Beginnings (Brady Trilogy) (11 page)

“Baby wake up. It’s just a bad dream.” He murmured to her while stroking her hair. He watched her struggle to break from her spellbound nightmare. He continued to stroke her hair and speak softly into her ear hoping to comfort her.

“I can’t breathe.” She gasped. “I can’t breathe.”

“Yes you can. Just concentrate.”

It took a great deal of effort but she finally stirred away from her demons. “Luke?” She cried out and fluttered her wet eyes. It was as if his voice had finally broken the curse.

“I’m here baby.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re safe I promise.” He brushed his lips over her tear stained cheek.

“Oh God Luke, hold me please. I’m so scared.” She continued to weep.

Luke hesitated but finally got into her cold bed. He pulled her close in a warm embrace and held her. Soon his heated body warmed her sheets and Isabel settled into his comforting arms. She rested her cheek on his bare chest and wrapped her arms tight around his waist. She held on to him firmly, afraid if she relaxed her hold she might lose him. Luke continued stroking her hair and whispered to her until he felt her body become limp as she slipped away into deep slumber. Her thin silky night gown barely left any barriers between them as she pressed her body snugly to his. It was the first time in Luke’s life he spent the night in a woman’s bed without being sexually involved with her first. But for some reason, he felt this to be the most intimate situation he had ever been in.

Isabel woke, with her face buried into her pillow, to an empty bed with Luke’s scent still lingering on her sheets. She went downstairs but he was already gone. As she checked the time, she noticed how late it was. Jeez had she really slept till noon?
How was that possible?
She never slept passed eight. It could be because she felt all too comfortable and safe in Luke’s arms last night. Her cheeks heated from the thought of Luke holding her as his hands had ran up and down her arms and spine until she was in peaceful serenity.  

“I need some coffee,” mumbling, she headed for the kitchen and picked up the note placed on her counter.

Morning,

Had an early brunch m
eeting. Jake will be there at noon sharp. Don’t argue. Just let him work. You’ll be safe.

-Luke

             
Jake? Who’s Jake
, Isabel thought as the doorbell rang.
Noon sharp.
This Jake must be prompt. She opened the door to a tall, buzz cut dark haired, incredibly handsome man. He had to be at least 6’2 the same height as Luke.

“Guessing you’re Isabel. Jake Callaghan.” He didn’t offer a hand. He wore denim jeans ripped at his right knee, a black shirt, leather jacket and combat boots with dog tags hanging around his neck. He had a serious rugged face and dangerously intense icy green eyes that showed no sign of emotion. A little scar cut across his left brow leaving him to look outrageously threatening. Nothing about this man said
friendly and approachable
yet Luke’s note had ensured her safety. “Well are you going to let me in or leave me to freeze to death?” he asked irritably as she hesitated at the door.

“Oh right. Sorry. Please come in.”

“I’m guessing Brady didn’t give you much detail. I’m here to install a security system.”

“Oh.” Isabel was confused. She began to protest but stopped herself. “Alright” she smiled. “Can I get you some coffee?”

“Sure.” Jake was already walking around the living room scanning ceiling corners and windows. She immediately realized she was still in her night gown, though he had hardly even looked at her. “I’ll be right back.” She said and dashed upstairs to change. She came back to the living room placing a tray of sugar, cream and a large cup of coffee.

“Thanks.” Jake said. “Had a system before?”

“No. Just moved in a few months ago.” It never crossed her mind to get one. Her condo in L.A didn’t have one either. Since she was barely ever home she never thought she’d needed one.

“And what do you suppose was going to guard these Vivian Taylor paintings you have scattered around your living room?” He raised his brows and spoke sarcastically.

Isabel smiled widely, “I don’t know. She hadn’t warned me her art was all over the place before giving me the keys to her house.”

“You know her?” Jake asked.

“I’m her daughter.” She said and was satisfied by the shocked looked on his face.

“No shit?” he stared at her in amazement. “Alright well this shouldn’t take more than an hour. I’ll explain the system and coding once you’re fully equipped. You shouldn’t need much done. Three control panels will be enough. I’ll put one near the front door, one on the back and another in the upstairs hall way. You’ll have a few motion detectors, alarm on all the doors and windows of course and from what I saw outside, four surveillances should do it. But just in case I’ll walk around the outside once more and maybe place a fifth cam as well.”

“Surveillance? As in cameras?” Isabel nervously laughed and shook her hands in front of her. “All that really isn’t necessary.”

Jake crossed his arms across his chest
. “Either I can do my full job now or half ass it and be back tomorrow morning. Because if you know Brady as well as I
think
you know him, he’s not going to settle for less than full security.”

Isabel wanted to tell the
man Luke did not live here and it wouldn’t be his decision. She didn’t need his system or security cameras surrounding her premises. But she knew he was right because she did know Luke. And if he had sent Jake here, then he doubted she
“accidently forgot”
to close her window. This meant he must have already made up his mind that Jake should install a system. There was no changing Luke’s mind once it was set. She sighed and nodded her head in agreement. After all, she still couldn’t remember opening that window herself.

