My Charming Stepbrother (5 page)

Chapter 2

It was impossible to sleep that night. Daisy tossed and turned, her body on fire from the thoughts of her encounter at the bookstore with Brian. Why did he bother coming back in town? It was unnecessary. He could have just stayed away and kept living his new life and left well enough alone.

But instead, he came back home and on top of that, no one told her that he was in town. She made a mental note to discuss this fact with her father and her step-mother. They were sure to have known that he was in town.

Daisy awoke before her alarm went off. Instead of lying in the bed, she went ahead and got up to get her day started. It was a little after six. Brian would be there in under and hour. He would most certainly be on time because people who were late were his pet peeve.

She busied herself with much of nothing, trying to keep her mind off of the fact that Brian would be there shortly. Why had she even agreed to have breakfast with him? Daisy realized that it was better to get it over with earlier in the day then drag on the nervous feeling that was taking over her.

By the time she folded laundry, took a shower, and washed and dried her hair, it was seven. Daisy did not want to look like she was anticipating Brian's arrival, so she began working on one of her projects, hoping that it would keep her busy and take her mind off of the visit.

As soon as she opened her laptop, the doorbell rang. Daisy took a deep breath and went to open the door.

"Good Morning," Brian spoke as he brushed past her into the house without waiting for Daisy to invite him in.

"Good Morning," she said as she tried to see what was in the bags he was carrying.

Although Brian had only been to her home a few times, he walked off to the kitchen as if he was a frequent visitor. He seemed right at home, grabbing pots and pans, going in the refrigerator to grab a few additional ingredients.

"I seem to remember that you like your eggs over easy and that you like your bacon burned."

Daisy was impressed. "Wow. I did not know that you would remember something like that."

Peeking at her out of the corner of his eye, he then turned back to tend to the food on now cooking on the stove.

"I remember the important things."

Daisy smiled as she watched Brian cooking. The food smelled good and it was nice to have a little company this morning.

"So how long are you here in town, Brian?"

"Not too long. I just wanted to come home and refresh my mind, you know? It's hard being on the road. I find when I come home that I can get back to work with my head on straight."

Daisy nodded, but she did not truly understand his predicament. She had not left home to go after an illustrious career. She owned her own company and worked from home, so she found a convenience in that and a comfort. Brian, on the other hand, traveled all over and spent more time on the road living out of a suitcase and hotels than he did with his own family.

"So we have to be happy with the little bit of time that you spare for us?"

He sighed, plating the food and serving them both. Daisy was immediately sorry that she had let the cheeky comment slip from between her lips.

"I guess you don't really understand what my life is like and maybe you don't care to understand, Daisy. But it's my life and I love what I do. I would not trade it for anything in the world."

Moving the bacon around on her plate, she wished she had not made the comment. It caused the tension that was falling over them and she did not like the way that it felt.

"I would not expect you to. Who would want to trade in a life of luxury and travel?"

Brian shook his head, a look of frustration washing over him. "So obviously you have not changed much in the past few years."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Brian sat his fork down on his plate with a clink. "It means that I come back and you are still the same. Pessimistic, always thinking about what did not happen instead of seeing what did happen."

Daisy picked up her plate and ran off to the kitchen. "That is ridiculous, Brian. What are you talking about?"

Her back was facing him as she rinsed her plate in the sink. She could feel Brian's presence behind her. He slid his dish in the soapy water of the sink. Daisy said nothing else as she washed his dish as well and then turned off the warm water.

"Do you remember when our parents first met? I hated the fact that my mom was going to start dating. And I especially hated the fact that your dad looked like a 1980s playboy with that overly gelled hair and those white suits he used to wear."

"Hey! I thought my dad looked really good back then. Kind of suave and dapper. And obviously Tracey liked it," Daisy replied, speaking of Brian's mother.

"She had to be out of her mind. Anyway, I remember when you and I first were introduced. You were this scrawny little girl with all of this blonde hair. You looked like a doll."

She remembered the day so very clearly. Her father, Jack been down in the dumps and constantly depressed over his breakup and divorce with Daisy's mother. All of a sudden, he was upbeat and happy, completely over the moon. At ten years old, Daisy had no clue that her father had fallen in love.

