Later as he drove up to his house he was still thinking about Erica. He had to figure out the best way to approach her with what he wanted. He recalled Michelle’s warning all those weeks ago about Erica and had to be cautious so she didn’t walk away. He parked in front of his house and got out. Swinging his keys he whistled as he went to the steps and to the landing. With rapid strides he went to the door and unlocked it before going. Inside he set his keys in the dish on the table.

Wonderful scents filled the house. Following his nose he went to the kitchen.

“Max, you’re cooking something good.” He stopped in the doorway and stared.

Maxine his housekeeper was at the stove with Erica by her side. The two women were cooking side by side and in that moment he realized that they looked slightly alike. Maxine was more willowy and her hair was pulled in a high ponytail as usual. It made her cheeks more pronounced. A light sheen of sweat was on her dark honey skin and she had smile on her face. That itself was startling since Maxine usually wouldn’t be smiling while sharing her kitchen. Along with that all his household staff and hands he had to tend his own stables and cattle were around the large room. Some were just lounging around while other seemed to also be preparing some dish or other. Even that wasn’t so surprising; it was that Erica seemed comfortable with them. As far as he knew she had only met them in passing when he introduced her when she came over.

“Brandon, you’ve been hiding this wonderful woman from us.” Maxine said looking at him. The twinkle in her eyes let him know she was teasing. “She just showed up earlier today and said she wanted to get to know us and for us to know her. She is delightful. You need to bring her around more often.”

“I will.” Brandon replied.

Maxine had been with him a long time. Since he moved out of the main house and to his own place here. She was his age and he knew his family had wondered at the time if it was a good idea for him to hire her and that she might become attracted to him. Brandon knew that wouldn’t be an issue. Maxine wasn’t his type and she had bluntly told him he wasn’t hers either, that they would be employer and employee only and maybe friends. What she had said all those years ago had become true. They were friends just as he was with all his staff.

“Bout time you got here.”

Brandon frowned at the woman who was sitting on the stool by the island closest to where Maxine and Erica were at the stove. He went over and sat beside her.

“I wondered where you had rushed off too.”

Phoebe his assistant who worked with him on the ranch as well as managed his personal things smiled at him. She was Maxine’s younger sister and he hired her not long after he had Maxine. Well that was after Maxine let him know she cooked and she wasn’t about to do anything else. He needed an assistant and she gave him her sister’s name. He thought of it and smiled thinking he had good people working for him.

“Max called me and told me about their unexpected visitor.” Phoebe put her hand under her chin. “Since I know Erica only from when she comes by the office I left so I didn’t miss her. Wanted to get to know her better too.”

“No worries on that. I wasn’t leaving until I got to spend time with everyone.” Erica said as she turned then came to them. She stopped by Brandon’s chair and leaned down and kissed him. 

The people in the room got silent. Erica lifted her head and smiled at him. “They’re gonna have to get used to me showing you affection in public. I won’t get all wild or anything but I will touch and kiss you when I want.”

“Don’t see a problem with that.” 

The noise rose in the room again.

“Thank you for doing this.” He put his hand on her waist.

“No need to thank me.” Erica studied him. “I wondered why they all seemed to, well not be around when I came over. Then I got to thinking what you heard from Michelle. Yeah I was not comfortable with you affluence at first but I know you now and well I trust you. And I need to get to know those important in your life.”

“So you want to meet my parents and siblings then?”

“I’ve meet them already. I know them.” Erica frowned.

“But not as my…” He trailed off not sure what to say.

Girlfriend didn’t sound quite right and partner well he wasn’t sure how she would react to that.

“Hah, you don’t know what to call me. Just like I don’t know what to call you.” Erica smirked. “Maybe I’ll go with Cute. My Mister Cute.”

“No. I’ll never live that down.” Brandon glared at those closest to him who was laughing. “And if anyone says it to anyone else—you’re fired.”

They all ignored him and started to tell those who hadn’t heard.

“They don’t believe me.” He sighed. “Why can’t I make them fear me?”

“You didn’t use the big mean voice they say you have when you mean something.” Erica smiled.

He frowned. “They’ve been sharing my secrets. How long have you been here?”

“Since this morning.” Erica rubbed her back and grimaced. “Spent the first part of the day with the ranch part of your people. They put me to work.”

He laughed knowing them they had.

“You’ll need to give me a massage.” Erica said. “Then other part of day I was inside. Brandon…ummm…you have a lot of space. I know from outside it was big but not so big.”

“Yeah it can be deceptive.” He winked. “Dusting is a pain.”

