Hearts at Play (Love in Bloom: The Bradens, Book 6) Contemporary Romance (22 page)

Hugh put his arm around Brianna and pulled her in close. “I do have a house here, and I was lucky enough to meet Bree at her work.” He kissed the side of her forehead. “Babe, I promised to help Jean with a few things. Do you mind?”

Brianna could have stayed in his arms forever, but the vultures were eye raping him. She didn’t blame Hugh for wanting to escape. Of course they all watched him walk away. Brianna had to admit, he did have a hot ass. Thankfully, the parents from Layla’s class never stayed at birthday parties. They always had an errand to run or another child to care for, so she held the door open for them to leave.

“The party is over at seven thirty.” She watched as the women followed Hugh toward the kitchen. Brianna groaned. She picked up her new camera—relishing in the weight of it, the contoured lines, and the way it fit so perfectly in her hands—and then she went to watch
The Devouring of Hugh Braden.

She found Hugh in the backyard with the children. He’d tied the piñata to a branch of the big oak tree. Layla was beneath the tree holding a plastic bat. Her eyes were clenched shut, and Hugh began spinning her in slow circles. Brianna brought the camera to her eye and focused on the two of them. A calm that she hadn’t realized she’d missed washed over her. She took several pictures, then zoomed in on Hugh’s profile, feeling her heart swell as she cataloged his features through the safety of the lens, capturing them in her heart—and on film.

“Okay, Princess Layla, swing,” he coaxed.

Layla swung the bat and missed.

“Again,” Hugh encouraged her.

She swung again and tapped the piñata. This time he set her in just the right position and she smacked it hard. She opened her eyes and Brianna caught the awed expression, and then she caught the embrace between the two people who owned equal parts of her heart.

Sarah, a quiet blond girl, was up next. Hugh crouched beside her. What Brianna saw through her lens was the way his eyes watched the little girl’s eyes as they drifted around the backyard and how he reacted to her shyness with perfect grace, not too strong, not too soft, a sweet curl to his lips, a glint in his eye, and a moment later, Sarah’s eyes followed Hugh as he settled the piñata for her turn.

When it was time for the cake, the hyenas surrounded Hugh once again. Cheryl stood behind him and put her hand on his shoulder, pretending to look around him, when, in fact, there was plenty of room for her to take a step or two to the side. Through the lens of the camera, Brianna caught Hugh’s shoulders as they inched up toward his ears and the pleading look in his eyes when he turned toward her. She lowered it and watched as he twisted, disengaging from Cheryl’s trap, his eyes trained on Brianna.

“You okay?” Hugh touched her cheek.

If you call wanting to claw Cheryl’s eyes out okay.
“Yeah.”

“I’m trying to be nice to your friends, but—”

“They aren’t my friends, Hugh. They’re the parents of Layla’s friends. Don’t worry. I don’t blame you for them being all over you.” The women watched them as Jean handed out plates and forks.

“I can put a stop to that woman with one sentence. But I need your okay to do it.”

She tilted her head, wondering what the mischievous gleam in his eyes meant.

“One sentence. That’s all it takes. Something simple like,
You’re really sweet, but I don’t like to be touched by anyone other than Brianna.”

Brianna laughed. “You’re a goof.”

“How about,
Only in your dreams
, and then I take you in a passionate kiss and press your beautiful body against mine until you can’t think and I can’t breathe?”

She couldn’t think, and from the looks of it, he could hardly breathe. She licked her lips.

He stepped closer. “I will have to kiss you if you do that again, and I’m pretty sure that when I start I won’t be able to stop.”

He had a hungry look in his eyes, and when she put her hand on his stomach, she felt him shudder, which sent a pulse of heat right through her.

“Bree, Hugh, we’re ready for cake,” Jean said.

For a moment they just stared at each other, unable to break away from the electricity that bound them. Hugh’s hand found hers, and Brianna begged her legs to remain strong.

“Hold up.” Hugh held up one finger. “I have something for the birthday girl before we get started.” He ran into the house and came back out with his hands behind his back.

He stood behind Layla, and Brianna focused her camera once again as Hugh settled the tiara on Layla’s head.

“Happy birthday, Princess Layla.”

Brianna caught on film every smile, every excited moment as Layla stood on her chair and jumped into Hugh’s arms and the loving look on Hugh’s face as Layla pressed her cheek against his. She lowered the camera to unveil the scene in real time. She’d never imagined that anyone could love Layla as much as she did, and there was Hugh, with a heart as big as the sun and enough love to share with both of them.

The other mothers
aww
ed, and Brianna knew that it would never matter if women pawed at or fought for Hugh. She and Layla had already staked claim to his heart, and they hadn’t even actively tried.
Maybe some things really are meant to be.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, THE tavern was crazy busy, which made Brianna’s workday go by quickly. By the time she met her mother and Layla at the apartment, she was too nervous to be tired. Hugh’s brother Treat and his wife, Max, were going to pick them up, and she had no idea what to expect. Hugh had said that she’d love them both, but that didn’t stop the butterflies in her belly from multiplying.

