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Ten years earlier
It was an especially humid summer afternoon. Sweat beaded on Lisanna Kelly’s forehead as she stared out the upstairs window of the Brady mansion. Her mother was the housekeeper, and they lived in the apartment above the garage. They hadn’t always lived there though. There was a time when she’d had a room in the main house. But that was before the Bradys’s world had been turned upside down and their daughter, Daniella, went missing.
She should be washing the windows as her mother had instructed. It was hard not to daydream and wish for things she’d never have. Washing windows was boring and tedious. What fun was that? Instead of doing the job she’d been tasked with, Lisanna had become riveted with the scene below her. In her defense, any living, breathing female would be too.
Sullivan Brady had removed his shirt and stretched by the pool. His muscled chest glistened in the sunlight. His skin had darkened to a nice golden tan and caramel streaks now highlighted his usually midnight locks. She licked her lips and forgot all about washing anything. Well—maybe Sullivan needed her help. She could wash him... Lisanna shook the idea away from her head. He would never look twice at her. She was the help’s kid, and he was... Everything. She’d never find another male comparable to him. In her opinion, he was so darn perfect.
“Lisanna,” he mother bellowed at her.
“Yes, Mama,” she answered.
“What are you gawking at girl?” She came over to the window. Lisanna bit her lip. She was in trouble now. If her mother realized she had been staring at Sullivan, she’d berate her endlessly. He was too old for her, and she had to remove those silly daydreams from her teenage brain. Her mother stared out the window and frowned. Lisanna braced herself for the impact of her mother’s words “It’s a nice day out,” her mother said, then sighed. “The pool does look inviting. If you finish the windows, I’ll ask Mrs. Brady if you can swim.”
Lisanna’s whole body brightened with anticipation. It would be lovely to spend some time in the pool. She was confused though... Sullivan had been at the pool the last time she’d looked through the window. She didn’t dare peek out and give her mother any indication she was looking at something other than the pool. “Really?” she asked hopefully. Maybe he’d be down there when she was free to swim.
“Yes, dear,” she said softly. “It has to be difficult for you. Living here but not actually being a part of all of this.” She gestured to the lavish room and the expensive decorations. “You’re seventeen. I want you to have some fun.”
She hated when her mother reminded her of her age. She wasn’t old enough to do anything. Not sophisticated enough for Sullivan. He was turning twenty-one in a week. Then a few weeks afterward, he’d be off to college again. The summer would be over before she realized it.
“Thank you,” Lisanna said softly. “I’ll finish the windows now.”
“See that you do,” her mother said. “Check with me in the kitchen when you’re done.”
Lisanna nodded and picked up the cleaning supplies she’d abandoned to stare at Sullivan. She sprayed the window and wiped them until they sparkled. Wherever Sullivan had gone while her mother stared out the window she didn’t know, but he was back. It took every ounce of her self-control not to ogle him while she cleaned. She had big plans of swimming in the pool, and if she was lucky enough he’d still be out there when she did.
She wiped the sweat from her brow and packed up the supplies. Every window was as clean as she could make them. Now for her treat. Her lips tilted upward. The pool and quality time with Sullivan Brady. What more could a girl ask for? She exited the room and went downstairs. She stopped at the supply closet and deposited the window cleaner inside. Then she headed toward the laundry room and slid the towels into the whites basket. After she finished, she slid through a door and entered the kitchen.
“I’m done...” she stopped midsentence when she realized her mother wasn’t alone. Sullivan had come inside while she was taking care of the supplies. He was even more beautiful up close, and he hadn’t bothered to put a shirt on. She licked her lips and reminded herself to breathe. After she cleared her throat, she said, “The windows are done upstairs.”
Her mother smiled. “Thank you. You’re free to do as we discussed earlier. Make sure to put some sunscreen on so you don’t burn.”
Sullivan grinned. “I can help you when you come out. Mrs. Kelly says you’re going to use the pool.”
Lisanna blushed. He was going to put sunscreen on her? She was going to die—oh, but what a way to go. There was no way she wasn’t going to go up in flames once he put his hands on her. “Um, yes,” she stammered “Thanks.” Why couldn’t she utter a whole sentence in his presence?
“Run along now,” her mother said. “Enjoy the day.”
