Page 6 of Rekindled Heat

"Hi, I'm looking for Erik. Is he home?"

"Are you a friend of his?"

"Yeah."

"What's all this? Oh, a sewing machine! How exciting."

"Could you get Erik? Please. Tell him it's Brandy."

"Interesting." The redhead says, then turns around to go look for Erik, I guess.

I watch her walk across the living room floor to a sliding door that leads to a spacious deck. She leans into a very attractive man and whispers something in his ear. He smiles and looks back at me, saluting me with his drink. I'm standing here, stiff as a board, not knowing what to expect. Then I see Erik stand up. He looks stunning. The years have been good to him. He looks yummy enough to eat.

Holding my stomach in, I paste back on my smile. I've been told it's a rather effective tool when facing the enemy. He's walking towards me, and I can't take my eyes off him. He's just the perfect male specimen. His face shows his astonishment at my presence, and the butterflies in my stomach start to flutter. Finally, he stands in front of me, and his eyes reflect his surprise.

"Brandy? What are you doing here?"

"Surprise!" I put my arms in a ta-da pose.

His left eye twitches, and I hear laughter coming from the terrace. It's now or never, Brandy. Do your thing.

"Can you help me with my luggage?"

He takes a peek behind me.

"What's all this?"

"You look great, Erik. You've changed but for the better."

"Why all the bags, Brandy?"

"I'm staying here with you, silly." I push him gently on the shoulder, trying to make a point.

He's frowning now and definitely not helping me with my luggage.

"I have business here in Miami, and your mother said you'd accommodate me while I'm here."

"My…My mother?"

"Yes, remember? A kind lady with curly hair and a great smile. You call her Mom. We call her Mrs. Nelson."

"You can't stay here,” he says.

"Can we at least get the luggage inside? It was a long trip, and I need to sit down and maybe hydrate a bit."

The frown grows in intensity, and I see his friends are coming to see what the issue is.

"Is there a problem?" The handsome man asks.

"Hey there!" I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster. "Erik won't let me in."

Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I push past Erik and extend my hand to the other hottie in the room.

"I'm Brandy. I'm from Woodland Falls. Erik and I have known each other since we were kids."

I offer my hand to the redhead, and she immediately takes it. Her handshake is firm and confident.

"Oh, that's so wonderful. We want Erik to take us for a visit there, but he keeps changing the subject every time we mention it.” Red says.

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