We drive up the high street of a small coastal town before turning off into a tree-lined residential street.
“Here we are,” Jay says as we pull up on the driveway of a pretty white weatherboard-clad house.
It has a veranda running all around it, manicured flower beds, and a lush green lawn to the front.
“It looks lovely.” I smooth down my dress, nerves rising in my stomach. “So, is there anything I should know? I don’t want to say the wrong thing.”
“Holly.” Jay leans across and catches my lips in a tender kiss. “Just be yourself. It’s what got my vote.” He winks as he climbs out of the car and comes around to open my door.
I take his hand and he leads me up to the large wooden front door. The door flies open before he even knocks.
“Hey, cock-face! You made it!” A dark-haired guy with a short beard grabs Jay into a hug. He’s wearing green cargo trousers and a black T-shirt.
Jay laughs and slaps him on the back. “Good to see you, bro. You still got those pubes on your face, I see. Holly, this is my little brother, Blake.” Jay smiles as he pulls back from their hug.
“Hardly little, man, you’ve seen it,” Blake jokes as he takes my hand and smiles at me. His green eyes crinkle at the corners, just like Jay’s. He’s seems cheeky and fun. I like him instantly. I smile back at him as he lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Holly. Although, I think you’ll soon agree that you’re dating the wrong brother,” he says, flirting shamelessly.
Jay pulls my hand back from Blake and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “And you’ll soon agree that flirting with my girlfriend may be one of the last stupid things you do.”
Blake chuckles and holds his hands up in front of him. I sneak a sideways glance at Jay. Did he just call me his girlfriend?
We follow Blake into the house and down a light-colored hallway. The house is bright and welcoming, vases of fresh flowers all around and family photos on the walls. One that must be Jay and Blake as kids catches my eye. Piercing blue and warm green eyes shine back from two young, grinning faces on a beach, their hair messy and covered in sand. Jay sees me looking and smiles as we continue down the hallway.
The back of the house opens into a beautiful, bright kitchen with doors leading out onto the rear veranda and garden. The sunshine pours in, making the room cozy and inviting.
A man and woman hurry in from the garden.
“Jay,” his mum cries, throwing her arms around him and kissing him on the cheek. “Oh, it’s so good to see you. You feel thinner; have you been eating enough?”
“Leave the boy alone, Sheila,” says his dad kindly as he gives Jay a hug. “Good to see you, son.”
They both see me, and I fiddle with my hands as I smile.
“Mom, Dad, this is—”
“Holly! Oh, it’s so lovely to meet you,” Sheila cuts Jay off and sweeps me into a hug. She smells beautiful, a mix of lavender and rose.
“Nice to meet you,” Jay’s dad says, enveloping my hand inside both of his and shaking it. His hands are large and warm, comforting.
“It’s lovely to meet you both too,” I say. “Thank you for inviting me to your home; it’s beautiful.”
“Oh, we couldn’t wait, could we, Bill? We were so excited that Jay was bringing a girlfriend home,” Sheila gushes. “You’re the first one, so we knew you were special.”
“Alright, love, let the girl breathe,” Bill says affectionately.
“Yeah, don’t scare her off, Mom,” Blake chimes in. “It could be years before another girl will tolerate him.”
I grin. it’s easy to see what a close, loving family they are.
“Holly, love, would you like a drink? I’ve got some of that peppermint tea Jay says you like.” Sheila fills up the kettle.
“Oh, lovely, please.” I look up at Jay. Warmth spreads through my chest. I can’t help feeling thrilled that he’s been talking to his mum about me.
“So, Holly, what’s a beautiful woman like you doing dating a douche like my brother?” Blake jokes, earning himself a playful punch on the arm from Jay.
“Oh, I—”
“Leave the poor girl alone.” Bill chuckles. “Barely through the door and she’s under interrogation.”
I smile at him gratefully, and his blue eyes twinkle back at me.
“Blake here forgets his manners in company,” Jay says, wrapping his arm around my waist. “He spends his days hiding under bushes and yelling at people.”
