CHAPTER FOUR
MERRILY HAD NO real choice but to abide by Brick’s bizarre terms—for now.
Why would he encourage her to think it over before making a move if he really wanted her as badly as he claimed? Her only conclusion was that he didn’t. She doubted that he’d find sex with her to be a hardship, but all that nonsense about her testing his control? Just that: nonsense.
Seemed to her he had too much control. For sure, far more than she had.
Swallowing back her complaints, she walked him to the front door. Like the Pied Piper, she had both dogs and all three cats following along.
It was pretty nice how Brick accepted them all. He stepped over and around pet toys, picked up a floating tuft of cat fur to throw away and gave attention to each animal before focusing that awesome gaze on her.
She gulped in rising need. “It’s not going to be easy, Brick.”
“Waiting?” Expression warm and big hands gentle, he cupped her face. “You’re preaching to the choir on that one, honey.”
Merrily stared up at him. He was so tall, so broad-shouldered and muscular and sexy. She swayed toward him. “Then maybe—”
He kissed her.
And wow, what a kiss. Firm lips moved over hers until they parted, then his damp tongue stroked in. He was an incredible kisser, teasing and encouraging until she clung to him.
She wasn’t inexperienced enough to miss his erection or the way his hands trembled, how his breath hitched.
After freeing her mouth, he hugged her close for a few rib-knocking heartbeats, then stepped back. “I gotta go before I change my mind.” He opened the door and stepped out. “Think about me tonight, okay? It’s for sure I’m going to be thinking about you.”
Holding the doorknob for support, Merrily watched him go in a long-legged, slightly stiff stride. His profile showed the tight way he held his jaw, and after he got into his truck, he sat there a moment, head back, eyes closed.
Okay, so maybe she really did test his control. That made his insistence on giving her time...noble. Considerate.
And so incredibly sweet.
Seeing him struggle for composure made her want him all the more. Knowing he was so blasted nice really cinched the deal.
Not fall in love with him?
Shoot, she was already halfway there and she knew it. The trick would be making sure Brick never found out. She’d manage because otherwise he might really walk away.
And now that she’d had a small taste, she wanted the whole man.
She wanted Brick Carlisle.
* * *
THE NEXT DAY, Merrily hung back as Jesse and Brick discussed her apparently awesome vintage door. If having one big hunk in her small living space was odd, having two there was enough to leave her mute. They took up so much room, had so much presence, and she could almost swear an air of testosterone swirled around them.
They were male with a capital M.
It took all her concentration not to drag Brick off somewhere.
When he’d arrived, he’d kissed her hello with warm familiarity, but with his friend standing there, it had been frustratingly brief. And for the fifteen minutes since then, he’d stayed busy introducing her pets, giving them some attention and showing Jesse the door to be replaced.
Last night, the things he’d said and the things he’d done had all conspired to leave her muddled. After he’d left, she’d spent a sleepless night thinking of him, just as he’d told her to.
Today, she was on pins and needles waiting to see what he’d do.
Brick had bold and outrageous down to a fine art. So much so that she’d accused him of being conceited, but with the way he kissed, she believed him when he said he had reason for boasting.
All those promises of satisfaction left her nerve endings sizzling. And he wanted to give her time to think about his “offer.” How could she think of anything else?
What was there to think about anyway? It wasn’t like she could summon up the fortitude to turn him away. Like a starving person offered a meal, he tempted her beyond reason.
As far as her falling for him and getting hurt... She’d thought about that a lot last night...and during her classes...and while at work.
Thinking of much else hadn’t been possible.
She wasn’t a dummy. She knew how their relationship would go. She’d heard the whispers at work, saw the way the other waitresses stared at him.
Already, she was more invested than him. How could she not be?
Yes, she’d wanted to experience life. Specifically she wanted to experience sex. Now...she just wanted to experience Brick Carlisle.
Even in her hottest fantasies, she hadn’t dredged up a man even half as appealing as him.
A sexual relationship was, for him, a routine thing.
For her, with Brick, it would be beyond incredible.
She’d rushed home from work, then rushed through a shower. She’d even done some primping for him when there were clearly other things she should have been doing—like laundry, or writing her college papers, or cleaning up all the pet fur that accumulated in a twenty-four-hour period. While she’d hurriedly painted her toenails, the dogs had watched her in fascination, the cats with disdain.
