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"He's sweet. You both are. Thank you."
He reached over and rested his arm on the center console, and I couldn’t help craving his touch. And I might have been brave enough to put my hand in his if this were an automatic.
I turned, and we drove through the carved-out mountain pass, descending as we wrapped around sharp curves. I downshifted effortlessly, completely aware of Brandt's enjoyment from me driving his car. He was sweet, and I had a feeling there was something raw and sensually dangerous about this man.
"Turn left onto the highway.”
The traffic was light as only a few cars rushed by on the evening commute home, probably to their kids sitting at dinner. "I don't have kids," I blurted out eagerly.
Brandt chuckled as he said, "Okay?"
"Sorry. That was weird, but I remember. Well, I don't actually remember, but I can feel it. That I don't have kids."
"That's good, right?"
"Yes. Yes, it's good," I replied excitedly. Maybe too excitedly, guessing from his expression. "Not that I don't want kids. I do, but it would just be really sad if they were without me." This was the longest red light in history. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, realizing I just told him I wanted kids. How many more reasons could I give him to run the other direction?
"I'm glad your non-existent children aren't without you," he said sweetly.
And there was that endearing smile again. A horn honked loudly, pulling me from his enchantment. I shifted into first and made the turn, blushing red from the impatience of the person behind me.
"That's the restaurant, just ahead on the right.”
I pulled into the parking lot, admiring the restaurant's simple architectural lines and sleek, modern design. It was located right on a white sandy beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. "It's beautiful."
Brandt got out of the car and came around to my side, opening my door, but it was Grady's hand that reached for me. I took it without hesitation and let him help me out of the car.
"You look stunning." Grady smiled.
"Hands off," Brandt joked as he pushed him aside and interlaced my arm in his.
I pulled my hand back slowly. "Actually, would you mind if I spoke with Grady for a minute?"
"Not at all. I'll get us a table." He strolled across the parking lot and into the restaurant.
"What's up?" Grady asked casually.
"That, with Brandt…" I just needed to say it, but it felt like I was cheating on Grady, which was completely ridiculous.
"Don't worry about it, Freckles. I'm taken." He winked.
I felt stupid and kind of narcissistic to automatically assume he was interested in me. "Oh, okay. Good then, because this would have been super awkward." I snorted and then covered my mouth in surprise.
Grady chuckled. "He's a good guy, Freckles, and I'm not just saying that because he's my brother. Come on." He put his elbow out for me, so I intertwined my arm in it and cuddled on his shoulder as we started to walk.
"Wait!" I said suddenly, stopping.
"What?"
"Is this okay with your girlfriend?" I felt guilty for touching him, even if it wasn't in that way.
"It's fine. She's not here. Besides, if she saw the way you looked at Brandt, she wouldn't think twice about us being alone together," he teased.
"That obvious?" I asked as we started walking again.
"Yeah, but Brandt isn't one to play games, so it's good. You can trust him. With anything,” he emphasized.
Before he opened the restaurant door, he added, "I'm serious, though. What I said about Brandt." His eyes and stern features reflected the serious tone in his voice.
"I know," I replied softly.
