Chapter 16
Music and laughter from Deception Bay’s fall fair travels through the house. It seems as though the whole town is enjoying their lazy Sunday afternoon except for me. Paisley, Mae, and Emerson begged me to join them, but I just wasn’t feeling up to it. That dang story that came out last week has really rattled me. I thought I could come out here and hide who I was. I thought it would be easy. But now that the word is out, there’s nothing I can do. People will make their assumptions, and I guess I just have to live with it.
I sit in my bay window with a cup of coffee watching them all have their fun. A band plays on the main stage, and little kids dance around in pumpkin costumes, their clunky moves adorable. Food trucks and stalls line the other side of Main Street, the waft of fresh pumpkin pie filling my nostrils and making my belly rumble.
I hate missing out. It looks like they’re all having so much fun. I glance over at the outfit Paisley laid out on my bed when she was trying to convince me to come. It’s pretty cute. I must admit the girl has a good sense of style. Tan knee-high boots with a floral mini skirt, all in caramels, and a soft cream knit sweater. I’m only punishing myself by not going. So what if they know who I am now. I can’t let it define me. Gisele the performer is just one side of me. In the short time since I arrived, I’ve already proven I can be so much more. I place my coffee down and grab the sweater, pulling it over my head. Screw it, I’m not letting someone else dampen my spirit.
Five minutes later I’m dressed and making my way through the crowd toward my friends.
Paisley sees me first. “You made it.” She squeals with excitement.
“I wasn’t going to let one silly newspaper story make me miss my first fair. This all looks like way too much fun.” I beam, proud of myself for getting out of the house.
“Good for you, Gisele,” agrees Emerson.
Mae hands me a slice of pie. “You have to try this. I was going to bring some home for you, but since you’re here now.”
“Oh my, you are the best, Mae.” Her generosity warms my heart. I take the fork from her and dig into the enticing slice. “Mmm,” I groan out loud, unable to help it. The pastry is buttery and flaky, and the filling melts in my mouth—a perfect blend of aromatic spices and smooth pumpkin.
“The Delaneys know how to make a good pie,” Emerson agrees with a satisfied nod. “I had two slices already, and I’m considering going back for a third.” She laughs.
After savoring the last bite of pie, the four of us take a leisurely stroll around the town square, immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere. Locals greet me with friendly warm smiles that make me feel at home. The girls tell stories of past events when they were younger; the three of them are so close, having known each other since they were born. I don’t have any friends like that. I never really felt all that close to anyone I went to school with. It was always so competitive. You didn’t get close to anyone else in fear they might be out to take your spot at the top of the class. Cassie was a lucky find when she joined the company, but she’s only been in my life a year. This group of girls feels more like family, and I know they would do anything for each other. And I think I’m already a part of it. I feel guilty for quickly assuming that one of them might have shared my story with the media. Looking at them now, I know they wouldn’t have, just like Brody said. I also get a sinking feeling every time I think about my father. He wants me home in two months to audition for his show, but I don’t ever want to leave.
With the band on a break, the spotlight shifts to small children who take the stage to showcase their delightful homemade costumes. It’s a charming display that adds a playful touch to the festivities. I would have loved to be involved when I was a kid.
Paisley grabs my arm and leads me toward a tempting lineup of local breweries and wineries. Aromas of seasonal beverages beckon, and handwritten signs flag the stalls, promising a taste of the region’s finest. “This is always my favorite part.” She grins, sampling an apple cider from a tray. We all follow her lead, giving it a try. “I’ll take a bottle,” she tells the vendor.
This isn’t like anything I ever had in New York. The burst of flavors dances in my mouth. The initial sweetness of ripe apples gives way to a subtle tartness, creating a refreshing balance. I’m with Paisley, I want more. “I could go for one too,” I agree, and the four of us grab our drinks before settling at one of the picnic tables set up for today’s festivities.
As a new band takes the stage with a country-pop vibe, I sway along to the music, relishing my cider. The day seamlessly transitions into evening as we watch passersby and continue to top up our drinks while chatting about everything and anything. The atmosphere is light and fun, and I find myself grateful for stepping out of the comfort of my room to join the girls. I haven’t been approached, not once. No one seems to care who I am, and I’m so grateful. I smile happily to myself, thinking there is only one thing that could make tonight better.
And then I see him. Brody is standing with Parker and Elliot by a bonfire, beers in hand. They talk animatedly, and for the first time since I arrived here, he looks like he’s genuinely having a good time – a stark contrast to the serious demeanor I’m accustomed to seeing around the office. His gaze unintentionally meets mine, and he catches me gawking. I offer a small smile, and to my surprise, he responds with a slight tip of his head in acknowledgment that lights me up inside.