But she didn’t care.
Consequences be damned, she wanted him. Sooner rather than later. Somehow she’d convince him that she could stay emotionally detached.
And maybe, if she got lucky, in the process she’d convince herself, as well.
* * *
WHILE JESSE PRETENDED great enthusiasm about the door, Brick glanced at Merrily. When he saw her standing there watching him in something of a daze, he smiled to himself. If the flush in her cheeks meant anything, her thoughts ran the same course as his.
She’d spiffed up a little today. Her soft brown hair hung in loose curls, she wore a pretty sundress and she’d painted her toenails. It was sort of endearing that she thought he needed enticement.
Hell, he wanted her so much, she could probably shave her head and wear burlap and he’d still be panting for her. He had it bad—and only part of it was her innocence. The rest was pure Merrily, the way she smiled, how she watched him so intently.
The idea that she wanted him enough to give up her virginity.
How could any guy be immune to that?
Jesse managed to jab him with his elbow. Low, so that Merrily wouldn’t hear, he said, “I feel like an idiot. How long am I supposed to pretend to measure?”
“Long as it takes.”
“For what? It’s a standard-sized door. The one we brought will fit and you know it. You don’t need help with any of this, so tell me again, why am I here?”
As if on cue, a knock sounded on Merrily’s front door. Brick almost rubbed his hands together. He couldn’t wait for Jesse to see his surprise. “Because I have something for you.”
“Yeah?” He glanced at Merrily with curiosity.
Brick shoved him in the shoulder, making him stagger. “Not that, so don’t even go there.”
Jesse laughed as Merrily stepped out of view to greet her guest. “I wasn’t thinking that.”
“Bullshit.”
“Just because you salute every time she looks your way doesn’t mean I feel the same.”
Damn. His Johnson did do a lot of saluting around her, but luckily, this time Jesse exaggerated.
“She’s hot, Brick. I agree.”
His teeth locked.
“But I have a rule about these things.”
Yeah, he knew that. Jesse felt the same as he did. They shared almost everything—but never women. “Still,” he groused. “Don’t be ogling her.”
“Got it. When she talks to me, I’ll stare at the ceiling.” He used a shoulder to wipe sweat from his brow. “So what do you have for me? And it better be good since you have me working in this heat, on a Saturday night no less.”
Just then, Tonya’s husky but feminine voice joined Merrily’s in the living room. Jesse perked up, going on the alert. Brick gestured for him to come see.
Intrigued, Jesse stepped over to the doorway and peered into the other room. Awareness settled over him. With obvious appreciation, he gave Tonya a thorough once-over. In an aside to Brick, he asked, “For me?”
“Yeah.” The look on Jesse’s face was hilarious. “What do you think?”
“Damn, man, thank you.”
“All I can promise is an intro. The rest is up to you, but I figured—”
“Yeah, got it.” Done listening, Jesse unglued his feet and moved forward with single-minded purpose. “Hello.” Hand extended, voice deep, he said, “I’m Jesse.”
His sudden intrusion surprised both women.
For her part, Tonya widened her eyes with speculation. She looked at Brick, at Merrily and back at Jesse again. She accepted his hand. “Hello yourself.”
Huh. That went even better than Brick had anticipated. He filled in with more proper introductions. “Tonya is Merrily’s landlord.” To Tonya, he added, “Jesse is going to help me with the door.”
“It’ll be my pleasure,” Jesse told her.
Rolling his eyes, Brick stepped over to Merrily and slipped an arm around her lower back. Beneath the insubstantial sundress he idly explored the pronounced indentation of her waist and the firm swell of her hip.
Her curves were as appealing as everything else. He couldn’t wait to touch her bare flesh—and yeah, if he kept thinking that way, he’d embarrass himself.
Because she seemed more than a little confused by the turn of events, Brick said, “Why don’t we order a pizza? It’ll be my treat. After Jesse and I get the door switched out, we could all sit down to eat.”
Merrily firmed her mouth in annoyance. It was so obvious that she wanted to be alone with him, Brick had a hard time sticking to his plan.
While staring at Tonya with palpable heat, Jesse said, “I could eat.”
Merrily blushed, but Tonya only smiled in indulgence.
