Page 21 of Daring Destiny
Jesus Christ.
“Iama good daughter.” I try to tamp my frustration down. “My intentions are pure.”
She shakes her head. “Bullshit. From the time you started school, you’ve always been embarrassed by your own family.”
“What?” I bite my lip and nearly draw blood in my attempt not to scream. “That’s not true.”
“It is and you shouldn’t bother being fake. None of us want or need your charity.” She wipes down the counter. I know she means it and it hurts.
As usual, I find myself wondering why the hell I try. I have no idea why my own family doesn’t want anything to do with me. I finish drying the dishes in silence, my mind already at The Zoo, where I’m meeting Brennan soon.
I suck it up for a while but once everyone is in front of the TV, it’s like I’m invisible. I slip out without saying goodbye. I’m frustrated. Completely on edge. My heart aches. My head is pounding. I feel like I’m going to throw up my dinner. I’ve always wanted my family to accept me and I always find myself on my own.
Why am I never enough?
Before I know it, I’m nearly home. I’m going to be late if I park at the slip and walk up to the bar. On the other hand, my mood has turned to shit and all I want to do is curl up in bed and cry. The fresh air will help clear my head and hopefully I’ll be in a better frame of mind by the time I meet Brennan.
Twenty minutes later, I’m still worked up when I push through the door to The Zoo. I spot Brennan immediately. He’s standing by our usual pool table with a pitcher of beer and two full glasses. The moment he sees me, his face changes—like he knows I’m in distress without me having to say a word.
Brennan rushes to my side and for the first time in months, I don’t have to hold everything together.
“Hey.” His arms wrap around me and I sob into his shoulder.
It’s been months since we’ve touched and it’s never been like this. He holds me tight. One hand strokes my shoulder while the other cups the back of my head. I’ve never felt safer. More cared for.
“I’m fine.” My words come out shaky, though.
Brennan pulls back enough to look at me, his eyes filled with concern. “You don’t have to be fine. Not with me, A.”
His words are like a release valve. Tears stream down my face and I don’t even care we’re in public. I’ve been strong for so long but now, in his arms, I don’t want to be.
“I had a rough day,” I admit quietly, leaning into his chest. “My family…it’s so hard.”
Brennan’s hand glides soothingly up and down my back. “I get it. I’m here. I’ve got you.”
The moment stretches between us, thick with emotion. Without thinking it through, I gaze up at him. He’s already looking down at me, his expression heated, but tentative. For an instant, neither of us moves. The air between us is charged with an energy we’ve been dancing around for months.
Then he presses his lips against mine.
The kiss is not tentative. Not hesitant. It’s like something inside him has snapped into place and any restraint he’s been clinging to gives way. His soft, firm lips are warm and urgent against mine and both hands cup my face tenderly.
This is the single most intimate moment of my entire life.
I kiss him back enthusiastically. My fingers clutch his shirt, pulling him closer. Any confusion about my feelings for Brennan melt away. Everything we’ve been skirting around for all these months is laid bare.
When we pull apart, panting and a little dazed, he rests his forehead against mine. “God, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” I whisper as my heart pounds in my chest.
Everything shifts in this moment.
Whatever happens next, there’s no going back.
eight
Brennan
Rewind the Same Night, Different Perspective