by Laura Lee
Chapter Nine
BRODY
What the fuck is happening right now? I’ve been sitting here for the past twenty minutes watching Dr. Douchebag shoot pool with my friends. Repeat after me, kids: Interloper. I grow more and more irritated whenever I see them laughing at something he says. I become downright hostile whenever he touches Rainey, which is a lot.
I knew her fiancé was a doctor, but I didn’t know he was the same doctor that witnessed one of the most humiliating moments of my life. The guy is practically ancient, but I’m man enough to admit that the ladies notice him. Every fucking woman in this joint has noticed him. I blame George Clooney for making the salt-and-pepper thing sexy. Now, every woman out there thinks these old dudes look distinguished. Excuse me for a moment while I go puke up my lunch.
How the hell am I supposed to compete with someone that saves lives for a living? I’m sure he can easily afford to romance the shit out of her too, considering he’s been practicing medicine for so long. Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking—that I’m being ridiculous. That I have no right to be angry that she’s with someone. Well, fuck you very much. That guy is one helluva cockblock and I don’t like it.
As I watch him charm the pants off of everyone in his orbit, I actually start to doubt my game. I’m not trying to sound arrogant, but I’ve never had trouble getting the girl. If I wanted someone, she’d be mine with little to no effort. I don’t mind a challenge—I was actually looking forward to sparring with Rainey—but she’s not giving me much to work with here.
One thing my buddy, Drew, is good for is dishing out the dirt. No joke, the guy gossips like my grandma at the beauty salon. According to him, their engagement is new—a few months at best—and they’re in no hurry to set a date for their nuptials. That gives me hope. Most chicks I know would insist on setting a date and reserving the place as soon as that ring was on their finger. Rainey’s lackadaisical approach tells me that she has reservations, whether she realizes it or not. I know I wasn’t imagining that spark between us—I’ve never felt anything like it my entire life. I also know that I’m damn good at reading people and that woman wants me. Ferociously. I feel like I would be doing a disservice to all mankind if I didn’t explore that. I hate the fact that I have to go back to Boston for another year. I don’t like the thought of not having any influence in her life...of what might happen between her and the doc before I move back home permanently to give him some real competition.
You’re probably asking yourself why I’m so obsessed with this chick, right? Well, join the fucking club because I ask myself the same question every damn day. I barely know her; I’m aware that I sound like a nut job. I can’t explain it though. She has this je ne sais quoi quality about her, and I don’t use fluffy French words lightly. It’s more than her looks, which to be clear are exceptional—she’s the perfect combination of a porn star and the girl-next-door. What’s confounding is that she’s the first woman I’ve been interested in knowing on a deeper level. Usually, all I care about is whether they want it hard and dirty or slow and dirty. Reverse cowgirl or doggy-style? Face-sitting or getting licked from behind? I’m sure you get the point. I’ve had girlfriends in the past, but not a single one of them made me behave like a caveman stalker. Call me a dick if you want, but I just wasn’t that into them. Rainey is in a class all her own and with the way Dr. Dipshit is looking at her, I’d say he knows that too.
Fuck.
I run my hand over my face and take a deep breath. I can’t keep watching the train wreck in front of me; I need to get out of here before I punch someone. I chug the remainder of my Heineken and head straight for the front doors. Right before I reach them, Drew calls my name, asking where I’m going.
I turn around to face him. “I need to head out, guys. Dinner with the folks tonight.”
He briefly gives me a concerned look and nods. “Okay, man. I’ll see you later.”
As I’m walking backwards over the threshold, Rainey’s eyes lock with mine. I try schooling my features, but her expression tells me that I’m not doing a very good job. When it’s clear that she’s going to remain where she’s at, I flip around and make my escape as fast as possible.
Chapter Ten
3 Years Ago
RAINEY
“C’mon, Lorraine,” Devyn whines. “You only turn thirty once. I’m your best friend; you have to let me plan something.”
