Condemned (27 page)

Andie resurfaced when she felt Brett covering her face with
kisses. She was firmly enclosed by his entire body, unable to move. After a
moment, Andie realized her face was wet. Brett was crying as he kissed her.

“Brett, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” He buried his face
against her neck. “Talk to me. Loosen up so I can hold you too.” His arms
relaxed enough for her to embrace him but he kept his face hidden. “Sh, I’m not
going anywhere.” Andie hoped she was guessing correctly. “I’m staying right here
with you forever. I love you, my handsome beast.”

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, somewhat soothed by her words.

“Don’t be.” Andie smiled when he raised his head. “I feel it
too.”

“I didn’t know it would be like this. Jordan tried to tell
me but I didn’t understand.”

“I don’t think anyone understands until they feel it
themselves. Overwhelming, isn’t it?”

“Now there’s an understatement.” He was calm enough to
laugh. “Say it again. I need to hear that you’re really mine.”

“Oh, Brett.” She kissed him tenderly. “I am entirely,
completely, without a doubt or one bit of restraint, yours. Forever and always.
Heart, body, mind, all of me.”

“Thank you.” He returned her kiss. “I love you almost
desperately. So much it scares me. I’m afraid I’ll smother you because I won’t
ever let you get far enough away that I can’t touch you.”

“Good, because I like the way you touch me. That was
unbelievable.”

“Another understatement. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No! You were just right. I can’t believe I used to think I
was frigid.”

“Wench, you are so far from frigid that I’m worried we’re in
danger of spontaneous combustion. Whoever called you that obviously had no idea
what to do with a woman like you.”

“I think I needed you to get me to be like this.”

“And I needed you to show me how this should feel. Andie.”
He clutched her tightly again.

“Promise you’ll never let me go,” Andie whispered, knowing
he needed to hear her claim him. “I don’t think I can live without you
anymore.”

“I promise you won’t have to. Now that I’ve finally come to
my senses and captured you, I can’t imagine not having you with me. I don’t
even want to think of it.”

“Then don’t.” Andie rubbed her cheek against his chest since
that was the only part of her she could move. “Can we stay up here tonight? I
like the way it seems like we’re completely alone and secluded from the rest of
the world.”

“As long as I’m holding you, I’ll spend the night wherever
you want.”

“Me too,” she murmured as she licked his chin. Her tongue
continued, tasting their exertion on his neck. “Mm, you’re a tasty beast.”
Brett loosened his hold slightly, giving her freedom to explore if she wanted
to. She shifted, nibbling on his ear before swirling her tongue into it. Andie
was amazed when she felt his shaft twitch against her leg. She was curious if
she could make him hard again after the powerful climax he just had. She kissed
his jaw, letting her lips linger as she headed for his mouth. Nipping at his
bottom lip, she teased him. When he groaned, she slid her tongue between his
lips, inviting his to join hers with a caress.

Brett fought his need for control. Andie was very tentative
in her touches and he wanted to give her freedom to do whatever she wished. If
she tormented him the way he had teased her earlier, he doubted if he’d be able
to restrain himself but he was determined to try. When she pushed on his
shoulder, he rolled to his back, giving her full access to his body.

“I wondered if you’d ever let me get to know your body like
this,” Andie said as her mouth made its way across his chest. When her tongue
found his nipple, he groaned. “Do you like this as much as I do?” she asked as
she nipped him. “How about this?” She circled his the way he had done to her.

“Andie.” Brett clenched his teeth, fighting back the need to
take over.

“Oh my,” Andie sighed when his hips bucked, thrusting his
semi-stiff cock into the air. “That didn’t take long at all,” she mentioned as
she reached for him. “Can I see if I can make it any harder?” She wrapped her
fingers around him. “Ooh, I can.” She giggled as she saw the tension on his
face. “Whatever should I do with this monster?”

“Anything you want,” Brett urged.

“Anything?”

“Anything as long as you don’t let go.”