“Are you sure you have Piglet?” she asked Layla.

“Yes.” Layla and Jean were in the middle of a game of Drama Queen.

Brianna checked her bags one more time.
Clothes, shoes, makeup, birth control pills.
At exactly six o’clock, there was a knock at the door.

“Okay, princess. Let’s go. Mom, are you ready?” Brianna asked.

“Of course. This will be an adventure.” Jean reached for Layla’s hand.

Brianna opened the door and was greeted by one of the tallest men she’d ever seen up close. He wore what looked to be a very expensive dark suit and white button-down shirt. She noted the similarities between Treat and Hugh; they had the same dark hair, though Treat’s was cut a little shorter, the same olive skin, and the same warm, friendly eyes.

“Hi. Brianna?” His voice was as deep as Hugh’s.

“Yes, hi.” Brianna held out her hand, and when he shook it, his giant hand engulfed hers. “This is Jean, my mother, and my daughter, Layla.”

“Treat Braden. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve got a car waiting to take us to the airport.” He reached into his jacket and withdrew an activity book, which he handed to Layla. “I thought you might like this for the trip,” he said.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Brianna said. “Thank you.”

Treat gathered their bags, and Brianna carried Layla’s backpack. A black limousine waited for them out front.

Layla squealed, “Look! Look!”

Jean mouthed,
Wow
, to Brianna.

Brianna looked down at her jeans, boots, and sweater, then back at Treat’s suit and cringed. Was she going to need a whole new wardrobe?

Treat opened the door, and Layla climbed into the booster seat that was already in place.

“Hi!” Layla said.

Brianna peered into the car and smiled at Max, a pretty brunette she recognized from the photograph at Hugh’s house. She was relieved to see that she, too, was wearing jeans. She breathed a little easier as she climbed into the limo.

“Hi, I’m Bree, and this is Layla.” Her mother climbed in behind her. “And this is Jean, my mom.”

Max smiled warmly. “Hi. I’m excited to meet you. I’m Max.”

Treat climbed in next to Max and put his arm around her. “My very beautiful wife.” He kissed the side of her forehead.

“Oh, stop.” Max laughed. “This is going to be fun.”

They were on the road a few minutes later, and Max filled the quiet with easy conversation. Brianna loved her outgoing personality, and watching Treat with her reminded her of Hugh. He was just as attentive, and when Max teased him, he teased her right back. She wondered if the entire family was as openly affectionate as they were.

“Brianna, tell me how you met Hugh,” Treat asked.

“It’s sort of embarrassing. We met in the tavern where I work. He had a blind date, and I guess it didn’t go so well.” Brianna shrugged, dropping her gaze when she felt her cheeks heat up.

“That’s not embarrassing. Thank God for dates gone bad,” Max said.

“Have you ever been to the races, Layla?” Treat asked.

She shook her head.

“You’ll enjoy it, but it’s really loud, so we’ll give you really cool earplugs if you want them.” Max pulled a small box out of her leather bag. “See?” She handed them to Layla.

Layla looked at the box and crinkled her nose. “Do I have to wear them?”

Max laughed. “No, but if you want to, we’ll have them.”

“Thank you,” Brianna said.

“I heard you had some excitement the other night,” Treat said.

Layla told them all about the theater, and Jean and Brianna filled them in on the aftermath.

Treat’s eyes shadowed with seriousness, and he set his gaze on Brianna. “Were you okay with that?”

“Not at first. It was a total sensory overload, and a little frightening, but Hugh knew just what to do. He swept Layla into the car, and he made sure we were all okay before attending to the crowd.” She remembered the way he’d revealed their relationship, and it brought a warm feeling to her chest.

“I’m glad to hear he took care of it. Hugh’s a good man,” Treat said.

“All the Bradens are good people.” Max set her hand on Treat’s leg and smiled up at him adoringly.

Brianna watched them closely, finding the dichotomy of Treat’s formality and Max’s casual attire interesting. When Treat looked at Max, his dark eyes darkened even more, and he bathed her in love. Brianna had seen pictures in Hugh’s house of his family, and as she got to know Treat and Max, the things he’d said about cars being
just cars
and his job being what he did, not who he was, made even more sense. She knew that Treat owned resorts all over the world, and yet neither Treat nor Max was pretentious. If she closed her eyes, they could just as easily have been in a station wagon.

Her mother reached over and squeezed her hand and mouthed,
Nice people
.

Nice people
. That’s what mattered most.

HUGH PACED THE hotel lobby. He’d been waiting all afternoon to see Brianna, and when she walked through the lobby doors, his pulse accelerated. He crossed the marble floor and took her in his arms, pressing a loving kiss to her lips.

