Love Struck (The Taylor Brothers Book 4)

It was around 5:45 in the morning when Annalise was ready and sipping her coffee. She had already informed her aunt Emily last night about her trip and Alexis had broadcast it to the rest of the family members. Her small trolley suitcase was packed and ready and her heart was beating faster than normal as she waited for Nelson.

Nelson arrived five minutes later and Annalise left the house and climbed into his car. "Good morning, Alise, " he greeted her softly, taking in her blue top which matched her eyes and the figure-hugging jeans.  She looked more beautiful than ever but he wanted to see her in a dress with her hair cascading down her back.

"Good morning, " she greeted him. He looked hot as ever in his black tee shirt. His muscles were more pronounced under the clinging tee shirt.

"Ready?" He asked her with a radiant smile. He already was in high spirits today. In fact he could hardly sleep last night as he imagined spending his weekend with Annalise. He dreamed of her, sinful dreams that would definitely bring a blush to her cheeks if she knew. Now that he saw her again, he wanted to crush her in his arms, he wanted to kiss her till she moaned out his name, he just wanted her so much that it was like a fever burning inside him. Even after a cold shower that need still throbbed in him and now he was again hot as that blue top didn't help at all as it clung to her showing off her shapely breasts. He dragged his eyes away from her and concentrated upon the dull steering. He was obsessed!

"Yes," she told him shyly as two bright spots appeared on her cheeks after seeing  the hungry look in his eyes as he took her in. He nodded quietly and started to drive.

"Susan and Trent started at five, " he informed her. "They might have reached already." Annalise nodded. "They're getting engaged tomorrow,"  he informed her.

"Oh, I didn't know that," said Annalise. She felt hurt that while Susan might have told him, she didn't think it necessary to update her.

"Trent told me in case you're wondering," he said with a smile, knowing exactly what was going on in her mind.

"Oh, how did you know what I was thinking about?" She asked him, confused. Nelson just smiled and didn't answer her. As they drove out of Houston, Annalise admired the laid back, country side, taking in everything. The cool fresh morning air felt like a balm on her and she was glad that she had agreed to come out with him. She needed this break.

"Susan and I became friends at school in our freshman year. We got admitted at the same college too but her family moved away to a better neighborhood and she shifted to a college which was nearer. We applied for our internship here together and got selected on the same date. Since we're too close almost inseparable, I was hurt that while she told you about her engagement, she didn't inform me," said Annalise, opening up a little for the first time. Nelson listened intently, glad that she was sharing a little of herself with him.

"She's not that close a friend to me, Alise. We're friends only because of you," he told her honestly.

"Oh, I'm already suspicious of the two of you. What are you two cooking up against me?" She asked with a laugh. Nelson glanced at her. Her laugh was the best thing he'd ever heard. It felt like music to his ears. He was glad that she was in this infectious mood.

They stopped at a bakery for coffee, French toast and walnut-cinnamon apple cake. "This is my first outing in the last seven years. Ever since dad was diagnosed with leukemia, our world shattered and we spend every waking hour either studying, working or at the hospital," she told him.

"What about your family? You have two siblings, don't you?" Asked Nelson with interest. He wanted to know more about her, he wanted to feel what she was going on in her head, in her heart.

"Yes. They're ten and they want to meet you. In fact, Alexis, my sister has planned a trip with you already for the next weekend," said Annalise, shyly. Nelson's eyes popped out with surprise.

"Really? I'm very interested to go. So who all are coming along with us?" He asked enthusiastically.

"Only me, Alexis and my brother Aries, " informed Annalise, feeling a little awkward for asking him out. What he must think of her!

"Done, we're going. No changing plans. This one is fixed," said Nelson. He thought of calling his brothers, Nate and Drake to give the kids company while he could be with Annalise. A wonderful, foolproof plan. The rest of the drive they discussed the various attractions that they could visit with the kids.

It was eight o'clock in the morning when reached the sleepy, picturesque village of Jones Creek. They could see farmers working at their own farms, ranchers tending to their horses, some standing and staring at them driving through. "Why are they staring at us?" Asked Annalise with wonder. Nelson chuckled.

"This is a small place where everybody know one another. We're aliens," he pointed out. Annalise nodded with understanding. "Also, they're wondering who the diva is, who's arrived in their sleepy village," chuckled Nelson.

"Haha, very funny. It's a pathetic pick up line, " she said, to hide the blush that already stained her cheeks.

"It isn't a pickup line. You're the most gorgeous girl I've ever seen. I'm serious, " he told her giving a piercing glance at her. He tried to be as casual as possible although he was feeling far from it.

"Thanks," she said, avoiding his eyes. He drove down a dusty road that led through vast grassy expanses on both sides with animals grazing here and there. It led them to a huge sprawling ranch house. The moment Nelson parked his car, Trent rushed out with a welcome smile on his face followed by a grinning Susan hot on his heels.

"Took you guys long enough? I thought you were distracted with each other," she said with a wink that had Annalise go red with embarrassment. She glared at her best friend while being aware of Nelson's gaze upon her as if extremely pleased with Susan's hint. Susan chuckled at the two of them and simply pulled her inside. "Oh don't be mad. I'm just kidding, " she said, with a laugh.  Nelson followed them inside alongside Trent. They met Trent's parents Mr. and Mrs. Grahms, his older brother, Thomas, his wife Carla and their four year old daughter, Cathy. Trent's sister was married and had just given birth a week ago and wouldn't be able to travel all the way from Alabama. They were nice easy-going friendly people and Annalise soon warmed up to them. She could sense that Susan had nicely bonded with them. Trent's mom wanted him to return home and look after the ranch alongside his brother.

"Your dad's getting old, Trent. You should come home, boy. We all miss you," said his ma.

"Please let's not get into that again," said Trent. His ma turned towards Susan and Annalise. "Sweetheart, can you put some sense in his head?" His ma asked Susan who sat with Cathy on her lap.

"Sure ma, don't worry. I'll bring him home to you," she reassured her. Annalise felt glad that Susan had finally settled down in her life. Inwardly she felt a little jealous of her best friend. She had everything that she had asked for. She was marrying the man she loved. He loved her to the moon and back. His family accepted her as their own. If only she could have that type of a happily ever after with Nelson! She got up from her couch and wandered off leaving Susan to catch up with Trent's mom and Carla.

As she stood near the large bay windows, her breath got stuck in her throat seeing a shirtless Nelson, galloping away like lightning on a black stallion. She had no idea that he could ride so effortlessly. His muscles rippled and glistened with sweat as he shouted at his horse. Her eyes followed him all around, a longing stirring deep in her heart,  a longing to be held by him, safe in his arms. Finally he calmed down and galloped to a halt just outside the window where she stood. It was as if he was aware of her gaze upon him. It was as if he was putting up a show for her eyes only.

"Alise, did you like what you just saw?" He asked, coming to her window.

"I didn't see much," said Annalise, turning away to go. She would rather die than admit that she was lusting after him.

"I know you did, " he argued, holding onto her hand, not letting her go.

"I've seen better," she said with a smirk and wrenched her hand free of his hold, running inside with Nelson hot on her heels. She'd seen better? What did she mean? Who did she see? He just saw red.