It took a little nudge from Brick, but finally Merrily regained her wits. “Oh, yes, pizza would be great.” She lifted her brows. “Tonya, will you join us?”
Tonya held Jesse’s gaze while deciding and finally nodded. “That sounds like...fun.”
Her smile damn near made Brick blush! Poor Jesse appeared ready to carry her off somewhere.
Time to get back on track. “All right, then. Ladies, if you’ll do the ordering, Jesse and I can get to work.” He tipped up Merrily’s face and gave her a warm kiss. “I like my pizza loaded.”
And with that, he dragged Jesse off to the kitchen.
“Nice surprise,” Jesse told him under his breath. Then with a curious look, he added, “Can’t believe you’re passing up the opportunity.”
Yeah, his lack of interest had surprised him just a bit, too. He shrugged it off, saying, “She’s Merrily’s neighbor.” But more than that, she wasn’t Merrily.
Under Dundee’s watchful eye, Jesse got a hammer and screwdriver from the toolbox to tap out the hinge pins. “Used to be a time when that wouldn’t have bothered you.”
He started to deny it but changed his mind. “Maybe.” He glanced back at Merrily again. “Not this time, though.” Hell, it seemed when he was around her, he couldn’t go more than a minute without looking at her.
Tonya grinned, while Merrily kept a hand to her forehead as if bemused. What were they talking about? “Did you know you’re an infamous panty-dropper?”
“Yeah, so?”
Brick laughed. “And Merrily called me conceited.”
“Which you are.”
He shook his head. “She’s heard gossip about you at the diner.”
“From the other waitresses?” Jesse moved Dolly out of his way, but the little dog came right back. On the counter behind him, both Stan and Tom leaned in to watch.
Only Eloise remained in the other room with the ladies.
“Yeah.” With satisfaction, Brick said, “Merrily barely remembered you, though.”
“All things considered, I’m glad to hear it.”
* * *
YEAH, HE’D been relieved with her lack of interest in Jesse, too. “I’m counting on you to volunteer some time,” Brick muttered, “for the cause, you know.”
“My cause or yours?”
“Both.” But that sounded so mercenary, Brick had to qualify it. “She seems pretty nice.”
“Merrily?”
“No, damn it.” He rounded on Jesse, which fascinated the cats and dog. “Stop thinking about Merrily.”
Jesse snickered. “I wasn’t.” And then, probably just to be a pain in the ass, he asked, “So she’s not nice?”
“She’s more than nice, but she’s off-limits to you. I was talking about Tonya.”
“Hey, looking like she looks, I don’t care how nice she might be. As long as she cooperates, count me in.”
“She was already cooperating, and you know it.” Female attention came even easier to Jesse than it did for Brick—and he had to admit that he’d never had a problem in that area.
“From what I’ve seen, there are enough repairs to keep us both busy for a while.”
Jesse nodded back to the living room, where the women were in close conversation, talking about God knew what. “Trust me, with her to sweeten the deal, it’ll be my pleasure.”
That sentiment should have satisfied Brick, but instead it nettled him. After they removed the door and set it aside, he ensured the women were out of hearing range. “Don’t do anything to muck this up for me, okay?”
“Anything like what?” Jesse again sat Dolly out of the way, then started on removing the old hardware. “We’re keeping the doorknobs and deadbolt, right?”
“Matches the rest, so yeah.” He went to work unscrewing the hinges while answering Jesse’s first question. “Like getting on Tonya’s bad side.”
“So she’s a gift with strings attached?”
If the women overheard their very sexist joking, they’d both be thrown out. “I’m just saying—”
“Give it a rest, Brick.” He finished dismantling the doorknob. “I can handle things without your input.”
Yeah, he knew that, but still... “I don’t want any negative associations here.”
Jesse sat back on his heels and snorted at Brick. “You’re worried about getting tainted by my bad behavior? That’s rich, considering your own bad behavior.”
Yeah, he sounded like a hypocrite, but so what. His past reputation didn’t matter—not with Merrily. “Just watch what you do, okay?”
“Sure thing, Mom.” With the door off, the cats went out and a hot breeze blew in. Jesse again moved Dolly out of the way, then stripped off his shirt. When he tossed it aside, Dolly lay down on it.
That made Brick grin. “She likes you.”
Jesse shrugged. “Typical female.”
