The vibe was happy, and I was terrified that my presence would change it. This day should be about Cal and Shelly having a baby, not about me further complicating their lives.
Brock must have felt me stiffen, because his arm came around my waist, pulling me closer to him, and I watched as Cal and Shelly approached us.
“Thanks for coming,” Shelly said, radiant in a cute maternity summer dress, her hair left down, with big fluffy curls. She leaned in, so I bent and offered her my cheek, which she kissed. She gave my arm a little squeeze before moving on to greet Brock.
“Hey, Victoria,” Cal said softly, his face less friendly than Shelly’s, but still welcoming. “It’s good to see you again.”
I smiled up at him and said sincerely, “Thanks for having me.”
Cal was saying hi to Brock when I remembered, “Oh, we left the presents in the car.”
Brock turned and replied, “I’ll run and get them.”
When he left to do just that, I realized my mistake.
I should have gone to get them myself, or told him I’d help. Now, I was alone, without his strength and comfort, and as Shelly and Cal moved on to greet their other guests, I was left standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.
I looked around and noticed that Gaby and Sasha were in the kitchen, plating up food and chatting happily. I took a deep, cleansing breath, then forced myself to move forward. I entered the room quietly, stopping right before I reached the counter, then asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
They both looked up. Gaby’s face open and friendly, while Sasha’s was more guarded.
I figured the best thing to do was clear the air now, which would let them know where I stand, and they would either accept it, or reject it. But at least I would know…
“Look, I know that we don’t have the best history, and a big part of that is because of me. If I’m being honest, I always knew that you didn’t want me for Scott.” I shot a smile at Gaby, hoping to convey that I was trying to make things right. “So I did my best to keep you at a distance. All of you. I was often rude, and did whatever I could to keep you out of our lives, to the point where I even asked Scott not to have you at our wedding.”
Sasha’s face had grown hard, and I dipped my head as I tried to gather my courage and keep the tears that were burning the back of my eyes from falling.
Once I had my emotions under control, I continued, “You were right.” At this Gaby’s expression grew sad, and Sasha’s, thoughtful. “Scott and I weren’t right for each other. We were happy, in the beginning, but deep down we both knew that we didn’t belong together. In fact, I’ve come to realize that we brought out the worst in each other, and I’m sorry for that, because I truly to think Scott is a great person, and I did love him, just not in the way that a man and woman who are engaged to be married, should. So, I just wanted to say that I’m sorry. I can’t change the past, but I hope that you’ll give me a chance now, if not for me, for Brock. You are all important to him, and he is important to me, so I’d like to remedy our past, and get to know you now.”
Gaby struggled to hold back her tears, and I knew from her earlier greeting that she was open to giving me a shot. I turned to Sasha, who still appeared to be processing what I’d said, then came to a conclusion and said, “You can stuff the deviled eggs.”
I let out a breath that I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, and smiled widely at her, relieved and happy that they were letting me in. Whether it was for me or Brock, it didn’t matter, but I was thankful that they were kind enough to make the effort.
I was making deviled eggs when I saw Brock wrestling my large package through the door to place it with the other presents. I may have gone overboard. Not only was I eager to be accepted, but I loved shopping, especially for babies. As he walked, he surveyed the room, stopping and inclining his head when he caught my eye. My heart turned, aching with the realization that he was looking to make sure that I was all right. I knew that he’d spoken the truth earlier. Although he was here for his friends, if I was uncomfortable, he’d leave, no questions asked.
As I watched him join TJ and Scott in the corner, accepting the beer that Cal offered him, I felt a swelling within me, followed by a comfort that I’d never had before in my life. And I knew … I knew that I’d fallen in love with the man I hadn’t been looking for, the one that I never would have looked at twice, if he hadn’t pushed his way in to my life.
I didn’t realize I was staring and smiling dreamily, until I heard Sasha say softly beside me, “You’re in love with him.”