“Now why would I do something silly like that?” Her hand
stroked him. “After all the trouble I went to getting it this hard. Why would I
let it go to waste like that?”

“To get even for the way I teased you.”

“You may have teased me, my beast, but you didn’t leave me
stranded. I won’t do that to you either. Not when I know how good it makes me
feel when it gets like this.”

“What would you like me to do with it? You’d better make up
your mind quick. If you keep your fingers around me it won’t take long for me
to be unable to do much of anything for you.”

Andie slowed her strokes and lightened her touch. “Can’t let
that happen. Or not this time anyway. I’d like to watch you come again but at
the moment, I think you should come here and see how gentle you can be. You’ve
demonstrated how amazing hard and fast is. I’d like to see if sweet and slow is
as good.”

“Andie.” Brett shifted her to her back and moved over her.
After grabbing a condom, he paused with his tip pressing against her and
captured her mouth for a sensual kiss. He caressed her lips with his, adding
his tongue to worship her mouth. “I love you,” he whispered against her mouth
as he slid slowly into her.

He used every ounce of self-control to maintain the long,
unhurried way he was stroking her, letting them feel every bit of each other.
He broke their kiss so he could look into her eyes while he loved her.

Brett saw tears sliding down her cheeks. Her emotions must
be overloaded and he knew exactly how she was feeling. He caught each tear,
kissing it away, making it part of himself. He knew she was getting close to
completion when her body trembled beneath his. “Take me with you,” he whispered
as he kissed away another tear.

“Brett.” Andie put so much emotion into his name as she
tightened her muscles around him.

He raised his head and returned his gaze to hers, letting
her see all he was feeling.

“Love me, Brett,” she whispered, tightening again. “Love me
like I love you,” she urged, seemingly feeling the same sensations building
within her body. “Come with me now, Brett. I need you to share this with me.”

“Andie,” Brett cried as he felt her pleasure take him over
the edge with her. Brett managed to shift Andie from beneath him before he
collapsed. Again, he clutched her tightly to his chest until his emotions
settled.

Andie must have shared his need to hold on as she regained
the ability to think. She couldn’t have been prepared for the intensity of the
emotions this brought out in her either. How could they have known they’d make
each other feel so much?

“Sweet and slow is as amazing as hard and fast,” she
eventually managed to declare.

“Understatement,” Brett agreed, feeling her body relax. “Go
to sleep, wench. We’re both exhausted.”

“Yeah but in a good way.” She snuggled against him. “We’ll
see what other ways we can find to be amazing in the morning.”

“I’m sure we’ll be able to think of something. You know,
Jordan swears it gets better as you get used to each other.”

“I don’t believe that’s possible but I can’t wait to see if
he’s right.”

“I didn’t really believe him either but he was right about
the emotional stuff so he’s probably right about that too.”

“Then we’d better get some sleep. We’re going to need lots
of energy.”

Brett laughed softly as he sat up far enough to blow out the
last candle, thinking how absolutely perfect his life had become.

Chapter Thirty-Three

“Brett Hudson! We know you’re in there,” Jesse yelled once,
making enough racket to rouse them. “Let the girl go. Send her out now and you
won’t get hurt.”

“No way!” Brett shouted in return while Andie buried her
face against his shoulder to stifle her giggles. “The only way you’ll take her
is if you kill me first.”

“Be reasonable, Hudson,” Jesse replied fiercely. “You’re in
enough trouble already.”

“Go away!” Andie piped up.

“Miss Sloan, I know you only said that because he forced you
to. We’re here now so he can’t hurt you anymore. You can stop pretending.”

“Leave us alone.” Andie laughed as Brett nuzzled her neck.

“I wish I could,” Jesse lowered his voice. “Unfortunately, I
was sent up here for a reason. Sadie said to tell you that your guests will
have breakfast ready in half an hour. If you’re not at the table when she’s
ready to eat, she’s bringing all of us up here to you.”

“Sadie’s really here?” Andie asked timidly.

