Branndon Jr. Page 5

“We’re attracted to one another and when we don’t act on it, we get uptight, well, mostly you do.”

  “Sexual tension?”

  “Don’t you read romance novels?”

  “No, I can’t say that I do.”

  “Really. I would have thought you would have enjoyed them.”

  “And you read them?”

  “No, I didn’t say that, but my mom used to and I remember her saying if only they’d make love everything would be okay.”

  “Make love.”

  “You do know what that is? Boy meets girl, girl falls…”

  She raised her hand to stop him. “I can assure you there is no sexual tension on my part. I just…”

  “Yes,” said Branndon.

  “Had a momentary lapse of good judgement.”

  She pulled into the parking lot at the hospital, happy to know they were finally at their destination and he’d go his way, she’d go hers for at least an hour or so.

  “You okay?” asked Susanne.

  “What?”

  “You’re just sitting there looking at the building.”

  “Thinking back when I came here that morning for the operation.”

  She was about to put her hand on his arm, but had second thoughts. If she touched him again, she’d get tempted again. Even have another lapse of good judgement attack.

  “You were very brave and I don’t know if I could have done what you have,” she said. She really meant it. Branndon Mckinney was the last person she would have thought would have done such a risky thing like go under the knife just to give someone an organ.

  “Well, I did and I suppose I should get in there and see the guy who has my other kidney.”

  “I’m going to look around in the gift store and then I’ll be in the reception area waiting for you when you’re done with your visit.”

  ****

  Branndon got out of the car and headed over the parking lot, dodging some of the piles of snow before crossing the road and entering the hospital. He knew Brody had now been transferred to the sixth floor, room 678. Branndon headed to the elevator, waited a few minutes for it to arrive, and then got in and hit the button for the sixth floor.

  On his way there he silently rehearsed how he was going to justify what he’d done to Maddie, but he couldn’t think of a single excuse. It had been mean and now he deeply regretted it. That’s what he’d tell Brody and he’d write a letter of apology to his future sister-in-law, asking for her forgiveness, too. He wanted them all to be one big happy family and he’d hate to think that a moment of foolishness would jeopardize that.

  The bell tinged, signaling he’d arrived at Brody’s floor. He got out, turned the corner, waved to a few of the nurses who waved back to him, and then knocked on the half open door.

  “Come in,” said Brody.

  Last time Branndon had visited Brody, he’d still been in pretty bad shape and slept most of the day, but now he was up and sitting reading in a chair. He looked a hell of a lot better than he had just a few weeks ago. He had color back in his cheeks and a glint in his eyes. He guessed that’s what being in love looked like.

  Branndon took off his cowboy hat and stepped into the room.

  Brody looked up. “Hi Branndon, how are you doing?”

  “I’m good, how about you?”

  “I’m feeling a little better every day and all thanks to you.”

  If he was angry about something he sure wasn’t showing it.

  “I heard you might be going home at the end of next week,” said Branndon.

  “That’s what they say and I can’t wait.”

  “And your dad, I mean, Ted’s, moving here to Riker’s Creek to be near you and Maddie. Well, that’s what Pa told me.”

  “That’s right. We’ve decided to once again run a ranch together. Well, he’ll be sort of retiring so it will be mostly my responsibility.”

  “That’s great that you’re going to be together.”

  “I don’t think I would have liked him being in Billings all by himself. Mom wouldn’t have wanted that either. Hey, you want to take a walk with me? They make me stroll up and down the corridors for my exercise. We can talk while I’m doing that.”

  Brody put down his book and stood, pulling a face that was all too familiar to Branndon. Damn incisions hurt like hell and he could imagine Brody’s pain was a whole lot worse than his. Branndon hoped that Brody didn’t mind him taking his arm, but his half-brother still looked somewhat shaking when he first began walking. They headed out into the hallway.

