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Forty-One
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Monte draped his arm over the wobbly cubicle wall, waiting for the woman to turn and look at him. He remembered her from the cab ride the other night, and at first, he thought she didn’t recognize him. Now as he detected her hesitation, instinct told him she did, in fact, recall that evening. Why, then, was she acting so shy right now?
After a few awkward moments of silence, the woman lifted her shoulders and turned in her swivel chair, her gaze meeting his. He blinked, not believing what he saw. She looked so different from when he first saw her. Although it was dark, he remembered her smile had lit up her whole face.
It’d been quite a while since he had seen a person wear that style of glasses and even longer when a woman had dared wear such plain clothes. The overly large brown dress didn’t do a thing to enhance her figure. It probably made it worse. He knew firsthand that she wasn’t a big woman since she had sat on his lap with his arms arou
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Breanna stood in the middle of her front room and surveyed the confined space she had to work in for her party. There was no way thirty people could fit in her apartment. With a deep sigh, she raked her fingers through her thick hair and lifted it off her neck.“Why did I agree to this?” she grumbled.But she knew the answer. If Tom hadn’t upset her by canceling their date—again—she wouldn’t be worrying about the unknown guests who would be arriving soon.She exhaled deeply and walked into the kitchen. She leaned against the wall as she tried to figure out how to get rid of these disturbing thoughts. At times, Tom made her feel unwanted, and lately, his actions had really hurt. Why did he always choose his friends, Kevin and Trisha, over her? She would be the one marrying him, for heaven’s sake. But it was like pulling teeth to get him to spend time with her.She rearranged the food items on her table and counters
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Breanna finished helping him move the furniture around, and by the time they were done, the change was remarkable. Perhaps thirty people could fit in her apartment, now.She released a deep sigh and scratched her head. “How much time before our guests start arriving?”He glanced at his gold watch, which looked to be quite expensive. “Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes.” He met her stare. “Why?”“I need to go change.”“Go ahead.” He flipped his hand. “I’ll just check on the refreshments.”She turned and hurried into her bedroom and stripped out of the clothes. After powdering her body with a rose scent, she grabbed the clothes previously set out to wear for tonight. The faded jeans and over-sized shirt would do just fine. She removed the ever-present rubber band and let her hair fall down around her shoulders.When she entered the living room, Monte lounged on her sofa,
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Monte studied the shy woman dancing with him whose attention darted around the room more than it had rested on him. He liked the way she pressed against him so intimately and yet didn’t seem to mind. He enjoyed the way she’d gazed at him as if she’d never seen anything so perfect. He also liked the scent surrounding her – better than a flower garden. Of course, roses had always been his favorite.The longer he watched her scan the crowd, the more he realized she was purposely trying not to look at him. His mouth twitched into a grin. He’d change that in a hurry.While the crowd distracted her, he had the chance to examine her eyes. They were actually prettier than he remembered from this morning. Not very often had he met women with gray eyes, but hers were such a pretty color. Being this close to her, he couldn’t help but notice they also held specks of gold as if God had sprinkled stars in her eyes.As he studied her face mo
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Once the party had moved to the pool house, the crowd became wild. Even Pat Gurrister joined in the fun. Monte laughed at the older woman who didn’t care that she was making a spectacle of herself as she flirted outrageously, but he was glad she’d let them continue with the party.Monte had been to many parties; thousands upon thousands, but this one seemed to take the prize for the most entertaining. Even the other people at the party agreed.He removed his shirt, shoes, and socks and joined in the fun. He followed the wild group of men as they searched through the party to find those women who hadn’t gotten wet. They took turns in snatching the women and throwing them in the pool.By now, everybody had gotten wet at least once, and Monte’s enthusiasm waned to a dull roar. Who else could he tease? Quickly, he scanned the area for Breanna, and just as he’d suspected, she was nowhere in sight. He should have made it a point to person