I turned to her, my denial on my lips, but the hope on her face made it impossible to lie.
“Yes,” I said simply, then I looked past her to Gaby, who, to my surprise, had let out a sniffle and was wiping her eyes.
She caught my eye and sniffled, “I love Brock, and I’m so happy that you guys are happy.” Her words had me reeling, and a sweet softness was burning my belly when she muttered, “Stupid hormones.”
Sasha turned to her, her movements slow and deliberate, her face full of shock.
“What did you just say?” Sasha whispered to Gaby.
Gaby’s eyes widened and she shook her head. “Nothing.”
“What’s going on?” Shelly asked as she walked in the room, surveying our expressions.
Sasha ignored Shelly, her eyes still on the blonde-haired beauty.
“Are you pregnant?” Sasha asked. I watched as Shelly brought her hands to cover her mouth, her eyes wide with excitement.
Gaby looked at all of us, then leaned in to say conspiratorially, “Yes, but don’t say anything, we want this day to be about your baby, not about us.” Her eyes on Shelly, she added, “We were planning to have you guys over sometime next week and spill the beans.”
Uncaring about Gaby’s request to keep quiet, Shelly let out a shriek and jumped up and down excitedly.
“Should you be doing that?” I asked, suddenly terrified that she was going to bounce her baby right out.
“What’s going on?” Cal asked, running into the room with TJ, Scott, and Brock on his heels. “Is the baby coming?”
Shelly giggled and slapped Cal playfully on the arm, “We still have six weeks, silly.”
“Then what the hell are you screaming about?” he asked, his concern making his voice tight.
“Gaby and Scott are pregnant!” Shelly said, spilling the beans.
I turned to see if this upset Gaby, but she was grinning at Scott, who was looking back at her with adoration. Suddenly it hit me. Not just that Gaby was pregnant, but that she and Scott were having a baby.
I needed air.
I quietly backed out of the room, watching as they all smiled, laughed, and hugged each other, and quickly found the back door, easing out onto the porch. I took a deep breath, and allowed a few tears to fall, before I heard the door open behind me.
I knew it was Brock. I felt his heat and leaned back, accepting his comfort when his arms wrapped around my middle.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his chin resting on the crown of my head.
“Mmmm-hmmm,” I mumbled unconvincingly.
“Do you still have feelings for him?” Brock’s voice was barely audible, but I heard the tension and turned to him, bringing my hands up to cup his face and look directly into his eyes.
“No,” I said adamantly, needing him to understand. “That’s not it at all, Brock. It’s just … I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like in a parallel universe that would be me in there, pregnant with his baby. And it’s not about Scott, it’s just that I feel like I’ve been forced to take steps back in my life, and it’s no longer on track.”
“You want kids.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Yes, I do,” I replied honestly. “But, Brock, I promise, my feelings for Scott have long passed. I’m falling for you, and the way I feel for you, I’ve never felt for anyone else. Ever.”
Brock closed his eyes and rested his forehead on mine, as if he
was trying to regain his composure, before opening them and hitting me with his brilliant green gaze. “I’m right there with you, babe.”
I reached up, as he leaned down. Our lips met and we conveyed our feelings for each other in a kiss that made me wish we were somewhere other than Shelly’s back porch.
“You ready to go back in?” Brock asked when he pulled back a few inches.
I gave him a nod and a smile, then accepted his offered hand and allowed him to take me back inside.
We found a couple of empty spots on the couch next to Gwen, Gaby’s younger sister, and sat down.
“Hey, Gwen,” Brock said to the pretty girl as he sat down and leaned in to hug her to his side. “How’re things?”
“Okay,” she replied, her smile unconvincing, She looked around him to say hello to me, and I responded in kind.
“Just okay?” Brock asked, his voice concerned.
“I feel like school is never going to start, and I’m ready to get out of here.”
“Why don’t you get a job, or hang out with your friends?”
