Authors: Crystal Red
“Do you want to have lunch with me?”
Kelsey froze at his question. Her
breath burned her throat. What was the catch?
Why is she staring at
me as if I’m crazy?
Her hands settled on her hips. “Maybe
because I wasn’t expecting you to ask me out.”
“Is that a no then?”
“When?”
“Today.” He stepped closer.
She sucked in a breath as he fingered
a loose tendril of hair that had fallen into one of her eyes. How can the
slightest touch from Brandon make her bones want to turn into goo?
“How about Chinese? I like to drink
diet Coke.” She shuddered as his touch lingered.
“Sounds awesome. See you at noon.” He
winked and then strutted away.
She found herself drooling over the
shape of his ass, and the way it moved when he walked. Firm and tight just the
way she liked her men. She was really losing it.
When will I get sex off my
brain?
Kelsey did her best to focus on the
inventory for the extra books, but the distraction didn’t keep her from
picturing what Brandon looked like naked. She groaned. Why did he have to come
to her bookshop? Now all she wanted to do was kiss him from his lips to his
toes. Every last inch of skin.
She shouldn’t have told him where she
worked. Maybe he would have found out anyway since they were neighbors. She
wanted a guy to challenge her, to understand her. Could he really be the one to
do that?
When lunchtime came around, Brandon
showed up with her favorite white rice and Asian chicken dish. They pulled up
two metal chairs and sat at a small card table.
“I got you a diet soda like you asked,
but I think you could drink regular. You’re so skinny.” Brandon swallowed a
mouthful of his Coke.
“Not when you eat chocolate,” she
muttered.
He shook his head, digging into his
chicken. “You only weigh, what, a hundred and ten?”
She glared at him. “Don’t you know
better than to ask a woman how much she weighs?”
“Hmm, guess not.”
They ate in silence for a few minutes
until she pushed her empty container aside.
“Why did you move to Missouri,
anyway?”
He cleared his throat. “So I could run
my Uncle Dean’s car and motorcycle shop. Chad is the co-owner. My uncle had to
retire because of poor health. I told him to cut back on the fast food, but he
didn’t listen. He suffered two heart attacks.”
Her heart ached for him and his uncle.
She couldn’t imagine having to handle something like that. “Wow, that’s hard.
I’m sorry. Is he doing any better?”
“A little bit. My Aunt Gladys keeps
after him. Wives are good for that.” He smiled, but the sadness lingered in his
eyes.
Kelsey sipped her soda. She patted his
hand. A zap of heat soared throughout her. “Thank you for lunch.”
He leaned back against the chair.
“Same time tomorrow?”
“Uh…I’ll probably bring my lunch.”
He frowned. “You don’t want my
company?”
“Not if you’re going to attack me.”
“I didn’t.” He laced his fingers with
hers.
The warmth of his hand sent heated
desire to her core. She bet he was one hell of a kisser. “Yeah, but you tried
to.”
“Can’t help it. You’re beautiful.” His
mouth widened into a huge grin.
“You’re not so bad yourself.” She
stared at him, dying to caress and taste his lips.
He let go of her hand and stood. “So,
will I see you tomorrow?”
She nodded, waiting for him to kiss
her, but all he did was turn and then exit the front door. Damn. When would he
kiss her?
A little later, Kelsey helped Beth
with the customers up in front of the store. One customer caught her eye. Where
had she seen her before? The woman was a tall blonde with blue eyes. She wore
black boots and a matching dress. Then it hit her. She was the same woman who’d
shown up at her birthday party and told her to enjoy her wish.
Her throat tightened. What did she
want? Could she have had something to do with her new gift?
“Hi, Kelsey. Remember me?” the blonde
whispered.
“Yes, from my birthday party. Who are
you?”
The blonde held her hand out.
“Victoria Stiller. I heard about your bookshop and couldn’t wait to stop by.”
“Are you looking for anything in
particular?” Kelsey pulled the stool closer to lean toward Victoria.
