Chapter 5

 

Rye stood at the stove, checking to see if the eggs had cooked enough. Hearing quiet taps of feet on the floor, he turned to find Brie, still clad in his shirt, staring at him from the end of the hall. Nice. Looks like I surprised her this morning. Always a good thing to keep a woman guessing.

He flashed a smile. "Good morning. Hungry?"

Shaking her head, Brie spoke, her voice still hoarse from sleep. "Good morning. Not too hungry, though. What are you fixing?"

Rye watched her reach down and tug at her clothing once more before taking a seat at the table. She looked better in his shirt this morning compared to last night, and that had been damn hot. Feeling his groin tighten, he shifted, trying to ease the pressure. Even with mussed hair and eyes half misted with sleep, she was the sexiest woman he'd ever seen. Forcing his mind back to the conversation at hand, he replied, "Scrambled eggs, toast. There's some coffee if you want some." He turned back to pluck the toast out of the toaster, placing them on a plate. Grabbing the plate of eggs, he set them both on the table before her.

Giving him a small smile, Brie whispered, "Thank you." She busied herself with pouring the juice while he took his seat.

Plopping down across from her, he smiled. "You're welcome." Snatching a piece of toast, he began to butter it. "What did you want to do today?"

Brie sipped her juice. "I had thought to work on those landscape bricks out back this morning before it gets too hot. After that…"

"We go shopping." He grinned at her, not for a second forgetting that she'd decided to go searching for new sleepwear today. As much as he loved seeing her in his shirt, he had vivid images of her in other lingerie. Sexy lingerie. Hot as hell lingerie.

She reluctantly agreed, nodding wanly in answer.

He caught her stare and smiled over his juice glass. Lingerie shopping, now this is the way to spend a day. Granted, she'd drag her feet, but he had his ways. Charm ran rampant in the Taylor family. He'd gotten more than his fair share, too.

An hour later, they moved to the backyard, debating on where to start with the large landscape bricks neatly stacked in one corner. "I want to make a fairly large circle around the tree, enough space to plant some flowers." Brie headed to the stack, picking up a brick then moving back to the tree.

Rye followed suit. "Okay. How about we start placing them, then you can see what you think when the first row is down?" He set his brick down a few feet from the tree trunk. Watching Brie mimic his action, he ambled back to the stack in the corner.

It didn't take too long to set down the first few, and with only a minor adjustment or two they moved to the next row.

Rye stood and turned, almost running into Brie as she stood directly behind him. The level of her gaze told him one thing. She's checking out my ass again. He watched the flush appear, grinning wickedly at her. "Enjoying the view?"

Brie gasped, her color deepening. Pursing her lips, she walked around him to set her brick in place. His low chuckle followed.

With a tiny huff and shrug, she returned for another brick, came back, and promptly dropped it onto the others, right on Rye's fingers.

"Shit!" He clutched his fingers, doing a quick check to make sure they were still functioning. "Ow, damn it!" Shaking them, he waited for the pain to recede. They looked only a little skinned, but they sure hurt like hell.

"Oh, Rye! I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" Brie stood at his side, trying to catch his figners in order to see how badly he was injured.

Pushing her hands away, he growled, "I'm fine." Checking the skin once more, he found no changes, not even a bruise appearing. She clipped him just right. But, shit, that hurt.

"I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to." She tried to peek over his arm to catch a glimpse of his hand.

He wiggled his fingers once more, sucked it up, and retraced his steps back to the stack.

The sting lessened by heartbeats, but he had to get some space away from her. First of all, between getting whacked in the nose with the shovel and now this, he wasn't so sure he would survive this landscape project of hers. Secondly, the feel of her breast brushing against his arm sent pains to another location in his body. Hell, at this rate, he was going to be taking cold showers for the duration of his stay.

Brie returned to work, watchful, her actions more careful. "I'm sorry." Laying the brick down beside his, she peered over at his digits once more. She pouted, reminding him of a kid that had just lost her best friend.

"It's okay. Accidents happen." Boy, was that the truth, especially around Brie, as he was starting to find out. Still, that crestfallen expression tugged at his heart. He'd just have to watch her closer.

 

* * * *

 

Having finished the landscape work for the morning, Brie and Rye had taken quick separate showers, then decided to grab something for lunch while they were out shopping. Brie still couldn't believe she was going to purchase pajamas with him. She never went shopping with her female friends much, let alone with a guy. For sleepwear, no less. Truly, her life had been turned upside down in a day's time.