“Pizza in forty-five minutes,” Merrily said. “Sorry for the long wait, but—” She poked her head into the kitchen—and stared in dumbfounded surprise.
At Jesse. More precisely, at Jesse’s upper body.
Brick stepped forward to block her view. “Where’d Tonya go?” Damn it, he needed the other woman around to balance things.
“Home. To change. Back soon.” Merrily leaned to see around Brick and cleared her throat. “Are you warm? I have a fan in my bedroom...”
“He’s fine.” Feeling extremely cross, Brick stripped off his own shirt. “Don’t worry about it.”
Her gaze shot over to him, then widened. She licked her bottom lip, took a step back. Staring at his abs, she said, “Um, Brick, could I have a word with you, please?”
Enjoying her reaction, he said, “Sure.” She could have more than a word. She could have—
He got as far as the doorway before Merrily pulled him around to the hallway, went on tiptoe and plastered herself up against him. Dodging her intent, Brick reversed their positions, with Merrily against the wall and him leading the way into a deep, hot kiss.
Her hands went over his naked chest, up and over his shoulders, then back down again. And damn, but it felt good. Too good.
In a rush, Brick stepped back and, snagging her hand, dragged her farther down the hall.
“Brick.” Scandalized, a little excited, she whispered, “We can’t do this now, not with Jesse in the kitchen.” And then, breathless, “Can we?”
Ah, hell. She made him want to do it when that hadn’t even been his thought. He didn’t dare step into a bedroom, so instead he stopped at the end of the hall. “No, we can’t.” Her first time definitely wouldn’t be rushed, or awkward. Not if he could help it. “So don’t tempt me.”
Jesse, being a good friend, found something to hammer on. Sounded like the toolbox, but whatever. It made some background noise, which gave them a modicum of privacy.
“Then what..?”
“I didn’t want Jesse to overhear, but, Merrily, honey, you can’t kiss me like that and expect me to keep it together.”
Perplexed, she stared at him. “Keep it together?”
The way she looked at him wasn’t helping. “I told you, around you I’m like a damn jack-in-the-box.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened. “Oh.” When she started to look down, Brick caught her chin.
“Staring definitely won’t help.” Her curiosity was so cute, he had to kiss her again, this time quick and hard. “Don’t ogle Jesse’s chest either, all right? I don’t like it.”
“I wasn’t... Well, maybe I was at first. But just out of surprise.” She pursed her mouth. “And because...well, he does look good.”
“Merrily,” he warned.
“But not as good as you.” She patted his left pec, and the pat turned into a stroke. Before her hot little palm could move over his nipple, he caught her wrist. “Merrily.”
Sighing, she pulled her hand away. “If I can’t touch, then quit flaunting yourself, okay?” She shooed him away. “Now go on while I compose myself.”
“Compose yourself?” She said the funniest things. Things he supposed a virgin might say.
She turned him and gave him a small push. “And put on a shirt, for heaven’s sake. Tonya will have a heart attack when she sees you.”
Grinning, Brick went back into the kitchen—and he not only put on his shirt, but he also insisted Jesse do the same.
“It’s hot as Hades, and the dog has made a bed of my shirt.”
“Tough. If I have to wear mine, you definitely have to wear yours, too.”
Jesse gave him a look. “You realize how you’re acting, right?”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t an act. Not even close. “Screw you.”
Dolly only grumbled a little when Jesse retrieved his shirt, shook the dog hairs off it, and pulled it back on.
An hour later, with a new door installed, the old door stored in Tonya’s basement and warm pizza divided up between them, they sat in Merrily’s small kitchen, eating, talking and laughing.
It was nice, comfortable—and it made him nuts.
He loved the way she laughed, how she alternated her attention between playing hostess and coddling the animals and how she occasionally slanted a coy look of interest his way.
She stood to refill glasses of tea, and Brick noticed that she’d left her sandals under the table. Even her feet looked sexy to him—and it had nothing to do with the pink polish on her toes.
He kept thinking how easy it’d be to reach up under that dress, touch her warm thighs, higher—
Tonya laughed at something Jesse said, drawing Brick back from the brink of no return. He blew out a breath.
Time to think about something else. He glanced across the table at Tonya.
