”
The last time she used it was two days ago when she boiled water to make her instant coffee.
Ten Million Fireflies (Band of Sisters) Page 19