Never Mine

By Debbie D Ellis

A love twisted triangle. When twin brothers Garrett and Barrett fall for the same woman, the conflict of hearts measures deep; yet, their love of family runs deeper. When a life altering accident happens, the trust between these two brothers is tested. Just how deep can the love for your brother go? Will the brothers continue to keep the secret they carry from the woman they both love? Will their secret deceit cause Katie to despise them both, or allow her to realize the love both have for her and the sacrifices made?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329589025

Book preview

Never Mine

Never Mine

By

Debbie D. Ellis

Never Mine

By

Debbie D. Ellis

Copyright 2011 by Debbie D. Ellis

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.  This eBook may not be copied, re-sold or given away in part or whole to any other person.  If you would like to share this book, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.  If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then Please return it to www.SteamyBooks.com and purchase your own copy.  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Any character or events implied within this book are fictitious and purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

Links

Chapter 1

Man, I can’t wait for you to meet her, Barrett. You’re going to fall in love with her, Garrett said excitedly as he packed his bag.  They were heading to their parents’ vacation home in Big Bear for the holidays. Since Barrett had managed to get some leave before his next deployment, he had stopped by to pick Garrett up.

Barrett had been stationed overseas for the last year and a half. When Garrett had sent him letters and a texted photo of his new college sweetheart several months ago, Barrett had decided to take a bit of leave to meet this woman, especially if Garrett was going back into the program. Going from Garrett’s letters, Barrett had to admit she sounded too good to be true. Well, he’d soon find out.

From the lousy phone picture that Garrett had sent him, Barrett could tell Katie was a cute brunette with fair skin and medium-length, light-brown hair. Barrett couldn’t tell from the crappy photo what color her eyes were, but his brother insisted they were a beautiful bright hazel.

But no stealing my girl this time like you did back in high school, Barrett.  Katie’s special and I…I love her.  I’m going to marry her when she graduates, Garrett said with a smile.

"First off, that was usually you stealing the girl, not me. And second, why not marry her now?" Barrett asked, smirking.

She wants to get her degree first.  She’s got about another six months to go before graduating and then another year to get her business going, Garrett said.

Barrett rolled his eyes.  That’s what they all say, Garrett.  She’s playing you, man.

"She is not ‘playing’ me.  It makes sense. I get it that she wants to try and get things done before we really get serious and start our life together.

Look, I finally finished my degree and graduated.  A few months ago, the doctor at MEPS cleared me so I’ve been approved to go back through the SERE training since my stress fracture finally healed. I’ve been staying in shape otherwise and already started training again. I’ll be part of your squad before you know it. Besides, we’ll probably deploy or at least be sent out on training missions as soon as I’m done with the SERE training anyway.  It will give Katie time to get her stuff taken care of before we get married, Garrett said.

Sounds like you have it all planned out, Barrett said dryly.  Garrett looked at him and frowned.

I do.  And, Katie loves the idea, Garrett said.

I’ll bet, Barrett grumbled.

What’s your problem?  Why can’t you be happy for me? Garrett asked. He flinched as he realized how whiney he sounded.

Really. You want the truth? Barrett asked. When Garrett nodded, Barrett told him flatly what he thought. First thing, you sound like an infatuated teen.  How long have you known this girl, a little over a year?  She’s playing you, man.  She’ll date you until you leave and then one day while you’re overseas, she’ll send you a ‘Dear John’ letter telling you she changed her mind or she found someone else.  I just don’t want you to get your hopes up and be crushed.  I can’t afford for that to happen, none of us can.  You’d lose it and that’s not a good thing, especially while you’re in the field.  Lives are at stake.  Dump her before you go.  If she truly loves you, she’ll be here waiting when you get back.

Garrett stared at his five-minute older brother and wondered at his cynicism.  Well obviously that happened to you or someone you know and I’m sorry you’re so bitter about it.  Katie’s different.  She’s sweet and honest and caring.  She’s the best thing that’s happened to me.  Don’t fuck this up with your cynicism, Garret said, gritting his teeth.

Barrett frowned slightly as he wondered at his brother’s naïveté. For only being five minutes older, Barrett sometimes felt it was more like five years.  Maybe it was because he’d joined the Navy right out of high school instead of going straight into college like Garrett had. Garrett had almost finished his degree before deciding to join the Navy two years ago and going into the Seals program like Barrett.