“No one’s going to hire me for a few weeks, and most of my friends either have jobs, or are away on vacation. I’m just biding my time until it’s time to head off to USC.”
“Well, if you’re bored, and you do want a job, I’m sure we can find stuff to keep you occupied at the office,” Brock said, gesturing toward me. “Victoria has a lot going on this week with the redecoration, and I’m sure she could use an extra set of hands. And I know, once the furniture is in place, someone to organize my files would be a huge help.”
“Really?” Gwen asked eagerly.
“Absolutely!”
Gwen smiled and gave him a hug. It was obvious that they’d formed a bond when he’d dated Gaby, which was confirmed when she lowered her voice and said, “I still haven’t forgiven Gaby for what she did to you.”
My heart lurched at the vulnerability in that statement, and I watched Brock’s face fill with a mixture of love and concern.
“Oh, Gwennie, please don’t freeze your sister out over me. I’m great. In fact, it really was all for the best. Gaby and Scott are happy, and I’m dating a wonderful woman.” They both turned to smile at me, but Gwen wasn’t convinced.
“It was wrong, what they did,” Gwen replied, her body tight with indignation. She looked so young, sweet, and determined, that I wondered what had made her conviction so strong at such a young age. “Sneaking behind you back.”
“Baby girl,” Brock said gently, bringing his hand up to brush a long blonde lock from her face. “Don’t hold a grudge on my account. Your sister and I are good. Scott and I are good. They only one still holding on is you, and you don’t need to be. She’s your sister, and she loves you. You know that. Plus, you’re about to be an auntie.”
Gwen’s eye’s got round and her mouth dropped, and at the same time I realized that Brock had broken news that was not his to break, he did too.
“Shit,” he said softly.
Gwen looked around until she found Gaby, standing next to Scott and smiling happily up at something he was saying.
“Gaby’s pregnant?” Without waiting for a reply, Gwen shot off the couch and over to her sister, her arms wrapping reverently around her waist as she hugged her.
I could tell that things must have been hard between the sisters for a while when Gaby’s eyes closed as she hugged Gwen tightly to her. Not wanting to intrude on their moment, my eyes crossed the room and settled on Craig, who was standing next to his brother, Cal, with his eyes glued to Gwen in Gaby’s arms.
I didn’t have time to wonder over Craig and Gwen, because Brock was currently beating himself up over revealing Gaby’s pregnancy.
“What a moron,” he was mumbling to himself, so I put my hand on his thigh and squeezed.
“Honey, it was an honest mistake,” I tried to reassure him, but the mood shifted when he brought his heated gaze to mine.
“Say that again,” Brock demanded, his voice low and rough.
“Honey,” I said breathlessly, suddenly aware of his tight muscle beneath my hand. Feeling turned on and totally unfazed by our surroundings, I leaned in, brushing my breasts deliberately against his bicep, so that I could bring my lips closer to his ear. “I’m wearing a new garter, just for you.”
His eyes turned molten, and his fingertips began to caress my knee, moving slowly upwards.
“Okay, everyone, since the men vetoed games, we’re going to go ahead and get started on presents.” Sasha’s voice was like cold water, causing Brock and I to jerk back from each other and sit back on the couch in an attempt to look normal. I saw Sasha narrow her eyes at TJ and Cal, who just grinned back at her, then settled back to watch the opening of the gifts.
I could tell Brock was bored, since he was restless in the seat next to me, but I loved watching Shelly open the pretty packages. When she got to mine, her eyes misted over as the pristine white pram was revealed, and I stopped worrying over the fact that I’d bought an overly extravagant gift. I could tell she loved it, and I smiled at her when she gushed, “Thank you, Victoria, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“You did good, Tori,” Brock said loudly. He’d known how nervous I was over the gift.
I was watching, so I saw Scott’s look of surprise over Brock’s nickname, and it registered when Scott smiled and nodded that he was happy for me. I smiled back, then averted my eyes to watch Shelly open the next present.
