Heather

He even rented a stunning beach house for us to stay in. Someplace no one would know to find us. The house is fit for a queen, floor to ceiling views of the ocean, a master suite that blew my mind the first time I entered it.

The living area, where we’ve spent countless days, is so beautiful and open. A thick sky blue afghan serves as the perfect accent to the soft grey sectional that anchors the room. The glass fire place sees through to outside, bringing the private beach inside. The blue and grey glass fire rock inside creates a majestic ambiance to the flames, while still adding to the warm look and feel of the place. The house has everything I could dream of and more.

There wasn’t a detail Braxton left unturned. He’s been here waiting on me hand and foot for weeks now. I still have two weeks to go, but it’s all gone so fast and smooth because of him.

Braxton will never know what this has meant to me. I don’t think there’s a way I can repay him. What means the most to me,—for four whole weeks, Brax has been a perfect gentlemen. No flirting, no dirty talk, not a peep about him being the one to pop my renewed cherry. I was sure he’d make the wise crack by now, but he hasn’t.

“Are your feet cold again?” Brax asks, from his side of the couch, when he sees me trying to fan the afghan over my toes.

“Yeah,” I twist my lips at the stupid throw.

Brax reaches for the fabric, fixing it over my feet, before moving over so I can wiggle my toes under his thigh. I smile and sigh at the instant warmth. My stomach is nice and full, warmed by the chicken and dumplings Braxton spent the day cooking for me. The savory aromas still filling the house.

He gives me a return grin, then turns back to the TV. There’s a sense of peace here. Something I haven’t felt in so long.

Brax has also given me a peace of mind. Ryan checks in on Amanda twice a week, giving her his phone to text me. I was hesitant at first to drag Ry into this, but Brax reassured me Ryan would keep his mouth shut.

“Have I told you thank you,” I say, fingering the charm on my wrist.

I haven’t taken the fortune cookie off, since he gave it to me. Every time I think of that night, my heart becomes so full. I will remember it for the rest of my life.

“A million times,” he smirks. “I told you to stop already.”

“Yeah, but you have no idea what this all has meant to me.”

He turns from the television to look me in the eyes. Those golden pools hold so many emotions. I’ve never seen Brax give anyone else the soft expressions he’s given to me, while on this beautiful vacation set up for a queen.

“Is it helping? I mean, do you feel any better?”

Clink.

The concern I see in his eyes takes a huge chunk out of my armor. So huge, I have to take a deep breath to make way for the fallen piece in my chest. It’s so huge, I could use the piece to surf the waves outside the window.

I look down into my lap. My words coming slowly as I try to say everything in my heart. I’ve been wanting to say a lot, but haven’t found the right words.

“Ever since…when I came to live with Dad, I…needed to feel safe and in control. It seems like control always slipped through my fingers. That night in Vegas, for once, I was calling the shots in my life. Letting myself breathe.

“You made me feel…I felt amazing. Then, after, when it all started to set in. When the little voices in the back of my head started to point out the painful truth, it was like I lost all control again.

“This gift you gave me. It feels like I’ve been handed back my control. I want things, I want to do what you told me that night. For the first time, I feel like I can. I want to claim all my shit back,” I finish with my head held high.

Brax gives me a blinding smile. “There’s my girl. It’s going to be a pleasure to watch you own that shit and take life by the balls.”

“Nellie might just be coming home after all. I figured no one will notice the change so much if it looks like I start it when she arrives,” I grin and wiggle my brows. “You know, girly influence.”

Brax throws his head back and laughs. “Good to see you thinking on your toes. I wouldn’t stress it though. We all love you know matter what.”

* * *

Braxton

I’ve done everything I can to make her comfortable, while she heals. My heart is so full to know that it’s more than her body healing. Her words to me earlier, only proved what a remarkable woman Heather is.

I run my hand through her curls that have gotten longer since we’ve been here. A grin forms on my lips, as she snuggles deeper into my side. The scent of apples fills my head and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.

I feel a ping in my chest. I know she’s healing, but I’m a realist. Heather’s days of running are far from over. I’m going to have to continue cultivate the art of patience.

I mentally try to tell my cock that, when Heather tightens her arms around my waist, bringing her breasts closer into my chest. Her soft curves call to my ache the same way they have for weeks. I’ve just hid it as best I can.

None of this has been easy. I’ve fallen asleep every night with Heather in my arms. Yet, I’ve restrained myself from tasting her sweet lips. I should be named a saint by now.

My phone buzzes, my mother’s face lighting the screen. I smile. I miss Sunday breakfasts and hearing the banter of my family. This is the longest I’ve been away, in a long time. Even then, I had at least Ry with me.

I slip from under Heather gently, answering the call, before mom can hang up. I jog out to the back deck, inhaling the ocean breeze, as it hits me in the face. A since of peace clings to the air.

“Hey, mom,” I smile into the phone.

“Hey, my wee monster,” her voice comes through softly, which surprises me. My smile grows at her private endearment for me. “Ye been gone too long. I might be missing ye.”

I chuckle, leaning onto the banister. “Damn right you miss me. I’m the best son you have,” I tease.

“Aye, ye might be right. Just don’t tell the other fuckers I said so,” the smile is evident in her voice.

“We wouldn’t want that. They’re already jealous that I’m the best looking one,” I chuckle, loving and needing this chat with my mom.

“How is she?”

I freeze when mom asks the question. I look around as if I’m being watched. I nearly swallow my tongue trying to reply.

“Aye, ye boys still think yer mother for a fool,” Mom chuckles. “Yer a good boy Braxton. She’s always needed a friend like you.”

“How’d you know?” I manage to choke out.

“The lass came to spend the day with me before her vacation. Nearly ate three batches of cookies for herself,” Mom laughs. “I could see the worry in her eyes. The same worry ye had before ye left. Ye both disappeared around the same time.”

“We’ve never been able to get much by you,” I snort.

“Not at all,” Mom chirps. “You don’t have to tell me what youse two are up to. I just want to know the Lass is okay.”

“She’s better than okay. At least, I think she will be,” I reply honestly.

“Christ on a stick, yer determined to be a martyr,” Mom sighs into the phone after a few beats.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I frown, lifting my eyes to the sky.

“Loving that one is not going to come easy,” Mom returns, her voice soft again. “I’ve never been fooled by her. I have eyes, I do.”

“It’s complicated, Mom,” I blow out. “I know it’s not going to be easy. I just can’t give up.”

“You’re a Black. I said nothing about giving up,” she takes a pause. “I was sure ye would be my last. Even told Joe so. I talked to ye in me womb from the moment I knew ye were in there. I wanted to cherish that feeling of me boy growing in me belly for the last time. Aye, ye and I were close. It’s why yer a spoiled little prick now.

“Yer temper is as hot as the flame of yer hair, but yer heart is as grand as the largest pot of gold. Just remember, she’s peeled, Braxton. Allow her to heal inside that big heart ye have and ye both will be just fine,” I’m choked up by her words.

“I love you, Mom.”

“Give her a snog for me. Love you, wee monster,” she says before hanging up.

I stare out at the crashing waves, letting my mother’s words sink in. I wish she were here so I could hug her. Mom has had to be tough with us boys, but she’s never held back from giving us just the right amount of softness, right when we need it.

Mom’s right, Heather is peeled. She’s been broken for a very long time, but I’m here to help fix that. First, as her friend, then hopefully someday soon, as her man.