Gracie & The Love Triangle Ch. 01

“Why do the good girls always want the bad boys?”

(No Doubt’s song BATHWATER by G. Stefani, T. Kanal, T. Dumont)

Gracie curled up close to her fiancé Matthew. She watched as he slept and smiled. She was blissfully happy. She was about to turn 22 and Matthew was 25. They had met two years ago in a small restaurant where Gracie had been waitressing to pay her way through UCLA. Matthew had been finishing up his J.D. while she was working on her Bachelor’s.

Gracie was a cute brunette at about 5 feet 5 inches tall with lovely hazel green eyes. She was slim and trim with pert breasts and an easy smile.

Matthew was the baby of his family with two older sisters and an eldest brother. He took after his mother with blonde hair and blue eyes standing at under 6 feet tall.

Gracie liked to joke that he was the model for the Carpenter’s song “So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair and golden starlight in your eyes of blue” for all that he looked like a Greek God. He was a living Ken doll with a personality to match. He was sweet, attentive and loving. Gracie’s only complaint, which she would never have dared to voice, was their love life. Sex was brief and quick with little foreplay and no oral sex on either end. He didn’t like to receive or give and so theirs was like an old married couple when they had yet to be honeymooners.

Gracie adored his family. His mother Jane and sisters Sarah and Jenny were all sweet caring women with his father William was a proud and strong man who had made a fortune in the real estate market of the 1980’s and 90s. They owned a large mansion in Bel Air and Gracie adored it. Gracie had yet to meet the eldest brother Michael who was visiting relatives in England. They were getting married in two months so she assumed she would meet the elusive brother before the time had come to walk down the aisle.

Gracie was involved with the marriage plans and Jane helped out a great deal. Gracie was an only child whose mother and father had long since divorced. Her mother would be flying in but not until the wedding date. Her father had disappeared years ago.

Gracie wore a cool linen dress of pink dotted with dark lavender flowers. Her shoulder length chestnut hair was pulled up into a small ponytail as she walked the extensive grounds in the estate. She was so happy and at peace that she felt it was a dream. She had always lived paycheck-to-paycheck and so alone that Matthew was like a godsend.

She made her way back into the house and grabbed her bag to attend some errands with Jane. Jane and Gracie split their errands and each went their separate way in the small main street in Bel Air. Gracie walked into the old fashioned hardware store and looked for the items she needed. She heard two men catching up on old times at the front of the store and smiled. It was like Maywood, USA here, she thought.

She picked up the item to examine it and dropped it accidentally. She picked it up off the floor and whirled around to replace it on the shelf.

“Excuse me, miss.” Said the stranger she completely collided into.

Gracie had not seen him approach and flushed as she had dropped the item again and was flush against a stranger.

“Allow me.” He retrieved the item and replaced it properly brushing into her body with no reason other than to be insolent.

Gracie examined him as he did and blushed. He was almost sinful. A man should never be so dark and good looking. He was like a dark angel. He was taller than Matthew with jet-black hair and smoldering dark eyes. His eyes were either dark blue or brown and the way he looked at her was wrong. He followed along the line of her frame starting at her chestnut hair, down her pert breasts, trim waist and down her long legs.

Jesus, he thought. What a nice little piece! He swallowed once and then returned his gaze to her face. A sweet little face with hazel eyes staring black holes into his skull. Her sweet face contradicted a hidden temper that probably smoldered.

He grinned and his smile was worse than any grimace. He looked dangerous. Gracie’s heart thudded.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why?” She asked thoughtfully wanting to hear his inane reply.

He shrugged his shoulders. “For brushing against you.”

“Well I hope you enjoyed it.” She told him tartly.

“Why?” He asked seriously confused.

“Getting your jollies off accidentally brushing up against women. It will be the last time you do so to me, so I just hope you enjoyed it.” She told him staring up into his dark eyes.

She clutched her purse and suddenly realized her was chuckling.

She glared at him and he sneered back.

“No.” He shook his head slowly. “I don’t get my jollies off brushing up against innocent, harmless women.” He said the words so slowly that he made it seem as if Gracie’s complaint was silly and juvenile. Gracie stared at the stranger irritated at herself. Why had she made such a big deal of it? Was it the wedding nerves? Was she angry with Matthew for last night? It had been a lovely evening and then he had rolled over and without a kiss or touch gone to sleep. Was this the beginning of a dismal, passé life?