“Oh, that’s right. Jay said you run an outdoor survival company?” I look at Blake, who seems more than happy to have the spotlight reflected onto him.
“Sure do. I started off doing personal training and boot camp classes, and it’s kind of evolved from there. We do a lot of outdoor survival weekends. Getting back to nature and all that.”
“Did you tell Jay your news, Blake?” Sheila calls from across the kitchen where she’s setting up a tray of drinks.
“What news?” Jay asks, looking intrigued.
“So, it seems you aren’t the only brother who will be in front of the cameras.” Blake lifts his chin. “They want us to make a reality TV show. Regular people pushing themselves out of their comfort zone in the name of entertainment.”
“That’s amazing, bro!” Jay pulls Blake into a hug. “You so deserve this; you’ve built that company from the ground. I’m so pleased for you.” Blake beams at his big brother. It’s obvious how much they love each other, despite enjoying teasing each other.
“Come on, let’s sit out back,” Sheila says, carrying a tray of drinks and cookies over. Bill takes it from her, and we follow him out onto the back veranda where there are some wicker chairs, a swing seat, and a low coffee table.
“Holly, why don’t you and Jay sit on the swing?” Sheila says. “It’s the comfiest.”
“Thank you,” I say, sitting down and sinking into its soft cushions. The seat rocks as Jay sits down next to me.
“I’ve always loved these swings; my nana used to have one. We would sit on it and talk, looking out across her garden.” I smile as I remember my lovely nana, who I lost years ago.
“That sounds lovely, Holly.” Sheila smiles warmly. “I’ve done some of my best thinking in that swing. When I was pregnant with Jay, it’s the only place I could get comfortable. Of course, it’s been repaired and had new cushions since then. But I could never bring myself to part with it.”
“I don’t blame you. It’s lovely.”
Sheila grins at me and passes a plate of cookies around.
“Aww, mint chocolate chip, my favorite,” Bill says, taking one and biting into it. “Sheila makes the best cookies. You’ve got to try one, Holly.”
“Thank you.” I take a bite. They’re sweet and soft, melting in my mouth. “Delicious!” I smile. “My mum loves baking too.”
Sheila’s eyes light up. “Really? Let me fetch you the recipe. You can give it to her, see what she thinks. I find they always go down well.” She motions toward Jay, Blake, and Bill who are all silent, their mouths full of cookies.
“What?” they all mumble. I catch Sheila’s eye and we both laugh.
“Nothing, nothing at all,” she says as she disappears back into the kitchen, coming back moments later with a handwritten recipe. She hands it to me, and I thank her.
“Oh, I’ve forgotten to get the cheese I need for dinner tonight.” Her brow wrinkles.
“Don’t worry, Mom. Holly and I can pick some up. I wanted to give her a tour of town, anyway.”
“Thanks, Jay, love.” Sheila smiles.
“That’ll take all of ten minutes.” Blake laughs. “It’s a lot smaller than LA here.”
“You eat cheese, don’t you, Holly?” Sheila asks, looking worried.
“Oh, man, don’t tell us you’re a vegan?” Blake shakes his head.
“Yes, I do, thank you, Sheila.” I look over and see her shoulders relax.
“Blake doesn’t understand vegans,” Jay says, turning his face toward me. His breath on my neck sends goosebumps up my arms. “He goes all back to nature in the forest for days on end so has to catch his own dinner.”
“Absolutely.” Blake nods. “It’s nature. The circle of life.”
“Before that debate begins, I think now is a good time for me to tidy up.” Bill chuckles, collecting the empty glasses and mugs and heading back into the kitchen.
“We’ll go get the cheese you need, Mom.”
“Mozzarella, please, Jay,” she says as we all get up and head inside.
We walk from Jay’s parents’ house into town. Blake’s right, it’s not huge. But it’s got a charm about it. There’s a sense of community. People are stopping to chat with each other. A mother and her two children are talking to an older man walking his dachshund. The children seem delighted to see the little dog again, who’s obviously a friend of theirs.
We go in the local store and get the mozzarella for Sheila. The shopkeeper seems pleased to see Jay and asks after his family. On the walk back, Jay points out the high school he went to.