“It’s really not a big deal,” I insist. “Adam’s going away for a medical conference that weekend, so I was planning to lay low.”
“All the more reason to have a party! You can’t be alone on your birthday. Especially on a milestone birthday. I promise to keep it under control—just family and a few friends. Your mom said we’re welcome to use her house since there’s so much room.”
“Devyn, my parents live two hours away. I highly doubt anyone would want to drive there and back on the same day.”
“I agree, which is why we’re staying for the weekend.”
“What?” I ask incredulously. “No. I’m not asking anyone to give up their entire weekend for me.”
“Too late...it’s already done,” she admits sheepishly.
I pull the phone away from my ear for a moment, staring at it in shock.
“Devyn, what is it, exactly, that you did?”
“Well, I didn’t do all of it,” she explains. “Your mom invited your brothers.”
“You’re kidding me, right?”
“No, Rainey. I’m not kidding. C’mon, it’ll be fun. You already requested the time off, so you have no excuse. You can’t say you wouldn’t love a weekend at the beach.”
My parents live in Ocean Shores, Washington—the same house that I grew up in. Being the stereotypical Catholic family that we were, with six kids, they needed something with lots of bedrooms and ample space. Since my dad is in construction, that’s exactly what they got because he built it. I love that house and Devyn knows it. It’s designed for entertainment: private beach access, a huge deck with tons of seating, and a beautiful outdoor kitchen. As kids, my brothers and I couldn’t wait to get out of the sleepy town, but as adults, we’ve learned to appreciate the tranquility it offers.
“Devyn...I don’t know. It seems like too much trouble.”
“It’s really not, Rainey. I promise.”
I sigh, knowing she’s not going to relent. “How many people are we talking?”
“Your parents will still be in Maui for their anniversary trip so that leaves your brothers, whomever they bring with them, you, me, Nate, Drew, and...um, Brody.”
“I’m sorry...what? Why is Brody coming?”
Yep, that’s right. Brody Harris, AKA the gigantic thorn in my side, moved back to Seattle. I swear every time I turn around, he’s there. You’d think that would’ve been difficult when he was on the other end of the country but somehow, he managed. He came home from grad school during every break over the past year and when he wasn’t physically here, it seemed like he and Drew were always Facetiming each other. He’d be easier to avoid if Devyn wasn’t so tight with her brother, but half the time we go out, Drew is there. And where Drew goes, Brody goes. That damn man even tagged along when we took little Nathan to the zoo.
Now it’s her turn to sigh. “Rainey, I know he pushes your buttons but he’s a good guy. He doesn’t mean any harm and you know it. He overheard Drew and me talking about it and I couldn’t not invite him. If you really don’t want him there, I’ll figure out how to let him down gently.”
“No, it’s fine,” I grumble. “But you’re responsible for him.”
“Done.”
“I guess I only have one more question.”
“What’s that?” she asks.
“When do we leave?”
Chapter Eleven
BRODY
If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d be driving to the beach, my Suburban loaded with baby gear, I would’ve said that you were certified batshit. The kid’s not mine, but his stuff is
taking up half the cargo area nonetheless. Drew appointed me chauffeur this weekend because I was the only one with a vehicle that could accommodate everything. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I’d pretty much give my left nut to spend more time with my favorite ginger, even if it’s just driving in the same car. Speaking of the birthday girl, I glance in the rearview and catch her staring at me. Again. She averts her eyes immediately and starts fussing over Drew’s nephew. We’ve been on the road for almost two hours and we’ve done this dance at least a dozen times. I smirk as my eyes roam down to her bouncing tits and I discreetly adjust the semi they’re causing.
“Damn it, Brody!” Rainey shouts as we hit a pothole. “I swear to God you’re doing that on purpose! How many friggin’ potholes can you hit today?”
