4
Annie
“I suggest you make yourself comfortable.” Brandon takes out a book and starts reading.
“You’re reading at a time like this! Can’t you do something? At least call for help.”
“I left my cell phone in the kitchen. How about you?”
“It’s in my purse . . . in the kitchen”
He shrugs. He seems to be enjoying himself.
“Did you plan this?”
He snaps his book closed. “Excuse me?”
“You did! That’s why you opened the door without a shirt!”
“Why would I do that on purpose?”
“Because you look really . . .” And then I realize my mistake.
“Really what, Annie?” He’s grinning. Brandon James is grinning. I’ve seen him laugh and smile, especially with Pepper. But I don’t think I’ve seen him with a full grin, and it looks . . . really good on him.
Except I shouldn’t think of Brandon like that. Not anymore. I try to picture Jack’s flawless face, and instead my traitorous mind brings up Brandon answering the door in nothing but a leather apron like an immortal blacksmith.
“You know how you look with all those muscles . . .”
“I don’t know. Please tell me.”
“Good, okay? You look really good.” The teasing glint in Brandon’s eyes flickers to something more. “And now we’re locked in this tiny space, and at any moment I’m expecting a ransom note demanding that I kiss you.”
“She learned from the best,” Brandon says, returning to his book, which is Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. I don’t think he’s really reading it. I pull it out of his hands. He looks at me a little annoyed, then takes the book back and starts reading again.
“Why are you reading at a time like this?”
“What would you prefer I do? Give you a lecture.”
“On what?!”
“On teaching my daughter to meddle.”
“Are you saying this is my fault?”
“Are you saying it’s not?”
“Just because I made her watch The Parent Trap with me?” Brandon raises his brows. “Okay, three times,” I admit.
“And . . .?” prompts Brandon.
“And . . . included her in my plan to trap Elinor and Edward in the tree house.” I sit down on the beanbag next to him. The space is narrow, and some of my skirt drapes over his knee. He deliberately brushes it off. “So yeah, maybe it’s a bit my fault. But you’re her father.”
“I’m well aware.”
“You should do something.”
“I am doing something. I’m reading.”
“You can’t just sit there. I need your help.”
“I am helping you, Annie.”
“By ignoring me?”
“Yes!” His eyes flash. “It’s the only option in this situation—we’re locked in a closet, and you have a boyfriend.” Is he saying what I think he’s saying? I doubt it. He has a serious scowl as he studiously ignores me, reading his book.
I pick up a large stuffed hippo and hug it to my chest. The wall behind Brandon is painted with a detailed seascape, complete with mermaids, a sea monster, and a ship.
The dark navy ceiling is painted with shimmering silver and gold stars.
This is the room of my childhood dreams. Who am I kidding?
It’s still the room of my dreams. And Brandon—boring, stuffy, Brandon—thought of every detail.
He painstakingly crafted this room for Pepper.
I think of him painting these exquisite waves.
It makes me wonder what is going on in his head.
I’m pretty sure I would like what I found—if only he would ever let me in.
“Are you angry with me?” I ask in a small voice. I wince at how needy I sound.
“No, Annie. I’m mad at myself.” He glances up from his book. “I should have known better than to let you spend so much time with us. But Pepper adores you, and I . . . I like having you around, okay?” He closes the book again and rakes his hands through his hair.
“I thought I annoyed you.”
“You don’t annoy me, Annie.” He says my name with such fondness my whole body thrums. “But I should have been more careful, kept my distance. I don’t date.
I can’t risk Pepper becoming too attached, only to have her heart broken.
She’s already lost her mother. She doesn’t need to lose anyone else.
But trust me, it’s not easy.” Brandon’s eyes hold mine.
He lifts his hand and ever so gently brushes a lock of my hair.
I can hardly breathe. I can hardly think.
“Red alert! Red alert!” Pepper’s head pops through the door. “Grandma’s here.”
Brandon exhales and stands up. And poof! The dream is over.