"Ready?" Rye walked into the living room, tucking his polo shirt into his jeans. His hair, still damp from the shower, neatly combed.

Nodding, Brie slipped her hair into a ponytail before grabbing her purse from the counter. "If you don't want to go, I can easily find something myself." She took a moment to stuff her cell phone inside the side pocket as she spoke. Pulling her keys out, she glanced up at him.

"I want to go. Really." He grinned. Holding his hand out, he watched her hesitantly drop her keys into his palm. "Thanks."

For the entire trip, Brie peeked under her lashes at the powerful thighs encased in those jeans. Of course, her appraisal continued upward to rest on that juncture between his legs. She was far from an expert, but it looked a little bulging to her. Hmmm. Was that bulging from sheer endowment or from Bam Bam checking out the world?

"Brie?"

Her gaze jerked upward, meeting his, to see a knowing smile plastered on his face. Heat blasted across her face. Pointedly looking out the window, she took a moment to answer. "Yes?"

"The mall okay?"

Nodding, Brie watched the scenery as they drove. What was she going to do? He'd been there a little over twenty-four hours and she was already on the verge of drooling. Distraction was a given. Not to mention that smirk of his—one minute she wanted to wipe it off his face, the other she wanted to kiss him until he found other uses for those lips.

No. She could do this. Just a roommate. Friend of the family. How many times had she told herself that already? Dozens?

Luckily, they were at the mall before she could embarrass herself once more. Rye pocketed the car keys as she grabbed her purse and headed inside. First department store she entered, she made a beeline for the ladies wear. Spying the boxers and night shirts on display, she started to that corner only to stop when Rye grabbed her wrist. Startled, she turned to him.

Rye winked and dragged her away from the boring, shapeless pajamas and to the more sensual silk and satin area. Stopping by a deep blue satin slip, he picked up the hanger, holding it up in front of her body.

Still a little dazed at his take-charge attitude, Brie stared at the item. Not something she would normally purchase, but it did cover more than his shirt ever would. So, when he gave a small nod and handed it to her, she didn't utter a single protest.

Taking a couple more steps, she was drawn to another item, this one a delicate mauve with spaghetti straps of a deeper hue. Touching the material, she let it softly slide over her fingers, enjoying the fine caress. Now, this looks comfortable. She could almost imagine the feel of it sliding over her skin, soft and supple. Checking the size, she quickly added it to the other one before she could change her mind.

Rye wandered a little deeper into the department looking back often to ensure she followed.

Glancing up, Brie found Rye idly searching through more of the women's lingerie. She had to smile to herself. Who knew men enjoyed this kind of stuff? Well, she realized they liked to see it modeled, of course, but buying it? Maybe they simply wandered around, found something they thought was sexy, then used it in one of their fantasies? Casually heading in his direction, she found a few silk items, but nothing that popped out at her.

"What about this?" Rye held up a gorgeous black silk chemise, the light reflecting off each tiny movement of his fingers under the material. The halter type collar caught her eye, as did the plunging neckline.

She couldn't resist touching the glistening item, frowning at the bodice. "I don't know." That little devil on her shoulder whispered for her to take it, wear something sexy and alluring for once. Didn't she stomp him down after the last time he popped into her mind? Guess not enough as he was back again and insistent, too.

Rye grinned down at her, one eyebrow arching in question.

The look on his face sealed the deal. He was daring her. For the life of her, she couldn't resist such. I'll show him. Consoling herself with the knowledge that it resembled a short dress a fashion model might wear, she made the decision. Grabbing the chemise from him, she added it to the ever growing pile in her arms.

Rye turned, leading her a little farther down the aisle, an amused smile covering his face, reminding her of a kid in a candy shop.

Shaking her head, Brie glanced over to her left, searching for perhaps one more chemise—or a slip might be even better. Pawing through one rack, she moved to the next. Absently, she found herself meandering closer to where Rye stood, patiently waiting for her to flip through items. A deep rose color caught her eye. Heading to the hangers right next to Rye, she pulled the item off the rack and immediately gasped. It was a silk baby doll. One of the flyaway varieties that covered the essentials, but the top opened to show off the belly while a pair of matching bikini panties finished the ensemble.

"You'd be gorgeous in that, Brie." Rye's low voice whispered in her ear, sending a little shudder down her spine even as her belly clenched in response.

Glancing up, she met his eyes, seeing the honesty of his words reflected there. Still, this was never her style. She had been, still was, perfectly content with her pajamas. They were comfortable and simple. Yet, the bright colors and silky items she held in her arms called to her. Maybe I could just try them once. If she didn't like them, she could just stuff them away in a drawer. With that decision, she added her latest find to the pile.