  “Hope you’re taking good care of that kidney of mine.” Did Brody know he was messing with him? He sure hoped so. Maye it would take some time getting used to his strange sense of humor.

  “Oh yeah, this one’s a prized possession. I’m hoping it’s the last one I need and will last me a lifetime.”

  Brody was still slow moving, but Branndon was in awe of the progress he’d made since the operation.

  “Maddie comes and eats dinner with me every night and we got talking about you,” began Brody.

  Branndon began sweating. She’d told him everything.

  “You do know I’m a bit of a practical joker, right?” asked Branndon.

  Brody looked at him. He knew it had been rude to interrupt him so abruptly, but he wanted to plead his case before the accusations flew.

  “Is that your way of telling me that you’ve left a whoopee cushion on my chair?”

  “No, but we really don’t know one another that well, I mean considering we’re related.”

  Brody raised his arm. Branndon flinched thinking he was going to hit him, but instead his brother slipped it around his shoulders.

  “And that’s going to change as soon as I get back on my feet. I want you and me, and Jackson to spend time together and go out riding together. Maybe even have a small bachelor party which is the reason I wanted to talk to you.”

  So he wanted Branndon to arrange a bachelor shindig. He let out the breath he’d been holding.

  “Maddie and I were talking about the wedding and who we want to take part and share our big day. We decided that Ted should really have center stage as he’s the man who raised me and I know my mother would want him to be the official father of the groom on the most important day of my life.”

  “I think that’s the only way to do it,” said Branndon.

  “I haven’t spoken to your dad about it yet, but I’m hoping he’ll understand that Ted must get to play that role.”

  “Pa, yeah, he’s laidback and easy going.”

  “And we’d like Jackson to be a groomsman.”

  “I know he’d be honored.”

  “Great and, for you, well, I hoping you’ll say yes. I’d like you to be my best man. Maddie agrees that without you I wouldn’t be here and there wouldn’t be a wedding so you’re a main player for our big day.”

  Branndon didn’t know what to say. He was sort of choked up that the brother he’d only known for a short time, thought that much of him. He’d never been a best man before and he was already excited his role his brother’s wedding.

  Branndon slipped his arm around Brody, almost tearing up. Shit, he’d never done that before. Must be down to the female influence in his house.

  “I’d be very honored to do that for you,” said Branndon.

  “Great,” Brody said, hugging him back. “We’re thinking about an April or May wedding. I know Maddie would like to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day, but I don’t know how well the rest of my recovery is going to progress and I’d hate to jinx things.”

  “Brody you’re looking great,” said a nurse as she walked by.

  “Thanks, feeling much better, too,” said Brody.

  “Let me know when you get too tired and we’ll walk back to your room,” said Branndon.

  “I think I can do another corridor, no problem. I hear that your dad got you a live-in nurse and that her little girl’s in Maddie’s kindergarten class.”

  “Susanne Barclay, Jackson and
I went to school with her.”

  “Maddie did say something about that.”

  Had Susanne been talking to Maddie, telling her all the tales about the teasing?

  “Maddie also said she’s single and pretty,” said Brody.

  “You’re not intending to play matchmaker, are you big brother?”

  “That’s what we’re for, isn’t it?” said Brody.

  “I guess I was doing the same thing to Jackson. I mean with Susanne. She had this huge crush on him at school.”

  “And she’s not your type or what?”

  “I guess she is. Right now the house is full of sexual tension.”

  “Sexual tension’s good. I mean when you both let your guard down, the sex is off the charts. Blows your cowboy boots and hat right off your body.”

  Branndon laughed, visualizing him and Susanne having sex and that actually happening. Brody laughed, too, and then they held their sides.

  “Yours still hurt, too?” asked Brody.

  “Only when I laugh.”

  “That’s not such a bad thing.”

  Branndon threw his arms around Brody and hugged him. “You know, it’s great having another brother.”

  “And it’s great to have not only one, but two at the very same time. Oh, and you do know you’re going to need a date for the wedding, right?”