“Like you do it.” She snorted. “I have a new appreciation for my place. Not so much places for dust to collect.”

He decided to go back to the subject. “So when can I set up a meet and greet with my family.”

“Do we have too?” Erica scowled.

“Yes.” Maxine said firmly. “Now get back here and do your part.”

Erica kissed him briefly then went back to join Maxine at the stove.

“We’re going to make this a once a month thing.” Phoebe said gesturing around the kitchen. “Erica said so.”

“Did she now?”

He liked she was making long term plans. Erica glanced at him and winked. Brandon leaned back in the high-backed stool and glanced around. Yes he definitely wanted this.

 

Later that evening after all the food was consumed and conversations Brandon relaxed in the family room with Erica leaning against him.

“That was fun.” Erica titled her head to look at him. “Surprised you huh.”

“Yes.” Brandon paused then said, “Pleasantly. You made quite an impression on my staff.”

“What can I say, I’m likeable.” Erica turned to face him. “Just as you are. Well actually you are more lovable.”

Brandon’s breath caught. “Erica what are you saying?”

“I think I already said it.” Erica smiled sheepishly. “And I’m about to say something else that will surprise you. Hell I surprised myself too.”

Brandon heart raced even though he didn’t know what she was referring to. He even saying sort of she loved him was a huge thing for her. For them.

“Erica—“

“Let me get it out.” Erica blew out a breath. “So I had a bad experience with a man who had money that I thought I would eventually marry. He was a donor at the center and well let’s just say I was shortsighted about him. He wasn’t honest and well a jerk. When we broke up he tried to ruin what I built.”

“What’s his name?”

Erica stared at him and blinked. “Wow that’s that scary voice I heard about. No need to get big and angry on my behalf I can take care of myself. And besides your Mom already interceded. You know now that I heard your voice I can see where you get it from.”

“My Mom?” Brandon frowned.

“Yeah. She has been a donor to my center from the start—both financially and with her time—and knows me and what I do. She wasn’t about as she put it—let any little pissant win. In that moment I loved your Mom even more.” Erica smiled. “And I so want to be like her when I grow up. Anyway to wrap up this experience made me a little leery.” She studied him. “But then I met you. And well you are so opposite from him. And showed me what a true relationship could be.” She leaned closer and whispered. “So of course I love you. And I think I’ll love you until the day I die.”

Brandon inhaled then let out a harsh breath. “Damn woman you know how to knock a man off his feet. You’ve been doing that since we met. And I suspect you will do that for the rest of our lives. Er—“

She put her finger over his lips. “Not now. I’m not ready. Someday maybe soon but not now.”

He kissed her fingertips then took them into his hand. “Ok. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”

“Thanks.” She waited then glared. “Well.”

“Well what?” Brandon asked.

Erica glared at him. “Don’t you have something to tell me?”

Brandon smiled. “Maybe I’m not ready.”

“Fine I’ll wait for you to be.” Erica rose and stretched. “Now I am off to bed.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

Erica went to the entry of the living room. “Only place I’m going is to your bed. I brought an overnight bag with me. Made all your staff all a tizzy too. You’d think a woman you were involved with never spent the night before.”

“None has.” Brandon rose and hardened as he thought of her in his bed.

Erica looked over her shoulder. “Really. Interesting.” She focused back in front of her and went out of view.

Brandon stretched then followed her. He stopped briefly in the entry of the living room and watched as she ascended the stairs. He went to the base and watched her until she reached the landing then went out of view. Brandon slowly went up the stairs anticipation building with each step. At the landing he went the same way she had. The recess lights along the hall illuminated his way. He pushed open the door to his bedroom. Most of the lights were off and he stepped in and noted only the lamp on the bedside table was on. 

Erica reclined already naked on his bed. She smoothed her hands on the quilt and stared at him with those light grey eyes. And he felt exposed and sheltered all at once. Her love was plain on her face and made him humble that he entrusted him with it. With her and all she was. Brandon went to the bed and quickly removed his clothing. He opened the drawer and took out some condoms putting a few on the nightstand before taking one and putting it on his member. Then he went to the bed and lay next to her. Erica turned on her side to face him.

“I love you.” Brandon said.

“So you didn’t need time.” Erica said in a husky voice.

She blinked and her eyes looked glassy.

“Was teasing you.” Brandon smiled. “Wanted you off balance for a change like you have made me since we met.”

