Condemned by Barbara Huffert Read Free Book Online Page B

didn’t get much
sleep last night. I don’t want you to fall asleep in your dinner. We’ll go
first so we can’t hear them.”
    “We’ll take her if you want to stay here with Kiley. You
won’t give me a hard time, will you, Princess?”
    “Nope, Daddy. I’m sleepy.” Charlie reached for Shane.
    “You’re not going to cook anything, are you, Alyssa?” Brett
asked with mock horror.
    “No, smartass.” She swatted him. “Not unless you keep it
up.”
    “Alyssa’s not the best cook,” Brett explained to Tish
quietly.
    “I need to go to the station for a little while.” Jordan
quickly changed the subject. “Has Brett shown you around yet, Tish?”
    “Not yet. Perhaps we should come with you and keep him out
of trouble,” Tish suggested.
    “Good idea,” Brett agreed.
    “Andie?” Jesse questioned.
    “If it’s okay, I think I’ll stay here,” she replied.
    “Of course.” Kiley smiled. “Since I know you are capable,
you can help me. Lyssa can keep us company from over there.”
    “Kiles, why do you always pick on me?”
    “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’ve known you forever and
you’ve caused me more aggravation than the rest of them combined. I figure I’m
entitled with all you’ve put me through over the years.”
    “I guess I deserve that,” Alyssa admitted.
    “Poor Pix.” Shane kissed her forehead. “We love you anyway.”
    “And I’m sure he’ll show you just how much later,” Brett
teased.
    “I think that’s our cue to go.” Jordan chuckled as he
embraced Kiley. “Let them help you, sweet. I don’t want you to strain
anything.”
    “Jordan.” She snuggled against him briefly. “I’m fine. Go.”
    “You know where to find me.” Jesse squeezed Andie’s hand in
passing.
    As soon as they were alone Kiley turned her attention on
Andie. “I thought you wanted Brett.”
    “I do,” Andie answered and proceeded to explain to Kiley
what Jesse was trying to help her do as she had with Alyssa earlier, again
omitting some of the concerns that she and Jesse shared for Brett. Little did
they know that Shane and Jesse were having a similar conversation.
    “Oh I like this,” Kiley declared. “Let me know if Jordan and
I can help.”
    * * * * *
    After dinner, Brett walked Tish out to the gatehouse. Jesse
and Andie followed, only to find they were unable to resist the hammock they
spied in the yard. They settled in together and were talking comfortably.
    When Jesse heard the door, he said, “Pretend you’re
sleeping. Stay limp.” Softly, he whistled to get Brett’s attention. “I need
your help,” he whispered as Brett approached.
    “What can I do for you?” Brett asked frowning at the thought
that something was wrong with Andie.
    “We were only going to relax here for a minute but Andie’s
out cold. I’m afraid if I try to crawl out, I’ll end up dumping her on the
ground. Do you think you can lift her off me?” Jesse controlled his reaction
when Andie poked his side where Brett wouldn’t see her. Apparently, she didn’t
like his idea.
    “Yeah, sure.” Brett gulped.
    As soon as Brett scooped her into his arms, Jordan appeared.
“Jesse, I hate to interrupt, but can I have a minute? I’m sure Brett doesn’t
mind taking her in and getting her settled.”
    “No problem,” Brett answered when Jesse looked at him.
    Inwardly, he groaned. When he had picked Andie up, she
snuggled into his arms. She mumbled something on the stairs, so he said, “It’s
okay, Andie. I have you. I won’t let you fall.”
    “Mm.” She shifted against him, nuzzling his chest.
    “Here you are,” Brett said as he pulled down the covers and
put her in the bed. “Let me get your shoes.”
    Andie acted as if she were still mostly asleep. “Wait,” she
muttered, reaching under her shirt and unhooking her bra. Brett watched while
she slid it off without removing her shirt in the way that only women could do.
“Jeans,” she said as she lay back on the pillow and held out her