  Yeah, he knew that. He hated going solo … Susanne, no, Susanne would be the last woman who’d want to go with him.

  Chapter Six

  Susanne had dropped both Branndon and April back at the house. Big Branndon as he was now fondly known, and his wife Betty, were visiting, so she took the opportunity to let them babysit while she drove to the neighboring town of Grantsville. Why there? She knew that Betty’s niece, Katy, ran the town’s sex toy shop.

  Never had Susanne thought she’d need something other than a man to take care of her sexual needs, but she’d never lived under the same roof as Branndon before. After last night’s stupid mistake and getting herself all worked up in the process, she knew if she didn’t buy a vibrator and soon, she might end up being taken away in a straightjacket.

  She parked her car and exited just as snow started to swirl around. She looked up in the sky. It was full of the white stuff and she hoped she’d get home before the snow picked up intensity. Katy’s store was on the corner of Main Street, and really couldn’t be missed with its rather risqué lettering on the door, Yes we’re open so cum in.

  She glanced around the street hoping no one she knew saw her venturing in there. The sound of a woman having an orgasm echoed throughout the store as she stepped inside and she realized Katy had probably installed it rather than a plain-sounding bell. Susanne was already looking forward to meeting her.

  “Hi. Can I help you find anything in particular?” asked a dark-haired, young woman stepping out from one of the back rooms.

  “Are you Katy?”

  “I am.”

  “I’m Susanne. I’m the live-in nurse who’s taking care of your aunt’s step-son.”

  “Branndon, yes. I heard Betty’s husband had hired someone.” Katy stepped out from behind the counter. “It’s great to meet you.”

  “You, too.”

  “So what can I help you find?” asked Katy.

  “I’m…” Susanne couldn’t bring herself to say it.

  “It’s okay, Susanne. Women get tongue tied all the time when they first walk in here.”

  “I need a vibrator.” There, it was out there in the universe so it was official. Susanne Barclay needed a sex toy to get her groove on.

  “You’ve come to the rest place because I carry a wide range of them. If you want to take a look they’re grouped together in one display.”

  Susanne felt herself coloring up the instant she saw them. Some looking like lipstick cases while the others resembled actual dicks.

  “I take it you’ve never used one before,” Katy said, opening up the display case.

  “No, never.”

  “Lucky you,” she said. “So is the sudden need anything to do with Branndon? I know as a married woman, I shouldn’t be saying it, but he’s got the sort of personality that gets a woman’s attention.”

  “I…” Shit, she was speechless.

  “It’s okay, I’ve been there, too. My husband, Cash, was the most difficult guy to get into bed the first time and then after that, well, goodbye vibrator.”

  Susanne swallowed. She knew she was getting redder in the face by the second. “Do you have one that wouldn’t make any noise at all?”

  “Not really, but this one here is about the quietest of the bunch.”

  She pointed to it and it reminded Susanne of a pink banana and the thought of using it suddenly depressed her.

  “If I was you, I’d go with this one,” she said, pulling down a huge-looking, purple one from the top of the display. “It has a special attachment you use on your clit for double the pleasure so it’s a favorite with my customers. And if you put it under the bedcovers no one should hear it.”

  “Really?”

  “Oh yeah, lots of my customer say it’s a discreet and thrilling vibrator.”

  “I’ll take it,” said Susanne.

  “Okay,” said Katy, taking one of the boxes from the shelf. “Anything else you need while you’re here. Maybe some condoms just in case?”

  She and Branndon would not be having sex, so that was the last thing she needed. “I think that should take care of everything.”

  She followed Katy to the register where she saw a photo of a cute baby in a frame hanging on the wall behind it.

  “Your baby?” asked Susanne.

  “Yes, Gracie Anne Doyle.”

  “She’s so pretty.”

  “And you have a little girl, too, right?”