Rye smiled, leading her farther back, before stopping next to the back wall. A mannequin stood before him in a black satin strapless corset with matching garter and thigh high stockings. High heels finished the outfit.

Looking over a few more chemises, Brie slowly but surely moved along the aisle. Not paying too much attention, she lightly caressed another silk item before looking up. The gasp she did stifle, but not the sudden flush at seeing what was directly ahead. To make matters worse, Rye stood there with this grin on his face that could only be called wicked. He lightly ran one large hand up the calf of the mannequin, watching her face as he did so.

"Now, this is sexy." His voice purred as he slid his hand to the inside of the mannequin's leg, lightly massaging her calf and up to her knee. He moved his hand a tad bit higher, lightly working the top edge of the stocking. "Men love this stuff."

Brie watched his fingers creep farther up the leg. Her mouth went dry, even as her face burned. She couldn't help but stare at that hand, watching it caress. Oh, good grief! Brie mentally shook her head, starting to back up a few steps. She was not standing here watching Rye feel up a mannequin, was she? Did that make her a pervert? Or worse? If she was odd for watching it, what did that make him? No time to call the courage cavalry, this situation required a hasty retreat. Clutching her items to her chest, she scurried to find a checkout, hoping it was far, far away from the scary section she came from. Maybe by next week, she might be able to actually look her roommate in the eyes after this episode. Then a disturbing thought hit. She had to ride home with the loon.

 

* * * *

 

Thank goodness the drive home proved fairly uneventful. Brie kept waiting for Rye to mention his little escapade with the mannequin, but he simply smiled and gave her a wink. That seemed to be the end of that subject. Not that it was a bad thing. In fact, she had debated the entire drive home what to do if he opened his mouth. So far, the best ideas were whapping him with the tire gauge or waiting until they got home and mixing up a quick batch of laxative brownies. She already tossed out the idea of leaping from the car. If she jumped, she would break her neck. If she pushed him out, the car would careen out of control and her neck would break anyway. Not quite the solution she was looking for.

At home, Brie clutched her bag of purchases and strode into the house, Rye right on her heels, a bucket of chicken in his hand. They had grabbed take-out on the way. He headed to the kitchen, placing dinner on the table, collecting a couple of plates from the cabinet.

Brie went directly to the laundry room. If she had to wear one of her new outfits that evening, she needed to get it washed so the dye wouldn't irritate her skin. Pulling the silky items out, she sorted them. She peered down at the full laundry basket behind her and opted to drop a few items in with the new stuff. Quickly, she sorted clothes according to color, making little piles on the floor.

Rye wandered by, poking his head in the door. "I can do my own laundry."

Glancing up from her sorting, Brie shook her head. "Might as well do everything together. No sense in doing two sets of each. Besides, you don't have a lot to wash anyway."

He leaned against the doorframe, watching her even as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't mind going to the laundromat. Just toss my stuff aside."

"Rye. It's not a big deal. Besides, they're already mixed among my cotton stuff. I don't want you getting a bad rash just because of me."

Shrugging, he gave a quick nod. "Okay. Thanks. If it gets to be too much, let me know." He turned back to the kitchen.

Picking up the first clump, which included her dark colored nighties, she rested them on the corner of the washer, started the water, and dropped each item in one by one. A flash of navy blue caught her attention. Letting the other items drop in, she focused on what was in her hand. Turning it this way and that, it finally dawned on her what she was holding. Rye's thong. Was this his only pair of underwear? She sure hadn't come across any more. If that was the case, what did he wear the rest of the time? Using two hands, she held it up, noting the narrow string of material on the back and the wider material that completed the front. Oh, the images that item brought to mind. She could picture his tight buns with the narrow strip down the center, accenting more than actually covering anything. And, that front piece. Wow. He surely had to fill that out nicely. She mentally did a quick measurement. If he was this size during normal times, what would he look like…

"What are you doing?"

"Ack!" Spinning, Brie found herself face to face with Rye's amused expression. "Ummm…nothing." Clutching the thong in her hand, she tried valiantly to come up with a good excuse. Too bad her traitorous brain dipped back in the gutter and stubbornly refused to climb from those depths.

He leaned closer, glancing down at his underwear scrunched up in her fist. "Something wrong with my thong?"

Brie swallowed, her face fired like a hot stove burner. "No…not at all."

