Chapter 6

Brandon froze. 

Brian casually threw his arm around Brandon's shoulder. "My very own best friend."

Beth's brows rose. Wow. Her date was her best friend's fiancee's best friend. What a square.

"Okay. Beth and I have to talk about something. We'll be right back," Sherlie informed, taking Beth's hand and pulling her away.

"You're beginning to like him!" Sherlie squealed once they were a safe distance away. Beth sat down on the sand and pulled Sherlie down beside her.

"Why didn't you tell me you knew him when I told you?"

"I'm sorry, I was just very confused and hopeful, but wanted to see him first. Oh my goodness, Beth, I'm so happy. I think you're beginning to like him."

"Why?"

"I know you hardly ever like people, but you let him take you to the water. Even I couldn't do that. You two looked really cute together, back there," Sherlie said, wiggling her brows suggestively.

Beth chuckled. "He's pretty nice."

Sherlie grimaced. "Trust you to use the blandest of terms. Just nice?"

"What would you have me say?"

"Actually, nothing more. If you had said anything other than nice, I would have panicked."

Beth chuckled, resting her head on Sherlie's shoulder.

"I think he's into you."

Beth rose her head, a confused scowl on her face.

"He's not."

"I think he is."

"He barely knows me."

All Sherlie did was smile a smile that said, 'for now.'

"What's happening?" Brian asked.

"Too much," was all Brandon said.

Brian stared at Brandon, smiling a knowing smile. 

"You froze up when she asked if we know each other. Why?"

"I don't fucking know."

"Guilt of what is to come. Back out of this bet, Brandon."

"I can't."

"You can. She makes you forget about everything and all it took for me to notice was just a few minutes watching you both. You'll fall in deeper. You'll regret this at the end."

Brandon didn't need to say anything. He knew he would. 

"Don't break her." 

Brandon nodded and just like that, they drifted into talks about work and the economy.

After a while, Sherlie and Brian left as they had somewhere to be. As Beth watched them go, she allowed her head to rest against Brandon's chest.

"You made me cold."

"Me?" He asked with a feigned tone of disbelief.

"Yes, you!" She turned around to face him.

"But you're the one who told me to move closer."

She gasped in indignation, sending him into a laughing fit.

"No! You slimy slug, I said move back! Now my hair's all wet," she huffed, reaching back to tug at her hair band. Her long and now wet curls came tumbling down. He watched her shake out her hair, absolutely transfixed. He quickly diverted his eyes when she looked up at him.

"What should we do now?"

He took her hand and led her back to their blanket. They bought some ice cream from a shop on the other end of the beach and talked, laughing till night fell. 

Brandon parked at the same street he'd parked at earlier, and turned to face her.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off at home?"

"I'm fine here. You also have to get home."

He gave her a look, then sighed, knowing insisting would only irritate her.

"Would you like to go out again sometime?" He asked, hoping for a yes. The day had been so fun and unexpectedly interesting. A part of him insisted it'd only been that way because he'd spent the day with her.

She tilted her head to the side and stared at him. Brandon saw the careful speculation in her eyes. He held his breath.

"Brandon,"

"Yes?"

"You have work to do."

"The date could be on a saturday," he said, eager for a positive response. He wanted to see her carefree and happy again. He wanted to feel as connected to a female again.

"I work on Saturdays," she said, picking up her bag and getting out of the car.

He got out too, meeting her in front.

"Sunday evening?"

"I'll be resting."

He sighed. 

She smiled.

"Can I call you?"

She inhaled deeply, thinking about it.

"Please," he added, secretly scared at how desperate he was.

"No. Give me your number instead. I'll text you when I'm free to." 

He didn't know whether to feel relieved at her request, or apprehensive. Would she text him? She sounded like she wanted to get rid of him. Would she really text? She stretched out her old phone to him and he took it, typing in his number. He was left with no choice. After handing her back her phone, she graced him with a very bright smile. Brandon was transfixed.

"Can I hug you?" She suddenly asked.

He nodded.

She walked to him and snugly wrapped her arms aroud his waist. As his arms went around her, he felt... He felt rather satisfied. As he held her, she rose up on her tip toes and whispered in his ear,

"This is for helping me overcome my fear... Sort of," and pressed her lips against his cheek in a tender kiss.

His heart jolted and raced for a while before settling down.

What the hell was that?! Excitement over a kiss on the cheek?. . . Fuck.

She pulled away from him, still smiling.

"Goodnight, Brandon."

"Goodnight, Elizabeth," he got out. She waved and started down the road.

