Brody hands me his shirt and his blond hair is a mess which only adds to his appeal. He licks his lips and raises a brow, and says, “Flattery will get you everywhere.” Brody kisses my cheek then turns to walk toward Jerick where he anxiously awaits.
And my goodness, I want him everywhere on my body.
I’m so glad Brody brought me along. I don’t believe I have stopped smiling or laughed this much since I planted my ass on the beach towel as I watch him with Jerick for the last hour.
Brody’s body is beautiful as waves crash against him leaving his skin glistening wet, just like my panties. And it’s so unfair how he’s making me feel like this. His laugh fills the salty air and carries over the waves while my heart swells seeing this side of him.
Paula crosses my line of sight, picks up her towel, and dries herself off, breaking my trance.
“I don’t think I have ever seen Brody smile so much,” she says off the cuff as she sits next to me. “I mean he smiles when he’s with Jerick, but not that kind of smile.”
My cheeks warm and I’d like to think I’m the reason. “Well, if I’m being honest, Brody’s got me smiling too.”
Goose bumps chase over me when I see the scars on his broad muscular body and the jagged lines, a few peppered marks from gunshots and marred burns that tell a story. Which brings me back to our conversation on the pier and his confession to me last night. The guilt he carries of letting a family down and the burden weighing heavily on him is palpable. And a day like today can remove that load, even if it is just for a blissful moment.
Even though he’s got blemishes, they’re still beautiful, and it’s not just his body that’s beautiful, it’s his heart he wears on his sleeve and the way he’s with Jerick.
I study them both. The smile they replicate as they race the waves, splashing each other and the playful high-fiving once they reach the shore.
They pick up their boards, paddle out as far as Brody will allow, and repeat the same motions.
“I can see that,” Paula says, bringing me back to our conversation. I have no idea where we left off because I have been ogling the man who has won me over.
“See what?” I brush a wayward lock of hair from my face as I turn to face her.
“Both of your smiles. I may not know much about you, but it’s in your eyes. As for Brody, he’s had a rough go these past several years. And to see his face light up like that”—she points her chin toward Brody and Jerick in the water—“is something I hadn’t seen at all.”
“What do you mean these past several years?”
“After they admitted Gerard, then Stella’s passing, I can’t imagine having both parents out of reach. Then the accident.” She lets out a breath. “But he seems to do just fine on that leg of his.”
What does she mean by Gerard admitted? Is that his father? I want to ask more, but it’s only right if Brody tells me.
“The explosion,” I confirm.
She nods slightly. “Being discharged from the navy wasn’t easy for him.”
“It seems he confides in you a lot.”
“We have history,” she says then sees the bewildered look on my face. “Sorry. I assumed he told you about us.”
“No. We’re still getting to know each other.” I smile and can’t help but wonder about the connection between the two.
I stare at her for a beat. She’s petite and pretty. Her brown ponytail peeks out from the back of her purple baseball cap, floral board shorts and nylon bikini top tells me she boogie boards often.
“We had a thing a long time ago.” She waves her hand in the air. My chest clenches and I’m not sure if it’s jealousy or I’m upset that Brody didn’t prepare me to meet one of his exes.
“Don’t worry, Delilah, we’re ancient history. I have a boyfriend. Actually, Michael is my fiancé.”
A warm breeze washes over me, as does the relief from jealousy.
“Where’s your ring?” I say, noticing it’s not on her finger.
“I will never wear that thing to the beach. First, I don’t want to get it dirty and if I lost it, Michael would never forgive me.” She raises her hands and thwacks them above her head. “Great job, Jer! Woohoo!” she hollers out to Jerick as he rides a wave, belly on the board and a gleaming smile on his innocent face.
“Brody is so good with Jerick.”
“He’s very protective of him too. Some people don’t know how to act around kids like him.”
“Brody has a tendency to protect people, doesn’t he?” I ask then clear my throat.
“It’s in his nature.”
“My brother has Down syndrome,” I assert. “Daxton. He’s twenty-two.”
She tilts her head. “Brody didn’t mention that to me.”
“That’s because I haven’t told him. My family lives in Kansas. And Daxton is great on the ranch, always helping our parents and my cousin, Jacob, who is the foreman.”
“Brody’s a good guy and I really hope you’re the peace he’s been looking for. He deserves it.”
Brody’s board glides along the surface of the water alongside Jerick. Both laughing as they race to the shoreline.
“The foundation Michael and I run are always looking for more big brothers and sisters. If you’re interested, I can always set you up with one of our kids,” Paula offers. “We meet every other Saturday right here, unless it’s raining then we meet at the facility not too far from here.”
“I would love to, Paula. Thank you.”
“Great. Oh, look at the time.” She glances at her watch, picks up the towel next to her, and rises from the blanket. “It’s time for Jerick to get out of the water. He really hates this part.”
“I don’t blame him. He’s having so much fun out there.” I see the gleaming smile on Jerick’s face.
“It’s not so much the water he’ll miss. It’s being separated from Brody.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brody
“Jerick likes you.” I take ahold of her hand and kiss the top of her knuckles.
“I like him too.” She smiles as she takes her keys out of her purse. “I had a good time today.”
“You seemed so comfortable with him. Most people—”
“My brother, Daxton, has Down syndrome,” she admits. “So, being with Jerick made me realize how much I miss my little brother.”
“Do you plan on going back home anytime soon?”
“No. Not back to Kansas. But I do have a trip planned to San Francisco to see Dylan in a couple of weeks . . . maybe you can come with me?”
“You want me to meet your brother?”
“Well, actually you may meet my whole family. Dylan is going to propose to his girlfriend. It’s a surprise, so it’ll turn out to be an engagement party.”
“Your brother is sure of himself. What if she says no?”
“Phoebe is about seven months pregnant. And knowing her, she’ll want to complete her circle. Get that family she’s always wanted.”