"Then why are you staring at it?" He paused a moment, his eyebrow furrowing. "Is there a stain?"

"Stain?" She echoed, feeling her face burn a little more. What kind of stain would he have? Oh my god. There had better not be that kind of stain there. She didn't see any, but…

"Well?" Rye arched an eyebrow, waiting for her response.

"No. No stains. Well, I didn't look for them…but…I know there aren't any." She watched his other eyebrow shoot up to join the first. Boy, did she need a Calgon moment. Please, take me away. She'd already given up on the earth opening and swallowing her. "Well, not that you wouldn't have a stain…being a male and all…but, you see…" She continued to stammer. At this rate, she would have dug herself to China in a matter of moments. "They wouldn't be soiled…"

He just stared at her, showing no signs of his thoughts. That intense stare and his continued silence only made her continue to ramble, even as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

"Or maybe they would…but not in a bad way…in a good way…or rather, if that is good. Is that good? No, wait, I don't want to know. They're clean…well, dirty since they were in the laundry…but clean besides that…not that I looked…I was looking…"

Rye smirked and shook his head. Turning, he walked out of the room, leaving Brie alone.

Watching him go, she breathed a huge sigh of relief. Absently dumping the detergent in the water, she quickly tossed in the thong, shutting the lid immediately after. Lowering her head, she lightly banged it on the metal. "Stupid, stupid, stupid." Just great. He must think her a babbling moron who has an obsession with men's underwear. Did that make her just as much a pervert as he was? Was thong evaluation equivalent to mannequin fondling on the perversion scale?

The sound of choked laughing disrupted her thoughts. Nice to know I am providing room, board, and entertainment for my houseguest. Muttering under her breath about wrapping that thong around his neck and squeezing, she marched back toward the kitchen. "I will not kill him…yet."

 

* * * *

 

Rye prided himself on his control. Not once did he crack up at Brie's reaction back in the laundry room. It was all he could do to leave the room before exploding into gales of laughter. The look on her face at being caught, her embarrassed stammering that followed. Oh, if he only had a camera at that moment. He promised himself one thing, though. Next time she did laundry, he was going to make sure he popped in for the entertainment.

Dinner went well, considering he worked hard to decidedly think of anything but Brie. First of all, he was afraid she would actually stab him with her fork if he started to mention the thong incident. Not that he was truly afraid of her. But he'd never live down from his cop buddies having to go to the emergency room for antibiotics due to an infected fork wound. Secondly, if he recalled the sight of her cute little rear scurrying away from his mannequin stunt, Bam Bam would take note. He already suffered through one cold shower today.

They ended up watching a little television before mutually agreeing it was time for sleep. Rye caught himself listening to the soft sounds of Brie getting ready for bed. The water ran for a couple of minutes, followed by footsteps. A tiny creak of the bed springs and all was quiet. He could easily picture her, curled up on her side, snuggling under the covers. That brought up his next question. What did she wear to bed? Purposely, she'd remained in her day clothes, he was certain of that. But now, was it the mauve outfit? Or even the baby doll that had caused her face to heat like a freshly cut ruby? Feeling a familiar ache, he forced his thoughts in a different direction. Sleeping with an erection was never an easy thing to do.

The sound of a car door slamming woke him from a light doze. Glancing at the clock, he blinked twice to read three am. Rolling to his side, he forced his eyes back closed. That lasted a whole second before that little voice that made him a good detective started nagging. Some called it instinct, others a knack. One guy on the force even thought it was a throwback, primitive reflex. Whatever it was, it proved correct each and every time. Sliding out of bed, he peeked between the curtains of his window. Sure enough, there was a man dressed in a closely fitting suit being beckoned into the front door of the Gomez house directly across the street.

That wouldn't be necessarily suspicious in itself. After all, sometimes things do happen in the middle of the night. Maybe there had been an accident or a family emergency? Close friends could have flown in, their flight delayed or cancelled, thus making them arrive at such a late hour. However, the style of car and license plate said differently. A Jaguar sedan stuck out like a sore thumb. Add to that the plates reading New York and a little bell went off inside his head. They were a thousand miles from that state and, from what he saw of the neighborhood, no one could remotely afford such an expensive car. Rich and luxurious were a far cry from Brie's neck of the woods.

He quickly yanked on a pair of jeans, buttoning them as he silently headed to the front door. Rye paused for a second to slip on his sneakers. Not wanting to disturb Brie, he took an extra moment to pull the door shut with only the tiniest of clicks. Slipping behind a large shrub, he melted into the shadows, planning his course of action.