Brandon stayed rooted to the ground for a while. When her silhouette disappeared from sight, he walked down the road a bit to catch sight of her. He saw her and kept staring till she turned down another corner. Heaving out a sigh, he went back to his car. He sat there, oddly unable turn on his engine to leave. He was feeling.

Feeling too much.

Feeling too soon.

He let his head fall against his steering wheel, sighing at what he had become all because of a stupid interview. CEO of Wade industries. Hung up and strung out. . . For a woman. A Very beautiful woman. Worst part was he couldn't help but feel this way, and instead of feeling turned off at her reactions, he found himself wanting more. He sighed again and opened his eyes. He was regaining his composure when a glint caught his attention. He looked down and squinted, seeing a shape in the dark. He reached for it and pulled it out. It was a purse. He turned it over. It had to be hers. No other woman had ridden in his car for a while. To make sure, he opened it and found a couple of crumpled dollars and an ID card. Flipping it over, he saw her face and read her name. He didn't have her number to call her and tell her about it, and it was obvious that she didn't want him showing up at her work place. What option did that leave him with?

Beth settled on her bed and huffed. Where the heck had she thrown her purse? She recalled not seeing it in her bag while at the beach, but being too absent minded to really investigate where it could have been. Now, she was caught. She had been getting ready for work the next day and needed to check how much was left in her purse for transportation. Where the heck was her purse!?

"Still haven't found it?"

Beth turned to find Sarah leaned against the door post.

"No," she sighed tiredly. 

"Maybe I left it at work? Or lost it on the beach?"

"Or left it in his car?" Sarah added.

Her eyes widened. Just then, the door bell went off. 

"Let me get that," Sarah mumbled, walking off.

After sitting in his car for a few contemplative minutes, he finally made the short drive to her house as per the address on her ID card.

Beth was pulling up his number when Sarah called,

"Beth, there's someone at the door for you!"

Call it anxiety, but her heart jumped. No one would visit by this time of the night. Could it be. . .

She stepped out of her room and was making her way down the stairs when she heard a deep voice and froze, then groaned.

"Beth?" Sarah called, looking directly at her.

"I'm here," she responded, eyeing up Brandon who was sat on the sofa with Sarah. As she went to him, she caught sight of her purse in his hand. Before she could say anything, Sarah stood up and began towards the tiny kitchen, calling out,

"Let me get you something to drink, Brandon."

Just great. Her mother knew his name.

Beth sighed, scratching her temple.

"You brought my purse?"

"Yes," he said, handing her her purse.

Reaching for it, she exhaled. "Thank you."

Sarah returned with a cup and passed it to him.

"There you go. Home made ice tea."

Beth watched Brandon take a sip and hum in surprise.

"Mrs. West, this tastes amazing." 

Beth watched Sarah beam at him, and groaned internally. She could literally see Sarah placing a family member stamp on his forehead.

Just her luck.

"Why, thank you."

"Yes, thank you, Brandon. For my purse too. Don't you have to get going now?"

Sarah's frown was immediate. "Now? It's just a little past 8."

Before Beth could say anything, Sarah added,

"Why don't Beth and I make you my famous pie? I have the dough rolled already. Just the filling's left to be added. We'll be right back!" She grabbed Beth's arm and whisked her into the kitchen.

"Mamma," Beth started, but Sarah sent her a look.

"He's the one you went out on a date with?"

Beth nodded, "Yes, but-"

"Why are you pushing him away?"

"He's Brandon Wade, mamma," Beth groaned.

"And?"

"What do you think he wants with someone like me?"

"Why don't you ask him?"

"I tried! All he said is I 'fascinate' him," She mimicked, making air quotes.

Sarah cooed.

"Mom!"

"What? Why is that so bad?"

"I can't fascinate him! We made a terrible first impression on each other. Why would I fascinate him now?"

"I don't know, but you fascinate him enough to get him to return your purse this late."

Beth rolled her eyes. "He probably doesn't want anything that has to do with me left in his expensive car."

Sarah slapped Beth upside her head. Beth flinched. "Mom!"

"Stop talking dumb. You were excited to go on a date with him-"

"Only because I haven't been to the beach in forever."

Sarah's eyes suddenly widened. Beth groaned in frustration and turned to bring out the fillings from the fridge.

"You let him take you to the beach?"

Beth busied herself with arranging the dough in the pan.

Sarah held her hand and gently turned her to face her.

"Did you go in the water?"

Beth sighed in submission and nodded.

"With him?"

She nodded again, slower this time.

Sarah began to smile. "I see why you push him away now."

Beth opened her mouth to speak but Sarah beat her to it.

"You're beginning to like him."

"Mamma-"

"He is extremely good looking."

