Condemned (28 page)

“Oh God.” Andie buried her face in her hands.

“Hey. No hiding. Where’s the brave wench who was here
earlier?” Brett leaned over and nibbled on her neck. “You can show them when
you’re ready.”

“I couldn’t…”

“Sure you could.” Brett looked around the table again.
“Family, remember? No judgment but lots of prying.”

“Sorry.” Jordan walked in behind his wife and sister-in-law.
“They are a bit curious.”

“Aren’t we all?” Jesse chuckled. “But we’ll refrain from imposing
our presence any longer today. We’ll just finish up here.” He handed Shane the
last of the plates. “And then we’ll be out of your hair.”

“Mom and Dad should be here with your parents around one
tomorrow. We’ll send them over so you can share your news. Ladies.” Jordan
ushered Kiley and Sadie out. “I’m sure they can come up with plenty to do
without us until then.”

“Yeah, we’ll be heading home too to rescue Flynn who
volunteered to entertain Charlie while we talked. She doesn’t understand why
adults need time without children listening for some things. Flynn and Joey
will rake up your path this afternoon but they won’t hang around.”

“I’ll be off too.” Jesse gave Andie a hug. “Told you that
the cosmic plan wanted this for you. Promise you two won’t mess with it again.”

When they both had, Jesse handed Andie back over to Brett
and followed Shane and Alyssa home.

Chapter Thirty-Four

“Let me,” Gwen Hudson patted her son’s arm and followed
Andie into the kitchen. “Can we sit for a moment?”

Andie was a bundle of nerves ever since Brett had insisted
they call her father that morning. The two men’d had a lengthy conversation
after which Stan Sloan wished his daughter all the happiness in the world and
promised to visit soon. He had apologized for her mother’s behavior in advance,
causing Andie’s present state. Even the acceptance she got from Brett’s parents
hadn’t done much to ease the dread she had for her family’s impending arrival.

“I’d like to have a private word with you, if you don’t
mind,” Gwen spoke softly. “Brett gave us a hint of the reaction your family may
have to your news and the plans they had for you. I won’t pretend to understand
why some parents are less than supportive of their children. It would make
sense if you were doing something self-destructive but that’s not the case
here. I just wanted to tell you again how thrilled Alex and I are that you and
our son found each other. I sensed you were interested last summer. I could see
that Brett was hiding and I was afraid he wouldn’t let himself open up to you.

“I listened to his conversation with Jordan on the radio.
It’s an awful thing for a mother to learn her son is facing trouble alone. Alex
and I have always made it clear that Brett could come to us with anything. I
don’t know why he thought that had changed or why he’d turned away from Jordan.
It also sounded as if he’d done something that had hurt you terribly. I know he
isn’t likely to explain much to us though I suspect he finally discussed all of
it with Jordan. The thought that my son had caused you pain tore at my heart. I
can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that you managed to work through
whatever it was. I was afraid he’d driven you away without even realizing what
he could have had.”

“Thank you.” Andie sniffled at her kind words. “I wish my
mother were more like you. She’s not likely to be as receptive as you and your
husband are. Um…”

“What is it, Andie? I know we have a lot to learn about each
other but I also know you’re part of our family now. I hope that one day you’ll
think of me as more than Brett’s mother and know you can come to me or Alex for
any reason just as he can. We won’t be able to refrain from treating you as our
child. But if you’re uncomfortable with our familiarity, I’ll speak with Alex
and we’ll both try to maintain a bit of distance until you know us better.”

“Brett kept telling me you’d talk to me like this but I’m
afraid I didn’t believe him. My own mother never accepted me for who I am and
my grandmother is even worse. I didn’t think it was possible for you to welcome
me. If I’m awkward at times, as I’m sure I will be, please just ignore me. My
Aunt Sadie and Uncle Hank were the only ones who openly encouraged me and Mom
always limited the time I spent with them. I’m just beginning to see that Dad
supports me more than I knew. I’m going to need some time to get used to the
way your family treats each other.”

“I’m sure my son will help you. I’ve never seen this side of
him. But then he’s never been in love before either.”

Andie hopped up to pace. “I need to tell you something.
Brett asked me to marry him and I said no.”

“I see.” Gwen proceeded cautiously, as if not wanting to say
the wrong thing. “You rejected his offer yet you’re together now and clearly
plan on staying together.”

“I didn’t exactly reject him. I asked for time as just a
couple first.”

“Does that mean you intend to be married at some point in
the future?”

“Yes. I’ve dreamed about that since we met.”