Victoria rubbed her palms together.
“Yes, do you have any witchcraft books?”
A cold, hard knot formed in her
stomach at the word “witchcraft.” Something about this woman didn’t sit well
with her. A long, brittle silence lingered around them as Kelsey showed
Victoria to the aisle with the type of books she was interested in. What if
witches really existed, and this woman just wanted to cause her trouble? Fear
gripped her so tightly she fainted to the floor.
Chapter Four
Brandon’s gut tightened as he sank to
his knees on the bookstore floor. He stared at Kelsey, who’d fainted. He nudged
her arm. Nothing.
“Kelsey?” Adrenaline surged through
his veins. His voice rose as he shook her arm. She sat up with a groan.
Beth rushed to Kelsey’s side with a
bottle of water. “Try not to move around too much. You could have a
concussion.”
“Let me make sure you’re not
bleeding.” Brandon cupped the back of her head and felt for a bump or cut. He
held his breath as his fingertips ran over her scalp. His heart thumped harder
and louder. For a brief moment, he thought about touching her in another way,
but then, with a shake of his head, he cleared his mind.
She trembled at his touch, but didn’t
push him away. Instead she let out a fluttery sigh.
When he didn’t find any injuries, he
eased his hand away. “You’re not bleeding. Why did you faint?”
Kelsey sighed again, her gaze on
everything but him. “I saw someone I knew.”
“Who? An ex-boyfriend?” His pulse
pounded. He hoped it wasn’t one of her exes trying to win her back. There was
something about her that pulled him in. He didn’t want to let go until he found
out if they were meant to be or not.
“No.” She exhaled. “Someone who’d
showed up at my birthday party a week ago. I didn’t know who she was then.”
“She?” His heart dropped to his feet.
It couldn’t be, could it?
“Yeah, she said her name was Victoria.
Do you know her?”
He hung his head. His worst nightmare
just came true. She’d followed him from Texas. He’d never thought she’d find
him in Missouri. His gut ached as if someone had punched him over and over.
He swallowed, inhaling deep with quick
breaths. “Yes, she’s my ex-girlfriend. She likes to practice witchcraft and
claims to be a real witch.”
Beth’s mouth dropped open when he looked
at her. “What the fuck? Is she crazy or something?” She stood on the other side
of Kelsey as she continued to gape at him. As if it would make the situation
any better.
“Yes,” he choked out.
“Do we have to worry about your ex-girlfriend
coming after Kelsey?”
Brandon cleared his throat. “She might
try to come after both of you.”
“Why?” Kelsey rubbed her temples.
Warning bells went off in his mind.
Victoria was there. She obviously wanted to hurt him and the people he cared
about. How was he going to explain this? He had no idea how to wrap the crazy
situation around his own mind either.
“Our breakup didn’t end well. I think
she might try to hurt me and those I care about.”
“This is fucking nuts,” Kelsey muttered.
He helped Kelsey to her feet, catching
her before she fell. “Let me give you a ride home.”
Her eyes widened like saucers. “On
your motorcycle?” She pointed to his bike parked in front of the building.
Brandon nodded. “I have an extra
helmet.”
“I, uh…”
Beth’s green eyes flashed hot enough
to burn a hole through him. “She’s not going to ride on your motorcycle. So you
can forget about it.”
Kelsey’s cheeks turned red. “I’m
afraid of motorcycles.”
“Oh.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Will you make sure she gets home safe, Beth?”
“Of course.” Beth snorted. She locked
Kelsey’s arm with hers and walked toward the front door.
He stepped out so they could lock up
for the night. The cool spring air hit him, causing goose bumps to prickle his
skin. The two women stepped out of the store as he started his bike.
He drove home with thoughts whirling
in his mind, mostly about his ex.
Could Victoria be the reason Kelsey is now
telepathic?
Once he arrived at his house, he
parked the bike in the driveway. Chad was right behind him. After going inside,
Brandon headed to the fridge and grabbed a Coke. He popped the top and then
took a long drink.