Slim-fitting jeans and a worn-in T-shirt replaced her sexy business suit. She’d left her mouth naked of lipstick, her fair hair hanging loose and she looked nothing less than amazing.
In fact, Jesse couldn’t keep his gaze off her.
Where Tonya was tall and sleek, Merrily was petite and stacked. Tonya had straight, pale blond hair and light blue eyes, and Merrily had big green eyes and silky, baby-fine brown hair.
Physically the women were as dissimilar as could be, but both were hot. Add in Merrily’s sweet personality, her innocence and her curiosity, and Brick knew he was a goner.
Because Dundee and Dolly were only fed healthy dog food and were well-trained, they didn’t beg for bites. But they did sit on feet and bark for attention.
“Sorry,” Merrily said as she reseated herself. She teased Dolly’s chin and patted Dundee’s side. “I love them, so they don’t bother me. I’m used to them being underfoot. But I can put them out if—”
“They’re fine.” Brick liked her pets, and he especially liked seeing Merrily with them. He’d never thought about it much before, but a woman who loved animals was somehow more trustworthy and far more likable than a woman who didn’t.
Why had he never realized that before?
The pets didn’t bother anyone else, either. In fact, Tonya ended up with Eloise on her lap, and Jesse took turns tossing toys into the living room for the dogs to fetch. Only Stan the Man and Union Tom seemed content to ignore the humans. They both slept atop the back of the couch.
Brick drank the rest of his Coke, then sat back to look at Tonya. “I was thinking about that privacy fence you have out back.”
“If you can still call it that.” Tonya finished off her third slice of pizza and dabbed a napkin to her mouth. “It’s falling down and if it weren’t for my hot tub, I’d remove it.”
“You have a hot tub?” Jesse asked with interest.
“I don’t get a lot of downtime, and I like to relax when I do. The hot tub is new, but the fence is pretty old.” She stroked Eloise along her back. “I’m sure Merrily would enjoy it, too, but she has even less free time than I do. Usually when I’m in there, though, one or more of her cats come to sit on the ledge and keep me company.”
“Really?” Jesse looked from Merrily to Tonya and back again. Knowing exactly what his friend was thinking, Brick scowled. Maybe if it were any woman other than Merrily, he’d be thinking it as well.
Two good-looking women.
In a hot tub together.
Yeah, there were probably a good dozen male fantasies that sprouted from that exact scenario.
But not with Merrily.
Brick leaned forward. “We could put up a new fence for you.” One that would ensure Merrily’s privacy as much as Tonya’s. “Wouldn’t take us long.”
For only a moment, Tonya looked taken aback. “Thank you, but I can’t afford that just yet.”
“It’d be less than you think,” Jesse told her.
“No it won’t, not for what I’d like.” Wrinkling her nose, she said, “I have expensive tastes—I know because I already checked out the pricing.” She set Eloise aside and stood with her plate and glass. “Hopefully next year, though.” She turned to the sink.
Merrily said, “You don’t need to do that. I can take care of it after everyone is gone.”
Jesse pushed back his own chair. He gathered up the other plates and glasses and plunked them into the sink. “Why don’t you show me the fence and let me offer some suggestions? I get supplies wholesale, and better than that, I have a lot of overrun stuff on hand. Can’t hurt to just get a price for the supplies, right?”
Considering it, Tonya cast a glance at Brick and Merrily and shrugged. “All right. The dogs can come out with us.”
Dolly and Dundee understood and went manic with excitement.
As they all started out the back door, Brick said, “Take your time,” which earned him a grin from Jesse.
Merrily smacked his shoulder. “You’re both incorrigible.” She stood and went to the sink.
“I’ve never actually heard anyone use that word before.” Watching her backside as she rinsed dishes, Brick stood. The sundress was so soft that it draped her every curve.
She had an amazing ass.
Already his heart beat too hard and fast. It was insane.
And he loved it.
With his hands holding her waist, he leaned down to nuzzle behind her ear. “Damn, but you smell good.” He pressed in against that perfect backside to pin her against the sink. It was torture but worth it. “You’re awfully hard to resist.”
For two heartbeats, she held perfectly still. In rapid order she dried her hands, turned in his narrow hold and held on to his shoulders. “Then don’t. Resist, I mean. I’m ready.” Her fingers contracted on his shoulders, and she whispered, “Now.”