Do Not Disturb (14 page)

"Well..." Allison reached up to touch
his cheek. He was a very sexy man. It might just happen after all.

"I had it all neat and the pillows arranged.
Just perfect. And then Kelly was in here while I dressed and she messed it
up." She ran her fingers back down his arm, watching goosebumps form on
his damp skin. "And then the doorbell rang and, well I couldn't stop and
straighten it back up. How would I explain that to Kelly?" She ventured
back around to his chest. Did she actually feel him moving against her leg?
"She’d already asked me what people our age did on a date."

"Kids sure are nosy, aren't they?" Brett
asked, his voice catching as her fingers roamed over his skin. "Caroline
asked why we needed to go out tonight if the four of us were already going to
celebrate tomorrow night."

"I wonder how married couples manage
to..." Allison stopped. “You know...”

"Kids just have to learn that their parents
need time alone. I guess ours haven't learned that. They’re so used to having
us dedicated to their every need."

Allison paused, trying to figure out how to ask.
Finally, she just blurted it out. “Does that mean you haven’t brought a lot of
other women home to meet Caroline?”

Brett seized Allison and pulled her on top of him,
her face landing a few inches in front of his. “You’re the first.”

Her eyes opened wide. “I’m not the first one
you’ve...”

“No.” He shook his head. “There were a few friends
over the years, but nothing serious. No one that mattered.” He sunk his fingers
in her tangled curls. “Before now.”

“Oh.” A warmth rushed through her heart.

He whispered, "Are you ready to finish what
you just started?"

She arched her brows. "What are you talking
about?"

He moved her hand down to his erection. "You
know exactly what I mean."

“Why I wasn’t trying to...”

“Sure you weren’t.” He rolled on his back and
pulled her on top, hugging her close. “Amazing at my age. I thought it would
take me a lot longer to be ready again. It seems you have a very special effect
on me.”

She smiled at the sensation of his hardness below
her. Yes, maybe it would be possible with him. "Are you complaining?"

“Never.” He braced her face with his palms. “But
if you’re waiting till next time. I’ll wait till next time. I already owe you
one.”

“I don’t mind if you owe me two.”

He patted her bottom. “Well, well. I like this
optimism. So you think I can manage two for you next time, huh?”

“Maybe if you show me some of your relaxation
techniques.”

“Oh wow.” His head fell back on the pillow.
“Pressure.”

“You promised, Brett.”

“So I did.” He picked up her hand and kissed her
palm. ”Well, I’m ready to pay my debt anytime."

#

Allison plumped her pillow and hugged it to her
chest. It was no substitute for Brett’s hard body. His scent was faint on the
pillowcase, but the memories of making love were vivid.

And she had been so close.

Was he right? If she was able to relax, would it
happen?

Allison smiled. He did seem determined to make it
wonderful for her too. She had never felt so wanted.

Turning off the light, she snuggled under the
covers.

She could learn to be laid back, let it happen.

Her body still ached with desire.

She’d better learn soon.

“Ladies.” Brett stood in his front hall, one hand
on the doorknob, waving Allison and Kelly inside. “Hope you slept well,
Allison. You’ll need your energy to keep up at the mall.”

Allison blushed at the wicked look in his eyes. “I
slept very well, Brett. How about you?”

“Fantastic. I was very relaxed.” He closed the
door. “Must have been the nice dinner. What do you think?”

She ignored his question and avoided his eyes, but
determined to have his way, he escorted her down the hall.

“Kelly, why don’t you check on Caroline? I want to
show your mother something in my study.”

“Sure Mr. Tyler.”

“What?” Allison followed him into a small room at
the back of the house. A computer, a printer and a tangled assortment of papers
overwhelmed a long desk set up under the window. Off to the left, a padded
bench waited in front of a rack of free weights. So that’s where those muscles
come from.

Brett twirled her around and into his chest.

“Good morning, darling.” He claimed her mouth in a
fervent kiss.

She mumbled against his mouth. “Brett, the girls
-”

“The door’s shut.” He tugged her to his leather
office chair, drew her into his lap, and lowered her back against his arm. “We
have a few minutes of privacy and I know how to spend it.”

He kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose and
then captured her mouth again. “I want you again, baby. More than ever now that
I know how wonderful it is to make love to you.”

Her still taut body responded. Wrapping her arms
around his neck, she settled into his lap, with a maximum of movement. He
inhaled suddenly.

“Anything wrong?” She ran her fingers down his
shoulder, tickling his bare arm below his elbow with her fingernails.

“Nothing you can’t fix.” He closed his hand over
her breast. “Want to help me out?”

She laughed. “I’d love to...” She jumped up and
moved back out his reach. “But I don’t think we have time.”

He bound out of the chair and shoved his body
against hers. “Come on. We’ll tell the girls you’ll be leaving in an hour. That
will give us plenty of time to get you relaxed and then...”

“Brett.” She slapped his chest, her face turning a
bright red.

He kissed her lips gently. “I think I owe you
something.”

A voice followed a knock. “Dad, you in there?”

“Damn,” Brett said, releasing Allison. “I’m going
to buy that do not disturb sign yet.”