“Yeah, sorry. She has some things to discuss that she didn’t
think could wait for you to surface on your own.” When he didn’t get a
response, Jesse added, “I think you should come down. She seems real serious.”

“Damn,” Brett muttered. “Okay, tell her we’ll be there.”

“Will do.” Jesse chuckled. “Half an hour. Don’t forget.”

“I’m not ready to let go of you,” Brett stated just before
he kissed her.

“Me either,” Andie agreed, returning his kiss. “Brett, how
did Sadie know I’d be here?”

“I called her yesterday morning. I didn’t want her to worry
when you didn’t come home.”

“She knew about this? That you were going to kidnap me?”

“Of course not! All I told her was that I planned on
speaking with you and I thought I had a good chance of convincing you to stay.
I didn’t go into any details.”

“Oh.”

“Give me a little credit. I know better than to tell the old
bat that I intended to tie up her favorite niece and hold her captive until she
begged for sex.” Andie laughed so hard she was crying. “She would have called
the cops to lock me up and showed up personally to castrate me.”

“I would never let her do that!” She cringed. “This belongs
to me and I like it just the way is,” she declared, cupping his package. When
he reacted to her touch, she gave him a playful squeeze. “Ooh. This is even
better.”

Brett groaned when she didn’t let go. “Knock it off, wench.”

Andie stroked more firmly. “You don’t really mean that.”

“I’m warning you,” he growled.

“And you think that scares me?” She kept her hand where it
was.

Instead of answering, he caught her hand, making her release
him. With a quick motion, he was standing with her over his shoulder. “I think
you need a cold shower.”

Andie tried to protest through her laughter. “No. Please.
I’ll be good.”

“I’m sure you will be.” He twisted her words in a suggestive
tone as he carried her to the bathroom. When he had them beneath a stream of
hot, not cold, water, he trapped her against the tiles. “Time to teach you what
happens when you ignore me.”

After sheathing himself, Brett reached between her legs,
going for immediate stimulation. When Andie was frantically rubbing against his
hand, he lifted her, impaling her with his shaft. “Since we have a time limit,
we’ll have to make this quick.” He urged her to lock her ankles behind his back
as he thrust relentlessly. He angled her so he constantly brushed her clit.

“Brett,” Andie panted as the first wave of pleasure crashed
over her. Her head rolled side to side as she moaned. When he pumped even
harder, she exploded again.

In no time, Brett was coming too. He rested against her
until his heartbeat slowed. “And that, wench, is called a quickie.”

“Oh my God, how did you do that?”

When he was sure she was steady, he returned her to her
feet. “Better hurry up.” He poured some shampoo on her hair. “Don’t want to
keep them waiting.”

Andie was drying off when she gasped, “Oh God, what am I
going to wear?”

Brett reappeared in the doorway. “I think you should come
take a look before you panic about that.”

“But…”

He pulled her in front of the open closet and waited for her
to see what was inside. “Seems like that’s not an issue.”

“But…”

“I’m sure they’ll explain,” Brett smothered her protest with
a hard kiss. “There. Now you’re not so pale.”

Andie followed his example and dressed hurriedly. “Brett.”
She stopped him at the top of the steps.

He understood her hesitation and held her against his chest.
“They’re not here to judge us. They’re our family. It has to be as important as
Jesse said or they wouldn’t be here so early.”

“But why would they move all my things?”

“No idea.” He raised her chin and looked into her eyes,
letting all his feelings show. “Let’s go find out.” She nodded, still looking
uncertain. “I love you.”

Andie pressed her cheek against his hand. “I love you too.”

“Twenty-nine minutes,” Sadie commented as they entered the
kitchen. “Thank you for not making us wait.”

“Morning, Aunt Sadie,” Andie mumbled, unsure what to say.

Brett pulled her into a chair next to him and looked around
the table. “Not that I object to this breakfast or any of you being here, I’m
just a little surprised to see all of you this early. What’s up?”

