8. Brennan
eight
Brennan
Rewind the Same Night, Different Perspective
T he second I walk into The Zoo, it hits me how long I’ve been away from my happy place.
I mean, it feels like I never left, but it’s actually been ages. Three long months of nonstop chaos in Silicon Valley, navigating through a maze of an acquisition, numerous board meetings to prepare for followed by schmoozy investor dinners. Every step forward in my company feels like it’s pushing me ten steps back in my daily life.
I don’t have bandwidth. Strings of back-to-back, twelve-to-fourteen-hour days deplete me to the point where I can’t function. Sometimes, I’ll sleep for an entire day or so to recharge my batteries.
And, my God, this new acquisition is a disaster waiting to happen. My board outvoted me and now I’m stuck trying to integrate a company—and entire executive team—with a profit-first vision into my ethics-first infrastructure. The fissures are already evident.
Truth be told, CognifyAI has grown so big, operations have taken a complete 180 from my original vision. Now the deal is done, though, and it’s my responsibility to figure out how to make it work. Meanwhile, a potential IPO looms ahead along with another major product launch.
I’m coming to terms with the fact the next eighteen months are going to be busier than the past three.
If we go public, I’ll be golden-handcuffed to my company for a long time. Unfortunately, I’m used to being exhausted, stretched thin, and torn between what I want and what the board demands.
Do I keep going? Do I have a choice?
At the moment, my stress is compounded by the shit happening in my family. Cillian is careening toward a self-destructive implosion. He’s pulled away from everyone who loves him. None of us can get through. We’re all worried sick because it’s official. He’s following in my da’s footsteps and ruining his life with his drinking.
Liam and Padraig, the twins, aren’t much better off. Laid-back Padraig’s burned out from the rock-star grind, tired of chasing fame. Ambitious Liam’s not ready to let go of his dream. The tension in their band is at an all-time high. I hate how their close relationship is strained to the point of breaking.
A year ago, Astrid and I became business partners and friends. Now she’s my unexpected and cherished light. I trust her implicitly. She never pressures me about my work schedule. Her endless support and understanding, no matter how many days we go without talking, is refreshing. I can always count on her for a kind, encouraging word. She’s the perfect woman.
The only person outside of my family who encourages me to be true to myself.
There’s no question in my mind. We have a special bond.
Astrid Gustaffson has become my safe place.
Hopefully I’m hers too.
There’s no doubt I’m attracted to her.
I wish so badly…
Ahh, no . I can’t. It wouldn’t be fair. Astrid deserves a man who can treat her like a queen. Her past relationships, at least how she’s explained them, have been with men who don’t prioritize her. I don’t want to be another man who disappoints her.
It’s depressing.
God, it sucks. She’s the one thing I love about my life. She’s one person I can be real with. Astrid doesn’t care about my money or clout or the headlines. She likes me for being me. Unapologetically.
Anyway, I can’t wait to see her tonight. I’ve looked forward to this for weeks. She’s not here yet so I’ve secured our favorite pool table. I have a full pitcher of beer. I’m so fucking ready for a night off with my favorite person, I can barely keep still.
Ten minutes later, she walks through the door and I can tell something’s wrong before she even says a word.
Oh, God. My beautiful Astrid’s been crying.
Before my brain can catch up, I swiftly close the gap between us and just act. Wrap my arms around her and pull her tightly against me without hesitation. She melts into my chest and I know, without a shadow of doubt, this is where she’s meant to be.
This is what I’m meant to do.
Hold her. Comfort her. Take the burden off her shoulders.
Holy shit, feeling her pressed against my body—everything else fades into the background but the two of us.
“Hey,” I whisper as her tears soak into my shirt.
She sobs so hard it breaks me. I tighten my grip on her. One hand strokes her back while the other gently cradles her head. I’ve never seen her lose her composure, let alone fall apart. To know she trusts me this deeply makes me want to shield her from whatever’s hurting her.
Forever .
She pulls back slightly, trying to put on a brave face. “I’m fine,” she says, but the crack in her voice tells me otherwise.
I tilt my head down, meeting her eyes. “You don’t have to be fine. Not with me, A.”
Her walls crumble. All of her strength slips away and her tears flow freely, like a dam has broken.
“It’s so stupid,” she murmurs. “My family…I hate how they make me feel.”
My hand glides soothingly up and down her back. “I get it. I’m here. I’ve got you.”
We stand like this way for what feels like forever. Lost in the quiet of our moment in the middle of a crowded bar.
Just us. Here. Now. Simple .
Astrid blinks up at me through her tears. Green eyes search mine and suddenly, we’re teetering on the edge of something I’ve wanted—but deliberately avoided—for months. There’s no fucking question about it. I can feel it. The way her breath catches, the way her hand lingers on my chest.
I lean in.
One second we’re standing there, and the next, my lips are on hers. It’s not gentle, or tentative. It’s raw. Urgent. Like every moment I’ve held back is pouring out of me all at once. I grip Astrid’s face to pull her closer. She grabs my shirt like she’s afraid to let me go.
Nothing has ever felt like this. Her lips are pliant and delicious, but there’s a fierceness behind the kiss. Like she’s been resisting as much as I have. Pure and simple, this is a release. All the tension and uncertainty has unraveled.
When we finally pull apart, both of us are breathless, but our foreheads remain pressed together. My hands are tangled in her hair.
“God, I’ve missed you,” I murmur.
She nuzzles my cheek. “I’ve missed you too.”
In this moment, everything shifts. We’ve crossed a line and there’s no going back now. Somehow, I don’t fear what comes next. She’s it. My person. There’s no question in my mind.
Of course, the reality of my life threatens to creep back in. The acquisition, the board, the IPO. It’s all still a shadow. Astrid doesn’t realize I’m about to be tied down in ways I’ve never been before. She has no real concept about the mounting pressure I’m under.
I push the thoughts out of my head. Right now, all I care about is her. Everyone else can fuck off. I’m not going to take this moment for granted.
I kiss her again, softer this time, savoring the way her lips move against mine. Astrid reaches up and brushes her fingers lightly against my cheek. I lean into her touch. The look she gives me—vulnerable, and maybe a little unsure—makes it impossible for me to resist.
“Let’s get out of here.” I take her free hand and squeeze it gently.
Astrid gives a small nod. “Yeah.”
We walk out of the bar together, hand in hand. My car is parked out front. I open the door for her and get into the driver’s seat once she’s seated. Neither of us says anything as I start the engine, but her hand rests on my thigh. Like I’m hers.
Which is so fucking true.
Astrid’s house is minutes away, but each second feels like an eternity. The sexual tension between us is building with every block.
When I pull up to the dock and park, she turns to me. Her voice is low. Inviting. “This might be a stupid question, but would you like to come in?”
“Yeah.” I gulp. I cut the engine. Hardly able to believe this is really happening.
She looks at me and tilts her head.
Daring me to take the next step.
How can I resist when she’s my destiny?