He’s dressed in a pair of relaxed-style jeans and a navy-blue button-up, his hair intentionally tousled on top, adding to his effortlessly handsome demeanor. A part of me wishes for things to be different, for the freedom to just walk over there and talk to him. To confess that I can’t seem to stop thinking about him. Especially after he came to my rescue twice last weekend. But reality holds me back, and I know I can’t cross that line.
“Finally going out with him.” Mae laughs. “Poor boy’s not going to know what hit him.”
“Sure am, and I’m bringing Giselle with me. It’s a double date.” Paisely laughs.
I fling my attention back to their conversation. I had tuned out for a second, but that part I caught. “What? I don’t remember agreeing to any double date,” I ask, horrified. What on earth has she got me tangled up in?
Paisley flashes her most charming smile at me. “Pretty please, will you come with me? I can’t go alone, it’s going to be awkward. We’ve known each other our whole lives, and he has a really cute friend who has a thing for you.” She places her hands in front of her chest like she’s praying. “Please.” She flutters her lashes.
“Might take your mind off someone else,” Mae says, looking in the boys’ direction like she thinks she knows what she’s talking about.
“My mind isn’t on anyone else,” I respond a little too quickly, with my teeth clenched. I push my hair over my shoulder and sit up a little higher. “I’m enjoying my independence, thank you.”
“Sure, sure,” Paisley brushes me off. “But this would be doing me a massive favor.” Her eyes plead with me to give in.
“Why can’t Em go, or Mae? They’re just as single as me.” I look to the other girls for help. I don’t know a lot about their love lives; both of them are a lot more reserved than Paisley, but neither of them seems to be dating anyone.
“Sorry, I’m working next Saturday,” Mae jumps in quickly, and I eye her suspiciously. Did she already know about this?
“I’m good. Gisele’s new here, and she hasn’t experienced the wonders of dating in this town yet. I think she should join you. Think of it as an experience you can’t go without,” Emerson agrees with Mae, and I don’t like the little smirk the two of them share. Why do I feel like I’m being set up here?
I look back at the three of them, defeated. “Thanks, girls, nice to know you have my back,” I exhale sarcastically.
Mae wraps an arm around my shoulders, hugging me to her. “We do, sweetie, that’s why I think you should give it a go. It’ll be a good laugh watching Paisley navigate Jake McAllister.” She chuckles. “And besides, it’s you his friend has a thing for.”
Paisley smiles sweetly like she’s just won because she knows I’m going to do it. I would like to know who this guy is and how she knows he has a thing for me, but it really doesn’t matter. Because he’s not Brody, and the truth is he’s the only guy I care about. “I’m going for another drink, anyone else want one?”
Everyone declines, so I make my way to the cider truck we have been visiting all night long. I line up waiting to be served, unable to help the way my body sways to the music. I’m racking my brain, trying to work out how to get out of this date. It’s been a long time since I dated anyone. Even Dallas and I didn’t really date, we just saw each other on set and went out after for food. Going on a double date with a complete stranger seems like a bad idea. Especially since my mind is on someone else.
A hand comes to my waist, and I feel hot breath on my neck. “Having fun?” Brody’s deep voice whispers in my ear, sending a flush of goosebumps over my skin. He’s so close I can feel his warmth, smell his aftershave; it’s an intoxicating combination. What I wouldn’t give to lean into him and get carried away. I’m just tipsy enough that it feels like a terrific idea.
I smile toward him. “I’m glad I came. This town sure knows how to throw a party.”
“That it does.” He smiles back at me, and it’s filled with genuine warmth. It takes me right back to our night together. I can’t help but find myself getting lost in his dark eyes. He looks so handsome tonight. I sigh, wishing things were different.
We get to the front of the queue. “What’re you having?” Brody asks.
“Just an apple cider, please.”
“A cider and an ale,” he tells the bartender. He pays then takes the two bottles. We shuffle out of the line and off to the side of the van into the shadows where it’s darker. He clinks his bottle with mine. “To the coordinator who’s lasted longer than any of the others.” He chuckles happily.
“I thought it was all over last weekend. Lucky you saved the day with our runaway.” I laugh along with him, thinking back to our missing bride.
“Actually, it was your words that did it,” he corrects me.
I look him over, wondering what he means. “What did you tell her?” I never did get a chance to ask him, I was too busy doing damage control.
His eyes sweep over my body, holding an edge of desire. “Just some wise words I heard earlier that day. I figured maybe you were right. Once you find the right person, you should hang on to ‘em.”
“Brody Alexander, is there a heart in there somewhere?” I laugh, touching his chest where his heart should be.