"Oh my goodness, mamma-"

"Does he know about me?"

"Mom-"

"Does he?" She asked again, more stern.

"Yes," Beth admitted with defeat.

"Josh ran away as soon as you told him about me, thinking you wanted to shove my hospital bills on him," Sarah said, speaking of Beth's ex boyfriend. "Brandon didn't."

"Not yet," Beth mumbled.

"Yet? Why not now? Why is he still here?"

"I don't know!" Beth whisper yelled, throwing her arms up in the air.

The house was very small. Brandon could hear the women in the kitchen. He didn't know what they were saying, but he was almost too sure they were whispering about him.

"Give him a chance."

"He doesn't even want a chance!"

Sarah got a look in her eyes that had Beth's heart racing. 

"Let's see if that's the truth." 

Before Beth could think, Sarah was out of the kitchen. Calling for the help of God, Beth ran into the living room after her mom.

"Brandon-"

"You should really get going. Don't you have important things to attend to?" Beth rushed out, interrupting Sarah. Brandon who had been standing by a wall observing a picture frame, looked once between Sarah and Beth and said with a straight face,

"Actually, I don't."

Beth's gaze could send him to hell, but he met it head on. Sarah smiled.

"Lovely! Brandon, can I ask a question?"

Brandon nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Promise to be honest?"

Brandon looked between them again, a light crease marring his forehead.

"I will try my best, ma'am."

"Do you like my daughter?"

"I do," Brandon said without missing a beat. 

Beth's cheeks coloured in embarrassment and mortification.

"Díos, mamma-"

Sarah beamed. "I'll go continue with the pie. Beth here, will keep you company."

Then Sarah turned to Beth and the smile fell away from her face, replacing itself with a very smug smirk as she walked away. Beth was fuming. Brandon fought the urge to smile. Beth whipped around to face him. He stood straighter.

"Why did you answer that?!" 

"She told me to-"

"Shut up! Why are you here?"

"I came to-"

"Shut up! Do you realize what you just did?"

"I think-"

"Shut up!" Gripping her hair, she looked heaven ward and vented, 

"Perché non posso semplicemente avere pace? Perché gli piaccio? non lo capisco!"

"Beth-"

Eyes blazing, she whipped around to face him. "Why? Why do you like me?"

He walked to her, watching as her chest rose and fell in cute anger.

"I-"

"Models, fashion designers, doctors, lawyers, singers, even dancers! You have a well of women to pick from and from what I see on TV, they are only too happy to jump you. Why me?!"

He shrugged, allowing his lips curl upwards in a small smile, finding her wild arm gestures and flaming eyes endearing.

"You're original."

She grimaced, then scoffed. "Singers sing original songs. Designers make original pieces-"

"Yet, none has made one as original as you."

"Let me be in my originality then! Leave me alone!"

"I will, but only when you get out of my head."

As she stared up at him, panting, he stared down at her with a lazy smile on his face.

"You're delusional," she finally said, sagging in exhaustion.

He held her hand and pulled her to sit. 

"I want to help."

She frowned. "Help?"

He nodded. "Yes. Your mom. I want to help."

Her face turned grim. "You are using my mom to buy me?"

His eyes widened. "Fuck no. I-"

"You come to my house and see where I stay and think you can buy me with my mom?"

"Elizabeth-"

"I might not be in the best of positions right now, but I am not for sale. Never have been, never will be."

"No, i-"

"Get out of my house."

"I'll send you my account number," Sarah suddenly stated out of nowhere. Beth turned and saw Sarah standing with her arms behind her back, hosting an equally challenging look on her face.

"Mom," Beth warned.

"Not this time. I have watched you labor endlessly for days and nights just to take care of me."

"I'm not complaining, mamma!"

"The child does not have to complain for a mother to see what her child is going through. He wants to help. Why not let him?"

"It's not genuine!" Beth yelled, feeling a rush of emotions.

"How do you know that? Sweetheart, he's standing right here. Don't assume for him. Ask him."

"No," Beth whispered. Brandon heard the tears in her voice and froze. "I won't. I'm capable of taking care of you. I don't need the help of anyone."

"Yes, you do!" Sarah stressed.

"I don't! I don't need help!" Beth yelled, her voice breaking at the end. Huffing as tears rolled down her cheeks, she ran upstairs. Brandon and Sarah heard her door creak closed.

Sarah looked sad. Brandon felt horrible.

"Mrs. West, I am so sorry for-"

She held up her hand to silence him, sending him a small smile.

"It's not your fault. My girl needs help, but is too scared to ask for it. She takes on too much. Too too much. Go to her."