Allison laughed, opening the door. “You girls
ready to shop?” She looked back over her shoulder at Brett, now slumped in his
chair. “You get to work and don’t leave this room until those financial plans
for your new client are complete.”

“Yes, mom.” He waved as the women headed down the
hall.

#

Christmas had arrived at Tampa Bay Mall and
Thanksgiving was still a few weeks away. But at least most of the crowds
remained at the beach.

As they strolled through Burdines department
store, Caroline slowed to touch party dresses set out for the holidays.

Allison reached for Kelly. “Let’s go over here.”

“Do you want to look at a dress, Caroline?”
Allison asked, stopping next to the display of velvet and taffeta outfits.

Caroline’s wide eyes moved to Allison’s face.

“These are very pretty, aren’t they?” Allison
selected a dress and held it up. “What do you think, Kelly?”

“Wow...” Kelly stared at the fancy outfit. “Do you
want one of these Caroline?”

Caroline’s mouth opened and then shut, looking
uncomfortable.

Allison lay a hand on her shoulder. “That’s what
we’re here for. To shop. If you need a dress, let’s do it.”

“Well...” Caroline’s voice was so soft, Allison
leaned down to eye level with the hesitant girl.

“What is it?” Allison asked.

“My mother’s having this party for Thanksgiving.”
Caroline looked at her shoes.” And I know she wants me to be dressed up.” She
lifted her face to Allison. “I didn’t want to bother Dad with it, but my mother
will be very upset if I show up with what I wore last year, even though it’s a
very nice dress and I haven’t even worn it since, it’s just that she - ”

“I love shopping for new dresses. Especially fancy
ones.” Allison interrupted Caroline and squeezed her shoulder. “This will be
fun, won’t it Kelly?”

“Yeah.” Kelly ran to another rack of clothes.
“You’re so lucky.”

#

“Girls, I think we have done the mall.” Allison
slammed the trunk of her car. “If we stay any longer they’ll have to re-stock
before Christmas.”

“It was great, mom.” Kelly jumped in the back
seat. “Thanks for the sweatshirt.” She held up a pink garment emblazoned with
her favorite rock star’s image. “I know I don’t need it, but this is so
perfect.” She hugged it to her chest.

Caroline leaned over the front seat. “Thanks, Ms.
Hill, for helping me with the dress. And the shoes.” She smiled, her face full
of gratitude. “Dad wouldn’t have known what to get.”

“You’re welcome, Caroline.” Allison faced the
front of the car, afraid Caroline would see the mist at the edge of her eyes.
What a sweet child. How can her mother not appreciate how lucky she is? “Shall
we go see if your dad finished his work and made dinner or if we’re going to
have to get fast food?”

“I’m sure he made lasagna,” Caroline said firmly.
“He promised.”

Yes, Caroline, I’m sure you’re right. If your
father promised, then he made lasagna. He was a man who kept his promises.

#

"Sit here." Brett patted the spot on the
couch next to him.

Allison looked over her shoulder then sank down in
the middle of the sofa.

He draped his arm around her neck as she settled
in next to him. "Closer."

Shrugging, she tried to move away. "They'll
be right back."

"They'll be at least ten minutes." He
held her firm against his side. "And besides, it's past time to let them
see us."

She dropped her head back on his arm. "I
don't know, Brett." She sighed and closed her eyes. "I told you I'm
just not sure how to do this."

"Do what?"

"You know," she whispered.
"This." She waved her arms.

"You mean the fact that we're..." He
showered her with kisses between words,
"...close...involved...lovers..."

"Shhhh." She clapped her hand over his
mouth, but felt him smile under her palm, then nibble on her skin. When she
jerked her hand away, he laughed.

"It's true, you know. And I don't know why
you're afraid to let the girls see us." He tipped her face toward his.
"I'm not ashamed of our relationship, are you?"

His face was serious.

"No. I'm not ashamed. I just truly don't know
how to act around them." She dropped her head to the top of his shirt. The
hair on his chest sprouting around the collar brought back memories of how
wonderful it felt to have Brett hold her, naked. "I told you. This is new
to me."

He leaned into her ear. "Well, if you
remember what I told you about my previous life, this is a new experience for
me, too." He picked up her hand, rubbing the top of her knuckles.
"But, I want Caroline to know, and even see, that it's possible for a man
and woman to care about each other. To have a good relationship."

Her heart leapt to her throat. A relationship.

"Dad, you ready?" Caroline called out
from the hall.

"We'll talk later." He squeezed her
fingers and let them go, but kept his arm around her shoulder. "We're
ready."

Caroline waltzed into the family room with Kelly
close behind her.

"Oh my..." Brett raised his right hand
and circled it in the air. "Turn around."

Caroline twirled slowly, then stopped, her eyes
twinkling. "Isn't it gorgeous?"

"Yes, Caro, it is definitely gorgeous."
His voice was filled with emotion. "You're lucky Ms. Hill was with you.
I'm not sure I would've let you buy something that grown-up."

"Oh Dad, it's not too grown-up.” Caroline
slapped her hands to her side, trying to act indignant. “You think I'm still a
little girl."