Garrett had made it all the way to the final testing phase of his training but was injured during one of the last few Seal Qualification Training exercises. While he healed and went through physical therapy for nearly a year, Garrett decided to finish his degree during his time off. That’s when he met Katie.

Now, with just a few weeks left, Garrett was eligible to finish the training program as soon as he graduated. He was already on the roster. Barrett had always figured it was a phase for Garrett. With Garrett being in a relationship now, Barrett figured that Garrett would prefer to be with Katie, if the relationship were that serious, rather than continuing on in the military and be apart from her for months on end.

Barrett scowled at Garrett and then looked closer at his brother for a moment before his eyes widened in dawning comprehension. Jesus! You haven’t slept with her, have you? When Garrett scowled and thrust another pair of jeans into a duffle bag, Barrett laughed. "Wow, Garrett. I never would have guessed you would be able to hold off having sex with anyone. Why would you wait? Oh, let me guess, Barrett said as he put his fingers to his temple. She wants to wait until the wedding night? When Garrett scowled further, Barrett sighed.  God, Garrett, she’s got her hooks into you.  I can’t believe you, of all people would fall for that one. You’ve had more women than I have…" Barrett stopped for a minute.  He watched as Garrett started to take off his blue t-shirt, preparing to change into civilian clothes.

I tell you what, if Katie can tell us apart, I’ll shut up. Barrett said, sighing.

Garrett stopped, letting his shirt fall back down over his chiseled abs and stared at his brother for a minute.  He shouldn’t be surprised that Barrett would suggest such a thing. Garrett had suggested the same thing to Barrett numerous times in the past with his girlfriends.

What’s in it for you? Garrett asked.

Barrett smirked. It just proves that I’m right. No one, other than Mom, has been the one to tell us apart unless we’ve had a haircut or worn different clothing. Katie is no different than the rest of the girls you’ve dated, Barrett said.

Garrett frowned. With a determined look, he said, I’ll take the bet just to shut you up. No more cynicism from you.

Promise, Barrett said, smirking happily and crossing his heart for emphasis.

Garrett rolled his eyes and buttoned up his shirt again.  Since they had yet to get to the barber, their dark-brown-hair was nearly the same length and close enough in style to not make it easy for someone to distinguish between them. They were still in their khaki pants and blue polo shirts.

I assume we’ll stay in these for the whole drive up there, Garrett said, dryly.

I would suppose so.  It’s about the only clothing, other than a few t-shirts, that we have that’s identical anymore, Barrett said with a shrug. And, if she can’t tell the difference, neither one of us says anything right away. We’ll go upstairs and change into some regular clothes. No sense in upsetting her, right, Barrett said, hoping to ease the tension.

Fine, Garrett grumbled, testily.

Are you done packing? Barrett asked his frowning brother. This wasn’t how he wanted to start his holiday. In answer, Garrett slung his bag over his shoulder and headed for the door.

Garrett said, Let’s go.  Barrett paused for a moment.

Hey, Garrett, I know this is tough, but you know I love you.  I don’t want you to get hurt, Barrett said, putting an arm around his brother’s shoulder.

I know you mean well but you don’t have to be so... cynical, especially when it comes to love.  You’ll understand once you meet her, Garrett said, not wanting to discuss it anymore.

Well then let’s go meet this wonderful woman that has my brother wrapped around her little finger, Barrett said with a genuine smile.  He hoped Garrett was right.  Barrett hoped Katie was everything Garrett said she was.  His brother didn’t deserve to be treated like many of the other guys he served with. It was a good thing Barrett hadn’t brought his truck.

Barrett tossed Garrett the keys to his 1968 Camaro earning him a genuine half-smile instead of a scowl. Barrett sighed in relief. Letting his younger brother drive his car was a small price to pay.

*

They drove for a few hours before arriving at their parents’ house just before dusk.  There was a white Nissan Altima in the driveway and Barrett pointed to their parents who were sitting on the porch swing with a young woman sitting in the opposite swing.  It had to be Katie. Barrett smiled in anticipation.  Barrett caught his breath when he saw the young woman smile happily in return.  She waved excitedly and ran down the steps towards them.  Barrett grinned at her enthusiasm.  He got out of the car, reached into the backseat for the bags and pulled them out.  When he turned, Katie surprised him by wrapping her arms about his neck and pulling his head down to kiss his lips.