Jordan, Kiley, Shane, Alyssa, and Jesse all deferred to
Sadie. “As this bunch already knows, Andrea, Brett called me yesterday and
indicated that you might not be coming home. Since that was all the scoundrel
would say, I enlisted Jesse to come check on your welfare. Stop blushing, dear.
He simply reported that you seemed quite content to stay and assured me I had
nothing to worry about. I know better than to request details. One look at your
faces tells me all I need to know.” She patted Andie’s arm. “I’m very happy for
you. And,” she glared at Brett, “I expect you to keep that look in place. No
more nonsense.”

“I’ll do my best,” Brett promised as he claimed Andie’s
hand.

“Good. Now for the reason we’re all here. I had a call from
your mother not long after I spoke with Jesse.” Andie shuddered. “She and your
grandmother are coming to visit tomorrow.”

“No,” Andie gasped.

“Unfortunately.” Sadie nodded. “I got to thinking and I
decided that it would be best to present your situation as settled. I think
it’ll be harder for them to meddle.” When Andie groaned, Sadie studied her.
“Maybe I’m getting ahead of you. I assumed that Brett planned on inviting you
to stay at the very least.”

“Actually,” Brett interrupted. “That’s kind of backward.
It’s Andie who invited me to stay. This is her house now. She’s also replacing
me as your partner. Without her, I’m homeless, unemployed, and broke.”

“You really did it,” Kiley couldn’t keep from commenting.

“Told you he did.” Jordan looked triumphant. “Brett never
did pay attention to his interests unless I forced him to. Andie, I hope you’re
more willing to discuss things.”

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.” Alyssa laughed at Andie’s
stunned expression. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. I don’t think any of
them do things halfway.”

“Everything?” Sadie finally asked, as Brett and Andie both
nodded. When she slapped the table, Andie jumped. “Hot damn! Well done. I knew
you had some real sense in that pretty head of yours, boy.”

“Thanks.” Brett seemed pleased with Sadie’s approval. “In
case you’re wondering, yes, I did ask Andie to marry me. For now, she has
declined but I understand and respect her reasons and intend to keep asking
until she accepts.”

“Andrea!” Sadie was shocked.

“Don’t start, Miss Sadie,” Brett said protectively. “It’s
entirely Andie’s decision and I won’t let you or anyone else interfere.”

Sadie remained silent for longer than was comfortable.
“Fine,” she said, dismissing the subject. “Back to your mother. I called her
back and asked her to meet us here instead. I enlisted your friends to help me
pack up your things so we could bring them here. We assumed the empty spaces in
the master bedroom were to be filled with Andie’s clothes so we got you all
settled in. Don’t look so horrified. The girls did most of it.”

“Thanks.” Andie blushed. “Why are they coming?”

“To see if you’re ready to get back in line and be a puppet
again. You’ve been with me several months. They must have decided that you’d
had enough time to admit you’d made a mistake and accept that you are incapable
of handling your own life.”

“Oh, this is bad,” Andie remarked.

“Not as bad as it would be if you were in my house and
merely dating. They would try to convince you that Brett thought of you as a
passing fling but isn’t the kind of man you would ever be capable of keeping
interested in you. I heard your grandmother say the same things to your mother
so I must assume they’ll both do that with you. Good girl for not believing
them.”

“But I do,” Andie whispered.

“No, you used to.” Brett forced her to meet his eyes.
“Remember what we said last night? You deserve the best and since we both know
that’s me, you are exactly where you belong. Forever, wench.”

“Beast.” She gave him a tiny smile. “Keep telling me that
after they get here please. And don’t leave me alone with either of them for
too long.”

“Not a problem,” Brett assured her. “I have the constant
need to touch you to make sure you’re really here so I doubt I’d let you out of
my sight even without them here.”

“Aw.” Kiley sniffled.

