Brandon

by Anne, Melody

  “This is obviously something you’ve thought about a lot,” he said.

  “Yeah, when I can’t sleep at night, my mind is constantly turning. I can’t watch the news in the evening anymore, because that leads to too many YouTube clips, and then I feel hopeless as I try to figure out who I am. Why do I feel the way I feel? Why can I turn my back on one person and not another? It makes me judge myself harshly as I try to figure out the world.”

  “I think that’s a good thing, though,” Brandon told her. “I think when we believe we can’t do any wrong and our own opinion is more important than the person’s next to us, then we aren’t growing. I can have a different opinion than my brother and still love him. I can have a different opinion than you, and you could possibly change my mind. I don’t want to be so closed minded I won’t listen. I’ve changed my mind many times before.”

  “I don’t think I’d ever have thought that about you. Since I’ve known you, you haven’t seemed a man to be easily swayed.”

  He laughed. “I’m not easily swayed. I just said I could change my mind if you give me a reason to.”

  That was definitely something for her to think about. Brandon wasn’t in any way the man she’d thought he was. It was truly easy to judge a book by the cover, but it was foolish as well. There was a lot inside that made it a manuscript. She could write an entire book about Brandon and his family. And even then, she’d be shocked by the twists and turns the book took.

  They arrived at the center, and Chloe gasped. It had been a while since she’d been out there. “Oh, Brandon, this is so beautiful. I can’t believe how much they’ve gotten done.”

  “Everyone has worked really hard. I’m pretty impressed with my brothers.”

  “And you,” she pointed out. “I see a lot of lights going.”

  The main lodge was grand, standing about three stories high with huge windows and doors. It was majestic, but they’d also managed to make it appear inviting. It was this massive center that looked like a cottage in the woods. She was beyond impressed with the architectural design by her best friend Sarah and Brandon’s brother Noah.

  “Yes, we’ve been right behind Noah every step of the way, getting everything wired. We want this fully functional within a year. We want this to truly be the standard for veterans care from here on out.”

  “I hope so. I think there’s been a change in recent years where people realize these men and women who serve and get hurt or go through emotional trauma need and deserve help for giving us the privilege of freedom. Some countries don’t allow citizens to live a life of freedom. It always amazes me when I see people out protesting soldiers, when the only reason they can protest is because of those soldiers. Can you imagine how scary a world it would be without protection?”

  “I don’t have to imagine it. When I was in the military, I spent time in countries where you absolutely didn’t turn your back on anyone. I was also horrified at seeing women with their heads down being openly beaten. There were no rights for the average citizen. It was sickening.” He paused as he entered a code so they could walk inside the empty lodge. “And I don’t think most people protest the soldiers; they usually protest the wars,” he said.

  “I don’t like war,” she told him.

  He shook his head. “No one likes war. There are those that think some are war hungry, but it isn’t about that. It’s about protecting our rights and trying to help oppressed people find a voice. But anyone can turn anything into what they want it to be with a few choice words on a news channel. As long as that’s happening, these men and women will continue to get disrespect. Once a soldier, always a soldier. It’s a brotherhood that we will always defend and respect. And those people that spit on us can do so because that’s their right as free citizens. They wouldn’t want to see a world without soldiers, though—that’s for dang sure.”

  “Yeah, it always breaks my heart when I see disrespect for anyone who serves, such as soldiers, cops, firefighters, and others. I know there are bad apples in every profession, but I also know that the majority of people who serve do it because it’s who they are. It’s certainly not for the pay,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

  “I wish they’d get paid more, but on the other hand, I think more people would do it for the money instead of because it’s a calling, so maybe that’s why the money is so low,” he said.

  “That’s a good point,” she told him. “But maybe a little bit more money wouldn’t be such a bad thing.”

  He nodded.

  “I’ve always wondered that when it comes to preachers, too,” she added. “If they’re paid to do their job, what happens if they lose their faith? Do they keep doing it for the check, or do they quit?”

  “Your mind really does wander,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t know a lot about preachers, as it’s been a long time since I stepped inside a chapel, but I do know they aren’t paid much. I don’t think any of them would do it for the money.”

  She laughed with him. “I guess you make a good point.”

  They finally reached the huge space that was ready for the kitchen. Catalogs and tables were set up, just waiting for her to get her hands on them.

  “Oh, we should’ve done this so much sooner,” she said as she moved to a portable table and picked up an appliance book. Every model a chef would drool over was in the thick catalog. She was instantly absorbed.

  “I think I’m going to lose you for a while,” Brandon said.

  “Most definitely,” she told him.

  It was a good thing, she decided an hour later. Their talk had grown a bit depressing as they’d arrived at the center. She loved being a chef because it was a job that was sometimes frustrating, but it was also amazing and generally made people happy. You couldn’t please everyone. That was for dang sure, but most who walked out of her restaurant were very happy and incredibly full. She didn’t do those tiny servings that sent a person to Taco Bell after they’d eaten at her place. She didn’t like overpriced meals. It was absolutely ridiculous for someone to have to spend a hundred dollars on a slab of steak. Yes, she was a great chef, and yes, she wanted the best for her patrons. But she didn’t need to gouge them to prove she was the best. A great meal could be affordable for a night out on the town.