“Andrea, do you love my son?”

“More than anything.”

“Do you have any doubt that he feels the same for you?”

“None.”

“As his mother, that’s enough for me to wish you both the
best life can offer. He appears content with your situation so why would his
father or I object when he doesn’t? I won’t deny that I’d be thrilled to hear
of wedding plans but I’m no less thrilled that you’ve made the commitment
without the ceremony. You have to live your life the way that’s best for you.
No one, not even a parent, can decide what that is for you. I’m sorry that your
mother doesn’t share that opinion. I’m not saying her way of doing things is
wrong. That’s not my place. I just thought you should know that she and I have
differing views. I can assure you that Brett will do all he can to make this
visit pleasant for all of you.”

“I’m sure Mom and Grandmother will be quite attracted to
Brett. I’ve already accepted that all women find him irresistible even when
he’s not intentionally trying to charm them. I must admit that I could be
insecure if I let myself be but my heart knows better. No, it’s not their
reaction to Brett that makes me wish they weren’t coming. It’s what they are
going to say about me. I can already hear them saying how I’m a disappointment
by continuing with my foolishness. I fully expect them to say that I’m taking
advantage of Brett’s good nature by using him to aid with my defiance. They’ll
accuse me of being a spoiled brat who is merely having a temper tantrum and
tell me that it’s time to put aside my childish notions and accept the path
they know I was meant to follow. I really hope they don’t start during dinner
but I won’t be surprised if they do. I’m sorry that you might see this.”

“Honestly, I hope they do say something while we’re all
together. That way, I can express my opinion too. And I can guarantee that
Jordan’s mom will speak up as well. No, don’t you give it another thought. We
won’t hesitate to point out the many flaws in their views. But if they do find
the sense to wait for a more private moment, I’m positive Brett will be very
vocal in your defense. I can’t imagine him holding his tongue while anyone
speaks unfairly to you. I’m sure you can already see beyond that image he
projects. My son may fool most everyone into thinking he’s constantly mellow
without a care in the world but we both know he’s not. Not when someone he
cares about is up against adversity. When he and Jordan met in first grade they
formed a bond that has amazed me ever since. Over the years, he’s found a few
others that he’s extended that to. I expect that the one he has with you is
even stronger.”

“I think it is. I always knew Brett was more than he seemed.
He’s an incredible man. I don’t know why he chose me but I know what a lucky
woman that makes me. I hope I don’t disappoint him because I know how much
faith he has in me already. They are a rare bunch, aren’t they?”

“Yes, they are. But you must see how much a part of the
bunch you are. If you follow your heart and let Brett share the things that
make you happy, nothing you do could ever put a dent in that faith. I can sense
the same from you. You may think you’re lucky to have Brett but I think he’s
just as lucky to have you. I suspect he is equally concerned that he might let
you down but I’m counting on you not to let him. You are quite a woman, Andrea
Sloan. I’m truly fortunate that you and my son are making a life together.”

“Thank you, Gwen. I don’t think you know how much the things
you said mean to me.”

“I understand. I can assure you that Alex shares my
thoughts. I hope you’ll keep this in mind if your mother and grandmother try to
make you question your decisions. Whether we’re present or not, tell yourself
that you have us.”

Brett walked in as Andie hugged his mother in thanks. “I
should probably apologize for barging in on you but I can’t stand knowing if
Mom is saying something to upset you, Andie.”

“If I didn’t know how new this is to you, I’d be offended by
that.” Gwen glared at her son. “We were just having a little chat to reinforce
the moral support you already offered on our behalf. I can guess the things
you’ve said but sometimes it helps to hear it personally.”

“So you’re okay in here?”

“We’re fine.” Andie flashed him a reassuring smile. “You
weren’t really worried?”

“Get used to it. Men in love tend to be a bit
overprotective. Alex and I have been married for thirty years and he still
comes to my rescue if he imagines I might need it. In fact, if I stay in here
with you much longer, he’ll come to see if our son is harassing me even though
he could guess what I intended to say to you. I’ll go head him off so Brett
gets a minute alone with you before your family arrives.” She winked at Andie.

“Relax, son. This lovely girl and I will get along just fine
once you manage to give us some time to get to know each other. I’m looking
forward to it but I will understand if it takes awhile for you to be able to
let her out of your sight.”

“I’d be lying if I said it would be any time soon,” Brett
admitted. “I’m having trouble believing that Andie’s keeping me after all I put
her through. She’s much too good for me, Mom.”