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At two o’clock in the morning, Pat Gurrister announced the party was over. Monte agreed, since some of the guests had disappeared from the swimming pool about an hour before. Although he had the time of his life, he knew when to call it quits.After waving goodbye to the last guest, he walked beside Breanna back to her apartment. It wasn’t fair to let her cleanup by herself, and he’d promised her she could count on him to help.Breanna sighed heavily as she stared at the living room. “Well, I guess it could be worse.”He chuckled. “Yes, I’ve been to parties where the house was completely destroyed. This is nothing compared to what I’ve seen.”“Before we get started, I’m going to go change into some dry clothes,” she said, pulling her wet T-shirt away from her body.He didn’t want her to leave. He liked seeing her in wet clothes. He took her hands in a loose hold. “No, don’t go. You can’t change now. If you do, I’ll be the only one wet. Besides, you’ll have to wait until you’re a littl
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Breanna slept until noon that Saturday, still feeling exhausted from her party. She had such a hard time getting to sleep after Monte had left that she finally ended up taking a sleeping pill. Guilt was what kept her awake, and she needed something to take the edge off her nerves.She’d never been one to take medicine while growing up, not even aspirin, but since she’d known Tom, he’d introduced her to a lot of things she wasn’t used to taking – telling her that it was the only thing that could help.She sighed a ragged breath. Tom. What was she going to tell him? Should she tell him about the party? Of course she would. He’d probably even know that something happened the moment he walked into her place. Would she tell him about Monte? She was sure Monte’s name would be mentioned, but she decided to forget about the kiss.Now she realized why she’d acted that way with Monte after the party. He was such a s
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“Monte? Are you playing or not?”Monte’s attention snapped to his father and brother who’d walked ahead of him toward the next hole. Golf usually kept Monte’s interest, but for some inane reason, he couldn’t stop thinking about the night with Tyger. She’d been on his mind for two days straight and he couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear. “Yes, Dad. I’m coming.”Corey, his older brother shook his head and laughed. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you had your head in the clouds.”Monte chuckled. “Good thing you know me better.”“Yes, I know you better.” Corey arched an eyebrow. “But I’m still wondering if your glued-on smile is because of the party you attended the other night.”Monte’s grin widened and he shrugged. “Could be.”It was obvious by his father’s scowl that he di
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Why did she let Tom get to her again? Over the past few months, the terrible endings to their dates and the continual fear of triggering Tom’s temper, created such stress that Breanna’s head throbbed the following morning. Why did she always have to beg him for a little cuddling time and for a kiss? Was that really too much to ask if she was his girlfriend?The more she pondered the situation, the angrier she became. It wasn’t right that she had to plead for some attention. It wasn’t right that she didn’t automatically feel loved, either. Whenever they kissed – which wasn’t often – he always acted like he was in a hurry and couldn’t wait to leave. He never seemed to enjoy kissing her anymore.Not like Monte had.Growling, she pushed her fingers through her hair. Why did she have to think of Monte? It seemed that since she met him, she’d been finding more fault with Tom. And yet, deep inside her heart, s
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Fear kept Brooke’s feet frozen to the floor. Her mind screamed at her to move – to run – to hide. But her body wouldn’t listen.He’s going to catch me. And kill me!Closing her eyes, she held back the tears. She was a failure. As much as she had tried to not let her cousin’s degrading comments get to her these past several months, Brooke heard Robin’s voice ringing in her memory, telling her that she was nothing but trash – that she was a disgrace to the family.All Brooke had to do was sneak into the room, take a few pictures, and leave. Well, she’d done most of the things on her list.She listened to her uncle’s hurried footsteps coming her way. There was no place to hide in this room where he wouldn’t eventually find her. She might as well stay. Perhaps she could pretend to be asleep on his couch and tell him she’d taken too many migraine pills… since that’s what happened with Justin and the Jeep. And, her uncle did know she suffered from migraines.She glanced around the room until
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Brooke’s whole body trembled as she walked alongside her sister toward Uncle Tony’s luxurious home. As a child she’d been in awe of him and his wealth. Now, she pitied the man who had to break the law just to provide for his spoiled daughter and stuffy, arrogant wife.During the drive here, Tiffany had chatted nonstop about Robin’s heartbreak, and the horrible man who’d broken Robin’s heart. Brooke tried to act sympathetic while listening to her sister, but she couldn’t stop the elation growing within her. Justin hadn’t been horrible when he dumped Robin. He’d been smart.Brooke and her sister stopped on the porch. Tiffany was a foot taller than Brooke, but just as slender. Flipping a lock of her chestnut colored hair over her shoulder, Tiffany gave Brooke a stern look.“Do not make Robin upset.” Brooke managed to hold back the laugh that threatened to escape from her mouth. She nodded. “I don’t plan on doing that, Tiff. I’m not the monster she has told people that I am.”