Jack had met Tracey at a local diner. They both happened to be there on business meetings and caught each other's eye from across the room. The way that the two of them described it was 'instant attraction'. Tracey was a beautiful woman. She was tall and slender like a model and extremely poised. It was the thing that Daisy loved about her.

"Yeah, I remember that your mom and my dad sat us down and they were so happy to tell us that they were getting married. I thought that they were out of their minds. I could not believe that they were ready to run off and marry each other. My head was spinning. I was not sure what was happening."

Brian laughed at the memory. "I could not believe it myself. My mom sat me down the day before and told me that she had met her Prince Charming and fallen in love. I had no idea what that meant. I just knew that she was happy and I wanted it to stay that way."

"Too bad that it did not."

Brian massaged his chin. "They still love each other."

"Daisy saw that point in the conversation as the perfect place to interject and ask a question that had been plaguing her.

"So you think love is like that? You think that love lasts and endures through hurt and pain and people essentially growing apart?"

"Yes, I do. I think that our parents will be fine. You know, I've read somewhere that some couples have to be with one another every second of the day and that some couples can deal with the space. Maybe they are the ones that can deal with the space."

Daisy rolled her eyes. "You have got to be insane. No couple deals with space. They create the space and then have to fight through it or end things."

Brian was leaning against the counter, seemingly interested in her perspective. "So what do you think happened between them?"

Daisy shrugged, folding her hands behind her back. "I don't know. They still speak to one another often. As a matter of fact, they meet for dinner twice a week. It's all so confusing."

"I don't think that it has to be so confusing. It could all be pretty simple. But people make it complicated."

"Love is complicated," she replied.

"It should not be. It should be easy. I love you. You love me. We live happily ever after. What is so complicated about that?"

Heart racing, Daisy stormed out of the kitchen. Her mind was playing tricks on her. Was he saying that he loved her or was he using that as an example?

"Is there something that you want to tell me Daisy?"

"No," she replied. She tried to refocus by sitting on the couch and turning on the television. As far as she was concerned, Brian had overstayed his welcome. She folded her legs and flipped through the channels.

As Brian approached her, it felt like her heart was going to leap right out of her chest. He sat down next to her so that they were eye level. Resting his hands on his knees, he turned to her.

"Are you sure that we don't have anything else to talk about, Daisy?"

She shook her head, trying not to look in his direction. "Nothing. Thanks for coming over and fixing breakfast."

Brian twisted his lips, then opened his mouth as if he was about to make a comment. He stopped and stood up abruptly.

"Fine. I'll see you later at dinner."

"What are you talking about? What dinner?"

"My mom is having us all over for dinner since I'm in town. Tonight. Will you be there?"

"I guess so. I was bound to get the invitation sooner or later." She could not believe that her father or even Tracey, had not called her personally to say anything to her about the dinner.

"I told them that I was coming over here for breakfast so I would let you know."

"So they know that you came by this morning?" A feeling of frustration washed over her.

"What's the big deal? Why would I not mention that?"

He just did not get it. And Daisy was not sure that he would ever get it.

"I guess I'll see you later at dinner." Their eyes met before Daisy turned her attention back to the television. All she wanted right now as for him to leave. She knew that if she sat there long enough in silence, he would.

When he walked out and closed the door behind him, she was happy that for once, he got the point.

Chapter 3

As soon as the door closed, Daisy started throwing couch cushions across the room. Brian had the ability to be both exasperating and likeable at the same time. It was something that she had been dealing with since childhood. They met right at the peak of puberty. There was awkwardness, hormones, and unnecessary attitudes that came along with developing in to teenagers.

The curiosity came after that. They were in high school when they discussed the fact that they were not truly related and that an attraction between them could be completely possible. Daisy had started to blossom into a beautiful young woman and Brian had been lifting weights and working out since he had discovered baseball.

The two of them were growing at an alarming rate, neither of them comfortable with the bodies that they were growing into.

It all started with Brian walking in on Daisy in the bathroom while she got dressed. He found her standing there in the mirror, singing a rock and roll song into her hair brush, while she pranced around in her bra and panties. He had not exactly stopped her while he watched the show and she had been completely embarrassed to know that he had been taken in the view.