“See that you don’t forget it.” Gwen chuckled. “I think I’ll
go see if your father has managed to get himself in trouble with Sadie yet.
We’ll shout when they pull up. We can entertain ourselves so don’t think you
need to come in there and sit with us.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Brett could see Andie’s confusion. “I tried to tell you how
cool she is.”

“I know but I guess I didn’t believe you. Keep in mind I
have no experience with a mom like that.”

“Maybe she’ll surprise you. Your dad was great. Maybe she
and your grandmother are coming so they can tell you that they finally
understand what you’ve been telling them and want to apologize for pushing
you.”

“If they are you better be ready to catch me when I pass out
from shock.”

“It would be my pleasure. Seriously, no matter what they say
you can count on me staying by your side. No one will separate this beast from
his wench.”

“That’s good because this wench isn’t ever letting go of her
beast either,” Andie declared as she drew his face to hers. When their lips
touched, Andie urged Brett’s apart. She kissed him with abandon, as if trying
to forget for a moment that her mother was about to swoop in and possibly
destroy her newfound happiness.

Brett understood Andie’s need and returned her kiss with
equal ferocity. He knew she was afraid of the havoc her family would attempt to
wreak as soon as they had the opportunity. What she didn’t realize was how
determined he was to show her that he would never permit them to make her feel
insecure again. They could say their worst and he would find a way to counter
whatever it was. She’d learn to trust his parents soon enough too. It might
take some time but Andie would eventually see that she was now a member of his
family and could rely on all of them.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Brett leaned against the doorjamb and watched Andie shift
things around on the piano in preparation for Charlie’s lesson. Her grandmother
had returned home but her mother showed no signs of leaving. With the help of
their friends they had been successful in preventing Andie from being cornered
but they all knew it was just a matter of time before Adele managed to catch
her alone.

He’d spent the entire week oozing as much charm as he could
muster. As a result, Andie’s mother seemed taken with him. Her constant
preening annoyed Brett to such an extent that he wanted nothing more than to
toss her out on her phony butt and slam the door behind her. The tension he
felt radiating from Andie grew every time her mother simpered in his direction.
The woman had no shame with the way she deliberately cut off her daughter’s
statements, interrupting conversations that had nothing to do with her. She
demanded to be the center of attention, dismissing Andie in a way that made it
clear that Adele thought of her daughter as less than whoever else was present.

Brett would love to speak his mind and put Adele in her
place. He itched to state what everyone was thinking, that Andie was a rare
treasure of a woman who deserved to be cherished and protected from anyone who
couldn’t see it. Unfortunately, he knew he had to keep his mouth shut. He had
to continue to be polite and pleasant. He had to make the horrid woman feel
welcome. It wasn’t up to him to send her home. Only Andie could do that this
first time. Hopefully, she would realize that soon, before the stress took an
even greater toll than it already had.

“I’m sorry,” Brett spoke, startling her since she didn’t
know he was standing there.

“W-what?” She couldn’t break through the isolation that
surrounded her to grasp what he was apologizing for.

“This is not how I wanted us to spend our first weeks
together. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“If you don’t toss me out first.” She couldn’t hide her
torment. “I don’t know why she didn’t go home with Grandmother. I’m beginning
to think she’s going to stay forever. Or until I say I’m ready to go back with
her. I can’t believe the way she bats her eyelashes at you. You probably hate
me by now and are ready to pack me off with her and say good riddance to both
of us.”

Brett wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his
chin on her head. “Don’t even joke about that. I won’t deny that I’ve had
enough of your mother to last me a lifetime. You, on the other hand, promise
you’re not leaving. I’ll never get enough of you. You’re my life, Andie.”

“Thank you.” She turned in his arms and held on tightly. “I
needed to hear you say that. I know you’re just being nice for my sake but I’m
actually starting to be a little jealous of my own mother. I keep expecting her
to make me leave so she can be alone with you.”

“Not gonna happen. No way. No how. As willing as I am to
keep the peace, I have to draw the line at that. She so much as hints that she
expects me to perform for her and you’ll have to call Shane to restrain me.
It’s hard enough to keep my mouth shut so I don’t tell her to stop behaving
like she has been. We barely finished telling her that we had a committed
relationship and intended to live together and she started with that act of
hers. If she were anyone but your mother, I’d have been very blunt long before
now. I hope you don’t mind that I hide behind you when we’re all in the same
room.”

“It doesn’t seem to matter. She talks around me like I’m not
even there. Maybe I should just confront her alone so she can say what she
wants. Maybe if she did she’d be ready to go.”

