Another Mazzy Monday (9 page)

Austin is staring at me with a twinkle in his eye. “What restaurant.”

I put my hand over my mouth when I realize my mistake. I signed a non-disclosure agreement so I can’t talk about the money Drew is paying me for the fake engagement.

“Nothing,” I say dismissively hoping he’ll drop the subject.

Of course this just makes him more curious. I can see it in his eyes. “You can tell me.”

I shake my head. “I really can’t.”

Then to my surprise he takes my hand in his. I know I should pull away, but I don’t want to. My entire body immediately responds to his touch. Little jolts of electricity are surging through every part of me and I don’t want it to stop.

When he starts to rub my hand with his thumb it’s almost too much to bear. All I can think about is him touching the rest of my body with the same gentle touch he’s using on my hand. It’s such an irresistible contrast. Austin is so rugged and rough around the edges, but his touch is so tender and warm. I melt into it for a long moment.

Then he whispers, “Tell me…”

And I do. “My sister and I are going to use the money I’m being paid to open a restaurant. We want to serve breakfast. There’s really nothing like it in town, except the old diner. They don’t even like serving breakfast. And believe me, you can tell.”

He’s staring into my eyes. “I can tell you’re really passionate about it. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen your beautiful blue eyes light up like that.”

And before I know it his mouth is so close to mine I can feel his breath tickle my lips. He hovers there for a moment. I assume it’s because he wants to give me a chance to stop him, but I don’t, even though I know I should.

When he kisses me it’s like every light on the planet was switched on at the same time. I’m nearly overwhelmed by the sensations of heat, light and energy. And I finally understand what all the fuss is about. I certainly never felt anything like this when I was making out with Tommy in the back of his dad’s truck.

When our lips finally part we both stare at each other almost in a trance. I put my fingers to my lips because they’re still tingling.

Wow, I think, but then I realize I must have uttered the word because Austin in beaming.

“That good, huh?”

“Like it wasn’t good for you too,” I tease.

“It was okay.” He bites back a grin.

“Yeah, right.”

Still in the drunken haze of our first amazing kiss we’re both startled when Drew’s assistant, George, hurries into the kitchen. The man seems to be in a perpetual hurry. I almost want to tell him to slow down and not take life so seriously.

“There you are,” he says then stops short when he sees that Austin and I are still holding hands.

I immediately pull away from Austin, but it’s obviously too little too late because George looks like a deer caught in headlights.

“I was just…we were just…” I’m at a loss for words.

Luckily Austin steps up and says, “I was just massaging her hand. She got a kink in the muscle opening the wine bottle.”

Not exactly a believable story, but at least it’s a story. Of course it also draws attention to the near empty wine bottle sitting between us.

“I’m not here to judge,” George says with the utmost professionalism given the situation. Of course both Austin and I look about as innocent as two kids with chocolate all over their fingers and mouths who insist they have no idea what happened to their father’s candy bar. “I just need Mazzy to come with me because we’ve got a lot of shopping to do and not enough time to do it.”

“Okay,” I manage to sputter as I rise from the table a little woozy from the wine.

When I give Austin a quick glance he looks like a kid who just got his new bike stolen by the neighborhood bully.

“I’ll see you later,” I say and that seems to brighten him up just a bit.

Then I notice the plates from lunch are still sitting on the table. “Oh, I almost forgot. I need to clean the dishes.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Austin offers. “You go buy all the clothes that are going to make you into the perfect gubernatorial candidate’s fiancée.”

I can’t help but notice the note of bitterness in his voice, but it’s not really something I can address in front of George. Apparently we’ve got a lot of shopping to do.

***

Sitting with George in his new BMW as we head through Old Town is uncomfortable. He hasn’t really looked at me since we left the kitchen and it’s freaking me out. I’m not sure if I should say something about what he saw or if I should just let it go. My biggest fear, of course, is that he’ll say something to Drew.

Finally when I can no longer stand the thick tension in the air between us, I say, “I’m not sure what you saw…”

He puts up a hand to silence me before I can go on. “What happens at the lake house stays at the lake house.”

I swallow. I know he knows everything about the sham engagement. He’s the one who put together all of the paperwork—contract and non-disclosure agreement—for me to sign.

