Page 29 of Stick to the Plan
My heart is pounding in my chest at the gesture. I am almost thirty. I shouldn’t feel like a high school girl with her first crush anymore. That doesn’t stop me from smiling as warmth spreads through me. We hold hands for the rest of the movie.
Anna tosses me the remote as she passes to get dessert - chocolate fondue with fruit, pound cake, and marshmallows. It is time for my movie pick.
“Let me guess.” Nic’s fingertips are touching her temples in an imitation of a psychic.“Emma, right?”
Anna launches a marshmallow at Nic that bounced off her forehead with perfect aim. “Naw, that was last time.Wuthering Heights?”
Nic gleefully picks the projectile off her lap and eats it. “Nope, Bronte is not birthday appropriate. I bet you a thousand dollars it’s Austen.”
I grin as I settle back into the cushion, still close to Colin’s side. “You’re both wrong.”
“Sixteen Candles?“ Anna and Nic yell in unison as the opening credits play.
Chapter twenty-two
Sweet Dreams
Colin
Today has been the most fun I’ve had in ages. Watching Brianna with her friends reminds me of how my sisters take the piss out of each other. When she is with them, Brianna lets all of her guards down. She has mesmerized me since I arrived, but seeing Brianna completely at ease? It’s downright irresistible.
I feel like a schoolboy with a first crush. Her sweet vanilla smell fills my head. When Riley unknowingly plays wingman, and Brianna scoots closer to me on the couch, I thank all the Irish saints. When she lets me hold her hand during the action scenes, I pray she can’t hear my heart pound.
Halfway through the final movie, I feel Brianna’s arm press more firmly into mine. I absently rub my thumb over her knuckles under the blanket. Her head gently falls onto my shoulder, and I chance a quick peek at her. My lips quirk in a slight smile as I take in her long lashes as they caress her cheeks.
Brianna is completely asleep and curling into me. Careful not to wake her, I reach across both of us to tug the blanket higher over her shoulder.As the final credits roll, Brianna is still fast asleep. I lift my eyes from her peaceful face to find Anna eying me thoughtfully.
Nic stands and stretches. “Damn, it’s already one am? We better get going.”
“Guess we better wake sleeping beauty.” Anna steps closer to the couch.
“Let the lass sleep. She could use the rest. I’ll just carry her to bed.”
With effort, I detangle my fingers from hers before slowly tugging the blanket off of Brianna. Sliding my arms around her back and under her knees, I easily lift her petite frame. She stirs slightly, but only buries her head further into my neck. Her fingers flutter against my chest before they grip my t-shirt.
“I’ll help you get her settled, Nic get the plates into the sink.” Anna still has a speculative gleam in her eyes as she observes me.
I silently follow her down the hall to Brianna’s room. Never having been in here myself, I seize the opportunity to glance around. A king sized bed dominates one wall, crowned by a floor to ceiling tufted headboard. Neat stacks of books sit on the nightstands and dresser. Anna rushes forward to pull back the white, fluffy comforter so I can lower Brianna to the bed.
Brianna stirs again as her head hits the pillow. Her eyelashes flutter once before she rolls towards me, still gripping my t-shirt. Careful not to wake her, I uncurl her fingers before pulling the covers up to her shoulders. She smiles dreamily and snuggles under the blankets.
“Sweet dreams,a ghrá,“ I whisper.
I smooth her hair behind her ear and watch her turn her head, as if seeking my touch. My lips twitch in a gentle smile.
Anna is waiting in the doorway still. She flips the light-switch and closes the door as I pass, but doesn’t let me get far before pouncing. “What are you hoping for from Brianna?”
“Whatever she wants to give. I will not insult you and say I’m not interested in her. She’s the boss here. I’ll happily dance to any tune she plays. You don’t need to worry about me.”
My lungs burn with the breath I hold, as Anna’s eyes narrow. After an unending moment, she finally nods, and the air rushes out of my chest.
“Don’t make me regret trusting you. I have four brothers. I know how to hit where it hurts.” Anna lifts her eyebrows, the message quite clear.
I gulp.
“Yea, and I have a trust fund so big they won’t find your body when I’m through.” Nic slinks up and throws her arm around Anna, her careless tone at odds with the threatening words.
I raise my palms in complete surrender. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”