She didn’t need to be told twice. She made herself scarce and darted out of the kitchen. A whole afternoon of doing nothing... She couldn’t recall the last time she’d had any free time. Her mother was always asking her to do something. During the school year she had more time to herself because her mother wanted her to concentrate on doing well. The summers though—Mrs. Kelly didn’t believe in leaving her daughter time to be idle. She’d not raise a lazy child.
Lisanna climbed the steps to the garage apartment and went to her bedroom. Everything inside the tiny room was neat and perfectly placed. At least she believed so. She opened a drawer and pulled out her swimsuit, an emerald green tankini she had talked her mother into buying for her. She’d been drawn to it because it matched Sullivan’s eyes. Yes, she was obsessed with him. She couldn’t help herself.
“It’s a lost cause,” she muttered under her breath. “Sullivan Brady is out of my league.”
Lisanna shook her head and prepared herself for her swim. She put on her suit and pulled her dark auburn tresses into a high ponytail. Satisfied with her ministrations, she grabbed a white, mesh cover-up and headed to the pool.
Laughter greeted her as she entered the backyard. She thought she’d find Sullivan alone, but she was wrong. He had a friend with him, and not one of the male persuasion. Maybe she was mistaken. Oh, there definitely was a female there. Her bubbly laughter was hard to miss, but there might be others there as well. She rounded the corner and sighed with relief. The last thing she wanted to be was a third wheel on one of Sullivan’s dates.
There were a few others there with him. Two more females and another male—all friends of his she recognized. The couple cuddling in the pool were Sullivan’s best friend, Aaron Taylor, and his girlfriend, Sienna Kent. The other female was Victoria Masters. She was blonde, blue-eyed, and nothing but curves. Sadly, Lisanna could see what drew Sullivan to her. Vicki, as he called her, put the word gorgeous to shame.
“You’re too nice,” Vicki said to Sullivan in a condescending tone. “Why are you letting that girl join us?”
“Don’t be mean,” he chastised her. “She’s not like us. This is a good break for her.”
They had to be discussing her. Who else would he describe as “not like them”? Lisanna rethought her decision to swim. When it was just Sullivan, it had seemed like a wonderful idea. Now though... It pained her to have to face all of them. They were already judging her and she hadn’t even walked fully outside. Lisanna rounded the corner as Vicki wrapped her arms around Sullivan’s neck.
“You’re so altruistic,” Vicki told him. “I don’t know if I could be so charitable to the help.” Lisanna ground her teeth together. This was too much. She couldn’t stay and listen to any more of it. She started to turn and caught Sullivan’s latest girlfriend staring in her direction. Vicki lips tilted upward, mocking her. “You shouldn’t waste your time on a girl like that.”
“I...” Sullivan started to say and shook his head. “You may be right, but she’s like a sister to me. Of course, she doesn’t replace Daniella.” He shrugged. “I guess you could say I like her, and it’s my choice to make.”
A sister? Lisanna’s stomach fell at those words. She’d realized her crush on him was futile, but those words slashed through her heart and sent it crumbling to pieces. He’d never see her as anything more than a little girl. Their age difference didn’t even matter. Not really. He’d grown up with her and saw her as a semi-replacement for the sister he’d lost. There was no way she would go out there now... She spun on her heels and headed back to the apartment.
The afternoon would be better spent reading than drooling over a gorgeous male she’d never have. Some dreams died faster than others. It was time to focus her energy on something more attainable than the love of Sullivan Brady. He didn’t deserve her, and sadly, he’d never find out what he was missing. Lisanna wouldn’t give him the time of day ever again.
“Too bad for you,” she whispered. “One day you’ll realize how awesome I am, and it will be your loss.” A strong woman looked a challenge dead in the eye and gave it a wink. One day she’d be that type of woman, and when she winked at Sullivan Brady, he’d go down on his knees and beg her to be his. Then she could laugh in his face and say, “After all, I can’t very well be with a man I think of as a brother.” The dream had made her feel good, even if it held an edge of impossibility, still she clung to it as she wiped tears from her eyes.
***
FOUR YEARS LATER...