After a few more tension filled and much too silent moments between us he says, “Drew was down in the polls. There was talk about him being single as the reason. Voters were questioning his stability and some reporters were hinting about his sexual orientation. He needed to do something if he wanted to win the election. You’re that something.”

When George takes a quick glance at me I see something that I haven’t seen before. Deep concern. “There’s no one on Earth who wants to be governor more than Drew Graham. The only thing he’s ever wanted to do with his life is be a politician. It’s what he was born and raised to do. And I want that for him too. It’s what makes him happy.”

A sudden realization hits me like a brick to the side of the head. George isn’t just speaking like an employee talking about his boss. He sounds more like someone talking about his lover. Maybe there’s more going on between the two of them than anyone realizes.

Or maybe people do realize it, but just don’t say anything about it.

Or maybe they’re in denial.

I don’t know. This is all new to me. At this point I just want to get through the election, get the rest of the money, and go back to my life in little Old Town.

“I can tell you really care about him,” I reply. I guess some part of me wants George to know that I know he’s more than just Drew’s assistant.

“More than anything,” George assures me. “And now we have to make sure you’re well outfitted for the campaign trail. Nieman Marcus here we come.”

Six

Austin

I’m pilfering my brother’s wardrobe again. I need something to wear to my parents’ house tonight that doesn’t say
delinquent
which apparently everything I own does to my dear mother.

I grab a pine green polo shirt and a pair of khaki pants from Drew’s closet. Luckily we wear the same size. I also borrow a pair of his loafers because my biker boots just won’t cut it with the conservative clothes. 

After I get changed and look in the mirror I hardly recognize myself. There’s an old saying that clothes make the man. Well the clothes I’m wearing now make me look like a preppy prick just like my brother. And my father, too, come to think of it.

I take in a deep breath.
You only have to stay a few hours
, I remind myself. Just long enough to be seen by the right people and get a few family photos taken.

I can’t stop thinking about lovely Mazzy and that amazing kiss. If George hadn’t walked in on us maybe there would have been more?

How pathetic is it to lust after your only brother’s fiancée? Of course she’s not a real fiancée, but in some ways it seems like that should be beside the point. It’s not like we could ever go on a proper date or been seen holding hands or touching each other in public.

But now that I’ve had a taste of Mazzy I want more. I crave more. I just wonder how difficult it will be seeing her tonight and knowing I can’t have more.

***

By the time I arrive at my parents’ house the place is already packed with guests. Even with a few hundred people milling around it doesn’t seem crowded. That’s how large their mansion is.

My parents have spared no expense for the reception. Not that they ever do. Every event they host is an occasion that they make truly unforgettable in every way. They strive to have every other party at every other politician’s home pale in comparison to theirs.

As soon as my mother spots me she hurries over to my side and gives me a slight peck on the cheek.

“I’m so glad to see you, Austin.”

She makes a point of looking me up and down then gives a slight nod of approval at my attire. She hates the fact that I prefer to ride a motorcycle and she hates the biker clothes I wear even more. She says they make me look
lawless
. 

“Have you met your brother’s fiancée yet?” I’ve never heard so much happiness in my mom’s voice. My generally churlish mother sounds almost giddy with excitement and what I thought had become a dour expression on her face has been replaced with a brightness I haven’t seen in years.

“I have,” I reply evenly. I do my best not to give away my growing feelings for Mazzy.

I scan the well-dressed crowd for any sign of Drew and Mazzy. Finally I spot them in the corner of the room talking with several well-connected New Jersey couples.

As I head towards them I grab a flute of champagne from a waiter holding a tray filled with champagne glasses. I down the contents of the flute in one gulp and then leave the empty glass on one of the folding tables set up for used plates and glasses.

When my brother notices me he gives me a quick nod. He never actually gave me permission to take more of his clothes, but I also know he won’t mind. I’m sure he’d much rather I wear his clothes than my own to the engagement party.

“I’m glad you made it,” Drew says as he pats my shoulder.

“Wouldn’t miss it.” I try to sound as chipper as possible, but there’s an edge to my voice that I can’t quite shake.