“How’s your girlfriend doing?” Chad
smirked.
The soda can crumpled in his
tightening grip.
“Easy man. You know I’m kidding.”
He downed the rest of his drink and then
tossed it into the recycling bin. “Sorry. It’s been a rough day.”
Chad’s brows drew together. “Did your
date with Kelsey go that badly?”
“No, she said Victoria showed up at
her bookshop.”
Chad’s face scrunched up, his fists
tight at his side. “Are you serious? That dumb bitch had the fucking nerve to
show her face here? How the hell did she find us?”
“I’ve no damn clue.” Brandon shrugged.
“Well, we better find out now and
fast.”
* * * *
Brandon paced in front of Kelsey’s
front steps. What the hell was he doing there? Couldn’t he leave the poor woman
alone for a second? No. Not when his ex was now involved. He had to keep her
safe. He still didn’t see this ending well.
With a deep breath, he forced himself
to ring the doorbell. He counted to about twenty in his mind before the door
swung open and Kelsey looked him in the eyes.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. Did you come here for beer
again?” She smirked.
He chuckled. “Not if you’re going to
drink shots of brandy.”
“Don’t remind me.” She covered her
face with hers hands. “No more shots for me.”
“Good.” He smiled.
“You want anything else?” She leaned
against the frame of the door and crossed her arms.
Yeah, you in my bed.
“Oh, really?” Amusement flickered in
her eyes.
He slapped a hand to his forehead. “I
really have to stop doing that.”
“You think?” She chuckled low in her
throat.
“Can I come in?”
He studied her eyes, wondering if she’d
continue joking around. Jokes were the last thing on his mind right now. Sex
maybe, but he wanted to push everything else out of it. Especially his
ex-girlfriend, Victoria. If only he’d met Kelsey first. Then maybe his life
would have turned out better. At least his love life would have.
“Only if you brought some condoms.”
She winked.
He sucked in a breath. She had to be
messing with him. He didn’t like being teased about sex. Not cool. The erection
pressing against the seam of his jeans proved how much he wanted her in his
bed. Hell, he’d take her on the kitchen table if she let him. He wasn’t picky.
Going with the flow was in his nature.
“Don’t tease me.” He growled.
She frowned, but held the door open
for him.
He entered her living room. “Is Beth
here?”
“Nope. We’re alone.”
“Good.”
Her brow rose. “You know I wasn’t
serious about having sex with you. I usually like to wait two weeks before I
get more physical with a guy. I don’t want to just have a fling with you as I’m
sure you’re used to.”
He stiffened. Why the hell was she
accusing him of being a dog? He’d had a serious relationship before. Even if it
had turned to shit. It wasn’t all his fault. Some women were just fucking nuts.
He’d tried to make it work with Victoria. He really had, but they weren’t meant
to be.
“Did I hit a nerve?”
“Yes,” he hissed.
“So, it’s not true?”
He scratched his head. “What isn’t?”
“About you having one-night stands?”
“I only did once. Back in college.”
She stepped closer. “Thanks for
checking on me earlier.”
He wrapped his arms tight around her
midriff. “You don’t know how bad I want you.” As she pressed up against his
chest, he felt her heart jump.
“Kiss me,” she breathed.
A surge of lust danced through him.
Her warm breath tickled his face. He wanted her more than his next breath, but
so many things stood in his way. Victoria. Beth. His secret. How could they get
past all the things that stood in the way of a real relationship? Every time he
tried to move on from the past it never ended well for him.
Fuck regrets. Just as he leaned in to
press his lips to hers, the door creaked open and footsteps thumped against the
carpet. He jerked his head in the direction of the noise, pulling away from
Kelsey.
“How did I know?” Beth grumbled. A
scowl formed on her face.
“Your man too busy to give you any
attention?” Brandon narrowed his eyes.
“He has a lot of cases right now. What
do you think lawyers do, anyway? Sit on their asses all day playing games?”
Beth huffed, stomping into the kitchen.
