Condemned (3 page)

“More details. Anticipation, remember? Tell me what Brett
would see if you two were out alone tonight and he could feel the desire you
have for him like I can.”

“Um, mostly lace cups that give me some cleavage. The lace
is thin enough so you could probably see my nipples through it. The panties are
the same lace, only stretchy. They barely cover my, uh…”

“That’s perfect,” Jesse whispered hoarsely. “Let me take it
from here. If I got you down to that, I’d be torn between slowly removing your
stockings and leaving them on, for contrast against your tan. First, I’d have
to kiss those nipples through that lace. Then, I’d unhook your bra and let it
fall away to reveal your breasts, one at a time. I’d need to spend plenty of
time sucking on them because I’d want to feel how hard I can make your nipples
when I pull you back against my bare chest. While I returned to your mouth, I’d
rub my hand over the lace covering your crotch, to see if you were wet for me.
If I were Brett and I knew how much my hands turned you on, I’d have to slip a
finger under the edge and explore until it was covered with your juices. Then,
I’d make a big show of popping it into my mouth for a preview of what’s to come
when I let myself slide your panties off and take you with my tongue.”

“Jesse, stop.”

“Look at you!” He laughed. “I know you’re a passionate
woman. Brett’s a lucky man. Now come with me. The scene in your mind has your
nipples at attention and your cheeks beautifully flushed. I think it’s time for
us to say goodnight and make Brett wonder at what he’s missing out on.”

“I don’t think…”

“Good. Don’t. Trust me. You’re so much more desirable than
that woman is right now.” Jesse grinned wickedly. “I bet you’d even let a guy
rip the clothes right off you if he spent the time to tease you first. Tish
would be horrified and bitch at the first little tear.”

Jesse’s comment had the desired effect. As he steered Andie
back to the table to say goodbye, she couldn’t contain her laughter. “If you
don’t mind, we’re going to take off now. I promised Miss Sadie I’d have Andie
home early. I want to make a good impression so she doesn’t regret inviting me
to brunch.”

During Tish’s response, Brett’s gaze swept over Andie. Jesse
couldn’t miss the flash of interest that sparked in his eyes, nor the way he
frowned when his gaze turned to Tish.

Spontaneously, Andie invited Tish and Brett to join them for
brunch also. She looked disappointed when Tish declined, saying she already had
plans with friends from out of town.

“How about you, Brett?” Jesse questioned, pleased with
Andie’s invitation. “Why don’t you come and take some of the heat off me?”

“Jesse. Sadie’s not nearly as imposing as she likes to
seem.”

“Oh yes she is,” Brett countered. “Since I haven’t seen her
lately, I think I’ll take you up on that. That is, Andie, if you’re sure you
don’t mind?”

“Not at all, Brett. Please come. I know Aunt Sadie would be
thrilled to see you. She may not ever admit it but she loves the way you heckle
her.”

“Well don’t tell her but I enjoy what she dishes out too.”

“It’s settled then. Tish, Sadie loves her brunches. I know
she’ll do this again soon and we’ll just have to make sure you’re available for
that one.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” Tish muttered with a forced
smile. “Your aunt must really be something.”

“She is. She’s outspoken and opinionated and feisty. And
absolutely the best!”

“Just like her niece,” Jesse interrupted, tugging her hand
gently. “Time to go, my dear. Night, Tish. See you tomorrow, Brett.”

Chapter Five

“So how was the rest of your evening with Tish?” Jesse asked
when he had a moment alone with his friend.

“Good,” Brett replied. “She’s such a mass of contradictions.
You’d think with the way she dresses she’d be hot, but I think she’s really
kind of innocent. Just like my very first girlfriend. Dressed like she knew it
all and was up for anything but inside just as sweet and soft as could be. I
invited her to go along next week when I have to spend time at the station but
she was a little intimidated at being alone with me.”