“God, I missed you,” he said. He held her a beat longer, feeling much more at ease now that she and Layla were there with him. “I don’t ever want to be away from you guys for that long again.”

Her eyes widened, then narrowed, the way they did when she had amorous thoughts. He squeezed her hand and kissed her again, before swooping Layla into his arms and tickling her belly. “And you! I missed you, too. Did you make up any great stories on the way over?”

“Treat gave me an activity book,” Layla gushed.

Hugh set her down, and Brianna took her hand. “He did? Well, Treat’s a pretty good guy.” Hugh kissed Jean’s cheek. “Was the trip okay?”

“Yes. Perfect, thank you.” Jean looked pretty in her casual long skirt and blouse. “Treat and Max were wonderful hosts.”

Hugh embraced Max and kissed her cheek as he had Jean’s. “You look gorgeous, Max.” It struck him then how similar in style Max and Brianna were, and he wondered what that said about him and Treat. Maybe they weren’t so different after all. Although, now that he thought about it, none of his siblings had chosen a life partner that was pretentious or overly showy.
Dad raised us well
. The importance of Brianna’s desire not to spoil Layla became crystal clear.
After tomorrow
, he’d be sure to rein it all in.
After tomorrow
.

“Bro.” Hugh opened his arms, and he and Treat embraced. Treat patted him on the back. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate you taking care of everyone.”

“That’s what family’s for.” Treat put his arm around Max and kissed the top of her head.

Hugh looked at Treat, Max, Brianna, Layla, and Jean, and he felt the impact of the word like a squeeze to his heart.
Family
.

THE FLORIDA SUN beat down on the bleachers, sparkling in Layla’s eyes as she watched the cars speed around the track. They’d all had dinner together last night, but both Hugh and Layla had turned in early. Hugh, to be prepared for the race, and Layla from pure exhaustion. Hugh had come to see them in their hotel room earlier that morning before he left for the track.
I’m gonna win this one for you and Layla. Mark my words.
As Brianna watched his car speed by, she knew he’d win the race. She believed in Hugh. She trusted his words, and she trusted his love for her and Layla. She looked around the crowded bleachers, excited and proud to hear people cheering for Hugh. Treat and Max shared an intimate kiss; then Max went back to watching the race, while Treat’s gaze remained on Max.

“How are you holding up? Uncomfortable at all?” her mother asked.

“No, actually. I realize that all that foolishness doesn’t matter. Hugh loves me. The fear of wanting to run was a momentary blip on my radar screen.” She put her arm around Layla. “Actually, that’s not true, Mom. It wasn’t that at all. I think it was Dad’s leaving coming back to haunt me, and you know what? That’s his issue, not mine. And definitely not Hugh’s or Layla’s.”

“Now, that’s the Brianna I know and love.” Her mother bumped her with her shoulder. “Your man is doing well in the race. He'll probably win.”

He already won my heart
. “He said he’d win, and when Hugh says something, he means it.” Hugh had told her that he’d change the way she thought about men, and while he might not have changed the way she thought about all men, he’d proven the kind of man he was, and that was all she needed to know.

“Somehow I think you’re right.” Jean nodded at Layla. “I think your little princess loves the races.”

“I think she loves Prince Hugh.”
And I know I do
.

Treat and Max rose to their feet. “The race is almost over, and Hugh asked that we meet him down by the track.”

“Sure.” She held Layla’s hand, and they followed Treat as he descended the noisy stands. “Is this safe?” Brianna asked as they neared the track.

“Hugh would never put you or Layla in danger.” Treat’s commanding presence was second to the confidence in his tone. He picked up Layla and carried her safely in his arms as Hugh crossed the finish line and the crowd roared. Layla covered her ears, and Brianna and Jean cheered.

“He’s gonna be pumped!” Treat squeezed Layla. “Hugh won, Layla.”

“Yay!” she cheered.

“Congratulations!” Max said to Brianna.

“It’s all Hugh,” Brianna said. Her heart thundered in his chest.
He won. Just like he said he would.

Max shifted her eyes to Treat. “I love to see him with Layla,” Max said.

“He looks like a natural. Do you plan on having children?” Brianna asked.

“Oh, yes. Definitely.” Max’s cheeks pinked with her smile.

“There’s no greater joy,” Jean added. She put her arm around Brianna.

“Thanks, Mom. I feel the same way about Layla.” She watched the cars pull into their pits.

“Come on, ladies; it’s time for the winner’s circle.” Treat picked up his pace.

Winner’s circle?
Brianna’s nerves took flight. She’d thought they would remain on the sidelines.

The winner’s circle was inside the track and mobbed with media crews. Hugh finished his victory lap, then spun out across the grass.