Jordan pulled her chair closer so she could bury her head in
his shoulder. “What she is trying to say is how sweet that sounded. We’ll
provide reinforcements too, Andie. I took the liberty of arranging a little
dinner tomorrow night to celebrate. Both sets of our parents will be here
before the ladies arrive. Mom mentioned how often Gwen and Alex ask about you
Andie, so I think they’ll give you both plenty of moral support.”

“They did seem taken with you when they saw you over the
summer. It’ll be fine. You’re also forgetting how charming I can be when I work
at it,” Brett added.

Andie laughed. “I’m well aware of your effect on women. I’m
sure they’ll adore you just like every other female.”

“Stop scowling, Brett,” Jesse piped up. “Andie is just
teasing you. She knows she’s the only woman in your life from now on.”

“It’s entertaining to see you so insecure,” Shane added.
“But Jesse’s right, you don’t have any reason to be. You know what she can do
so I sure she’ll let you know if you step out of line.”

“I do wish I’d been here to see that,” Sadie admitted as
Brett groaned.

Andie couldn’t hold in a giggle. “I was so angry I didn’t
think about what I was doing. I really didn’t plan on anything more than
showing you that I could have escaped if I’d wanted to.”

“Planned or not, you were very effective.” Brett grinned.
“Did they say how long they were staying?”

“No,” Sadie answered. “I’ll stay until Tuesday but I’m
afraid they’ll be here longer. Especially if you let them get under your skin,
Andie. Your grandmother has always been able to spot fear a mile away so you
mustn’t let them scare you. This is your home now. One that you share with the
man you’ve chosen. You already have students in town so you’re doing what you
told them you love. Don’t let them intimidate you.”

“Thank you, Aunt Sadie. What would I do without you in my
corner?”

“You’d be just fine, with or without me. And don’t forget
your father. He may not stand up to your mother often but when he does, he
doesn’t back down. He’s the one who insisted you visit Hank and me every
summer. I didn’t think you ever knew that,” Sadie said at Andie’s surprised
expression.

“I really need to meet him,” Brett stated as he glanced
around the table. “Everyone here will help us keep them outnumbered.”

“You’re our family now too,” Jordan said sincerely.

“That’s right,” Shane agreed.

“And nobody messes with my family,” Alyssa added, making
them all laugh.

“I don’t know what to say.” Andie was getting choked up.

“How about thanks for breakfast and what can you bring for
dessert?” Kiley spoke up. “Dee and Will are coming too to show you already have
other friends in town. Dee’s helping with dinner but Sadie mentioned that you
make wonderful pecan pie.

“Ooh.” Alyssa licked her lips. “I think I’m going to love
having you across the street.”

“Campini, don’t even think it,” Shane tried to sound fierce.
“You promised.”

“I know.” She rolled her eyes. “We’re starting to talk baby
and Shane insists I eat more healthy things before we try to get pregnant.”

“Lyss!” Kiley pounced on her cousin.

“Don’t excite yourself, Kiley,” Shane advised. “So far she’s
been very unsuccessful at cutting down on her sugar intake. I think this is
going to take quite some time to accomplish.”

“I’m doing better.” Alyssa scowled.

“Marginally,” Shane admitted.

“Stop picking on me, McKade.” She swatted his arm. “Focus on
why we’re here please. Andie and Brett, remember?”

“I think we were settled. Tell me you’re not cooking this
healthy stuff,” Brett teased.

“Knock it off. Andie, I expect you to keep him in line,”
Alyssa declared.

“Maybe she could tie him up until he promises to behave,”
Jesse suggested wickedly as Kiley began to clear the table.

“I said I would do that,” Jordan took the plate out of her
hand.

Instead of sitting, Kiley exchange a look with Alyssa who
joined her in slipping from the room. “Ah, Jordan…” Brett drew his attention.

“Damn!” Jordan thrust the dishes at Shane and rushed after
them. “Get back here,” he yelled as he took the steps two at a time.

“Obviously,” Sadie stated, “I’ve missed something.”

“Miss Sadie, there are some things I think it best that you
don’t know.” Jesse winked at Andie.