“Hmm.” Jesse mentally rolled his eyes. “I have an idea. If
Andie’s game, why don’t we come too? I haven’t seen the McKades lately. We
could drive out with Tish Saturday morning, hang out for the day. You can show
her around town and the girls can stay in the gatehouse. I’ll stay with you and
Tish can ride back with you Sunday afternoon.”

“Maybe. I’ll have to ask her—”

“Ask who what?” Everyone knew Sadie hated to miss anything.

“Tish, but not until Jesse discusses it with Andie,” Brett
replied as Andie brought the last of the food and joined them at the table.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“Brett was just telling me how he invited Tish to go along
to see his other house next week. She was hesitant at the thought of having his
undivided attention so I offered to return the favor he granted us last night.
We could take her with us, spend some time with the McKades, and you two could
keep each other company in the gatehouse while I spend the night at Brett’s.”

“Oh that sounds like fun.

“A perfect opportunity,” Sadie declared. “Alyssa promised to
do a portrait of you for me, Andie. I’ll call her tomorrow and see if she has
the time next weekend.”

Andie groaned. “Aunt Sadie, I didn’t think you were
serious.”

“Gee, can I watch?” Jesse asked. “Maybe we could pose
together?”

“Young man.” Sadie glared. “If you’re thinking along the
lines of that calendar she and Shane are putting out, I may have to revise my
opinion of you.”

“Now, Miss Sadie. As much as that idea tempts me, I was
thinking of something much more innocent. You have to agree that Andie and I
look good together. Everyone would be green with envy if I had a picture of us
on my desk. Furthermore, I don’t think I’d be at all comfortable standing
around with Andie without clothes at this point in our friendship. We don’t
know each other nearly well enough to even consider that just yet.”

“Jesse, she was teasing you.” Andie giggled.

“No she wasn’t,” Brett insisted.

“Either way, I assure you, that type of photograph is not an
option. I’m afraid I’d have to refuse, Andie, even if you beg me on Saturday.”

“Too bad.” Andie smiled sweetly. “I was hoping to send one
of those to my mother. She’s afraid I’m not making any friends here and I
thought a picture like that would put her as ease.”

“Andrea!” Sadie gasped. “Do not joke about doing something
like that. Your mother and grandmother would descend on us like a swarm of
locusts and sweep you away from me before we knew what hit us.”

“I’m sorry. You always make me feel so welcome here that I
forget the battles you and Uncle Hank used to fight so I could visit all those
summers. I’ve never understood why Mother resisted so strongly.”

“Having you with us was worth every harsh word those women
ever uttered. I suppose there’s no harm in telling you, now that you’re not
living under their roof anymore.

“Years ago, when Hank was first starting out in business,
your grandmother had a friend she introduced him to with hopes they would
marry. Clara was a few years older than Hank so she always insisted she knew
what was best for him. He was one to try to keep the peace so he dated the girl
she pushed at him a few times, just to make her happy. One day, I was on a
picnic with my family and Hank was strolling in the park with the girl. My
brothers and I were throwing a ball around and I literally wound up in Hank’s
arms when I was running backward to make a catch. I ran right into him and we
ended up on the ground, all tangled with each other. He was holding me on his
chest since he had twisted on the way down to protect me from harm. I remember
looking into his eyes and knowing I belonged there.

“He kissed me right then and there, much to the horror of
the girl he was with. When he helped me to my feet, he whispered that he would
get rid of her and asked me to wait there for him. We were never apart again.
Of course, your grandmother was furious. I don’t think she ever forgave him for
not giving in to her wishes as he always had. She refused to come to our
wedding and it was years before she actually spoke to me.”

“How romantic.” Andie sighed. “I guess Grandmother passed
the grudge on to Mother. Thanks for finally explaining, Aunt Sadie. I always
wondered why they were so cold to you but I learned not to ask them.”

“I should thank you for insisting that you wanted to come
stay with us. Hank treasured every moment as much as I did. He’d be pleased
that you’re here now.” Sadie squeezed her hand in an uncharacteristically soft
gesture. “Let that be a lesson to you young people. Nothing should stand in the
way of true love. And when you find it, fight for it.”