When he stepped from the car, Brianna’s breath hitched. He was so handsome in his driving suit, and when he whipped off his helmet, his eyes immediately found hers. A rush of heat spread through her. Hugh blazed a path toward Brianna right through the mass of reporters, who spread like the Red Sea. Treat was behind him, carrying a sign.

“May I?” Hugh took the track announcer’s microphone and closed the gap between him and Brianna. He took off his glove and handed it to Max, then took Layla’s hand and guided her in front of Brianna.

Brianna put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. Hugh’s smile reached his eyes, and his dimples—those glorious dimples—appeared deep and true. His chest rose and fell with each hard breath. His eyes held her captive, and his rich, smooth voice sent her stomach into some kind of anxious rumba. She felt the eyes of the fans upon them, making her heart race.

“I will get on with my thank-yous in just a moment. Please bear with me.” Hugh’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers.

Hugh placed his hand on Brianna’s, which held Layla’s shoulder. “I won that race for Brianna and Layla Heart.”

Oh my God! Oh my God!
Brianna couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move. She squeezed Layla’s shoulder, and Hugh’s hand lovingly held hers as he dropped to one knee before them.
One knee!
Brianna felt her knees weaken and she shifted her gaze to her mother, who was wiping tears as quickly as they fell.

“Brianna.”

She drew her eyes back to Hugh, kneeling before her.
Kneeling! Oh God! Oh God!

His eyes dampened, and Brianna’s throat swelled. “You’re the bravest, most loving woman I know, and when I think of my future, I see you and Layla. When I look into your eyes, I feel your love for me.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks. She had no idea how she remained standing. Hell, she had no idea if she was still breathing as the man she loved said everything she could ever dream of hearing.

“My life is full of challenges and competitions, and I know I can face anything with you by my side. You deserve a man who will love and cherish you and Layla. You deserve a man who will nourish your love and feed your spirit. Brianna, will you let me be that man? Will you marry me?”

She opened her mouth to speak, and nothing came out. Her jaw trembled. The world went silent, save for her thundering heart.

“Mommy! Say yes!” Layla whispered loudly.

The reporters laughed.

“Yes.” It was a whisper. “Yes.”
Damn it, where’s my voice?

Hugh rose to his feet with hope in his eyes. “Yes?”

She nodded, her legs somehow propelling her forward. “Yes!”

He dropped the microphone, swooped her off her feet, and spun her around. “God, I love you!”

He kissed her in front of the world, a long, passionate kiss that stole her ability to think—as all of his kisses did.

“I ordered your ring, but I won’t have it until next week. I’m so sorry, but I didn’t want to wait.”

“Ring?” Her mind was still in the clouds.

“Yes, an engagement ring.” He hugged her again. “You’ve made me the happiest man on earth.”

Treat held up the sign and showed it to the crowd.
SHE SAID YES!

“Congratulations!” Her mother’s voice found her.

Brianna embraced her mother. “The sign?”

“I was a little overly confident,” Hugh said with a grin.

The reporters buzzed with the news. Brianna caught bits and pieces of the announcements. Her mind reeled.

“…have it folks…Hugh Braden is off the market!”

“Braden engaged…”

“Mommy!”

Her mind snapped to attention as Hugh picked up Layla and she put her little hands on his cheeks.

“I knew you were her prince! We will marry you, Prince Hugh! We will!” Layla pressed her pink lips to his cheek, then wrapped her arms around his neck.

Treat’s arms came around Brianna. “Welcome to our family,” he said. “He’s a good man, and now he’s a lucky man, too.”

“Thank you, Treat.” She swiped at the never-ending flow of tears.

“Another sister-in-law!” Max hugged Brianna. “I can’t wait to get to know you better. And you’ll love the rest of the girls, and of course the men, too, but you know what I mean.” Max sighed. “I never imagined I’d have so many sisters.”

Jean pulled Brianna into a hug before she could say another word. “This, I had no idea about.”

“He didn’t tell you?” Brianna asked.

“No, and I’m so happy for you, Bree.” Jean nodded at Layla, still in Hugh’s arms as he thanked his sponsors. “He’s right, Bree. You deserve a man who will adore you and treat you well, and it’s obvious that Hugh is that man.”

She watched Hugh walking toward her, his broad shoulders pushed back, his chest out, and the smile that had been on his lips since he took off his helmet lit up her heart. Love coursed through her, and when he finally stood before her, her hand was drawn to his stomach. Even through his thick suit, she felt his strength.

He arched a brow. “You know what that does to me.”

“I’m counting on it.” She licked her lips, because she also knew what
that
did to him.

He stepped closer. “I told you that I’m not a halfway guy.”

“I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

“What about your twelve-year plan?” He cupped his hands on her waist, and it sent a thrill right through her.

“I exchanged it for a lifetime plan.” She pressed her cheek to his and whispered, “And I didn’t even need a sidecar.”