“Maybe, but I’d prefer that she not tear into you. If I
don’t hear her, I won’t get to tell her what I think of her opinion. I
shouldn’t gripe like this. I’m not being fair to you. I’m just feeling deprived
by the way we have no privacy. How does she always manage to show up as soon as
I get you in my arms? I can’t tell you the images that I see in my mind of us
all over this house. If we don’t get some time to enjoy each other soon, I’m
going to ask Jordan if we can stay in the gatehouse for a night and sneak you
over there after she’s asleep. I hate that we have to hide in our room and
whisper so she doesn’t come knock on the door like she did the first night. I
miss hearing you when we make love.”

“Me too. She makes me forget that this is our home and she’s
the one who is imposing. I wish we could go upstairs and play too. I want to
find out what other toys you got for us but I don’t want to be constrained.
With her room right beneath there, I doubt if we’d enjoy it very much.”

“She can’t stay forever. Maybe I’ll call your dad later and
see what he thinks.”

“I doubt if he knows anything more than we do. Um, Brett?”
Andie blushed.

“What? You’re blushing.”

“Charlie’s going to be here in a few minutes.”

“Yes.”

“But Mom won’t be back for a few hours.”

“Yes.” Brett returned her grin, hoping she was about to
suggest what he was thinking.

“Why don’t you go upstairs and get yourself all ready for
me? I’ll come up when we’re done down here.”

“Hmm, you want me to go wait for you? You want me ready when
you get upstairs?” Andie nodded to both. “You gonna think about what we’re
gonna do so you’re ready too? It’s only fair.”

“I’m already ready,” Andie murmured as she hid her face
against his chest.

Brett groaned. “Wench. You said that on purpose, knowing
that I want to unzip your jeans and see for myself. You also know I won’t
because Charlie would walk in on us.”

“I, um, you could probably be able to tell if you touched my
jeans on the outside.”

Brett’s hand was on her instantly. She was right. He could
feel her heat through her jeans. He captured her mouth in a searing kiss as he
pressed harder against her mound. He shifted his hips so she would feel how
hard he was for her.

“Mm.” Andie gave him a playful squeeze. “This is a good
start but I expect it to be even better by the time I get up there.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Brett promised as he continued to
stimulate her through her clothes. “I have some drawings of a very sexy wench
that I can look at if I need extra motivation.”

Andie wiggled against him, loving the way he made her feel.
“Just make sure you don’t get so worked up that you don’t wait for me.”

“I’ll wait. I won’t promise that I’ll make it much longer
than it takes to get inside you but I will hold off that long. At least we
managed to sneak out to the doctor’s so we don’t have to waste time on condoms
anymore.”

“I agree. And it’s good you’re so ready. I want the first
time today to be as hard and as fast as you can make it. I want you as out of
control as I feel so don’t even consider holding anything back.”

“Andie,” Brett groaned.

“I know.” She kissed him as hard as he’d kissed her. “You’d
better get out of here. I don’t want Charlie to see you like this and ask
questions.”

“As we both know she would.” He kissed her one last time.
“Don’t cut her lesson short but please try not to keep her extra either. I’ll
be in pain if you take too long to get to me.”

“Can’t have that.” She forced herself to step away from him.
“See you soon.”

Brett pulled his sketches of Andie from the drawer where
he’d stashed them. He opened his fly, freeing his erection from his jeans just
enough that she would be able to see it when she walked in. He’d removed his
briefs downstairs, deciding Andie would like the picture he’d present once she
joined him. He left the door open so she could peek at him first if she wanted
to. Thinking of how excited she was when she suggested this rendezvous and the
way she blushed made the visual stimulation unnecessary. Brett was more than
ready to fuck Andie hard and fast like she’d requested. He positioned himself on
the bed and spread his drawings around him anyway. Looking at them, Brett knew
they were good but not as good as having the wench in person. When he thought
Charlie’s lesson was almost over, he wrapped one hand around his shaft,
stroking himself slowly, knowing Andie would be even more turned on when she
saw him.

Brett heard footsteps approaching the open door of their
playroom. He continued his movement, turning his head slightly away to
concentrate on the picture of Andie he held in his other hand. Out of the
corner of his eye, he saw motion and knew the door was being pushed open the
rest of the way.

Brett was about to face Andie with a seductive grin when the
shrieking started. It was Adele standing there, not Andie. She was staring at
his exposed crotch, her eyes glued to his erection. Brett struggled to tuck
himself back into his pants as she glanced at the drawings of her naked
daughter surrounding him.