At the earliest possible opening to leave, Brock turned to me and whispered, “I’ve taken all I can, babe. Let’s get outta here.”
We were saying our goodbyes and about to escape out the front door when Sasha stopped me with a hand on my elbow.
“We were talking about doing a girls’ night this weekend, hitting up the Whiskey Heat show. Do you want to go with us?”
I tried to hide my surprise at the offer, but was sure I failed. And, although I was excited that she was extending the olive branch, I was still nervous about being alone with just the girls.
“Can I invite my sister along?”
“Sure, the more the merrier,” Sasha replied with a smile.
“Okay, then.”
“Great, I’ll let you know where and when we’re meeting.”
I smiled genuinely at her, then succumbed to Brock’s urging, and let him drag me from the house.
“Thanks for encouraging me to come,” I said to Brock before taking his hand to get into the truck.
“Babe, I’ll encourage you anytime,” he said with a wink. And as I thought back to our fight and subsequent hot sex on the chaise, I climbed into the truck, the laughter coming from deep inside my belly.
Chapter 17 ~ Brock
Things had progressed quickly, and smoother than expected, which was why I was currently meeting Carson Brandt at my office. Victoria had been working tirelessly with her crew all week, and the redecoration was almost complete. All that was left were the final, cosmetic touches, so when Brandt wanted to meet, I figured it would be better to do so in an almost decorated office, rather than my living room.
I wanted to send the right message, after all … That I was a professional, and he should hire me.
We were just finishing up, and I knew in my gut that the meeting had gone well, so it was with a smile that I stood and shook Brandt’s hand.
“Thanks, Mr. Brandt. I appreciate you stopping by, and I’m sorry for the disarray.”
“Call me Carson,” Brandt said, his bright blue eyes never leaving mine. I had to respect a man whose grip was like steel, and whose gaze never wavered. He was a strong and powerful man, and I was eager to work with him. “I appreciate you allowing me to meet with you here, even though you are in the middle of decorating. I wanted to see where you work, and get a better idea of your operation, and I couldn’t do that if we’d met at my office.”
I walked him toward the reception area, trying to keep my excitement over the coveted project in check.
“I’ll ta
lk with Brady, get the site survey set up, and get the timeline to you by tomorrow,” I assured him. There was no way I was going to drop the ball on this; we were making Brandt Industries out top priority.
“I look forward to hearing from you,” Brandt was saying, then Victoria walked into the room, and he paused to ask, “Victoria?”
Victoria looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing her face, before she gave Brandt a genuine smile.
“Carson.” She crossed to him, hands out to take his, then rose to kiss both of his cheeks before stepping back to smile up at him. Her hands still clasped in his. “How lovely to see you again.”
Brandt gave her a onceover, then smiled down at her. I heard his greet her in return, but I couldn’t pull my eyes off of their damn hands.
“I’m redecorating Brock’s offices,” Victoria was explaining, to what I assume was Brandt question as to why she was here.
“You did this?” Brandt asked, his eyes surveying the room. He turned back to her, astonished.
“I did,” Victoria replied, obviously proud of what she’d accomplished. I felt a warmth hit me, then something curdled in my stomach, as I noticed the appreciative gleam in Brandt’s eyes.
“You look different,” he was saying. “Happier, more relaxed. Interior decorating looks good on you. I’m so glad to see you’re doing well. Maybe we could get together sometime. Have a drink?”
My eyes narrowed on him, but when I saw Victoria smile gently at him, then disengage so she could cross the room and put her hand through the crook of my arm, the green monster in me subsided.
“I’m sorry, Carson, but my card is full,” Victoria said sweetly. “I do appreciate the offer though.”
Brandt nodded and smiled wryly,” Got it.” Then he held out his hand once more to shake mine and said, “Can’t blame a man for trying.”
“Not the first time,” I said with a laugh, my warning clear, yet teasing. I didn’t want to piss him off, since I wanted the job, but I had to let my claim be known.