“I have you off balance.” Erica scooted closer to him sliding her leg between his. “You came out of nowhere and made me want to believe again Made me want to give you a chance.” She smirked. “This cutie that looked innocent but was actually oh so mischievous.”

“It’s the face.” Brandon wiggled his eyebrows. “People underestimate me all the time.”

“I know the feeling.” Erica leaned in. “I love you.”

“Love you.” He kissed her.

She moaned opening up for him. Brandon moved them until he was under him. He slid his hand down along her ribcage then down to her side before going along her stomach before going lower. He touched her and she arched into his hand and gripped his arms.

“Brandon.” Erica whispered. “I can’t wait. Now…please.”

He braced his hands by her head and settled against her. Erica widened her legs sliding them along his hips. He pushed into her gently. She took him in and he moaned. Brandon thrust and set a fast pace.

 

 

Erica whimpered as he took her. She gripped his forearms digging her nails in. He hissed and increased his pace. Her breath caught at the expression on his face and look in his eyes. It was fierce, possessive and loving all in one. She kissed him and he met her. He plunged deeper and she went rigid as her release overcame her. Brandon grunted then he stiffened as he too came. She smoothed her hands up and down his back as his harsh breath filled the air. Brandon slumped over her. She kissed the side of his neck. Brandon turned to her and kissed her. Erica licked his lips and tightened around him. Brandon pulled back and disposed of the condom before putting on another one. He returned to her and filled her again.  Erica closed her eyes and went under.

 

* * * * *

Sitting on the deck Erica lifted her head and enjoyed the feel of the sunrise on her face. She shifted and smiled at the sensation left from her lovemaking with Brandon the night before.

“Someone one looks content.” Brandon said.

She lifted her hand and he slid his into hers and joined her on the loveseat. Opening her eyes she looked into his. He hadn’t shaved yet and had a slight five o’clock shadow. She rubbed her hand against it.

“I am.” Erica chuckled. “Heck I know I can be a challenge.”

“Yes.”

“You don’t need to say it so fervently.”

“I was just agreeing with you.” Brandon smiled widely.

“I’ll give you that…this time.” Erica warned. “As I was saying. I know I am a challenge but you didn’t back away from me. Instead you came back and well you stayed.” She leaned closer. “And look where we are now.”

“Here, together and in love.” Brandon chuckled. “My siblings are gonna kill me.”

“What? Why?”

“I fell for my Mom’s matchmaking.” Brandon frowned. “Then again maybe not. I have no clue if she was matchmaking or not. Mom won’t say for sure.”

“Your mom is wily.” Erica said. “But I don’t think she could have orchestrated how we meet. Those torturous heels. I wore them without her even knowing.”

“True.” Brandon seemed to think. “But even if she didn’t set up how we met, I’m thinking she planned for us to meet at some point.”

Erica frowned as she thought of his Mom then of the times she’d spoken with her. “You know you might be right. Although technically she didn’t get to match us up she may have been planning too. But we beat her to it. So technically this is coincidence.”

“Yes. But Mom will take it as a sign to proceed with her matchmaking.” 

“Probably.” Erica laughed.  “And in that case yep your siblings will be mad at you.”

“Us.” Brandon said. “We’re in this together.”

“You’re on your own with this one buddy.” She patted his chest. “I’m an innocent bystander.”

He stared at her in disbelief.

Erica snickered. “Yeah even I wasn’t buying the innocent thing. But I’m not part of this.”

“You’re the reason I’m in this.” He pursed his lips. “Yes I’m going to blame it all on you.”

“What?”

“Yes. You and those torturous shoes.” Brandon kissed her on the nose. “You were the culprits of my falling.”

“Let’s blame the shoes and give it to them to do with as they will.” Erica thought of it. “Wait do you still have them?”

“Of course.” Brandon smiled. “I’m having dipped in gold then putting them on a pedestal . They will have a place of honor on my mantel.”

“You are so weird.” Erica shook her head. “Don’t waste the mon—“ She rethought her words. “Never mind.”

He laughed. Erica rolled her eyes and joined him. He called her a challenge and yes she would admit she was. But Brandon also was a challenge. He had challenged all her perceptions and changed them. He made her care then love again. All those things pushed her out of her comfort zone. And she would love him for it.

“Maybe you should put on the base of the pedestal—Challenge. That way we can be reminded of who is a challenge to who.”

“You.”

“Nope, you.”

Brandon narrowed his eyes. “How am I a challenge?”

Erica ticked off a finger. “Stubborn.”

“I know.”

She laughed and continued listing off why he was a challenge just as she was. They were good for each other.
 

 

THE END