Her body had revolted on her and suddenly, she was five feet five inches tall with rounded hips and C cup breasts. It was every young boy's dream and nightmarish for Daisy.

She remembered the moment she turned around and saw him watching her. Daisy practically knocked her head on the sink as she lost her balance, scrambling to find a towel or something to cover herself. Brian slipped into the bathroom, quietly closing the door behind him.

"Shhh," he whispered, trying to calm her as he caught her in his arms. She remembered the way that it felt for him to hold her, his biceps now bulging. He had shot up and grown at least four inches in the past year and now stood almost six feet tall at fourteen years old.

"What are you doing in here, Brian?"

"I don't make a habit of stalking girls in the bathroom if that is what you are asking."

"No, I didn't think that." She wrapped the towel tightly around her body, careful to cover up her breasts.

He had not completely let her go, and as she struggled to keep the towel up over her, he tugged at it, bringing it lower. It was not exactly a move that she fought. In that moment, she had to admit that being that close to Brian, touching his arms, was exhilarating.

Her fingertips explored the muscles in his arms, his broad shoulders. Brian undid the towel, letting it drop to the floor.

"You are beautiful. Why do you always cover up?"

She suddenly remembered that she should have felt embarrassed, but somehow, she did not.

"I don't know. I just-,"

"You just keep covering up for some reason and I don’t know why. You are gorgeous, Daisy."

Those green eyes and that mess of dark hair were driving her crazy. And her head was spinning, trying to figure out what was going on and what was supposed to happen next.

He did not kiss her, and instead simply walked out of the bathroom, leaving her a ball of confusion. She felt that same level of confusion right now. Brian always managed to blow in and out of her life like a tornado; powerful but beautiful and able to evoke much damage.

Daisy threw herself back on the couch, frustrated. It was the same frustration she felt as a young girl. The two of them spent their formative years politely dancing around one another, trying to avoid the attraction that was growing between them.

She massaged her temples. At least at dinner, her father and Tracey would be there to be a buffer between them.

Dinner. That meant that she would have to see Brian again.

And soon.

Why couldn't he just come back for a day, see their parents, and leave? Why did they have to cross paths at all? It was just making things more and more complicated. Just when Daisy had gotten used to Brian being gone, he had the nerve to come back.

So much for being out of sight, out of mind.

*

After going through six outfits, Daisy decided on a black blazer, a white tank top, and a pair of black jeans that showed off her curves. She piled her hair on top of her head in a high bun and kept her makeup minimal. She slid some bangles on her right arm, and put on her black heels and was out the door.

Her heart was racing as she ran through scenarios in her mind regarding how dinner would go that evening. As far as Daisy was concerned, she really had nothing to say to Brian. They had done their share of reminiscing already that morning and there was no need to take any other trips down memory lane.

But apparently the trip down memory lane was not ending any time soon. Tracey had chosen a restaurant that was a family favorite. They had been to this Italian restaurant so many times over the years. It was the one spot where they would all take time out and get together over good food, good conversation, and dancing. It was a place that Daisy loved, but today was not the day that she wanted to stoke the fires of old memories.

As soon a she pulled into the parking lot, she saw Tracey and her dad walking arm and arm into the restaurant. No Brian.

Maybe he was not coming and she could relax for the evening. That consideration was all thrown out the window when she saw Brian pull up in a red sports car and park. She tried to rush into the restaurant before he saw her, but it was too late.

"Let me get the door for you, Daisy." He reached behind her, holding the door open.

"Thank you." She stooped down under his arm and entered the restaurant.

"The two of you are right on time. We have the table ready." As Daisy and Brian entered the restaurant, Tracey extended her arms, inviting hugs from both of them.

They were seated and everyone ordered their food before the small talk began.

"Because Daisy is not in the hospital on her deathbed, I assume Brian did not cook."

Tracey snickered at Jack's comment.

"Actually, he did a great job," Daisy replied.

"You all always forget that I took several cooking classes." Brian's tone was frustrated. Daisy knew that he hated to be the topic of conversation.

"Ah yes, I do remember you took those classes," Jack replied. "Maybe when you retire you can put those skills to good use."

"Maybe. I had not thought of that. I have plenty of years before retirement happens, Jack."