Adele continued to scream as she backed out of the room and
ran for the door that would take her downstairs. “You stay away from me! Don’t
touch me!” She yelled even louder as she made her way to the steps that led to
the kitchen. “Don’t come near me you-you pervert!”

Brett snagged her arm before she burst into the solarium.
“Stop! You are not interrupting Charlie’s lesson. I don’t give a damn what you
think you just saw but I am not about to let you barge in when Andie’s
teaching. Just sit down and shut up.”

“Stay away from me.” Adele was marginally quieter. “Pervert!
Sicko!”

Andie and Charlie were just finishing up when she heard the
shouting. As quickly as she could, she ushered Charlie out to Flynn and Joey
who were waiting to take her home.

“What’s going on in here?” Andie asked as she rushed into
the kitchen.

Adele stood on one side of the room and pointed at Brett who
was lounging against the counter. “That, that pervert was, he was touching
himself. With pictures of you. Andrea, go upstairs and pack your things. You
are coming home with me this instant!”

Andie suddenly understood what her mother had walked in on.
She glanced at Brett who nodded and shrugged, confirming her conclusion. He was
so obviously fighting to keep a straight face that Andie couldn’t look at him.
“Calm down, Mom.”

“Calm down? Calm down! How can you tell me to calm down? You
have no idea what kind of deviant that man is. Thank goodness I’m here to
protect you. All week I’ve been trying to come up with a reason why he would
possibly want you here. Now it’s all perfectly clear. He thinks he can use his
charm and his money to attract an inexperienced girl like you. Well, I won’t
permit it. Andrea, he has a room up there that must be just for the sick things
he’s planning for you. Did you even know it was there? There are ropes on the
bed,” she said with disgust.

“Yes, I know. Why are you back so soon? I thought you told
me you were going shopping and wouldn’t be home until after dinner?”

“I changed my mind and it’s a good thing I did. Who knows
the perverted things he would have forced you to do if I hadn’t gotten back
when I did? Why are you still standing there? Get upstairs and collect your
things. I won’t stay in this house one second longer than I have to. You’re
lucky I haven’t already called the police,” she screamed at Brett. “Thinking
you could take advantage of someone like my daughter. How many other
unattractive girls have you lured here with your good looks? I knew there was
something wrong with you the instant you claimed to be serious about my poor
daughter.”

“Mother,” Andie growled. “Shut up!”

“Andrea!”

“I mean it. Not one more word.”

“Andrea, stop it. He’s been telling you lies, don’t you see?
He flashed his smile and his money to get your attention. He gave you false
hopes that someone like you could actually interest a handsome, sophisticated
man like he pretends to be all so he could make you do unmentionable things.
Sexual things, Andrea.”

“That’s enough.” Andie slammed her palm on the table. “For
your information, this is my house. I’m the one who invited Brett to live with
me. He’s practically penniless and I couldn’t care less. And as to that room up
there, I’ve not only seen it but spent many very pleasurable hours there
already. I tied myself to that bed more than once and can’t wait to do it
again. How dare you speak about things that are no one’s business but ours?
What I beg Brett to do with me is private and I forbid you from every saying
another word about it.”

“My God, Andrea, he’s brainwashed you! We have to get out of
here.”

“You go right ahead. You’ve overstayed your welcome anyway.
I don’t know what you thought you were up to and I truly don’t even care
anymore. I’ve had enough of your meddling. I’ve tried to tell you to butt out
of my life nicely for years but you and Grandmother never listen. Well, I’m
done being nice. From now on, you can either accept the way I choose to live or
you can disown me. I’m not wasting another minute worrying about what you
think.”

“You ungrateful brat. You can’t speak to me like that. I’m
your mother and it’s high time you remembered that. After all I’ve done for
you!” Adele raised her hand and took a step toward Andie.

Brett’s fingers clamped around Adele’s wrist. “I wouldn’t
try it if I were you. You may be her mother but I won’t let you lay a hand on
her. It’s been bad enough, watching you treat her with so little respect. I’d
hoped that Andie and Sadie were exaggerating about the attitude you and your
mother seem to have toward her. Now that I’ve spent some time with both of you,
I realize that they were being too kind in their descriptions. I don’t
understand why you keep trying to undermine Andie’s confidence. She’s a
beautiful, talented, loving, and generous woman with the kindest heart and the
sweetest nature. Why aren’t you proud of all your daughter is instead of
harping on the imaginary faults you seem compelled to invent?”

“Of all the nerve,” Adele gasped at Brett. “What makes you
think you have any right to criticize me after I saw the indecent thing you
were doing?”