“I bet you were captain of the football team.” I lean into the warmth of his arm wrapped around my waist.
“You got me.” He smiles. “Blake made captain of the wrestling team though. Much more hard core.”
“Yeah, I can see that.” I smile. Blake is rugged and seems like someone who likes to jump into a challenge.
“I bet you dated the head cheerleader, didn’t you?” I tease.
Jay doesn’t say anything, so I look up and see something—unease?—flash over his face, which he quickly hides. I follow his gaze to a lady approaching us on the path. She looks to be about the same age as my mum and Sheila.
“Jay?”
“Beth,” Jay says as she grabs him and pulls him into a hug.
“Oh, Jay! This is such a lovely surprise. I haven’t seen you in a long time. How are you? How’s your mum and dad, and Blake?” she asks, no longer hugging him but holding on to his arms as she smiles at him.
“They’re all great, Beth, and Hank?”
“Oh, he’s doing okay. You know how he is.” She smiles, and then turns to me. Her eyes widen and she tips her head to one side. Her eyes study me, moving over my face and hair and back again.
“Beth, this is Holly, my girlfriend,” Jay says. My stomach does a little flip at the sound of him saying ‘my girlfriend’ again.
Beth’s mouth drops open, but she closes it quickly.
“Holly, this is Beth, Rob’s mum,” Jay says, looking at my face.
Oh shit. Jay hasn’t spoken much about Rob. I’ve always got the impression it’s too painful for him to talk about and that he will open up to me when he’s ready. Beth seems very fond of Jay though, judging by how pleased she is to see him.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I smile at Beth, who has stopped studying me and is now looking backwards and forwards between Jay and me.
“You too, Holly.” She says my name slowly, as though she’s thinking about saying something else.
I wait to see if she’ll continue.
She turns her attention back to Jay instead. “I’d better be going. It was so good to see you; don’t be a stranger.” She squeezes his hand, and Jay smiles at her, his eyes full of emotion.
“Bye, Holly.” She smiles at me and continues up the street.
“Are you okay?” I look up at Jay, who seems weary suddenly, his usual easy-going, happy demeanour flattened. He smiles down at me, but his blue eyes have lost their sparkle.
“I’m fine, Berry.” He sighs. “It’s hard seeing Beth. Brings back a lot of memories.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper as I wrap my arms around him and hold him close. I wish I could take away the pain in his eyes.
His arms tighten around me.
“I’m here for you, Jay.” I kiss the side of his face.
“I know, Holly.” He brings his hands up to cup my face. “You are the best thing to come into my life in a long time. I’m happy to think about the future for once.” He pauses. “You make me happy.”
His eyes search mine and he leans forward, catching my lips in a sweet kiss, heavy with meaning. I kiss him back as something hits me. Something, if I’m honest with myself, I’ve known for a while.
I’m falling in love with Jay Anderson and I couldn’t stop it even if I wanted to.
We decide to take a detour on the way home and walk along the sandy beach that runs alongside the main town road. I’m carrying my sandals in my hand and enjoying the sand underneath my feet.
“It suits you.” Jay smiles at me. His eyes have regained some of their sparkle since seeing Beth.
“What does?”
“The beach. Something about it and you seem to go together. You look relaxed.”
“I love the beach. Growing up near the coast in Cornwall just put it in my blood, I think. The smell of the sea, the way the wet sand changes color as you walk on it. I love it. I just feel grounded.” I shrug, hoping he won’t think I sound silly. “I saw a photo of you, taken on the beach in a magazine,” I continue.
Jay looks at me, amused. “Been reading up on me, have you?”
“No. One of the crew had it on the flight you were on. I didn’t know who you were.” Jay pretends to look outraged and I giggle. “You just looked happy in it. You seemed at home.”
“Yeah, I love the coast. Probably from growing up near it, like you. I had a happy childhood here,” he says.
I think back to the photo of him and Blake at his parents’ house, Young, smiling, and covered in sand.
“You know those photos in my bedroom in LA? Those are all photos of the beach here. Blake gave them to me as a gift to stop me feeling so homesick.”