Sullivan Brady strolled down the street, heading toward a club he was supposed to meet a few friends at. They had finished exams for grad school and would graduate in a few short weeks. He earned his MBA and was at the top of his class. When he returned home he’d take a position at Brady Blue, and soon afterward he’d take over for his father. He’d been groomed to be CEO of the company for years—something he’d always wanted to do. The lower managerial position was a formality. His father wanted him to get his feet wet first and then, in a few years, he’d take over for good. Sullivan was fine with that plan. He wasn’t ready for the responsibility of running the company yet. It would give him more time to play as he learned more about how the business was run. There’s nothing he loved more than the time he set aside for fun.
“Sully,” a male called out. “It’s about time!”
He turned toward it and found Aaron waving him over. They’d been best friends since grade school. They both had gone to New York for school—Columbia for Sullivan and for Aaron, NYU. It gave them space to grow, yet they could still rely on each other. Aaron’s girlfriend, Sienna, sat nearby, sipping a drink.
Sullivan made his way over to their table. He wasn’t currently dating anyone and wanted to have as much fun as he could. He loved having his freedom, and shuddered at the idea of being tied down to one woman. Aaron had Sienna, and that was great—for him. Sullivan though, would much rather explore all of his options before he made any commitment. In truth, he wasn’t entirely sure he was capable of a long-term relationship. He had too much he wanted to do either way. After graduation, he’d be heading back home and have responsibility waiting for him. This was a night he hoped to always remember.
“What took you so long?” Aaron asked.
“Parents called,” he said. “Wanted to ask how I thought I did on exams and it held me up.”
They worried about him, and he couldn’t really blame them. After they lost Daniella they coddled him perhaps more than they should. He didn’t push—he understood their grief because losing Daniella had been traumatic for him too. He couldn’t imagine what it was like to lose a child. It was one of the reasons he never intended to marry or have children of his own. He couldn’t take it if he lost anyone dear to him.
“I’m going to get a drink,” Sullivan said. “Do you want anything?”
Aaron shook his head. “No, I’m good.” He turned toward Sienna. “You want anything, babe?”
“Yes,” she replied. “Can you get me a slippery nipple?”
Sullivan winked and said in a teasing tone, “I don’t think your boyfriend would appreciate that.”
“Ha ha,” she said. “I meant the shot, and you know it.”
He did, but he couldn’t help messing with her. “You break my heart,” he said holding his hand over his chest. “What does this chump have that I don’t?”
“Loyalty and monogamy,” she retorted.
“I resent that,” he replied, flinching slightly. “I am perfectly capable of being loyal.” There was no person more devoted to those he cared about then him. “And I’m capable of being monogamous—one night at a time.” He shrugged. “Maybe even more than one if it’s warranted.”
Sienna snorted and laughed at the same time. It was rather disconcerting to witness. She held up her hand and finally spat out, “Only you, Sully, could say that with a straight face. Go get my drink. In fact, get slippery nipples for all of us. We’ll do a toast.”
He grinned and turned to head to the bar. Sienna was a decent sort and she made Aaron happy. They would probably marry one day and have a gaggle of kids. He wished them well, but that life wasn’t for him. The bar was busy and had two bartenders. One was helping customers and the other had her back turned to him. She had long auburn hair that floated down her back in luscious waves. The locks stopped at the curve of her ass, and what a fine one it was too. Black jeans hugged it, emphasizing every one of her curves. Sullivan wanted to see if her face would be equally as gorgeous. Turn around, please. He waited anxiously for her to face him, and when she finally did, the breath was knocked out of him. She was indeed lovely. Her eyes were like warm chocolate and those red waves hugged an exquisite heart-shaped face. Her lips were plump and painted a ruby red. But this woman would always be off limits to him.
“Sullivan Brady, as I live and breathe,” she said. The corner of her mouth twitched upward. “What brings you here?”
He hadn’t seen her in years. After she graduated high school, she’d moved away from their hometown. “Lisanna,” he said as politely as he could manage. He was still on the edge of desire and rather disappointed she wasn’t a girl he could fool around with. She was part of his extended family, and he cared about her. Sullivan never messed around with a woman he had any kind of feelings for. He respected Lisanna and her mother, and for that along with many other reasons he would never touch her.
“Don’t call me that,” she scolded. “I’m not a little girl anymore.”
He scrunched his eyebrows together. “What do I call you then?” He agreed; she was far from the girl he remembered. Somewhere along the way she’d grown into a sexy woman he wanted to kiss senseless and a whole lot more than that.