Then I make the mistake of glancing over at Mazzy and I’m completely undone. She looks more beautiful than I’ve ever seen her before. She’s been completely made over from head to toe. Not that she wasn’t utterly attractive before. She’d be a knockout in a gunny sack. But she looks so completely captivating that my breath is nearly knocked out of my lungs.

Mazzy’s hair is pulled back in a loose ponytail away from her face and she’s wearing a black cocktail dress that shows off all of her curves without being too revealing. It’s the perfect combination of sexy and sophisticated. And the heels she’s wearing make her lovely legs look a mile long.

It’s taking every ounce of restraint I have not to grab her, take her into one of my parents’ guestrooms and have my way with her all night long.

“Have you met Drew’s fiancée yet?” my dad says as he joins our small group.

“Yes,” I manage to croak out as I see a sly smile cross over Mazzy’s face.

I want to kiss her again so badly that it hurts.

“Austin is staying at the lake house,” Drew says through clenched teeth.

My dad furrows his brow clearly puzzled. “Isn’t Mazzy staying at your place?”

“She prefers to stay at the Lake House. She’s from Old Town and that’s where her sister lives. They’re very close.”

“Nearly identical,” I blurt.

My dad’s face is now twisted as if he’s trying to figure out some kind of subtext, but failing miserably at it.

“I’m a twin,” Mazzy says finally and it’s like a light bulb goes on right over my dad’s head.

“I went to high school with twins,” he comments. “The Baxter boys. One of them died in the military. The other was never the same after that.”

We all let that hang in the air for a few seconds before Drew says, “I really don’t mind staying at the lake house. I need to do a lot more campaigning in Northern New Jersey anyway.”

“We’ll see how the poll numbers look this week after you announce your engagement. I’m willing to bet you’ll get a nice bump. Maybe even a few points lead.”

Drew just smiles and nods, but I can see there’s a lot going on behind his bright green eyes. Knowing my brother as well as I do he’s probably already imaging what he’s going to take with him when he moves into the Governor’s mansion.

I know he won’t be taking Mazzy with him, that’s for damn sure. I need to remind myself that I can’t get hung up on my brother’s fiancée, but I know it’s already too late. I’ve already taken a bite of that forbidden fruit and all I can think about is when I’ll get to take my next mouthful.

I have a feeling Mazzy might be having similar sinful thoughts. She keeps sneaking peeks at me and every time our eyes meet I can feel the sizzle between us. To say the two of us have chemistry would be the understatement of the century. The pull between us is so intense it’s like the drag of a raging ocean undercurrent. And once you’re caught in the undertow it’s impossible to get out alive.

When Drew takes Mazzy’s hand I have the overwhelming urge to pull her away from him. I’m actually a little surprised by the intensity of my feelings. I’ve never been the jealous type. But I’m also willing to admit that as many girls as I’ve been with I’ve never felt the all-consuming desire I feel for Mazzy.

My feelings are actually starting to scare me a little. Not only because of the obvious—her fake engagement to my brother and its importance to the election—but more because of the implication for my personal life. I’m a traveler. I like to be able to go where I want when I want and be completely unencumbered by anyone or anything.

Falling in love was certainly never part of my life plan.

Maybe love is too strong of a word for someone I’ve just met. But I’m definitely feeling a lot of things I’ve never felt before. And they’re things I want to keep feeling. And the only way I can keep feeling them is to be with Mazzy.

“Austin,” Drew says, and it jostles me out of my thoughts. “Mom wants us to join her for a few family photos. But first I want to make my announcement.”

“Sure,” I say absently.

He now has his hand on the small of Mazzy’s back as he leads her to a podium that my parents have set up for the occasion. I know I shouldn’t, but I allow myself to think about my hand being there instead of his. But I’m not leading her into a press conference. I’m leading her upstairs. And I’m not standing with a puritanical arm’s length between us like my brother is standing from Mazzy. I’m close enough to her that I can smell the hint of the sweet scent she’s dabbed on that long lovely neck of hers. One that I’ll be kissing as soon as we reach one of the bedrooms…

The boom of my dad’s deep voice knocks me out of my fantasy. “Thank you for coming here tonight. We’re so happy all of you could join us here on this joyous occasion.”

Photographers are already going trigger happy as my dad speaks. Drew and Mazzy are standing right next to him and it makes for a great picture. There will be even more shots taken when Drew takes center stage with Mazzy.