Jake began working withou
t another word. He worked fast. Didn’t bother asking for permission when entering any room. Even her bedroom. Didn’t acknowledge her or ask her further questions. He looked to being the type of man who didn’t bother with many words. He had stripped off his leather jacket and his black t-shirt stretched across his muscular upper body. He had a tattoo of wording on the back of his right triceps all the way down to his elbow. Isabel wasn’t close enough to read the words. He looked like he had just escaped an Army prison with his worn out combat boots and dog tags dangling from his neck. His exterior appearance screamed
Caution, Danger, Keep Away
. This is the type of man every mother warns their innocent daughters about. But Isabel was at ease with him because she knew Luke wouldn’t leave her alone with a man unless he was fully trusted.

After
Jake set up the complicated system he handed her a guide book and told her to pay close attention. Isabel stared at the complex screen. “This doesn’t look like a typical home security system.” She frowned.

“It’s not.
” Jake said as he began gathering his equipment and tools. “I don’t make house calls.” He looked at the petite brunette in front of him, her arms crossed over her chest waiting for him to elaborate. “It’s a corporation system. It’s a similar system I use to install for Brady’s company.”

“Oh.”
So he works for B. Pentagon as well?
“How weird that I’ve never met you before.”

Jake was about to
be a dickhead and blurt out that Luke doesn’t get into the habit of introducing his short-lived flings to his best friend and family. He had gotten a call from his best friend at 8am asking if he was available to do a new location installment. Much to his surprise the address he was given was to a local house and not a B. Pentagon building. Nothing about this woman said she was Brady’s last night’s one night stand. He watched the pretty woman hover across her new control panel testing it.

“So how long have you two been dating?” Jake
asked. Must not be for long since he was barely finding out about her he thought.

It took Isabel a moment to realize he was
asking her about Luke. “Oh no I’m not with Luke. I work for him. Personal assistant.” She smiled.

Jake sta
red at her stunned as if she had slapped him hard across the face.
Well I’ll be damned
he mused to himself. Brady must be infatuated by his own assistant. This was a definite first. Sure he always cared for his employees but Jake would bet his Harley that his old pal Brady paid special attention to this one.

Isabel flushed when
Jake stood there bluntly sizing her up from head to toe.

“Well then.” He finally spoke.
“Cards on the table. Tell Brady I’ll see him later.” Duffle bag in hand he headed for the door.

“Wait
, what do I owe you? You haven’t given me an invoice.” Isabel called after him.

He turned around, smug smile
spread across his face. “Brady’s already picked up the tab.” He closed the door quietly behind him.

Jake dumped his bag behind his work trunk as he watch
ed Luke approach.

“Well
if it isn’t the generous boss himself.” Wide grin on his face, Jake lit his cigarette. “Hello there Romeo.”

“Shut it Callaghan. Everything set?”
Luke uneasily nodded his head towards Isabel’s door.

Jake took a long look at the house and then his
childhood friend. Something was definitely going on. He took a long deep inhale of his smoke, “Just as you asked. So what’s the deal with you and the babe? Didn’t know you started sleeping with your employees.”

Luke sent him a warning look that made Jake’s grin grow even wid
er. “I’m not sleeping with her.” He said. “I thought you were quitting.” he indicated to the cigarette.

“
Starting tomorrow. You said you spent the night here.” Jake continued with his probing.

“Doesn’t mean I slept with her.”
Luke snapped. “It’s not like that with Isabel. I care about her.” It surprised him how easily the words came out. And since last night he’d been worrying about her even more.

Jake studied Luke’s face
and sensed the restlessness. His eyes kept anxiously shifting towards Isabel’s house, watching it as if any minute now he’d finally see what he was looking for. He easily read the signs this wouldn’t be a good time to ask Luke further questions. That was the beauty behind their friendship. Little words were needed to be exchanged between them to know exactly how the other felt.

“Huh. I think you might be doing more than just caring about her pal. The Brady I know doesn’t send me to just any random woman’s house to
ensure her safety. If you’re going to act on this Luke be careful and don’t fuck it up. Shit like this usually gets messy and you know that. ”

But Jake received no answer which told him his assumptions were right. Luke was enthralled by this woman more than he thought
and wasn’t sure how to handle it. “I’ve got to run. I’ll see you in New York.” He tossed out his cigarette and climbed into his truck.

Luke stayed outside Isabel’s door debating
if he should go in. Finally he made the decision it would be best to stay away. The lines were beginning to blur and he was confused what side he was on. He was losing his mind and never imagined he’d use a great amount of energy to force himself to stay away from a single person. That’s how strong Isabel’s magnetic pull was towards him. Right when he thought he was in control of things and placed a safe distance between them, she drew him right back towards her. He needed to clear his mind since Jake’s words still echoed in his head. He knew what was at stake if he and Isabel became involved and it ended badly. 
No, he sure did not want to fuck it up.
He walked away disputing between what his mind told him to do yet his heart refused to follow. He got in his car and headed for his office.
His sanctuary.
Where he could work and gain an ounce of peace again and clear his head of all thoughts of Isabel.

He was working behind his desk when he heard the sound of the elevator announcing someone’s arrival
to his top floor. Maybe one of his employees came in to work on a Saturday he thought. He continued working when Isabel walked into his office. He leaned back in his chair watching her walk towards him. She was dressed in a dark gray sweater dress and black boots. Just the sight of her made Luke’s desire burn.
There’s just no escaping her.
This woman was subconsciously out to torture him.