Page 78 of Shifting Sands

“Well, this is a classy joint,” he remarks as he sets a stemmed glass down and pours me about six ounces.

“I like the way you pour,” I compliment just as Erin approaches from behind me.

“Is this guy bothering you?”

Brew’s amused gaze shifts to her.

“Nah, we’re just having a conversation,” I assure her as he pours another glass of wine and sets it in front of her.

“Well, he looks like trouble to me,” she replies. “And we all know I’m a great judge of character.” She winks at him before taking the glass and walking back to our table.

Brew watches her leave, then looks back at me as Garrett begins singing the first verse of one of his biggest love songs.

“Do you want to dance?” he asks.

I glance over my shoulder and then back at him. “Me?”

“Yes, you.”

He takes my glass and carries it to the end of the bar, close to the hallway that leads to his office. He tilts his head in invitation, and I follow him as he slips into the dimly lit hallway. Strong arm wraps around me as he guides me to a door. He opens it andflicks on a desk lamp. Setting the wine beside the lamp, he pulls me into his embrace. As he sings along to the romantic lyrics, I melt into him while he dances me around his office.

It’s just a stolen moment before he has to return to the chaos, but I feel like we’re the only two people in the place as he holds me close.

“What’s the plan for tonight?” he asks as the song ends.

“I’m heading back to Aunt Ida’s with Erin and Jena while Taeli, Graham, Ansley, Garrett, and the boys are going home with you,” I tell him, repeating what he already knows. It’s been the arrangement since they all arrived.

He groans. “There’s enough room at my house if the boys bunk together and Erin and Jena share a room. Everyone will have their own bathroom.”

“I know, but I hate leaving Snowflake and Felix home alone. They’re the reason Aunt Ida asked me to come down and house-sit.”

“Pack up the little furballs and bring them with you.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Pack up the kitties, along with their food and toys, and bring them to my house. They can sleep in my room with us.”

“I don’t think they’d like that,” I say, mainly because I have no idea how I’d transport them.

“Fine, then I’ll take the crew back to my house and get them settled before coming to you.”

I rest my hands on my hips. “You’d leave your home full of people to sleep at Aunt Ida’s?”

“Yes, if I can’t convince you to stay at my house where the walls are thicker and the beds are bigger,” he replies as he hands me my glass and turns off the lamp before leading me back into the hallway. “Tell Erin and Jena to cue upForensic Files,” he whispers in my ear before smacking my ass and walking away.

Brew

The night was an overwhelming success. Garrett left the stage at midnight, but returned to spend an hour and a half taking selfies and signing autographs. While Bruce and his team managed this, everyone else helped with the closing duties, including our friends. By the time two a.m. rolled around, the entire staff was exhausted. However, they had a little pep in their step after Audrey distributed the tips from the night.

I did exactly what I’d said I would do. I corralled the girls into my G-Wagon, and Graham loaded the boys and Garrett’s equipment into his truck. Then I led them to my house. While everyone headed for showers and bed, the boys raided the kitchen. Once they were settled, I told Graham that I was leaving for Ida Mae’s house and that I would be back in the morning. This way, he, Garrett, the boys, and I could meet Sebastian, Parker, and Anson at the wharf. We’re going to borrow one of Sebby’s charter boats so we can take Tucker and Caleb on their first-ever deep-sea fishing adventure while the girls enjoy a day at my house, taking advantage of the heated infinity pool.

When I arrive at Ida Mae’s, I find the door unlocked, so I let myself in. The blaring sound of the television greets me, and I chuckle as I head toward the bedroom. There, I discover Brandee curled up on the bed, fast asleep in one of my shirts.

I slip off my shoes and strip down to my underwear, then slide in beside her, pulling her into my chest while being careful not to wake her. I just want to hold her close.

Christmas is around the corner, and our time together is becoming short. Soon, she’ll be heading back to Balsam Ridge while I’ll be going to my condo in Charlotte to prepare for the new race season. Grandfather wants me at our headquarters a couple of weeks early this year to discuss the Whiskey Joe’s deal and help oversee a showcase for some new products that Carolina Automotive is launching for the upcoming season. This means I’ll head back to settle in just after the New Year.

Brandee and I have not discussed what comes next. It’s the elephant in the room that we are both choosing to ignore at the moment. But we won’t be able to do that for much longer. I’ve never wanted a break to last longer more than I do now. The time flew by.

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