Just as I predicted as soon as my dad gives the customary Rick Graham hand wave that he’s known for, and Drew takes the microphone, the press photographers get really click happy with their cameras again. I have little doubt that Drew and Mazzy will be plastered on the front page of every newspaper in New Jersey. A story this big might even make the national news because my good-looking and charming brother has become a bit of a celebrity. He’s like a Young Republican version of JFK Jr. when he went from the Most Eligible Bachelor in politics to a married man and Mazzy is very much like his Carolyn Bessette.

“Thank you for being here this evening.” Drew addresses the crowd.

I’m always equally amazed and envious of his ability to woo any crowd in a matter of seconds with little more than his striking good looks and charm. There’s little doubt that he won the genetic lottery in nearly every way. But he seems to be under the impression that being gay is something he can quash like a small insect that one stamps on with his shoe. I’m going to venture a guess that he won’t be able to will the gay away as easily as he wants to.

If only it were that easy to quell one’s sexual desires I wouldn’t have a raging hard on every time I glance in Mazzy’s direction and she gives me one of her coy smiles.

Drew continues. “I wanted to take this opportunity to announce my engagement to the beautiful woman standing next to me today, Miss Mazzy Olsen.”

He gives Mazzy the slightest peck on the cheek. Almost as if he’s afraid of catching some kind of disease. She’s a trooper though. She smiles and gives a quick wave to the crowd as they snap photos of her. For someone who has never been in the limelight she seems to have adapted to it like a duck to water.

I notice that she’s looking everywhere but directly at me. It’s almost as if she’s intentionally looking anywhere but at me. I try to will her to look my way just once. The more she ignores me the more I yearn for her attention. I feel like I’m a different person in Mazzy’s eyes. As if she can see the good in me that no one else can see because it’s been hidden for so long.  And when I see myself reflected in her eyes I see someone actually worthwhile for once in my life.

“Do you have a wedding date planned yet?” someone yells from the crowd.

Drew grins. “We’re still working out the details. Of course it won’t be until after the election. Wouldn’t it be great to have a wedding take place in the governor’s mansion?”

The crowd roars with applause at the idea and my stomach sinks at the thought of Mazzy marrying my bother. Rationally I know there is no way he’d ever actually go through with it. A sham engagement is one thing, but I don’t think he’d go through with an actual marriage just for show. I hope he wouldn’t do something like that to Mazzy, or anyone else for that matter.

When my mom and dad join Drew and Mazzy at the podium there is a frenzy of applause and photos. Then my dad motions for me to join them and I begrudgingly concede. I make my way over to the podium with the rest of my family, but I make a point of standing right next to Mazzy. Extremely close. Much closer than my brother is standing on her other side. I’m so close our arms are touching and there’s so much heat being exchanged between us she sucks in a breath before she glances in my direction.

Neither one of us takes our eyes off of each other for a long moment. I feel like we’re frozen in time and I’d be glad to stay this way, but we both know there are about a hundred people all staring at us, some of them still snapping photos. A picture of the two of us eye fucking each other with my brother standing right next to us really isn’t the image we want to portray to the conservative party. That’s an image even the liberal party in our country would probably have a hard time accepting.

“We have plenty of hors d'oeuvres and even more to drink,” my father announces to another round of thunderous applause. If he hadn’t run against such formidable opponents when he made his bids for governor Drew may have been a second generation candidate to hold that office. I think that’s one of many reasons why it’s so important to my dad for Drew to win. He’s been waiting for the day when he can live the life as the governor vicariously through my brother.

Once the grand announcement fervor has died down a bit I make my way over to the bar for something a little harder than a flute of champagne.

“Gin. On the rocks.”

The bartender is a cute blonde with stunning blue eyes and a big smile. She’s the type of girl I’d normally go for and would probably have little trouble bedding, but I’m so caught under Mazzy’s spell the bartender pales in comparison. My dick doesn’t even twitch when she bends down to fill my glass with ice and I catch a glimpse of her ample breasts in the V of her open neck shirt.

When she hands me the drink she makes a point of giving me what is probably her most seductive grin. “Aren’t you Drew Graham’s brother?”