Her Best Laid Plans

By Linda Louise Rigsbee

Romance doesn't fit into Adrienne's carefully constructed plans. She has mapped a course since her high school years and everything is going according to plan. She has worked her way through nursing school and only has a few months to go when Brandon announces that he loves her. Determination to stick to her plan, and house rules that forbid romantic relationships should be enough to prevent such distractions, but Adrienne's heart is refusing to play by the rules.

The girls didn't accept Brandon as a roommate so he could provide romantic escape. What they wanted was a body guard. Tall and muscular, Brandon certainly can discourage any unwanted element. Who would have known that such a sweet gentle guy would create havoc in their lives?

When Adrienne finally decides she can handle romance and her studies simultaneously for a few months, tragedy strikes. Brandon loses focus on his career and mistakes her dedication for lack of interest in him. As they drift farther apart, Adrienne is torn between her love for him and sticking with her path to success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HomeSpun Literature Publishing
• Release date: Sep 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215037676

Linda Louise Rigsbee

Linda Louise Rigsbee is an award-winning multi-genre author with over 60 published books. All her books are void of profanity or explicit sex. Many Genres; One Theme. Keep it clean.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Kicking her shoes off, she sank to the relative comfort of the couch. After a brief rest, she would join her roommates in the kitchen and help prepare the afternoon meal. It had been a long day at the hospital and every muscle was screaming for down time. She stretched back on the couch, lacing fingers behind her head as she listened to the light banter in the kitchen. Why did it always sound louder with your eyes closed?

She took a deep breath and let it out in a long relaxing sigh. For a moment she allowed her mind to be empty of any meaningful thoughts. She must have fallen asleep, because when she opened her eyes, Brandon stood over her.

The living room light fixture formed a halo around his tall muscular frame. His arms were folded across his chest and his rugged features were drawn into a troubled frown. Once again, he had caught her napping.

She swung her legs off the couch and lunged to her feet. The blood left her head in a race to her feet and her knees melted to follow. She reached out, instinctively clutching at the first thing her fingers found that might stop her fall.

Let go of my shirt, Adrienne, Brandon said as he grabbed her shoulders. You’re stretching it out.

She relaxed her grip on his shirt and allowed his strong hands to guide her back to the couch. He squatted in in front of her.

Take it easy, his deep voice continued with a touch of concern. Put your head down between your knees.

She leaned back on the couch instead, trying to reassure him with a weak smile.

I’m fine doc.

Charcoal gray eyes studied her critically from a face too rugged to be handsome. He hadn’t been accepted as their roommate because he was pretty. He was their protection against Tulsa riffraff - a parental request, more or less. Their idea was to have him near, not living with them. What they got was a mother hen. That wasn’t fair. Brandon was as masculine as he could get, but lately his appointed position seemed to have expanded to lord and master of the house.

She pushed his hands away. I'm all right now. I just got up too fast, that's all.

Brandon stood; his tall form unfolding like an accordion until he towered over her again. Thick brown brows crouched over darkening eyes. Another lecture was imminent.

You don't eat enough, he began. That's why you're so tired all the time. I know you're trying to stay fashionably thin, but the truth is.... he paused, looking uncomfortable. Well, you're downright skinny.

She winced inwardly. She was too thin, but it wasn't a deliberate condition. She’d always had problems putting on weight. A fast metabolism was part of the reason.

She came to her feet, stretching her body to its maximum height. That still left her a good six inches short of his six-foot-two. She returned his scowl with a little rancor.

What would you know about it? After you spend a day at college, you go to work at a job where you can sit down the rest of the evening. Try walking in my shoes for a day. Those hospital corridors are long and the patients are relentless.

His expression softened and he shrugged, A security guard doesn’t simply sit in the guard house and watch the cars go through the gate, you know. His gaze shifted to the doorway as Julia entered the room.

Are you ready to go? He asked.

Julia nodded and glanced at Adrienne. A lock of mousy blonde hair covered her left eye. When she spoke, the sound came out her nose.

Leave her alone, Brandon. If she likes imitating a bean pole, that's her choice. Some people actually prefer that (is it a boy or a girl?) look.

The blood returned to Adrienne’s face with a painful surge. Did she actually look that bad? Of course, Julia had a lot of room to talk. Short, and keenly aware of the fact that she was overweight, Julia rarely missed an opportunity to point a finger elsewhere.

Brandon shook his head and sighed audibly. Come on Julia. I'm in no mood to watch a cat fight tonight. Let's get over to the Git 'N' Go and back. I'm starving, and Rachel is almost ready for that taco seasoning. Don't spend a half hour selecting what you need, either.

Julia lifted the visible brow. My, aren't we in a good mood tonight. It's a good thing tomorrow is Saturday. You'd better sleep in. I think you've been putting in too many hours lately.

Brandon glanced at Adrienne as he opened the door for Julia. His eyes held a glint of humor that never touched his lips. He followed Julia out the door and closed it securely.

Adrienne shook her head and turned to the kitchen. Apparently Julia considered her to be some kind of competition. She couldn’t have been farther from the truth. Brandon was focused on one thing, and it wasn’t romance.

Rachel glanced up as Adrienne entered the kitchen, and smiled warmly.

I heard all that. Don't pay them any mind. I think you look nice, and so does Brandon. I can tell by the way he looks at you.

At Adrienne’s startled expression, Rachel laughed. Oh, I don't mean that in a sexual way. I don't even think he realizes we're females. She chopped at the hamburger meat in the skillet with a spatula. He worries about all of us, you know. She replaced the lid and glanced up again. I think it's kind of sweet, don't you?

Adrienne opened the refrigerator door and stared inside absently. I suppose so, but it gets old. She grabbed a head of lettuce and shut the door. If I wanted someone to organize my life, I would have stayed back in Muskogee with my parents instead of moving here.

An uncomfortable silence surrounded them for a while as Rachel diced tomatoes and Adrienne chopped the lettuce. Finally, Rachel spoke again.

Do you ever have dreams about him - I mean torrid ones?

No, Adrienne lied instantly. He's just another room mate. She tossed the chopped lettuce into a large