  She and Brandon spent two hours poring through the catalogs and circling what they needed. She had already spent some time online, so it wasn’t hard to make her final decisions. She had the measurements of the kitchen, and she knew exactly how she could fit everything she needed.

  “With multiple ovens, we can even have cooking classes as one more activity for the veterans. Do you know how many people don’t know how to cook a simple meal?” she said, absolutely horrified at the thought.

  Brandon squirmed in front of her, and she laughed. “I knew you didn’t know how to cook. Where did you get our dinner from?” she demanded.

  He laughed loudly as he leaned back in his chair. “I’ll never admit to anything,” he said, still laughing.

  She decided to let him get away with his small deception. Everyone in life had to have their secrets. As long as it didn’t hurt anyone, then there was nothing wrong with it. But she’d guess it was Bianca’s in a heartbeat.

  “We’d better get going. We have a half-hour walk home, and it appears as if the snow is falling down even faster now. We might turn into snowmen,” he warned.

  Chloe looked up from the books with reluctance. She didn’t want to leave. Now that they were there, she was more excited than ever for the project. She hoped they could get the appliances quickly and get the counters installed. She wanted to be the first to test out this fantastic kitchen.

  “Okay, but I want to come back tomorrow. Do you think we can rush order the appliances?”

  Brandon laughed again. “I think there’s nothing that can’t be rushed when it’s a Joseph Anderson project,” he assured her.

  “Good.” She stood and slipped her warm boots and jacket back on. She loved her boots but absolutely
couldn’t wear them inside. She’d have sweat pouring down her entire body if she did. But they were great in the snow.

  They moved outside, and she lifted up her face to feel the soft flakes of snow fall against her cheeks. She absolutely loved it.

  “We need to get you home,” he said again.

  “I need just a few more minutes,” she told him. “This will disappear as quickly as it starts, and I absolutely love it.”

  When she finally made eye contact with him, the heat in his eyes betrayed how cold it was outside. He was gazing at her, not seeming to be paying any attention to the snow at all. She felt her stomach instantly stir as he wrapped his arms around her.

  There was zero protest from her as he leaned forward and his lips finally connected with hers. The second they were pressed together, something magical happened, and both of them lost all control. It was like that every single time. She wondered if it was because she’d been fighting it or because their connection was truly that strong.

  His tongue was firm and wet against her lips. She darted hers out and tasted the salt and sugar of his mouth. He responded by pulling her more tightly against him as he traced the contours of her mouth. She was wishing the thick layers of clothing weren’t between them, because she wanted to feel and taste his skin. She clung to his shoulders as he tugged on her lower back, bringing them as close together as their clothes would allow.

  He moved his fingers through the silky strands of her hair while he deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue in and out of the warm recesses of her mouth, tasting her . . . making her lose all control over her own body. She was instantly ready for him to claim her and wished he’d started the kiss somewhere a whole lot warmer.

  When he pulled back, she gave a little moan of protest. He chuckled, and she slowly opened her eyes. She didn’t feel the cold anymore. Her body was on fire. But the longer they stood there gazing at each other, the more she realized where they were. The snow was falling, and they were getting covered.

  “I have impeccable timing of where I kiss you,” he said before bending and giving her one more quick kiss, then pulling back before they sank into one another again.

  “Yes, you do,” she said. Finally, she pulled back and looked at the route ahead of them. Their footprints from their walk there were almost covered. “I guess we should get going before we have to call for a ride.”

  “I can do that if you’re cold,” he told her.

  “Nope. Not cold at all at the moment. A good walk is just what the doctor is ordering.”

  She moved away from him, and he took her hand before she started down the steps. She didn’t stop him. She liked having her arm through the crook of his elbow or her fingers twined in between his. Maybe this was becoming a relationship. And maybe the two of them didn’t need to label it. That sounded pretty dang good to her.

  “I want a real date,” he said when they were halfway home. She tripped a bit, but he kept her on her feet. They walked a few more steps before she said anything.

  “What do you mean?” she finally said.

  “Just what I said. I want a real date where I’m picking you up and you know it’s a date.”

  His voice was stubborn, as if he expected her to protest. She found she didn’t want to. She wasn’t sure why not, but maybe the fight truly was going out of her.

  “Okay,” she said.

  Now it was his turn for a misstep. That made her smile. She didn’t add anything, and they went a few more steps before he said more.

  “Then it’s a date the day after tomorrow. This Friday.”

  “Okay, this Friday.”

  That was Christmas Eve Eve. She decided not to point that out. It didn’t mean anything. If it wasn’t Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, then it was just another day.

  They arrived home, and she found herself highly disappointed when he didn’t give her one more kiss. Maybe he knew if he did, they’d go inside again. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but then again, they were going on their first official date in two days. Maybe he wanted to wait until then.