Brandon froze. "Mrs. West-"

"Please. This... This is a mother's request. Dinner will be ready soon." Giving him one last smile, she walked back into the kitchen. Having no other option, Brandon shook out his hands and slowly went up the creaking stairs. He got to the first door of the two in the small hall, and knocked. He heard a sniffle. He slowly opened it and in a small baby blue, baby pink and white themed room, he saw her standing in front of a small window with her back to the door. As he stepped in and shut the door behind him, she sobbed quietly.

"Mom," she turned. 

Their eyes met. Brandon held his breath. She just kept staring at him. He walked till he was in front of her. She let him approach, watching his every move.

"I'm sorry," he breathed. 

Her face crumpled before she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. His arms went around her, holding her to him. She sobbed into his shirt.

"I-i'm not like that, I promise."

"Shh," he stroked her hair.

"I never yell like that."

"It's okay. Don't explain."

They remained in that position till she decided to pull back. He looked from her slightly red eyes to her now pink nose, then to her tear stained cheeks and finally her red lips.

"Why do you want to help?" She asked.

He could see the courage it took her to ask.

"I care about you."

"Why?"

"After that day in my office, I couldn't get you out of my head. Call me crazy, but after you left, I couldn't help but admire your bravery. Like your persona. I have wanted to see you again ever since then. Now that I have, I see that you are who you are. And I like who you are," he confessed, looking into her eyes. "Mindless of what you think."

"What exactly do you want?"

"You," he breathed, meaning it with everything within him.

She shook her head. "Say something else."

"Whatever you're willing to give me."

"I'm not used to help,"

"I know."

"I'm not going to be easy."

He stroked her hair again, beginning to smile. "I know."

"I'll fight you at different turns," she warned again.

"I look forward to it." 

She stared up at him. He looked down at her. The sea and the brown of the earth clashed. His head began to descend. Her heart began to race. He got close and paused. She didn't move away. Their lips met. Her skin tingled and awoke to new sensations as his lips massaged hers gently. She subconsciously rose on her toes. He angled his head, deepening the kiss. Her heart began to double pound. Stars shone behind her closed lids. She felt... She felt cherished.

He pulled back. They stared at each other. She gulped and squeaked out,

"Friends?"

He threw his head back and laughed.

"Among other things."

Dinner was served. They had apple pie and iced tea, laughing and getting to know each other better. By the end of the night, Brandon had decided that his new favorite thing to eat was Sarah's apple pie. The time flew by and before anyone knew what was happening, it was 11:34 p.m. Sarah hugged Brandon goodbye, watching as Beth walked him to his car.

"Your mom is amazing," he commented, taking Beth's hand in his. He released the breath he didn't know he'd been holding when she didn't pull away.

She smiled. "Thank you."

"Can I bribe her to give me her recipe?"

Beth chuckled. "I don't think so."

"I had a lovely time today. Thank you."

All she did was smile.

He pulled her to him and her heart began pounding a rocky beat.

"I'll see you soon?"

"I don't know," she whispered, watching him lean down.

His lips met hers and time seemed to stop. She hesitantly deepened the kiss. He followed, taking everything she gave. He pulled back, then pecked her lips and ran his thumb over her bottom lip.

"You should go inside now."

She nodded, trying to catch her breath.

He caught her chin and tipped her head up, forcing her eyes to meet his.

"Lock the door behind you. Okay?" The kiss seemed to have stunned her.

He smiled.

She nodded. He kissed forehead, and watched her walk away. When she was safely inside, he left.

Two weeks went by and Brandon and Beth bad been going pretty strong. She showed him her goofy and funny side and he showed her his playful and childish side. They had made a habit of sending each other weird texts during the day, and goofy pictures at night.  Brandon was enjoying how things was progressing. She was just so lively and he was all in for that. He was sat at his table when his 10:00 meeting walked in. Brian. They had business to discuss. After a solid hour of work, Brian sighed.

"That's about it."

Brandon nodded, leaning back in his chair. 

"So, I see you smiling a lot more often now."

Brandon lowered a brow. "What do you mean?"

"Elizabeth has you wrapped around her finger and she doesn't even know it."

Brandon rolled his eyes. "It's not that serious, Brian."

"Yes, it is. Are you going to tell her."

"Tell her what?"

"About the bet."

"Fuck no," Brandon responded with a frown. 

"Yet, you let your pride stop you from backing out." 

Brandon ran his tongue down his cheek wall, already knowing where the conversation was headed. Heck, he already regretted the bet. He did. But he couldn't back out. He was known to be a man of his word. But, with Beth. . .

"Brian, I'm caught," he admitted with a deep sigh.