Jack nodded. "Hopefully. But things happen and you could always use a plan B."

Daisy thought it best to change the subject when she saw Brian's jaw tighten. He loved baseball and that was all that he focused on. To hear any nonsense about back up plans and possibility of not playing professional sports made Brian's blood boil and the entire family knew it. Fortunately, she did not have to think too hard of something to say. The music playing provided the reprieve they needed.

Jack swayed in his seat. "Remember this song, Trace?"

Tracey put her fork down and tuned in to the music that was playing. "Yes. This was playing when we danced for the first time on our first date."

Jack extended his hand to her. "May I have this dance?"

Tracey pushed her chair back, enough to get up from behind the table.

"Yes, you may."

Jack and Tracey walked off to the dance floor, leaving Brian and Daisy alone at the table.

"I know that frustrates you when they are asking you about your career like that." Daisy was trying to offer an olive branch.

"Thanks for recognizing that," Brian replied, chewing on the inside of his cheek, a habit that he had obviously not gotten rid of.

They sat quietly, listening to the music, watching some of the other couples dancing. Brian poured himself another glass of wine.

"They look so good together," Daisy said out loud, more to herself than as a means of starting a conversation.

"They really do."

She turned to Brian, confused. "You think that they look good together."

He was leaned back in his chair, a look of frustration still on his face.

"They always have. They were meant for one another." He waved his hand in the air, as if what he was saying was public knowledge.

A young boy and a man approached the table, holding a piece of paper and a pen. "Mr. Faber. We hate to disturb you. But my son is a huge fan of yours. Can we trouble you for an autograph?"

"Sure, what's your name?" Brian asked the boy.

"Jake." The child was smiling from ear to ear.

Daisy watched as Brian stopped what he was doing to not only sign an autograph, but take pictures with the boy and his father. It was obvious that it made their day to see their favorite ball player. They talked sports for a moment, and Brian hugged the boy, giving him advice on staying in school and going after his dreams. The child was on cloud nine and the father thanked them as they walked away.

"That was amazing."

"What?" Brian asked, unfazed.

"That entire interaction. Signing autographs. Taking pictures. You really made that little boy's day."

Brian shrugged. "It is part of the job. I would not be who I am if I did not address my fans. Those are the people who buy my jerseys and come to the games. Plus, I'm home so who would I be if I did not treat my fans from home extra special?"

Daisy sipped her wine, looking at the man sitting across from her. That was the side of Brian she liked to see. The compassionate side that considered other people's feelings and would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it.

"You are minimizing what happened there, but I see how huge it was."

He shook his head, finishing his meal.

"So are we going to talk about this morning or not?"

Daisy gulped the rest of her wine, hoping that it would give her the courage to have the discussion that was necessary.

"You keep bringing up the fact that you think that we need to talk. What do you want to talk about Brian?"

There. She threw the ball in his court, let him lead the conversation.

Eyebrow raised, Brian put his fork down and leaned in as if he was going to tell a secret.

"There is so much history between us Daisy, I can't believe that you want to sit here and act as if this," he pointed at her and then at himself, "is casual."

He leaned back in his seat. "But if that is the way that you want it to be, the so be it. I can't make you change your mind."

She was not sure what she was supposed to say.

Jack and Tracey returned to the table, laughing, full of energy. Daisy looked at them, wanting to feel like that in her life. She could not recall a time when she ever felt like what she was seeing between her father and Tracey.

"I've taken care of the check already. Tracey and I are about to enjoy the night air. You two kids are on your own." Jack kissed his daughter on the cheek and gave Brian a hearty pat on the shoulder.

The parents walked out, leaving Brian and Daisy at the table. Daisy busied herself gathering her purse.

"Well, I guess we should get out of here." Brian offered his hand to Daisy as she pushed her chair back to get up.

She accepted the gesture. His hand around hers felt protective, comfortable. They walked out of the restaurant, hand in hand.

"If you want to be real, upfront about what is happening between us, come see me."

Brian slid something in her pocket and turned to walk away.

She watched him get in his car and drive off. Sliding her hand in her pocket, she pulled out a key card.

Brian had just made his intentions clear. It was up to Daisy to respond.