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“Justin?”The sweet voice behind Justin pulled him from his conversation. He turned on the bed and faced Brooke, standing in the doorway, looking so beautiful. She clutched her hands to her stomach.“Hold on a moment, Brad,” Justin told his friend on the phone before smiling at Brooke. “What is it, angel?”Slowly she walked to him and stopped in front of him, touching his arm. “I think I can help you with Uncle Tony.”He arched an eyebrow. “You can?”“I know something that can put my uncle in prison.”“Really?”Nodding, she took a deep breath and slowly released it. “He smuggles illegal immigrants over the border, which is how Snakes came to work for him. He hires them, so he can get away with not paying them a full wage.”“Are you kidding me?” Justin’s heart hammered. He grasped her hands as excitement shot through him. There might be hope in getting Tony arrested after all.“And, there’s more.” Her smile widened. “He gives them fake ID’s and social security numbers.”“How do you kno
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Brooke didn’t know what to believe anymore. Obviously, she couldn’t trust her own heart. Justin had made her trust him. He’d made her fall in love with him, too. True, he didn’t force her, but because of his actions and words, how could she not have become transfixed by his charm? How could she have gone unaffected?Now she didn’t know whether to trust him or not. But hearing Justin say he wouldn’t marry Robin made Brooke’s heart sway toward forgiving him. She wanted to believe Justin. He’d shown her a wonderful, kind and loving man these past twenty-four hours. He might have apologized to her, but it was difficult to know what to believe anymore.Sitting by the fire didn’t accomplish anything, especially when she could hear him on the phone. He’d made several calls. One of them was to his mother as he explained in a sharp voice why he would never marry Robin. He’d even told his mother not to interfere in his life ever again.Quietly, she snuck back down the hall and stopped in front
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Justin sighed one long exasperated breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Yes.”“You’re, Justin… Monroe? The same man engaged to my cousin?”“Correct again. I was engaged to Robin.”Tears swam in Brooke’s eyes, her lips quivering. “You – you – lied to me?”He squeezed his eyes closed and swore softly. Looking at her, he shook his head. “I didn’t lie to you. I just didn’t tell you my last name.”“Why?” her voice rose.“Because at first it didn’t matter, then once we got to talking, I didn’t want to tell you because then I knew you wouldn’t open up to me.”“That’s a stupid excuse, Justin.”Inwardly he growled and grasped her wrist, but she pulled it free again. “Brooke, will you just listen?”“Listen to a liar? No, I’m done listening to you. I’m done being fooled by all men!”“Brooke, please understand, I didn’t tell you the truth because I wanted you to get to know me. The real me – not the fiancé of a Robin Pierpont. Believe me, they are two different people.”“Believe you?” Sh
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Justin hoped he’d proven his theory about good guys. Not once did Brooke seem uncomfortable around him, and he was willing to bet her feelings for him were also getting stronger. Although he hadn’t known her for a full day, he’d never forget Brooke or this weekend.She tempted him on many occasions, and he could tell she wanted to kiss him, but he held himself strong and tried to make their time together productive. They played every board game Brad had in the cabin, and when they ran out of games, they made up some of their own.They laughed so much, his sides hurt. But he enjoyed sharing this time with her. She made him feel alive, once again, and he’d missed that over the years.She didn’t ask him about his life, for which he was relieved. Brooke wouldn’t take the news about his engagement to Robin very well, so he avoided the subject. Thankfully, she didn’t ask what his last name was, either. He was certain Tiffany had mentioned it.For dinner, he scrounged through the cupboards a
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Justin’s chest ached, and he actually felt her pain. As he continued to stroke her silky hair, he prayed that he’d be able to stay strong for her. She needed comfort and support since nobody had given that to her, and he wanted to be the man who understood. The one man she could trust.His heart broke into pieces as he imagined all she’d gone through. What could be worse than being physically abused and then having friends and family turn their backs and distrust you?“After a few weeks had passed,” she continued in a strained voice. “I discovered I was pregnant.”The statement took him totally unaware, and when she lifted her head to look into his face, he knew she saw shock.“Yes, you heard me correctly.” She blinked away the liquid filling her eyes again. “I had the hardest time deciding whether or not I should keep the child or put it up for adoption.” She pulled herself straight, but he still kept his arms tight around her. “Anyway, my pregnancy started showing and I was beginnin
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Justin arose from his sleepless night, turned and slung his legs over the side of the bed. He rubbed his eyes then peered through half-closed lids at the alarm clock on the nightstand. Eight a.m. It’d been quite a while since he’d awakened this late. The change was nice.He stretched before sliding his feet into Brad’s slippers sitting on the floor. The morning chill caused goose bumps to ripple over his skin, so he hurried to the closet to find Brad’s robe. Justin pulled on the heavy terrycloth, tying the sash around his waist.Turning toward the window, he opened the shade and squinted against the sun’s brilliant glare as it touched the snow-covered ground. The impact of last night’s blizzard had left the mountains covered in white powder, but this morning only a few flakes drifted from the sky.He yawned, shaking the sleep out of his mind before heading into the living room to start a fire. As he set the wood in place, his mind drifted back to last night. Brooke had left him in a f
Loving a Tycoon Seventy
A moment of silence stretched through the air as Justin listened to Vince Gill’s song. The singer’s soothing voice echoed through the room, creating a cozy feeling. Justin closed the glass doors to the fireplace, and Brooke’s angelic hum rose above the crackle of the burning logs.Relaxing against the wall, he let himself enjoy the music as her voice blended with the singer’s. It had been so long since he enjoyed anything. Justin’s hectic life kept him going in one direction or another, not allowing a moment for himself. It was a miracle he’d even had time to date Robin, let alone get engaged. Thanks to his meddling mother, he’d somehow found the time to pop the question. Or maybe she’d popped the question. He couldn’t remember.In fact, his mother was the one who purchased the ring because his schedule was so time-consuming and he kept forgetting. His interfering parent reserved the perfect restaurant and she made sure the limousine picked him up from the office to deliver him there
