Page 25 of Daring Destiny
Wearein a relationship. Brennan has confided his fears, ambitions, dreams of the future and the pressure he carries every day. He trusts me with pieces of his life and challenges he faces in his own family. Slowly, deliberately, he’s let me in. Shared parts of himself he doesn’t give to anyone else, including his brothers.
All along, it’s been his way of choosing me, and I almost missed it.
“I’ve been testing you,” I admit quietly. “Because, I do have feelings for you and was waiting to see if you’d make a move. To be sure you wanted this.”
He exhales slowly. One hand cups my cheek. “Idowant you. I’ve wanted you since high school. More than you know. I’m not a great bet, though. The last thing I want is to disappoint you.”
His touch is soft, but there’s an intensity in his eyes. It takes my breath away. Makes my heart ache.
“B,” my hand covers his on my cheek, “I don’t need you to be anyone but yourself. It’s not your job to fix everything or have it all figured out. Just be real with me.”
For a second, I think he’s going to pull away. But, instead, he leans in, pressing his forehead to mine. “We can talk about those things some other time. Tonight, I want to take care of you. Give you pleasure to erase some of the pain you’ve been carrying.”
The ground shifts beneath me.
“I don’t need saving.” I can’t help my voice from trembling, because I dowantto be saved. Not always. Just sometimes.
His eyes lock on to mine. “Of course you don’t. I don’t need tosaveyou. I need toworshipyou.”
Is he for real?
I sure fucking hope so.
Unable to answer but desperate to get to the worshipping, I grip his hand and lead him upstairs. The curving wooden staircase creaks under our feet as we make our way to my bedroom loft. The city lights glint off the water outside the windows, casting a gentle glow. Everything feels soft and quiet, like the world has paused for us.
We sit on the edge of the bed and he wraps his arms around me. There’s no urgency like there was at The Zoo. I rest my head against his chest and listen to the steady beat of his heart. Brennan runs his hand through my hair, slow and soothing. I close my eyes. Let the comfort of his touch wash over me.
It’s been a long day—an exhausting, emotionally draining day—but somehow, being here with Brennan makes it all bearable.
“You had a rough visit, huh?” His fingers trace small circles on my lower back.
A rough day—a disastrous showing at the luxury condo downtown followed by the tension at dinner with my family.
“I did,” I murmur into his shirt. “I’m exhausted from trying so hard.”
Brennan doesn’t ask for details. He doesn’t need to. He holds me tighter and his lips press against the top of my head. “I’m sorry.”
His strong arms around me ease my tension and elicit a confession. “Until I saw you tonight, I didn’t allow myself to acknowledge how much I’ve missed our time together. You’ve become my person.”
“I know how you feel.” His hand rakes gently through my hair.
We sit wrapped up in each other for what feels like hours. It’s strange. Being allowed to let go, even for a little while isn’t scary, it’s freeing. I’m always the one who takes care of everything. My clients, my business, myself. Here with Brennan, I don’t have to be strong.
After a bit, I lift my head to meet his eyes. “I want to be there for you, too, Brennan.”
He furrows his brow. “You already are.”
Our mouths crash together. I slide my hand under the hem of his shirt and push it up, but he grips my wrist and presses it against the mattress. Showing me he’s going to control the pace. Which I like. A lot.
His lips are soft but deliberate, exploring my mouth with expert precision. His hand makes its way to my waist and he pulls me closer, taking his time. Drawing each moment out. Each kiss is deeper than the last and the tension builds deliciously. By relaxing into the moment, I feel every second. Every breath.
“Make me come.” The words escape before I can stop them.
Brennan bands one arm around my waist and skims his palm along my inner thigh. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to regret anything.”
“I won’t regret it.” I lie back and pat the space next to me. Kick off my ankle booties.
Brennan lies on his side next to me, his thumb traces my lips and I suck it into my mouth. “Jesus, God, A.”