Still under editing

Chapter 3

Audrey

The SUV pulls up to the front of Brandon’s mansion. The driver opens my door and first thing I see is a small figure with a mop of dark hair barreling towards me. He wraps his small arms around my waist as I greet him affectionately. “Hey E, I’ve missed you. Look how much you’ve grown since I last saw tou!”

“Auntie Audrey I’m so glad you’re here! We’re gonna have so much fun. Daddy said you’re staying for a long time with me!” Brandon chuckles.

“I said she’s staying for a month or two bud”. He’s wearing a snug white muscle tank and gym shorts. His muscular physique on display. My mouth dries as my mind begins to envision his bare chest and abs that are hiding underneath the fabric. Taylor’s ghost is probably going to haunt me for ogling her husband.

“Hi Brandon. It’s been a while huh?” God, what am I saying?

“It certainly has. But I see you still look as beautiful as ever.” His smile and expression more friendly than flirtatious. I try not to blush as I thank him for the innocent compliment. “Have you ate? I can have Sebastian prepare something for you if you’re hungry.”

“I think I’ll just wait for dinner.”

“Sounds good. Ethan, what do you say we show Auntie Audrey where she’ll be sleeping?”

“Okay!” His excitement is palpable and heartwarming. Manicured and lush, green lawn surround the gigantic three-story mansion. It’s spacious, yet still has a wholesome vibe you can picture raising a family in. We walk into the foyer and the interior of the house is as polished and pristine as the exterior. Spiral staircase and flawless wood floors. The natural light shining through the bay windows, add to the ambiance throughout the home. Artwork lines the walls. The furniture is perfect combination of understated luxury and simplicity. Expensive taste is still evident. Brandon walks up the stairs with my luggage in tow as I follow behind. I watch his biceps flex, the veins protruding from his forearm sending a sensation of heat over my body. When we reach the landing of the staircase, I come face to face with a family portrait consisting of Brandon, Ethan and Taylor. It feels awkward seeing my sister’s face, literally right after checking out her husband. We reach a room at the far end of the hall and Brandon sets down my bags. I take in the room, pleased with the space.

“Do you like it auntie Audrey?”

“I love it, it’s absolutely perfect!” I feel eyes on me and glance at Brandon. His eyes shoot upward anxiously from where they were intently directed at my backside. And why does that excite me, rather than make me uncomfortable? He clears his throat, playing it off well enough that had I caught him a second later, I would have second guessed my presumption.

“Okay dinner is usually ready around six or so. I’ll let you relax and get settled in. Ethan’s room is the second door down and mine is the last. Let us know if you need anything.”

“Okay. I’ll see you guys at dinner.” I take a quick shower and throw on a casual linen dress. I drop down onto the bed. My heart always races in his presence. Its been that way since I was eleven. I would avoid looking at him in the face after his official engagement to Taylor. I’ll never forget how crushed I was, even though I knew it was going to happen eventually. I think back to my first real boyfriend, Adam Foss. He was handsome. Golden blonde hair and brown eyes. We were together for six months, until I brought him home to introduce to my family. And that was the end. I was devastated. I found him and Taylor kissing, with her hand in his pants. He swore she seduced him. And she claimed he was “using” me to get to her. Six months is a long time to use someone, and I was the one who insisted he meet my family. I still remember my father pulling me aside after he heard us arguing and what happened. He didn’t exactly say it, but I felt like he had actually been disappointed in her for what she did to me.

“It may feel like the end of the world sweetheart but it isn’t. You deserve someone who’ll love you and only you. So much so that no other woman will ever compare.” Its disappointing how few good memories I have of Taylor. But she’s my sister, I still love her. I sometimes wish I’d reached out to her.

My phone rings. “Hello mother.”

“Honey! Did arrive at Brandon’s already? How’s Ethan? Tell him grandma sends her love!”

“I’ll be sure to let him know at dinner mother. Was that all you need?” She’s been calling me so much lately.

“I was going to ask.. you haven’t spoken to Alex lately have you?” I roll my eyes.

“No I have not. Why?”

“Well your father just spoke to Henry Gardner. Apparently his son, Max is very anxious to meet you. You know your father was never going to approve of Alex, honey. We had decided to let you be and only to intervene when it was necessary. But we think it’s time you settled down now.” I sigh. I don’t even care anymore.

“Okay. Sure. Well I’m gonna take a nap before dinner.” “Okay honey. Love you.” My mother has been calling more often since Taylor passed, but she’s been calling even more lately. She’d mentioned Max even before the break up but I’ve been hearing his name a lot more as of late. I close my eyes and see a pair of icy blue eyes looking back at me as I fall into a deep sleep.