“You know there’s not,” he jokes, but his eyes tell a different story. The way he’s looking at me makes me weak in the knees. His gaze drops to my lips, and I lick them, suddenly feeling like they’re dry. For a second, I think he’s going to kiss me right here in the shadows where anyone could walk past. But instead, he drops his lips to my ear, and my heart starts to race like it never has before. “You’re making me crazy, Gisele. I’ve never wanted anyone like I do you right now.”
“I want you too,” I admit, whispering back.
He backs me up a little, further into the dark and between two buildings. “I can’t touch you,” he whispers in the other ear.
My breath catches in my throat. “I know.” But Lord, how I want him to. When he’s so close to me, I can feel his hard cock in his pants, and what I wouldn’t give for a taste. To run my tongue over his thick shaft. Moisture soaks my panties at the thought.
His head drops dangerously close to mine, his lips just a hair’s breadth away. “Touch yourself for me. Show me how much you want my hands on you.”
My insides clench, a tingle of excitement running through me. Is he for real? “Out here?” I ask, searching our surroundings.
He nods, his eyes shifting down my body. “I can see the party from here, I’ll tell you if anyone is coming close to us.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, desire taking over any rational thinking.
He takes my drink, placing it on a nearby log. “Slip your hand under that cute little skirt I hope you wore just for me and play with yourself.” This time his voice is more demanding.
I glance over his shoulder, and seeing the coast is clear, I spread my legs a little wider and move my hand under my skirt. “Like this?” I purr, not even recognizing my voice.
“Yes.” His eyes drop down my body again, and he takes a swig of his drink as he watches me slip my hand inside my panties. “How wet are you for me?”
“Soaking,” I whisper, letting my fingers explore. I’m so sensitive with all the pent-up sexual energy from being around him the last few weeks.
He drops his head closer, his lips grazing my earlobe. “Finger yourself for me, sweet pea.”
I waste no time pushing a finger inside my throbbing pussy. I let out a breathy moan. I move it in and out, my thumb circling over my clit. This feels way too good.
He moves a little closer, and I can almost feel his desperation to touch me. “I bet you’re so fucking tight, aren’t you. Stretch yourself for me.”
I slip in another finger, doing as he says. It feels unbelievably satisfying. I watch him, and his eyes hold mine. The way he eats me up, his eyes hooded and filled with lust, is almost enough to tip me over the edge.
He unbuckles his jeans and grabs hold of his cock, stroking himself. It’s too dark for me to see him properly, but I can see him moving back and forth, and it urges me on. I work my fingers with expert precision, tingles running over my body as I feel myself getting close.
“Cum for me, sweet pea,” he begs, his voice filled with desperation.
I lean back into the wall for support. My thumb rubs over my clit as my fingers move inside of me, and I let go. My pussy pulses tight around my fingers, waves of euphoria washing over me. My body shudders, and I ride the wave, still watching him stroke himself.
“Taste yourself,” he grunts out. Without thinking, I put my fingers inside my mouth and suck like I would if it were his cock in my mouth.
He buckles forward, groaning, and I know he too has found his release.
He drops his head to the wall, his breathing ragged. “You’re fucking perfection, Gisele.” He fixes himself up, shoving his cock back in his pants then doing them up like nothing just happened. He holds out his hand.
I look at him, I wonder what exactly he wants. My heart still hammers out of control, and my breathing is far from normal.
“Your panties.”
I stare back at him. They’re soaking wet. Is he for real? But from the look in his eyes, I know he is. He’s a dirty, dirty man, and I’m here for it. All of it. I slip them down my legs and over my boots then drop them in his open palm. He brings them up to his nose and inhales before shoving them in his pocket.
My heart races, sexual tension and confusion swirling around me. “I want more, Brody. I want you,” I whisper, knowing I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. This was a tease.
“This can’t happen again, sweet pea. It doesn’t matter how much either of us want it. It can’t. I shouldn’t have let tonight get so out of hand.” I see the pain etched on his face as he says the words. He wants more.
I can’t walk away from this; I may never have chemistry like this again. He tips his head like he did earlier. “I’ll see you tomorrow at work,” he says before walking off into the night, leaving me with my racing heart and a needy pussy, confused and disappointed.
Why did he start something if he wasn’t willing to see where it was going to go? Knowing we have to work together, I feel stupid for letting him get me all worked up. For thinking this could lead to something more. I know it can’t, his family business is the most important thing to him, and it should be. He has a lot of people relying on him. Doesn’t mean his instant rejection after he got himself off doesn’t sting. That was the hottest encounter I’ve ever had. I can’t just go out into the world and act like a normal person now.