  Susanne nodded. “April, who I can’t believe just started kindergarten. Seems like only yesterday she was Gracie’s size.”

  “I sometimes wish Gracie would stay this age forever.”

  Katy wrapped the vibrator in thankfully discreet brown paper, and put Susanne’s credit card through the scanner.

  “You in town to do some shopping?” asked Katy.

  “No, I have to get back because your aunt and Branndon Sr. are babysitting both April and Branndon Jr.”

  Katy laughed and slid Susanne’s credit card back to her. “Next time you’re coming to town let me know and we’ll go grab some coffee.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Hope you enjoy the you-know-what,” said Katy, winking.

  Susanne hoped so, too.

  ****

  One reason that Branndon had stayed single for so long was that the opposite sex were strange creatures that he could never fully understand. Just when he thought he’d cleared up all misunderstandings with them, they started acting weird again. Ever since Susanne had come back from her errand-running trip to Grantsville, well, that’s what she’d called it, she’d been acting like a crazy person. Jumpy, too, like she was hiding something. Maybe she had a boyfriend in Grantsville. Not that it was any of his business and so much the better because he’d know she was off limits to him.

  He looked up from the magazine he’d been reading. When she’d returned from taking April to the school bus, she’d insisted that he sit and rest in the living room. She’d turned the TV on, pumped up the volume to an almost intolerable level and gone straight to her bedroom and closed the door. Susanne was up to something and he was curious enough to what to find out what.

  The TV and its volume level was clue number one. Was she talking to someone in there? Talking about him maybe? Nah, he was getting paranoid now.

  He reached for the remote control and turned down the volume. Nothing but silence, but then he thought he detected some sort of humming noise. Getting more curious, he stood and made his way into the hallway and down to Susanne’s room. The humming sound was getting louder the closer he got. It was definitely coming from her room. He stood outside, putting his ear flat against the wood, hoping she d
idn’t choose that moment to open it and he’d fall inside the room and look like a complete dick.

  Branndon listened carefully. The humming was constant. What a minute, it couldn’t be could it?

  Susanne was using a vibrator?

  He almost turned around and left, thinking everyone deserved their privacy when they were in the middle of some self-pleasuring, but then he heard Susanne groaning. Shit, that sounded so sexy, so come and get me.

  It was obvious she was reaching her climax and he wanted to burst into the room, take that damn vibrator away from her and put his cock inside her and finish the job. He turned harder each second he stood outside her room listening to her groans. Suddenly she cried out, producing almost a squeak. It was sexy, cute, and it made him laugh.

  Shit, what if she heard him and knew he was outside her door?

  Fuck, fuck. He turned to exit swiftly, forgetting the hallway had one of the nosiest floorboards in his house. He’d foolishly trodden on it.

  Now she was going to know he’d been snooping outside.

  Chapter Seven

  Despite the bliss the vibrator had brought her, and being lost in the moment, Susanne had heard that laugh. The sort that could only be made by Branndon. She’d heard it so many times before at school that she’d recognize it anywhere. And not even a deaf person could have missed the squeaking floorboard outside the door.

  He’d been standing there all the time she’d been using the vibrator. He’d no doubt even heard her come. She’d always been vocal when she reached her orgasm. Now she’d be more embarrassed when she faced him. She turned over, thinking that the vibrator would have taken care of her needs. It had in one way, but it wasn’t like having a man to hold her after. Someone to spoon and cuddle with, post sex. She now wanted Branndon more than ever. Would he be all warm and cuddly after sex? Guess she’d never know.

  She’d have to drag her ass out of the room and face him, knowing what he knew, knowing what’s he’d heard. Please don’t let him have that grin on his face. That’s all I ask.

  So much for the blankets masking the sound. Well, she had turned the thing up to full speed half way through her rendezvous with it. It was at that point she’d thought of nothing else but Branndon. She lay there visualizing his face and his body. Naked and moving over her as they made mad, passionate love.