Okay, I may be aiming for every rut that I can find. Lucky for me, the highway to the beach isn’t maintained very well. Also lucky for me? Rainey’s bra is not all that supportive.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because you exist to drive me crazy?” she suggests.
I laugh as I see her glaring at me in the mirror. “Aw sweetheart, if you’d stop denying how much you want me, I wouldn’t have to resort to playground behavior.”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re an ass.”
“What’s that? You like ass play? I’m game if you are, baby.”
Her cheeks redden. “That’s not what I said, you dick! Why are you such—?”
“Okay, you two,” Devyn interrupts. “Save the bickering for when there isn’t a child in the vicinity.”
Drew laughs. “He’s one-and-a-half. It’s not like he knows what anal is.”
“ANAL IS!” Nathan repeats excitedly.
“DREW!” Devyn yells.
Everyone but Devyn laughs at that one.
“Will you just pay attention to the road?” Rainey whines. “You’re going to miss the turnoff.”
“Nah, I’ll be fine. They have these fancy new things called navigation that tell you where to go.” As if on cue, the system prompts me to turn right at the next intersection. I drive about a quarter mile before pulling into the long driveway of her parents’ house. Based on the number of cars, I’m guessing we’re the last to arrive. “See, princess, we’re here.”
She jumps out of the car as soon as the gear is in park and mutters, “This is going to be a long weekend.”
The ladies head inside with Nathan, leaving Drew and I to unload.
“Dude, you can’t ride her ass all weekend,” he says. “Devyn made me promise to keep you in line and you’re not making it easy.”
I pull the playpen out of the back and set it on the ground. “Dude, relax. She loves it when I give her shit. This is what we do. Also, don’t say things like ride her ass in relation to Rainey unless you want me pitching a tent the whole weekend.”
He throws a duffle bag at me. “You are an ass.”
I blow him a kiss. “That’s why you love me, big guy. Two peas in a pod, you and me.”
Drew laughs. “Just shut up and help me get this shit inside.”
I take in the house as we walk up the driveway. This place is massive—it looks more like a lodge than a family home. Cedar and stone siding, a large arched entry, floor-to-ceiling windows and a sizeable covered deck. On top of all that, the ocean view from here is unreal. I can only imagine how great it is from the back.
“Her dad owns a construction company,” Drew explains when he sees my awe. “Rainey said he built it when she was little to make room for all the kids. It’s fucking impressive, huh?”
“I don’t know if impressive is adequate.” I’m pretty sure my jaw is about to hit the ground. “So, her family is loaded, huh?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so...they’ve been here for a long time; I’m guessing land was a lot cheaper back then. She definitely doesn’t give off the silver spoon vibe.”
“Not at all,” I agree. “Not that it matters either way.”
“Right,” Drew nods.
As if she senses us talking about her, Rainey opens the front door before I have the chance to turn the knob. “You guys need help?”
“Nah,” Drew answers. “One more load should do it.”
I make a show of bending over to tie my shoe. I’d bet money that Rainey is checking out my ass right now. She doesn’t think I notice, but she does it all the time. Her head may fight it, but there’s no question whether or not her body wants me.
“You want me to go slower next time, so you can take a picture?” I wink.
The color flooding her freckled cheeks confirms it.
Her eyes narrow into slits. “Keep dreaming, Brody.”
“I’m okay with that since you’re usually naked in my dreams.”
I laugh when she flips me the bird and stomps away.
Damn, this weekend is going to be fun.
Chapter Twelve
RAINEY
After everyone decides which room they’re going to take, we head out back. Nathan and my twin nieces just went down for a nap so we’re trying to keep the volume down. If you’ve never been around a tired toddler, trust me when I say that everyone will be a lot happier if they get the rest that their little bodies need.
Devyn and I walk out onto the deck together and there’s no mistaking the interest in my younger brothers’ eyes. Thankfully, she stays true to character, completely unaware of the attention she garners.
I point a threatening finger at them. “Don’t even think about it.”