A second car's lights flashed nearby, forcing him to squat deeper behind the shrubbery. As they turned into the same drive, Rye absolutely knew something was up. A middle-aged, dark-haired man stepped out. Turning, he quickly swept the area before moving up to the front porch, leaving his Lamborghini behind. No sooner had he quietly knocked than the door opened, letting him slip inside.

Waiting a few more moments, Rye cautiously crept from the bush to the large tree, ever watching in case someone would walk out or even pull the shades aside to peek in his direction. Deciding the coast was clear, he dashed across the street, hunching behind the still warm car. Keeping his eyes locked on the porch and front window, he slid to the far side, peering in the window of the car.

An attaché case resting on the passenger's seat caught his eye. He was far from an expert, but he knew the small suitcase always carried something important. The car and suit alone would be enough to flaunt money. No, this was something else. In fact, the turn number lock just under the handle hinted at a need for secrecy and security.

Glancing at the door once more, he took a few more steps in order to see inside the Jag. No case in this one. In fact, it was clean, stark clean. Not even a straw wrapper lay inside. Either this was a rental or brand new.

The sound of a door handle being turned caught his attention. Making an instant decision, he took the chance to race across the street, nearly leaping behind the bulky bush once more just as the men stepped onto the porch. A couple of handshakes and they strode to their cars as the front door closed behind them. Watching the Lam pull out, Rye focused hard on the license plate. With the illumination of the brake lights, he was able to make out the first three letters: TCY.

Waiting for both cars to leave, Rye watched the house for another long moment, making sure he hadn't been spotted. From experience, he knew that people participating in questionable acts didn't care for snoops. Besides, in no way, shape, or form would he ever put Brie at risk. Whatever was going on across the street, he would find out and take care of it. Alone.

Deciding enough time had lagged and it was safe to return to the house, Rye gently turned the front door knob, ever cognizant of waking Brie. Slipping quickly inside, he shut the door behind him before something hard smacked him in the head.

"Ow! Shit!" Grabbing the smarting area, he moved to prevent the next blow, snaring a small wrist in his efforts.

"Get out! Or… Or… Or you'll be singing soprano for the rest of your life!" She tried to bring her weapon down once more, only to be stopped just short of her mark.

Rye stared at Brie in utter amazement. She was attacking him? He pulled her arm back down, looking at her weapon. With a boot, no less? Although, come to think of it, it had hurt like a bitch. Giving her a little shake he grabbed her other arm. No telling what else she had in her defense arsenal. "Brie. Stop it. It's just me."

She stopped mid-sentence, mouth hanging open. Slowly, the tension eased as she recognized his voice. "Rye?"

Somewhat relieved that she quit fighting, he responded, "Yes. It's me. Now what in the hell are you doing up? And what the shit did you think you were going to do with a damn boot?" He didn't dare to mention her less than intimidating threats. No, he wanted to live a good long time. He liked his parts just the way they were, too.

She lowered her head initially before jerking it back up, anger making her eyes spark. "I was protecting myself, you lizard. Would you rather I had a butcher knife?"

Lizard? Now, that was a new insult he hadn't been called before. The thought of her with a real weapon did send a chill down his spine, though. "Ah, no. For once, I'm thankful that a boot was handy, even if it was a steel-toed one at that." Releasing her completely, he stepped back, taking his time to lock the door. By the time he turned back, he saw she had dropped the makeshift weapon on the floor.

Rubbing the back of his head once more, he had to ask. "I hope you don't treat all burglars in such a fashion. Shit, you're lucky to still be alive."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Brie glared back. "I'll have you know, I've never been robbed in my life. And, I do have a brain, you oversized cousin to a Neanderthal. Yes, I even considered it was you making all the racket out here. Thus, the shoe instead of the machete." She shook her head. "Don't tell me, you sleep walk?"

She was too inquisitive for her own good. "I thought I heard something and decided to check it out." Well, that much was true. He kept a careful eye on her hands and the distance from them to that damn boot.

With a sigh, Brie turned and marched back to her bedroom, muttering under her breath, something about unlucky stars. Rye watched her go, a slow smile crossing his face.

The deep blue shift. That was what she had chosen to wear. It looked even better on her than he thought. With a groan, he watched her close her bedroom door before heading back to his. Might as well make a phone call to headquarters. Maybe they'd catch a break on that partial plate number. One thing was certain—after seeing Brie in that outfit, he wasn't going to sleep anytime soon.