“Lana,” she replied almost defiantly. “I have no use for the person I used to be.”
What the hell did she mean? He liked who she was before. What if he didn’t like the woman she’d grown into? Sullivan definitely enjoyed looking at her, but that was entirely different and somehow wrong. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
“You wouldn’t understand,” she said. “And I’m not inclined to explain it.”
Well, hell... What had she gone through over the past few years? She couldn’t be more than twenty-one. In the next couple of years, she’d graduate, and then what? Was she even still in school? What was she doing working as a bartender?
“Didn’t my parents offer to pay your tuition?” he asked, his confusion infused into the words.
She laughed and then said contemptuously, “There are more expenses to going to school then tuition, rich boy.”
Sullivan flinched at her words. When had she become so outspoken? Hadn’t she always been shy and fumbled with words? “They’d have given you more if you asked.”
She held her head high and answered, “I like my well-paid education, but I’m not a beggar. I intend to pay them back every penny, and I’d rather not put myself further in debt by taking more than I need.”
Sullivan felt as if his entire world was tipped upside down. This was not the girl he’d known. Perhaps that had been the point. She wanted a change and set out to do it. She’d even gone so far as to change her name. He tested it on his tongue and said it out loud, “Lana.”
She lifted a brow. “Yes?”
“What time is your shift done?”
“Now, actually,” she replied. “Why?”
It was a bad idea, but he couldn’t help the words that came out of his mouth. “Come home with me.” He immediately wished he could take them back and leave them unsaid, and at the same time he anxiously hoped she’d say yes.
She flinched as if he’d slapped her. “I’m not one of your floozies.”
Damn, he had known it was the wrong thing to say. He didn’t really want that from her. Hell, who was he kidding? He did want that. When he first glimpsed her backside, he had visions of peeling those black jeans off of her slowly and dragging his tongue over her skin. Sullivan wanted to taste every inch of her and have her screaming his name. How could he have so many conflicted emotions about one woman? In some ways, this meeting had turned everything upside down, and he couldn’t be sure where it would lead. He didn’t like it one bit.
He smiled. “And you never will be, Lana dear.” Sullivan leaned on the bar. “I want to go someplace quiet where we can talk. I’d like to get to know this new you.” He desperately wanted to understand her and figure out what the hell was going on inside of him. This was more than lust, far more than he’d ever experienced, and it scared the hell out of him.
She nibbled on her bottom lip and he stared. He was a red-blooded male, and yes, he noticed when a sexy woman paid homage to her mouth. Especially, when he wanted to put his mouth on it himself. If he didn’t find something else to focus on, his dick would harden to even more painful degrees.
“No,” she finally said. “As much as I’d like to indulge this whim of yours, I have to study. I have a final tomorrow morning.”
He hadn’t realized how much he wanted her to come with him until she told him it wasn’t happening. His heart sank in his chest.
“Maybe another time,” he said.
“Doubtful,” Lana replied. “I have to go. My boyfriend’s here.” She gestured toward the door. A tall guy with sandy blond hair and broad shoulders stood at the entrance. “See you around, Sully.”
She sashayed away from him. Her fine ass in view the entire time... Damn it all. He was hard for Lana Kelly, and she wasn’t available to help him with it. He closed his eyes and counted to ten, then twenty, and still his erection wouldn’t recede. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He had to find a way to get over his sudden fascination with the one woman he couldn’t have. When he opened his eyes, the other bartender was in front of him.
“What can I get you, honey?”
“What’s your name, beautiful?” he asked. She was blonde, curvy, and sexy in her own way.
“Colleen,” she replied. She lifted her lips enticingly. “What do I call you?”
“Sullivan.” There was only one cure for what ailed him. “I need three slippery nipples,” he said and then lifted the corner of his mouth into one of his more charming smiles. “Four if you care to join us.”
The bartender made up the three shots and handed them to him. “On the house,” she told him. “Come find me at the end of the night.”
An invitation he fully intended to accept. He had to do something to forget Lana, and he was willing to start with the other bartender. She wasn’t as sexy, and no one would compare, but that didn’t matter. His heart couldn’t take a night with Lana Kelly. She was the type a man kept...