Emmett being the wiseass he is, boldly runs his eyes down the length of Devyn’s lithe frame. “Sorry, Rain, there’s no way in hell I’m agreeing to that.”
The twins, Calvin and Joey, are much smarter and busy themselves with the grill. Don’t let my small frame deceive you; growing up with five brothers will make any girl scrappy. I’ve knocked every one of them on their asses at one point or another.
“I could use a beer,” I say to Devyn. “You want one?”
“Sure,” she says.
We each grab a bottle from the cooler and make our way over to the built-in benches. Devyn sets the baby monitor on the ledge and pops the tops using the opener on her flip flops.
“I told you these shoes would come in handy,” she smiles.
I clink my bottle to hers. “Totally worth the extra ten bucks.”
She leans back and looks toward the ocean. “God, the view is incredible.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Brody says, sliding onto the bench beside me. Taking the bottle right out of my hand he adds, “Although I think we’re looking at two different things.”
“Excuse me,” I complain as he takes a big swig. “Get your own beer, buddy.”
He takes another drink, eyeing me the entire time. “Yours tastes better.”
“Here we go again,” Devyn mutters. “Lorraine, I’m going inside to see if your sister-in-law needs help with the salads.”
“Traitor!” I shout as she walks away.
Brody, undeterred by my snark as always, scoots closer and offers my bottle back.
“Thanks,” I grumble, even though the damn drink is mine. I take a sip and pass it back to him. Before you ask, no, I don’t know why I just did that.
He leans back and looks over the crowd gathered on the deck. “So, here’s a question for you: Why do all of your brothers look like linebackers?”
“Pft, that’s ridiculous,” I scoff. “Only one of them is.”
“What?”
I point to the elder brothers. “Junior’s the only one that went to the NFL—he’s a middle linebacker for the Colts. George played in college but he’s an attorney now.” I move my finger to the younger three. “Joey’s a receiver for Ohio State and Calvin plays soccer for Clemson. Emmett, always the odd man out, chose to play with pucks instead of balls. He’s a forward for Toronto.”
Brody chokes a little on the sip he was taking. “Are you trying to tell me that four of your five brothers are professional athletes?”
“No,” I refute. “The twins have two more years of college before they can even think about going pro. My mom would kill them if they didn’t get their degree first.”
His eyes widen. “Holy shit! I knew that guy looked familiar. Junior’s real name is Martin, right?”
“Yep,” I confirm. “He’s named after my dad.”
“Why am I just finding out about this? Your brother is on my Madden roster for shit’s sake!”
“I don’t know,” I shrug. “It’s not like we spend a lot of time together.”
He cocks his head to the side. “Are you high? We see each other all the time.”
“Yeah, but in a group setting. It’s not like we ever get any quality time.”
“Well, that can be easily arranged,” he wags his eyebrows suggestively.
Jesus, this guy can never resist an opening.
“Taken, remember?” I wiggle my ring finger for emphasis.
He drains the rest of the bottle. “I’m still not convinced you mean that.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re an idiot.”
“So, I’ve heard,” he laughs.
“Rainey, heads up!” Junior shouts, right before a football nails me in the chest.
“Holy shit!” I yelp as I grab my aching breast. “I think you broke my boob, dumbass!” I aim for Junior’s nutsack and whip the ball. Sadly, he sees it coming from a mile away and catches it before I can make contact.
“Are you okay?” Brody asks, choking back laughter.
“Your concern would be a lot more convincing if you weren’t laughing it up right now.”
“Trust me, sweetheart, I’m always concerned about your tits.” He punctuates his statement by staring at said tits.
“Oh my God, do you ever quit?” I throw my hands up, wincing when I feel the pain.
Junior interrupts before Brody can reply. “You okay, kiddo? Joey was supposed to catch that.”
“I’ll be fine,” I mutter. “Give me some more alcohol and things will be just peachy.”