"That's true. You'll always be my little girl."

"Dad..."

"Okay, Miss Tyler." Brett laughed.
"You do look great, honey. It'll be perfect for Thanksgiving."

"Let's go, Kelly. I'll put on some shorts and
then we watch television." Caroline converted from grown-up in a fancy new
dress back to pre-teen in an instant.

"Thanks." Brett leaned around Allison
and kissed her briefly on the mouth and then moved back an inch or two. "I
feel awful I didn't know about the dress. I asked her if she needed anything
for the trip, and she didn't mention it."

"Don't feel bad.” She placed her hand on his
face. “I'm not sure how many girls would take their father shopping for a
dress, no matter what the circumstances."

"You're sweet to say that. And, knowing her
mother, she's probably behind this whole new dress idea." His face
brightened. "But, seeing how proud Caroline is, I'm glad she got it,
whatever the reason. And I'm glad she felt comfortable asking you to
help."

That's what friends are for." Allison smiled.
"Isn't that what you tell me every time you've helped me?"

"Yeah." He kissed each side of her
mouth. "And you are certainly my idea of a friend." He touched her
lips with his tongue and then moved in for a deep, passionate kiss.

She responded for a second and then pushed him
away. "I'm sure our few minutes of privacy are about up."

"I'll be working on finding more private time
soon, darling." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Be ready."

She was ready.

#

"Pause the movie, Caroline." Brett
reached for the ringing phone. "Hello."

Allison shifted away as he leaned forward, resting
his left elbow on his knee.

"Hello, Mother." The muscles in Brett's
back bunched under his cotton shirt.

"No." He stood up and walked to the
window looking out over the dark back yard. "I can't."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry,
but no." Resting his hand on his hip, he arched his back. "Tell
everyone I said hello and I'll call you soon." He dropped his hand to his
side.

Allison waited, but he continued to stand still.
After several seconds, his shoulders lifted and he turned around, nodding to
Caroline. "Start the movie."

Settling back on the couch next to Allison, he
slung his arm along the back of the seat and glared at the television. He sat
for ten minutes, not moving a muscle, his right elbow resting on the couch arm,
his hand covering his mouth, then he stood.

"I need some fresh air." He glanced at
Allison. "You want to take a walk or stay here?"

She followed him through the front hall. He locked
the door and walked silently down the walk to the edge of the drive. Scattered
street lights provided patches of light alternating with darkness.

They walked past five houses before Allison spoke.
"Is anything wrong with your parents?"

Brett laughed. "No, they’re perfect." He
grabbed Allison's hand and swung it between them. "As always."

She waited and walked. She’d seen him happy,
furious, worried and now...well, it was hard to tell what was happening now.

"I try not to let them bother me, but they
have this way." He shook his head as they passed through a lighted area.

"What did they do?"

"Asked me to come home for
Thanksgiving."

"Asked you to Thanksgiving?” She stopped
walking and moved in front of him. “You’re upset that your parents asked you to
visit over Thanksgiving?"

"Sounds crazy doesn't it?” Placing his hands
on either side of her face, he peered into her eyes. “Especially to someone
like you who just assumes you’ll spend Thanksgiving with your family."

She nodded, moving his hands up and down with her
head. "I don't..." She paused, seeing the hurt look passing over his
face. "Why don't you explain it to me?"

He dropped his arms and started walking again.
"They don't approve."

"What?" She grasped his arm trying to
slow him down, but he quickened his pace, facing straight ahead. "Don't
approve of what?"

"Of me giving up my job. Of me moving to
Florida." He waved his hand in the air. "Basically everything I've
done recently."

"But...but..." Allison was exasperated
and confused. "Do they know why you did everything?"

"They know. But it doesn't matter."

She jerked on his arm, halting his stride.
"Brett, what are you talking about? I don't understand this."

"How can I explain something that defies all
logic?" He pounded the side of his forehead with his palms.

"Try."

"Tylers don't run businesses out of their
home, they’re lawyers or doctors or, barely acceptable, they can work for a
financial services firm. If and only if they plan to move up and be in charge
one day. And Tylers certainly don't move out of Virginia." Brett's voice
fell low and mocking. "Why, the Tylers have lived in Virginia since we
came over on the Mayflower, you know."

"I'm sorry, Brett." She shook her head.
"This just doesn't make any sense to me."

"Oh Allison, you are so sweet." He
wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "My parents are wonderful people
and they love me, but they are very controlling and...they just don’t
understand what I need."

"But they asked you to come to Thanksgiving,"
she mumbled against his shirt.

His chest shook with a low laugh. "I’m sure
they think that if they get me back up there, they can influence me to move
back. Get a real job."

"But, they still want you there." She
looked up. "Maybe you should give them a chance."

"Allison, you don't get it." He dropped
his head to within a few inches of hers. "Right now I'm the black sheep of
the family. They won't be happy unless I come back into the fold and live the
way they want me to. I need to be away from their smothering influence."
He placed a finger over her lips as she opened them to protest. "Even if
they are family. Not everyone's family is like yours, Allison. You need to
accept that."