  She didn’t stop smiling that night.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Brooke and Sarah were grinning as Chloe shifted uncomfortably in her room. She was trying to play it cool, but they were her besties, and they were seeing right past her facade. She knew better, but she wasn’t going down without a fight—a really good fight.

  “You’re going to spill your guts,” Brooke said with an evil laugh.

  “I need better friends,” Chloe said with a chuckle.

  “Well, you’re stuck with us, so I don’t see that happening anytime soon,” Sarah said, not affected by those words. They all knew they were a joke. Friendships didn’t get any better than theirs.

  She’d learned young to be smart in her word choices with these two women. They all had. They loved each other fiercely, but that didn’t mean they weren’t going to push and push to get the information they wanted. Sometimes it was worse than getting a tooth pulled.

  “You guys have been hanging around more than usual lately. But today, you storm in and demand I tell you a story. I’ve got none to tell,” Chloe said. She didn’t know what to say, anyway. It wasn’t as if she knew what exactly was happening with Brandon. It was up and down and all over the place. In short, it was a hot mess.

  “All I know is Brandon’s smiling more than usual, and that’s saying a lot since he always wears a smile. But it’s different lately. He comes in and sees Finn, and he’s all gooey and romantic. You’ve put him under a spell,” Brooke said with a laugh.

  “I can’t control what kind of mood Brandon’s in,” Chloe said. She knew they were going to keep pushing, so she didn’t know why she was fighting it so hard. Maybe because Brandon was their brother-in-law, and she was afraid of doing anything that might risk their friendship.

  Maybe also because she’d told Brandon in no uncertain terms that nothing was going to happen between the two of them. She was failing on all counts.

  Sarah looked around Chloe’s room and grinned as she rose up and started sniffing around. Chloe wanted to stop her but didn’t want to be suspicious, so she acted as if she didn’t care. Sarah found the hidden bag in her closet.

  “Why do you have a Victoria’s Secret bag hidden in here with . . .” She paused as she reached inside and pulled out some lacy black lingerie. Chloe blushed in spite of herself as her friend gave her a knowing smile.

  “We all shop there,” Chloe said as she shifted on her feet.

  “Yeah, when we want to do the badunkadunk,” Brooke said with a laugh.

  Chloe couldn’t help it. She burst out laughing at the word they’d been using since they were kids to describe anything to do with sex.

  “You two are terrible. Are your sex lives truly so boring that you have to be focused on mine?” she asked.

  The words didn’t offend her friends in the least. They both laughed. “I’ll go into full-on detail of how amazing my sex life has been from the second I met Finn,” Brooke said with a happy sigh.

  “Oh, yes, I couldn’t agree more. Noah makes me tingle even thinking about getting naked with him,” Sarah agreed.

  It must have been genetic, because Brandon was the best lover she’d ever had. She hadn’t been able to even think about doing the act with anyone since him. He’d utterly ruined her. Sex hadn’t been a need she’d felt had to be sated before him. It had been a natural progression in a relationship, but it hadn’t been something she’d craved all too often.

  Then she’d met Brandon. Now it was all she seemed to think about.

  “Okay, I like Brandon. I like sex with Brandon. As a matter of fact, he makes it difficult to think of anything other than him. But this is temporary. This is hormones on overdrive,” she said with a sigh.

  She was putting on her makeup very carefully. She didn’t want so much on that she looked as if she was trying too hard, but not so little that the shadows under her eyes were showing. It was even more difficult to get ready
with two pairs of knowing eyes on her while she did it.

  “Finally!” Brooke practically shouted. “Admitting the behavior is the first step to recovery.”

  “We’re so proud of you for accepting the inevitable,” Sarah piped in.

  “There’s nothing inevitable about being with Brandon. We’re having some fun. When this all settles down, hopefully we can still be in the same room without it being awkward; otherwise it’ll make family events uncomfortable for everyone.”

  “Maybe it will lead to more,” Brooke pointed out.

  “And it probably won’t,” Chloe told her. Then she grew serious. “I can’t risk anything affecting what the three of us have together.”

  Her friends turned just as serious as they gazed at her. It was Sarah who spoke up first.

  “Do you honestly think anything could ever affect what we have?” she asked. Chloe felt foolish, but there was a part of her that worried. She nodded slightly, and Sarah glared at her.

  “I had the same doubts when I was falling for Noah. It’s complicated. I know it is, but no man would ever come between us. Brandon might be our brother-in-law, but you’re already our sister. If we had to hobble him, we’d do it,” Sarah said.

  That brought a smile back to Chloe’s face. “I don’t think there will need to be any hobbling,” she assured her friends.

  “Well, the offer is always on the table. I’m sure Finn and his other brothers would be slightly upset by it, but they’d also understand, because if Brandon did something terrible enough to need hobbling, they’d probably help. They love us, and therefore they love you. We’d never marry someone who didn’t understand our friendship,” Brooke assured her.