The jolt of awareness that ran through Barrett’s body had him dropping the bags to the ground and reflexively putting his hands on her narrow hips, which were flush against his.  Katie slipped her tongue in between his parted lips and mated it with his own.  Unable to control his reaction, Barrett felt his dick twitch before lengthening behind his zipper.

Barrett finally came to his senses and gently pushed her away from him. He looked down into her hazel eyes, smoky with passion. Wow. Barrett stared at her for a moment, unable to comprehend how naturally beautiful Katie was. She wore a fair complexion and a small, slightly upturned nose that had a fine sprinkling of freckles across the tip. Her cheekbones were high and her eyes were a beautiful hazel with flecks of gray and green.

I’ve missed you so much.  How was the drive? Katie asked, breathlessly, smiling up at him.

Barrett was suddenly brought back to reality as he heard the door to the car slam shut. Barrett looked over the hood of the car. Garrett was frowning and Barrett pulled back from Katie’s embrace.

Umm. It was good, Barrett answered, huskily.  Barrett put a hand to her back and gently turned her to face Garrett. Let me introduce you to my brother, Barrett, Barrett said. When Katie looked over at Garrett, she hesitated for a moment in indecision, looking back and forth between the two of them. She finally took a step towards Garrett.

Gee, I hate to be one that states the obvious, but you guys look exactly alike, Katie said, looking from one to the other again.

I know. We get that all the time, Garrett said.

I’m sure, Katie replied. Well, it’s so good to finally meet you.  Garrett has talked about you so much, I feel like I already know you, Katie said with a smile as she stepped closer to him, extending her hand in greeting.

Garrett clasped her hand and pulled her into a tight hug instead. Katie stumbled slightly and wrapped her arms about him in reflex. Regaining her balance quickly, she gave him a brief squeeze before letting go. Katie flushed and looked nervously over at Barrett but he could only grin. Bet won.

Shall we go on inside? I want to get changed into some real clothing, Barrett said as he picked up the bags and headed towards the house. Katie walked beside Barrett until they got to the porch.  Barrett caught a glimpse of their reflection in the large front window.  He had to admit that he and Katie made a striking pair, even with their height difference. She was probably about 5’ 7 tall but still looked petite next to his large 6’3 frame.

Katie caught his eye in the reflection and grinned at him.  Barrett returned her smile and gathered the bags into one hand and opened the front door with the other. Katie preceded him into the house. When it looked as if Katie would follow them upstairs, Barrett asked her if she would mind getting ‘Barrett’ a glass of tea.

No, I don’t mind. I’ll get some for all of us. Dinner’s almost ready, anyway, Katie said softly.

Barrett’s mom, Susan was on the opposite side of the kitchen counter stirring something in a large pot. She was looking at him and Garrett with narrowed eyes.  Susan was never easily fooled and she knew what was going on. She frowned at her sons, shaking her head in disappointment. When Katie headed towards the cupboard to retrieve some glasses, his mom shook a finger at both of them when Katie wasn’t looking.

Thanks, Katie. We’ll be right back, Barrett called to Katie as he and Garrett went upstairs to change.

When they reached the door to Garrett’s bedroom, Barrett quietly handed Garrett his bag before walking a few more paces down the hall to his own bedroom. Barrett glanced back at his brother. Garrett briefly met his gaze before shaking his head and walking through the doorway to his bedroom. Barrett did the same and shut the door.

As Barrett changed clothes, he couldn’t help but remember Katie’s soft lips pressed against his own.  They still tingled faintly and he pressed his fingertips to them thoughtfully. He could still taste her. Stop it! She’s your brother’s girlfriend for crying out loud, Barrett berated himself. He shook his head, trying to wipe the image of her smoky hazel eyes and pink, kissable lips from his mind’s eye. No such luck.

Barrett decided to unpack his bag.  He knew he was just stalling the inevitable, of going downstairs and watching Garrett touch and probably kiss Katie the rest of the evening. It only took Barrett a few minutes to finish the small task of putting away his things. He’d done it a hundred times before. Hell, he could