“Did Blake take them himself?” I ask in surprise.
“Yeah, he did.” Jay smiles as he runs his hand through his hair. “He’s all tough guy exterior, but he’s got a sentimental side, and he’s pretty good at photography.”
I smile as we keep walking. I love hearing about Jay’s family and childhood. I feel even closer to him the more I learn.
“You know, growing up, I used to go down to the beach at sunrise and do yoga, then sneak back in before breakfast,” I confess. “Probably one of the naughtiest things I’ve done.”
“Oh, I know that’s not true.” Jay’s eyes glint at me. “I can see you doing that, though. Yoga next to the water, like some kind of ocean goddess.” His eyes crinkle at the corners.
“Maybe more beached whale,” I say.
“Holly, stop.” Jay catches my hands and I stop walking to face him. His eyes hold mine. “Stop putting yourself down. Can’t you see what I and everyone else sees? You have a beautiful spirit. You’re a loving person who would do anything for your friends. And you always try to see the best in people.” He dusts his finger across my bottom lip. “And you’re cute and funny, it’s one of the things I noticed about you first.”
I blush under his intense gaze.
“Thank you,” I mumble. “I won’t call myself a whale again.”
“No, or you’ll have me to answer to.”
“I wouldn’t want to be in your bad book.” I raise my eyebrows at him.
“No, baby, you wouldn’t,” he says as he pulls me in for a kiss. His lips are warm against mine, his tongue gently finding my own. His hands slide down to my bum and pull me against him. We stay wrapped in each other’s arms, as though we are the only two people in the world. “Come on, Berry,” he says, finally releasing me. “Otherwise, I’m going to get you naked right here in the sand.”
“You’re very sure about yourself,” I joke as I take a few steps away from him and into the edges of the waves. Before he can respond, I draw my leg back and kick the water, sending a shower of shimmering droplets all over him.
Jay looks down at his wet T-shirt and then back up at me.
“Oh, you did not just do that!”
I kick the water again, getting it as high as his face this time.
“Oh, I so did, pretty boy,” I shriek as his face takes on a ‘this means business’ look and he lunges toward me.
“Uh-uh-uh,” I tut, sidestepping him and ducking low under his arm. He goes to turn after me, but trips over my foot as I run. It’s like a slow motion shot in a comedy film, where he tries to get his balance, but it’s too little too late. I can’t do anything but watch as he tumbles down into the edge of the water, soaking himself from head to toe.
I gasp and clasp my hands over my mouth to stop the hysterical giggle that’s forming in my stomach from escaping.
“What the…?” Jay stands up, his clothes soaked through. His wet T-shirt is now see through and clinging to his pecs, his nipples visible through the thin fabric. It’s one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen—as well as being hilarious.
My shoulders are shaking, trying to hold it in, but it’s all too much. I erupt into giggles, unable to even speak. Tears run down my cheeks as I look him up and down.
His eyes meet mine and narrow, a dangerous glint in them.
“No, Jay,” I splutter, backing away from him as he takes a step toward me, eyeing me like a cat eyes its prey. “Jay!” I say as he steps toward me again. “It was an accident!” I squeal as I laugh again.
He’s coming toward me again with every intention of soaking me too. I turn and run up the beach, laughing and screaming as he takes chase.
We play the game all the way back up the road to his parents’ house. As I’m running up to the house, I see his dad mowing the front lawn.
“Hi, Bill!” I wave as I nip past him toward the safety of the house.
“Holly.” He chuckles in greeting. Then he notices Jay behind me. “Alright there, son, got a bit wet, did you?” He laughs as Jay follows me in through the front door.
I head into the kitchen and put the shopping bag down on the side.
“We got the mozzarella,” I say brightly to Sheila, who’s washing some tomatoes in the sink.
“Oh, thank you, Holly.” Then she sees Jay behind me. “Jay! What happened?” Her eyes widen. “You’re dripping all over the floor! Take those wet clothes off! I’ll put them straight in the wash.”
