Page 22 of Stick to the Plan
After scoffing down the biscuits in a couple bites, Riley pads closer, stretching on his hind legs to scratch at my pants. I scoop him up and cradle him in one arm across my chest as I take a swig of my beer.
“I’d be annoyed too if I’d been stuck here with those guys.”
In the month I’ve been here, this is the first time I feel like an outsider. First time I feel like I don’t belong here. It just feels so natural being here with Brianna and Riley. Dangerously so.
It has become a secret game of mine to make Brianna laugh. It started as just a way to dispel the awkward silence between us. With two older sisters, I grew up being the comedic relief. When they were at each other’s throatsover who knows what as teenagers, I’d crack a joke to pop the tension and everyone would get along.
After the first time I heard Brianna really laugh, though, it became less of an innocent game. We were in my office, talking over strategies to keep Stone in the dark, and the image of her, head tilted back, throat exposed, her hand resting over her breast laughing, is burned into my memory. From that day, I craved her laughs and smiles. I hung on every word, looking for my next fix, like an alcoholic at the local pub.
I hug Riley closer and give him a soothing scratch behind the ear. Honestly, I’m not sure If I am trying to comfort him or myself.
“I feel like a right bastard. It’s her birthday! You could have told me, my friend.”
Riley closes his eyes and leans into my fingers. His body otherwise feels boneless in my arms. His tail thumps lazily against my elbow.
Movement in the doorway catches my attention. I look up to see Brianna’s blond friend enter the kitchen. “So this is where you boys got off to. We didn’t get to meet before. I’m Anna, and the other one is Nic. We’re Bree’s best friends.”
As she speaks, she approaches me and holds her hand out to shake. Still holding Riley one-armed, I reach out to return her firm shake. Her molten chocolate eyes hold warmth and amusement. Her wide lips form an amiable smile, and the freckles across her cheeks give her an almost elfin air. I sense a kindred spirit.
“Colin McLeary. Pleasure to meet you.”
Anna’s eyes drop to the dog I’m still clutching like a security blanket. “Bree mentioned Riley likes you, but that pup looks positively in love.”
Her gaze rises back to mine and her expression turns thoughtful. “Sorry about all this. I know you’ve both been keeping long hours at the office. Iwanted to give you a heads-up, but couldn’t figure out how without Bree getting suspicious. That woman is impossible to surprise.”
“You don’t have to apologize to me. This is Brianna’s house. I’m glad you did this for her. She’s been working too hard. Really, I should be the one apologizing for crashing. I’ll just change and head to the pub and let you ladies enjoy yourselves.”
“Absolutely not. Bree would be madder than a wet hen if she thought we kicked you out. It’s a party - the more the merrier. It was supposed to be just the four of us for dinner and then steal her for a girls’ night. Nic tends to make everything an event, and once she gets something in her mind, there’s no stopping her.”
Her expression is full of loving exasperation. I return her smile as a warmth spreads in my chest, but I also feel a little homesick. Anna reminds me of my sisters and how they gripe at each other. It’s obvious these women are the family Brianna made for herself.
“Why don’t you go change into party clothes and then give me a hand with the food? Nic and Bree are going to be a while.”
I swiftly shower and shuffle through my drawers and closet. Packingparty clotheswasn’t high on my priority list a month ago. Pulling on jeans and a gray henley, I assess myself in the mirror. My hair is getting long and curling at the ends, so I grab a tweed flat cap to hide the unruly fluff.
A quick glance around the living room and patio area show no signs of Brianna or Nic. Returning to the kitchen, I find Anna half in the refrigerator with trays of food in her arms and rush to help her.
Mini portions of various snacks sit on small black plates. Savory dishes, sweet treats, salty, crunchy - something for everyone. The food is obviously gourmet - even to my ignorant eye. Although each dish is magazine ready, they are simple rather than garish. Like those fancy dishes with foams and spreads that you’re too scared to eat.
I follow Anna to the dining room. Someone has moved the table against the far wall. A black cloth and acrylic boxes of varying heights cover the surface. Anna uncovers the trays I hold and arranges the dishes on the risers.
My mouth waters at each new smell. “This looks incredible.”
“Thanks. I made all of Bree’s favorites in snack versions. That’s creamy buffalo chicken cups, cheeseburger meatballs, pizza dumplings, and salmon dip over cucumber chips. Just wait until you see the cake!”
She points out the various dishes as she names them. There has to be enough food here to feed 100 people.
“Wait - you madeallthis?”
“Sure did. I’m the co-owner and head chef at Pop over in the town center. When y’all get sick of Brianna’s cooking, you should come on down.” Her focus moves to something behind my shoulder. Her eyes soften and her smile widens. “Aw, here comes the guest of honor now. Finally.”
I turn as Brianna emerges from her bedroom, laughing over her shoulder at something the woman behind her says. My breath catches at the goddess before me.
Gone is the conservative professional. Her dress clings to her voluptuous form, forcing my mouth to water for a completely different reason. Shapely cream legs perch on sky high heels.
I want those heels wrapped around my waist.
Gone is her ever present ponytail, her russet hair falls in long waves to her elbows. Something is different with her makeup, too. Her eyes are smoky and sparkle like sapphires as she laughs at Nic. I always find her beautiful - even when she has grease on her face. She is always elegant. But tonight- tonight she is pure sex appeal.
