Page 36 of And Then There Was Us
“Bree.” Hugh paced again. “She’s…I don’t know, Treat. She’s different from anyone I’ve ever met. She’s more real. She’s responsible, sweet, careful. She’s very careful.” He paused, and when Treat didn’t fill in the gap, he knew he was waiting for more, but he couldn’t define what it was about Brianna that tweaked his heart. He just knew that she had.
“Where’s the hot, sexy, awesome in bed stuff you always spout off?”
“Come on, Treat. She’s not like that. We haven’t even done that stuff. I mean, she’s beautiful, and she’s beyond sexy in a wholesome, natural way.” He paused again, thinking about Brianna’s smile and the way it lit up her eyes. “She’s nothing like the women I’ve dated. She’s better in every way.”
“Hugh, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t realize you were serious. What about her daughter?”
“I haven’t met her yet. I actually could use some advice on this, Treat, and I really don’t have anyone else to turn to. I really like Bree, and yes, it surprises me, but I can’t turn away from the way I feel. I haven’t known her that long, but when I took her to her apartment, I didn’t like the feeling I got. Some scuzzy guy was eyeing her, and I wanted to protect her. I mean, scuzzy guys look at women all the time, but I’ve never felt like I wanted to threaten one for looking at a woman I was with until I met Bree. And it worries me a little.”
“What part of it?”
“It’s fast. It’s a strong feeling. We both think I shouldn’t meet Layla—her daughter—until we’re sure about us. It all worries me. I’m not exactly the most patient man on earth.”
Treat laughed, a deep, hearty laugh that made Hugh smile. “You can say that again. Well, what’s your plan right now?”
Hugh headed for the stairs. “For the first time in my life, I don’t have a plan. I’m here until next Friday night; then I’m in Daytona. I want to come back Saturday night. Layla’s birthday is next week, and even if I haven’t met her by then, I want to be nearby in case Bree needs anything.” He laughed. “That’s weird, right?”
“No, Hugh. That’s growing up.”
“Right. Whatever. Then we have Savannah’s party the next weekend, and I already don’t want to be away from Bree again for that.”
“All I can tell you is that when fate steps in, you have no choice. You do whatever it takes to follow it.”
He heard Treat kiss Max, and it made him long for Brianna. He’d been waiting to call her, not wanting to smother her. And now, hearing her voice was all he wanted to do. His phone beeped with another call coming through.
“Hey, Treat. I have another call. Wanna hold on a sec?”
“I can’t. The nurse just called us in. I’ve got to run, but we’ll touch base before next weekend. Love you, Hugh. And don’t worry. You’ll figure it out, and I’m here if you need to bounce something off of me.”
“Love you too, Treat. Thanks.”
He clicked over without looking at the screen. “Hello?”
“Hugh?”
Hugh froze; then a smile crept across his lips. “Bree?”
“Yeah, hi.”
“Are you okay? Why are you being so quiet?” He went into the living room and eyed the couch where they’d made out. He had to turn away. Just thinking about it aroused him.
“I’m at my mom’s, and I’m out on the porch. I just didn’t want Layla to hear me.”
“Is she okay? How did she like the play?”
“She’s great, and she loved it. I’m actually calling because my mom offered to keep Layla again tonight, and I wondered if you were free. I know you’re probably busy, but—”
“Bree, I’m free. I’m definitely free, and I want to see you. But I thought you couldn’t make time.” He headed for the bedroom, already thinking about where to take her.
“Well, let’s just say that my mom convinced me that a twelve-year plan might not be the smartest thing for me to do.”
“I love your mom already.”
She laughed, and Hugh felt like the luckiest man on earth.
“Is there anything specific you want to do? When can I pick you up? Should I pick you up at your mom’s?” Words fell fast from his lips. He pulled his shirt over his head and turned on the shower.
“I need to shower and change. I don’t have anything specific I want to do. I just wanted to spend time with you,” she said.
