Brynna (Stone Society) - Faith Gibson Page 0,14
mind off Brynna’s secret.
Laughter sounded from the kitchen where Marcie and Banyan were tag-teaming breakfast. Travis stopped short when he saw Brynna reaching into the cabinet for a coffee mug She had decided a short dress was the outfit of the day. Her long legs were on display, showing one calf more muscular than the other, and he couldn’t help but take them in from her bare feet to the hem that barely covered her thighs. Jesus H. Travis already knew one of her legs was just a bit shorter than the other, and when she went without shoes, she tiptoed to make up the difference.
Someone cleared their throat, and Travis was mortified when he realized it was Banyan who’d caught him. Instead of scowling, Banyan was grinning. That was good. At least the Goyle didn’t want to punch him in the throat for ogling his sister. Maybe.
“Good morning.” Brynna gave him a winsome smile that melted his heart. His lips turned up at the corners. It was impossible not to when she turned her happiness toward him. “How did you sleep? Was the bed okay?”
Travis set his laptop on the table. “Like the dead. I was plenty tired from the excitement and alcohol, and the mattress was perfect.”
Speaking of perfect, Brynna handed him a cup of coffee fixed the way he liked. “I happen to know you’re fibbing about the mattress, but I’ll let it slide for now. Since you have your computer, I assume you’re going to be working this morning?”
“Yes, unless you need me for something else.”
“I do want to revisit the conversation about remodeling the manor, but we can do that later. I think I’m going to drive into town and get a manicure.” She held out a hand, indicating the chipped polish. “You know I suck at painting my nails.” When she didn’t pull her hand back, Travis clasped it, brought it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles.
“I do know. And if you can’t find a salon, I’ll polish them for you.”
“You paint her nails?” Urijah asked.
“Oh, uh, yeah. But just her right hand. She’s not ambidextrous, and it looks like a toddler did it.”
Urijah turned to Banyan. “Why do you never paint my nails?”
Banyan smirked. “Because instead of a toddler, it would look like a Tasmanian devil got hold of a spray can.”
“That’s very specific.” Urijah held his hand out. “I think a nice shade of navy would look good.”
“Maybe you should go with Brynna to the salon.”
“Maybe I will. What do you say, Bryn? Want some company?” Uri asked.
“I’d love it. Just so you know, I’m going shopping too. I’m in the mood for a little retail therapy.”
“It’s a date.”
Banyan looked over his shoulder after he pulled a pan of biscuits out of the oven. “Who are you, and what have you done with my mate?” Instead of answering aloud, Uri tilted his head to the side. Travis was pretty sure he was responding silently. He often wondered what it would be like to have that type of connection with someone.
Marcie announced breakfast was ready, and Travis fell in line to fix his plate. He loved how laid-back everything was. He should have known Banyan wouldn’t act like a pretentious ass just because he was King. In the few months he’d know the Gargoyles, Travis had been pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion, starting when Rafael offered him a job. The whole Clan treated Travis as though he were family. It took him a while to get used to it because he wasn’t close with his own parents. Not since he found out how his mother treated Trevor after Travis left for college. Their dad had apologized to both him and his brother, but other than going out for coffee a couple times a month, there were no family dinners. Travis doubted he would ever forgive their mother.
After breakfast, Brynna kissed Travis on the cheek and told him she would see him later. She and Urijah headed out together, leaving Travis with Banyan. “I’m going to get started on the plans.”
“Do you mind if I watch? I have nothing else going on since Uri went with Bryn.”
“Not at all.” Travis was in his element, and having a client watch the process of their house being designed was exciting for him. The one he already designed back in New Atlanta had been combining three plans. This one was being designed from the ground up, and Travis couldn’t wait to see how it