Was this sinfully good looking man having a bad effect on her or was she irritated because a part of her wanted him and it was too late now? What was wrong with her?

“No.” He continued to speak pulling her out of her self-loathing dialogue with herself.

“I get my jollies of the old-fashioned, red-blooded American male way.” With that, the dark stranger pulled Gracie completely into his arms and his mouth took hers. And it wasn’t a sweet, kind kiss. It wasn’t a passionate kiss such as lovers have. It was a sinful wicked kiss just as Gracie surmised it would have been. His hands came up to her face and his tongue delved into her mouth again and again. His one hand moved over her breasts and pushed her small ass into his hard erection. He pulled her ponytail out and her hair fell around them both. His mouth came upon hers again and again and his tongue raped her mouth.

God, she was sweet, he thought. Like a small cherry, he wanted to suck and suck on her mouth forever. Her hair smelled of shampoo and it wafted around them both. Her pert little breasts were a small handful and he delved into the dress. He wanted her right now. He didn’t care, could care less – if she was married, had five kids, was a lunatic…he wanted to feel her tight little pussy surround his cock. It was rock hard and needed her – now. He moved to her small ass and pushed her again into his cock. His jeans concealed his erection but enough to where she could feel the ridge of it.

Gracie wanted to die of shame and die of lust. She could feel the emotions whirling around her. He was no angel. If he was, he was Satan’s angel - Lucifer himself in the flesh. No man should make a woman feel this good, this amazing, floating on air. She cringed inwardly. Matthew for all that she loved and cared about him – had never made her blood sing this way. God, it was wrong. His hands roamed her body and her mouth was his. She wanted him. She could feel her pussy’s wetness in readiness and anticipation for sex. She almost cried aloud. What was she doing? She was making out with a total stranger in a hardware store for christ’s sake! She broke away from him and slapped him across the face.

He only grinned and smiled. Gracie already hated those sensuous lips in that perfect face.

“Is that the price I pay for a kiss? I’ll gladly pay it and more.” He taunted her.

Gracie gritted her teeth and turned away from him determined to leave this place and the odious man.

“Whoa whoa whoa. What a minute! I don’t know your name or your number. Give me another chance – “

“To what? Maul me?” Gracie countered. She hated his arrogance and his dominating manner.

“I lost my head, I'm sorry.” He told her sincerely.

“Kindly step aside. I’m late for an engagement.” Gracie thought of Jane waiting at the corner coffee shop for her.

“Your husband?” He asked softly.

“No.” Gracie lowered her eyes.

He watched her little bow mouth as she struggled for composure. She was lovely in an unsettling way. She didn’t use tricks or pleas, didn’t make herself up like a clown. She had beauty and sweetness and he wanted her. Had to have her.

“I have to see you again.” He told her.

“Do you make it a habit of picking up women in the hardware store, Mr. – Mr.-?” Gracie asked him not really caring about the answer.

“No, never.” He shook his head. His arrogance fading as he watched her lips move.

“Kindly step aside. I’m late and I have no wish to see you again. Ever.” She skirted him and was outside the door before he could follow her. When he made his way outside, she was gone.

Damn! He thought.

Jane and Gracie dined quietly with Gracie still shaken up. That man, that stranger, the devil’s spawn had upset her greatly. She had never experienced that before and it upset her. Matthew was always sweet and caring and she loved that. But passion, PASSION, and lust were a dangerous thing. It made her forget who she was, and what she was about to do and it made her forget vows, promises and love. She had wanted to lift up her dress and feel him inside her – feel him possessing her. It was dangerous. She had escaped narrowly. Once she was married – she would feel at peace and at ease. Children would follow and she would be happy. She sighed and enjoyed Jane’s tale of Matthew’s first day at kindergarten.

Jane and Gracie finished their shopping and hurried home to dinner. Gracie loved the setting sun and relished the mansion in Bel Air. It was beautiful and she enjoyed a quick nap before dinner.

Sarah and Jenny came into her room as Gracie was dressing.

“Oh, mom is so happy! She’s glowing!” Exclaimed Sarah, exuberant and smiling.

Gracie pushed her solitaire earrings into her ears and replied, “Oh yes?”

“Yes,” chipped in Jenny. “The black sheep is home. Her favorite.”

Gracie smiled, “Surely not favorite. She loves you all.”

“No. She adores Michael. You’ll see. Watch them. It’s sickening.” Sarah told her to-be sister-in-law.