Both men muttered assurances. When he had the chance, Jesse
winked at Andie, indicating again that they were doing the right thing, trying
to get Brett to see her for who she was. The rest of the meal continued with
comfortable banter. When they were finished eating, Jesse volunteered to help
Andie with the dishes.

As soon as they were alone, Sadie turned on Brett. “So.” She
watched his expression closely. “What do you think of them?”

“Jesse and Andie?” He stalled. “They seem fine together.
Why? Do you have some objection to him?”

“Not at all, not at all. He’s a decent boy. On the occasions
I’ve been around him, he seems steady enough. He’s not at all intimidated by me
and he teases me almost as well as you do.”

“Then what is it?”

“I don’t know exactly. I can tell Andie likes him well
enough. I just don’t think they’ll ever move beyond friendship.”

“Not everyone falls in love the way you and Hank did. They
just started going out. Some people take time and fall in love gradually.”

She snorted. “As if a playboy like you would know anything
about love. Boy, you wouldn’t know love if it stood in front of you and slapped
you right in the face.”

“I resent that.”

“Why? It’s true. We both know your latest bit of flash won’t
hold your interest. I give her a few more weeks and that’s only because she’s
holding back. Once she gives in to your charm, you’ll be bored in no time. When
are you going to realize that you need more than a pretty face? I had hopes for
you and Andie but she seems to have gotten tired of waiting for you.”

“Sadie.” Brett sighed tiredly, wishing her assessment of
Tish weren’t so close to the truth.

“What? All I’m saying is that one of these days you’ll wish
you hadn’t dismissed her so quickly. It’s your loss. But since you’re a good
man beneath all that bluster, I promise not to say I told you so when you
finally admit it.”

“And I thank you in advance,” Brett responded, knowing it
was fruitless to argue. “I’d better head out. I have some work to do for next
week’s meeting at the station. Sure you don’t want to ride along?”

“Whatever for? You boys are doing a fine job. The last thing
you need is an interfering old woman sticking her nose in where it doesn’t
belong.”

“You know that’s not true.”

Sadie patted his hand. “Thank you. I’m sorry if I’m too hard
on you. I shouldn’t assume this Tish is like all the other girls you’ve dated
since I’ve known you without even meeting her.”

“That’s okay. Tell you what. I’ll bring her by to meet you
sometime.”

“Fine. But wait until next month. I don’t want to spend time
with her until she makes it that long.”

In the kitchen, Jesse rinsed the dishes while Andie loaded
the dishwasher. “I forgot to tell you. Holly wants you to call her. She said
she gave you her card the other night.”

“She was very nice to me. I noticed that she’s a doctor.”

“Pediatrician. And, yes, before you ask, her full name is
Holliday. She shortened it to Holly in elementary school.”

Andie laughed. “How did your uncle get her to go to med
school?”

“He honestly had nothing to do with it. She always wanted to
be a doctor. She’s great with kids. They seem to trust her.”

“I’m not surprised. I trusted her right away too. Do you
mind if I tell her what we’re doing? She said I felt like a friend and I don’t
want to start out hiding things from her.”

“Andie.” Jesse caught her around the waist. “You don’t need
my permission for anything. I can tell you have great instincts. If you think you
want to talk to her, go ahead. I know she’ll keep this confidential.”

“Thanks.” She looked up at him. “For everything. You’re a
truly good person, Jesse Monroe. A romantic at heart under that tough,
mysterious guy exterior.”

“I think the romantic streak runs more in your family. I’m
just helping out where there seemed to be something I could do. There’s nothing
remarkable in that.”

“Don’t be so modest. You’re one of the most remarkable men
I’ve ever met.” She leaned forward and kissed him.

“Oh.” Brett grunted as he walked in on them. “Damn, I’m
sorry. I should have made more noise.”

“It’s all right, Brett,” Jesse assured him as he tucked
Andie in against his side. “We were just finishing up.”