“Sure thing, Mom,” Jay says in his deep, sexy voice, a smirk playing on his lips.
She turns her attention back to the tomatoes. “Ah! Basil, I knew I’d forgotten something.” She smiles at me as she heads out into the garden.
Jay’s eyes hold mine as he pulls his T-shirt up over his head, then unbuttons his jeans and slides them down, before peeling off his boxer shorts, dropping them all on the floor next to him in a soggy heap.
I stand there and my eyes widen as I take in his tanned, toned physique. His biceps look even larger than ever, his abs are rock hard, the perfect V down past his hips, and then oh my God, his cock. I’ve never really looked at it when it’s not hard before, but it’s large and thick, hanging between his legs.
As I’m staring, Blake comes in through the back door and glances at Jay. “Yep, still only the bigger brother in age,” he says casually as he continues into the house.
Jay grabs a tea towel off the side and holds it across his front as Sheila comes back in from the garden and deposits a mound of basil leaves on the kitchen side. She gathers Jay’s wet clothes off the floor, not batting an eyelid.
“Well, don’t stand there all day, Jay. Go get in the shower and wash the sand off.”
As she turns, she gives me a small wink and I realize she’s trying not to laugh.
“Fine.” Jay’s amused eyes are still on mine. I’m going to pay for this later. “I won’t be long.” He turns and walks up the hallway, and I get a glorious view of his tight ass.
“Cup of tea, Holly?” I have to break my ogling stare away from Jay to answer Sheila.
“Yes, please. I’ll make it.”
We sit together out on the swing seat with our drinks, while Jay has a shower, and Blake helps Bill in the front garden.
“We saw Rob’s mum in town,” I say to Sheila, not sure whether I should mention it.
Sheila sighs. “That poor woman has been through so much. Losing a child like that. It’s a parents’ worst nightmare.”
“She seemed happy to see Jay.” I blow on my tea before taking a sip.
“Oh, she would be. She’s always loved Jay. He was a good friend to Rob. They were inseparable, thick as thieves.” Sheila smiles at a memory. “Jay took it hard. He’s always blamed himself. Thought he could have done more. But he couldn’t. No one could,” she says sadly. “I’m so pleased he met you, Holly.” She turns to me, her eyes sparkling. “It’s the happiest I’ve seen him in a long time. You’ve brought him back to the present. He’s been stuck in the past for so long.”
“I haven’t done anything,” I say, looking into her kind eyes.
“You may not think you have, Holly, but I’m his mother and I can see it.” She rests her hand on my knee. “Plus, it’s nice to have another female around. You’ve seen the levels of testosterone I have to put up with in this house!” She laughs.
I laugh too. She’s an incredibly special and strong woman to have raised two men like Jay and Blake.
“What are you two laughing at?” We look up and Jay has appeared, fresh out of the shower. He’s wearing a pair of blue shorts that match his eyes and a white sleeveless vest. His hair is still wet. He looks edible. I gulp and stare at him.
“Nothing, dear.” Sheila smiles, patting his arm on her way past into the house. “Just girl talk.”
Jay looks at me questioningly, but I just smile at him as he sits down next to me. I get a sudden hit of his fresh skin and my nipples harden. It’s insane the effect he has on my body, just being near me.
“You know, I’m going to get you back,” he says calmly, looking ahead at the garden.
“Oh, I know, I’m looking forward to it.” I smile. He has no idea how much.
We have a great evening. Sheila makes a homemade pasta bake with melted mozzarella, and a salad from things she and Bill have grown in the garden. Jay and Blake take turns trying to tell the most embarrassing story about the other one, and Sheila and Bill trump them every time with stories of them as kids. I’m sad when the evening ends and it’s time to say good night.
Jay and I go up to the guest room. It’s pretty, painted pale cream with a white wooden bed and floral bedding. Sheila has left us a jug of water and glasses on top of some drawers. Next to that, a small vase of roses picked from the garden.
I use the en suite bathroom and put on a white satin slip with thin straps that Jay hasn’t seen before. When I come out, he’s lying on the bed and his eyes roam up and down my body, coming back to rest on the curves of my hips and breasts. He swallows and puts his hand to his chin, rubbing his fingers over his stubble as his eyes stay fixed on my body.