Gracie adjusted her red silk skirt and cream-colored blouse that emphasized her breasts and alabaster skin. Her slim strappy heels completed the look.

A knock on the door admitted Matthew. Jenny and Sarah left the lovers alone.

“Have the fishmonger’s wives told you?”

Gracie laughed and replied, “Yes. The eldest is home, and Jane is happy.”

Matthew kissed Gracie lightly on the lips. “Yes. I’ve read that the mother-first born relationship is very special. In my mother’s case, she dotes on Michael. We all understand it – but promise me something, Gracie?” He continued.

“When we have children, no favorites.” He told her.

Gracie looked at him in the mirror. “Okay, no favorites.”

He kissed her temple and looked at her. “My Gracie, you look lovely.”

She smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

He took her hand and they went down the long curling staircase into the front foyer. Voices could be heard in the large dining hall and Glenn Miller wafted out.

“So that was the end of it.” Michael had finished saying and everyone broke out into laughter.

William clasped his back. “Good one, son.” He went to refresh his drink.

Gracie noticed him first from the back. A tall, dark haired man dressed in black slacks and gray dress shirt. His shoes seemed to gleam with light. Gracie absently remembered the Satan’s spawn from the hardware store who had been dressed in jeans, Doc Marten’s and a leather jacket. She grimaced and shook her head.

“Are you alright darling?” Matthew asked Gracie as his brother Michael turned at the sound of the voice.

“Matthew!!! How the hell are – “ he stopped mid sentence and mid stride as he saw Gracie’s face.

Oh, god no! Please no! Screamed Gracie silently as she gazed upon the face of her fiancé’s brother and the Devil’s Spawn from the morning.

Michael recovered much quicker and approached them easily.

“Hey little Bro.” He hugged him briefly and smiled. He stood before Gracie and waited for Matthew to make the introductions.

“Michael, this is my fiancée Gracie Brighton. Gracie, my big brother, Michael Forsythe.”

“Nice to meet you, Gracie.” His hand took hers and she smiled back lacking warmth.

“Nice to meet you, Michael.”

Michael watched her from beneath hooded eyes as she talked easily with the two brats Sarah and Jenny. Michael was the eldest at 29 with the sisters at 27 and 26 years of age. Michael was worldly wise and traveled whenever he wasn’t working. He was also a lawyer but studied corporate law.

He had watched her all night and he groaned inwardly. After she had disappeared from the hardware store he had searched all the shops for her but with no success. He had been intoxicated by her beauty, her wit and feistiness. He watched irritated as Matthew’s arm traveled along her shoulders and almost wanted to strike his brother when he kissed Gracie’s temple. He was loving, considerate and sweet and Michael was nauseated by it all.

Jane went to bring the coffee and brandy in to the small salon and Sarah helped her. William and Matthew went into the library to chat and smoke cigars while Jenny ran upstairs to make a phone call.

Michael watched as Gracie donned a small shawl and went outside. He followed her unabashedly. The gardens were lined with roses and various flowers as the path became smaller and the large magnolia trees dominated the grounds.

He caught up with her easily as she strode forward. Gracie was unaware she had company as she slowed her gait. He seized the moment.

“Ms. Brighton.” His voice so deep and hoarse broke into her peaceful reverie.

She turned her head toward him. Her chestnut hair curled up off her neck and her eyes luminous in the dark.

“What are you doing here? You shouldn’t have followed me.”

Michael smiled in the dark. “Well, I happen to live here when I’m not traveling the world around. You, on the other hand, are my guest.”

“Your father’s guest.” She countered easily and he enjoyed her wit. It was almost verbal foreplay and he hardened at the thought.

“Little difference.” He had picked a white rose from the garden and offered it to her.

“Thank you.” She gritted her teeth and accepted it as he deliberately used the opportunity to touch her fingers.

“Your welcome.”

“Have you come to apologize for your behavior earlier today? I accept.” She told him tartly lifting her chin up.

His loud laugh boomed across the quiet gardens. “What does the little spitfire see in my mousy young brother?” He asked her quietly.

“You do wrong to put him down.” She told him steely.

“Indeed.” But Michael loved Matthew. Had always been proud of him. But then he had never had anything that he had wanted or craved. And this young little Brighton girl who belonged to Matthew– Michael wanted beyond all reason. It didn’t make sense. They had barely met, were strangers. But then love, lust, attraction was like that – sudden.