“Ah, sure. I wanted to say goodbye. I have to get some
things done this afternoon and I was going to head home.”

“I’m so glad you came.” Andie smiled at him. “Make sure you
let us know what Tish says about next weekend.”

“You’ll need to call Andie with the plans,” Jesse spoke up.
“I need to be out of town for a few days. I should be back Thursday but I’ll
call you.”

“Okay,” Brett agreed. “Take it easy,” he said quickly and
rushed from the room.

Jesse chuckled. “Your timing is impeccable. Did you see the
look on his face? That was priceless.”

“He did seem a little uncomfortable.” She giggled with him.
“You will be careful next week?”

“Always am, my dear,” Jesse promised, touched by her
concern. “This week is harmless though. I’m turning in some reports and making
additional plans for the future.”

“Oh, okay. Good.”

“I’m sorry I can’t tell you more.”

“I won’t ask you to. I understand that you do some things
that you can’t always talk about. I know you can take care of yourself but I
can’t help worrying about you anyway.”

“Wow.” Jesse looked awed. “I don’t think anyone has ever
said that to me before. It’s kind of nice, having a pretty girl care enough to
be concerned for my welfare.”

“That’s what friends are for.” She hugged him. “I am your
friend, Jesse. I plan on staying your friend too, no matter what happens with
Brett. I hope you didn’t think this was all one-sided and I would take
advantage of your generosity.”

“Never crossed my mind. You are truly a special woman,
Andrea Sloan. We might have to tone down the affection at some point but I’m
glad you plan on keeping me. I know Brett won’t object to our friendship but
he’s not likely to put up with me pawing you after you hook up.”

“You have never pawed me. This is the way I am. He’ll just
have to deal with it.”

“I can’t wait.” He could read the determination on her face.
“He probably won’t let you get more than a foot away from him so you won’t have
the opportunity to kiss anyone but him.”

“Let’s not jump the gun here.” She seemed to suddenly
realize what they were saying. “I think we’re getting way ahead of ourselves.
As much as I hope you’re right, I have to remember that this could blow up in
my face and he might never speak to me again. Or he might marry Tish.”

“No way. That’s not happening. Ever. So put that thought
right out of your mind. I give her another week, a month at most. Then we can
go onto phase two.”

“Phase two?”

“Yeah, phase two. The stage where I have to desert you at
the last minute and ask Brett to fill in for me. It’s also when we both admit
we’ll never be anything more than good friends. He’s already interested. Since
he’ll be taking you out anyway, for me, it’ll only be natural that he continues
to spend time with you. It’s only a matter of time before he accepts that he
can’t live without you.”

“That sounds too good to be true, but we’ll have to wait and
see. I’m not letting myself dream too big so I don’t get crushed if this
doesn’t work out. Oh, I’m not being negative here. I’m willing to do whatever
you suggest, even if it means I get destroyed in the process. I want him more
than anything but I have to keep in mind that he really might not want me. You
can’t force a heart to love someone if it’s not right. Most of all, I want
Brett to be happy, even if it’s not with me.”

“Let me say again what a rare treasure you are. But I
believe Brett’s happiness and yours are tied together. You’ll see.”

“You are so good for me.” She hugged him again. “I can’t
wait to meet whoever fate gives you. I bet she’ll be incredible.”

“I’m sure she will be,” he agreed. “I hate to do this to you
but I should take off too. I have a plane to catch this afternoon.”

“You really will call me?”

“Of course. I want to know if we’re going to have to endure
Tish for two days. I can’t imagine she’ll have much left to talk about by the
time we get out of the car. She may act interested in the rest of us but I
suspect she’s really pretty self-centered. If she can’t make it, I think we
should go anyway.”

“I’d like that. They all went out of their ways to make me
feel comfortable when I first got here.”

“Good.” He noticed that Sadie had disappeared as they walked
to the door. “Tell Sadie that I enjoyed her company and look forward to
sparring with her again soon. See ya, dearest.”