Climbing into bed next to him, I cuddle into his side. “What a shame we’re at your parents’ house and have to behave ourselves,” I tease, tracing my fingers over his chest.
“Like hell we do,” Jay says, and in a flash he’s over the top of me, his legs between mine, spreading them. His hands hold my wrists down on either side of my head. “You need to make it up to me for your behavior at the beach earlier,” he says as his mouth finds my nipples and he sucks and bites them through the fabric.
“Aww.” I wriggle underneath him. “And how am I supposed to make it up to you?”
“Give me your body to do as I please,” he says as he bites my nipple again and my back arches off the bed toward him.
“I can’t be quiet, Jay,” I moan as he kisses my neck at the same time as sliding two fingers inside my panties and against my wet skin.
“Yes, you can, and you will,” he orders as he pulls my panties to the side and presses his hard, slick tip against me.
So, he wants it dirty and fast. Okay, baby, I can give you what you want.
“But it feels so good when you fill me up with your big cock, I can’t help but scream,” I whisper in his ear with mock innocence.
“God, Holly,” he groans, “you know what you fucking do to me when you talk like that.”
I pretend I don’t know what he’s talking about.
“When I talk like what?” I bring my hands up into his hair and tug between my fingers, knowing exactly what this does to him too.
“Oh, fuck,” Jay groans and pushes his cock inside me. I bite my lip to stop myself crying out in ecstasy. He’s big and rock hard, stretching me deliciously around him.
“You feel so good, so tight,” he growls into my ear as he slides out and pushes back in hard.
I throw my head back and am about to moan when Jay clamps his hand over my mouth.
“Quiet, remember, baby.” His blue eyes are dark with desire as he pulls back and then sinks in deeper. His eyes are on fire as he stares back at me, his hand firmly over my mouth. Fuck, this is so arousing. I’m completely at his mercy and it’s so hot. He knows this is doing it for me as he grins and then slams into me again. My eyes roll back in my head and I pull his hair harder, lifting my hips to meet his.
His face is just inches from mine as he fucks me. I can barely move. All I can do is lie there and take it, my moans muffled against his hand.
“I’m going to fuck you harder now, baby, but remember you need to be quiet,” Jay growls.
I nod underneath his hand, my eyes pleading with him to do it. Not being able to scream out in release is torture.
Jay pulls back and drives into me hard. I whimper against his hand as he does it again and again, building up a relentless pace. Thankfully, the bed isn’t moving. All I can hear is our breathing. Our foreheads press against each other as he pumps into me with his hips, circling them each time, his body rubbing against my swollen clit.
Pressure builds inside me. I part my legs wider and Jay seems to know what’s about to happen. He slams into me harder and harder, circling against my clit each time, his hand still over my mouth. I can’t hold it anymore; I arch up away from the bed as my orgasm rips through me. I moan but Jay tightens his grip over my mouth and fucks me harder.
It’s so intense that I have to do something to stop myself moaning loud enough that I’m heard through his hand. I force my mouth open under his fingers and sink my teeth down into his flesh as contraction after contraction from my body tightens around his cock.
Jay sucks his breath in, and then he buries his face between my neck and the pillow, muffling his groans as he comes deep inside me. His cock jerks and pulses inside me, and I clench down on it to squeeze every drop out inside me. I want all of him.
He brings his face back up to mine and takes his hand off my mouth, leaning down to kiss me. His tongue dives into my mouth, finding mine, sucking and tasting, not able to get enough.
We’re both panting as he stops and grins at me.
“I think I almost lost a finger.” He brings his hand up and turns it so I can see the deep red teeth marks around it.
“Jay!” I grab his hand and pull it closer to my face to get a better look.
Oh my God, I’ve hurt him.
“I’m so sorry, are you okay?”
“Holly, I’m better than okay.” He beams at me, shaking his head. “I’m fucking amazing!”
I guess fingers come after mind-blowing sex on his priority list.