“If I wasn’t to marry Matthew would you still want me?” Gracie asked quietly.

“I didn’t know you from Mary Brown this afternoon, and I wanted you then. And I want you now.” His voice so low and seductive Gracie almost shuddered. This was impossible.

“This is the situation. I’m to marry Matthew in two months time. You must accept it. I love him.” She replied.

Michael stepped toward her. Her shawl had fallen off one shoulder and he replaced it but not before his long masculine fingers touched the rim of her blouse and followed its length down to the valley of her breasts.

Gracie’s lips opened as she breathed out. Her breath foamed in the night air as it had turned cold.

“Please, Michael. No.” She tried to tell him more but couldn’t.

Her rosebud mouth mesmerized him and his fingers dipped into her blouse to touch and fondle the small erect nipple.

She moved her head to the right to breath in the cold air. She could move away but she didn’t. She was a small little insect trapped in his web. Trapped in his spell. But the spell trapped him too. He watched her intake of breath and his hand roamed down her neck so lovely and slim.

She clenched the small little white rose in her hand hoping it would anchor her to safety but it betrayed her. Instead she gasped as the little thorns stung into her and she released it as it fell to the ground.

“Ah.” She cried looking at the two drops of blood.

Michael stood before her and took her cold hand in his.

“Here, hold still.” He took her finger and put it to his mouth. Before she could stop him he suckled her small finger and his tongue wound around it. She was mesmerized as his mouth sucked her small finger and his tongue tormented her. It was intoxicating and she couldn’t pull away.

“What are you doing? Stop it!” She whispered to him.

He released her hand and her finger tingled. “I can’t stop, Gracie. I can’t.” But for the moment he did.

“Michael, what do you want?” But she knew the answer.

“Don’t ask, Gracie. You know.”

“Michael, this is never going to happen. The hardware store was a mistake initiated perhaps by my rudeness and completed by your arrogance.”

“I love my brother, Gracie. I always have since the day my mother brought him home from the hospital, but he’s not for you.”

“Well, that’s very convenient since you’ve made it obvious that you want me for yourself.”

“Yes, I do want you. And I know I can give you what you need.”

“And what is that, exactly?” Gracie asked irritated at his arrogance and assumptions.

She continued angry and wanting to hurt him for upsetting her life. “A hard cock on the night’s when you decide to come home to me? Some sort of venereal disease you’ve picked up from the whores in Thailand? Or perhaps an illegitimate baby you refuse to acknowledge?”

Michael grinned in the dark. “I see the brat sisters have been greatly exaggerating and lying about my travels.”

“There’s always a little truth in lies.”

“Indeed.”

“And the fact remains that I will marry your brother.”

“Is it his money or his vast knowledge of the legal arena that has you so captivated?” Michael regretted instantly his dig at his brother. It irked him. He wanted her. Why was he willing to cut his brother down? Why did he just let her walk away? She wasn’t his.

“Both.” And with that Gracie turned to leave him.

He grabbed her arm and swung her to face him. “Gracie, I will admit you love my brother for no other reason than the fact that you love him.”

Gracie waited for him to continue.

“If you admit the fact that there is a spark between us that you don’t feel with Matthew.”

Gracie gritted her teeth and looked into his eyes. Damn him! Why was he doing this? Why did he want her? Was she a new and intriguing conquest? Was he bored at the mansion with nothing to do? Why?

“No. I admit nothing and I feel nothing for you.” Gracie’s hazel eyes clouded over as her emotions turned cold.

“Really?” He stood before and easily touched her ear with his mouth.

“Nothing?” He murmured to her.

Gracie tried so hard to keep still. “Nothing.” She tried to keep her knees from shaking.

“Wow, that’s amazing.” He whispered as his mouth encircled the small shell of her ear and he lightly bit her neck.

“How can I have a cock that’s begging to be inside your sweet pussy, while you feel nothing?” He grinned against her neck.

Gracie pushed at his chest and flew down the steps of the garden.

“Gracie!” He called after her.

Her heart pounded as she tried in vain to escape the Satan’s spawn.

“Gracie.” He caught up with her and stood blocking her path.

“What is it, Michael? There aren’t enough tricks in the world for me to give you what you want.”

“Hmmm.” He murmured thoughtfully.

She stood her ground staring at his sinful, sensuous mouth.

“Then I have a proposition for you.”

Gracie rolled her eyes as she replied, “What is it?”