Kelsey nudged his shoulder. “Don’t
worry about her. She has a six-month rule. It’s only been three months.” She
laughed.
“I heard that,” Beth snapped.
“She’s waiting six months to have sex
with her boyfriend?”
Beth marched back into the living
room, her lips tight. “Yeah, and it’s a damn good rule too. You two should try
it sometime. Every time I see you guys, you’re sucking face. Get a room
already.”
“Beth.” Kelsey shot her friend a
warning look.
“We haven’t kissed yet. You’ve
interrupted us twice already.”
Beth shook her head and popped the top
on her Sprite. She took a long drink. “I know you like her, but if you’re
hiding something, you better get it out in the open right now.”
Brandon shoved his hands into his jeans
pockets. “I appreciate your concern, Beth, but we don’t need your advice. I
don’t butt into your love life so don’t do it to mine.”
“Just go on a real date, already.”
Beth swallowed another mouthful of her soda. “Then you can bang each other’s
brains out.” Kelsey’s friend stormed from the room and then slammed her bedroom
door shut.
Kelsey stared at him with a twinkle in
her eyes. “Now that she’s gone, you want to make-out?” She grinned.
He winced. What was he going to do
with this woman? Besides have his merry way with her, starting with her lips. “We
should go on a date first.”
She blinked. “When?”
“Thursday night? What’s your favorite
kind of food? Italian? Steak?”
Kelsey shrugged. “I like almost
anything. Olive Garden is pretty good if you’re not a cheapskate.”
He captured her gaze with his, holding
it long enough for her to suck in a breath. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to
go.”
“So, Olive Garden it is. Can you pick
me up at six on Thursday night?” She batted her eyelashes.
“Okay. See you then.” He waved,
walking away before he could try to kiss her again. The right time would come.
* * * *
Once Thursday rolled
around, Brandon had a couple hours to kill at work until his date with Kelsey.
Although minutes seemed to drag on like hours. Every time he glanced at the
clock, it moved in slow motion, only ticking and changing when he wasn’t
looking at the thing. What the hell was wrong with him? He’d been on plenty of
dates, but this one was different somehow.
He worked on tuning
the motor on a customer’s motorcycle. Now done with that task, he placed the
key into the ignition and turned it over. The engine started with a loud purr.
He grabbed a handful
of paper towels and a bottle of glass cleaner. He shined up the headlights and
chrome. After he was finished with that chore, he called the customer to tell
him his motorcycle was done.
The rest of the day
passed quickly when he kept his focus on fixing up the other two bikes until around
five o’ clock. Finally time for his date. On his way home from the bike shop,
Brandon picked up a dozen white roses. Kelsey had opened up to him about everything
she liked pretty much when she was drunk. One thing she’d told him was the kind
of flowers she liked. After he arrived home, he hopped into the shower,
cleaning up in a hurry. He shaved and then put some deodorant on along with a
splash of cologne. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he sauntered into his
bedroom.
He decided on a pair of dark blue
jeans, a black buttoned dress shirt and matching dress shoes. That would be the
perfect outfit for his date with Kelsey.
His stomach twisted in to a hard knot.
It’d been a year since he’d last gone on a date. Would he remember how to be a
gentleman? He didn’t want Kelsey to think he was an animal. Even if that was
partly true. Keeping his secret wouldn’t be easy, but he had to do it for now.
He exited his front door, running down
the steps with the roses tight in his hand. With his nerves still knotted up,
he approached Kelsey’s front door and then rang the doorbell.
Brandon’s jaw dropped as Kelsey
stepped out onto the front porch. She wore a short, sleeveless red dress that
stopped at her knees and matching high heels. Her auburn hair was curled and
part of it hung in a small ponytail with loose tendrils that fell against her
face. A bulge thrust against the zipper of his jeans, begging to touch her. All
he wanted was one caress. The other part of him wanted to be a gentleman and
not lust after her as if she were a sex object. For now, the animal in him
would stay quiet. He whistled.