Chapter 15 #2
He placed her down on her feet allowing his hand to settle against the small of her back.
She grabbed her luggage and carry on and he guided her outside into the cool Denver night.
Parked right at the curb, idling waiting just for her, was a sleek black Cadillac Escalade, rims shining under the airport lights.
It looked just like the one he drove back home.
People watched and wondered who they were but they weren’t focused on anything but each other. He opened the door, and her breath caught in her throat.
Sitting on the back seat was a massive bouquet of deep red roses. The expensive kind. Wrapped in rich black and gold tissue, full-bodied and decadent.
Taylor stopped short and stomped her foot, her emotions were all over the place. “Brooks…”
“Nah,” he said, grinning. “I don’t wanna hear it.” He reached for her hand, smirking as he gestured for her to get in. “This what happens when you get flown out.”
She laughed caught between disbelief and butterflies.
Brooks tossed her luggage in the back and climbed in beside her, his tall frame settling next to hers with ease. He glanced over, amusement tugging at his mouth as he watched her cradle the bouquet like it was fragile.
“They’re just flowers, Tay.”
“No,” she whispered, “They’re not.”
Brooks didn’t say anything to that. Just reached over, cupped her thigh, and squeezed.
“Let’s get you fed,” he said. “I’m beginning to believe that’s my purpose in your life.”
“Stop, I eat. Today was just a rough day.”
“Whatever you say.”
Brooks directed the driver to a quiet spot downtown, a hidden gem known for comfort food and privacy. They settled into a corner booth, both too emotionally drained for anything fancy.
As they ate, Taylor fought to keep her eyes open, jet lag catching up with her.
Brooks couldn’t stop watching her across the table, studying the curve of her neck, the way her lashes fluttered when she blinked slowly.
Part of him still couldn’t believe she was here, that she’d crossed time zones just to be with him.
An hour later, back at the hotel, Taylor stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows in Brooks’ suite.
The hot shower they’d shared had loosened her muscles, but not her mind.
Her skin still glistened from cocoa butter, warm beneath the plush robe that barely concealed the black bra and panty set he’d bought for her.
She should’ve felt relaxed. At peace. Wanted. But her thoughts wouldn’t sit still.
“You good over there?”
Brooks’ voice drew her from her thoughts. Taylor turned to find him lounging on the couch, his robe hanging open to reveal his chest. His eyes held that steady warmth she was coming to depend on.
When he’d offered to fly her out, he hadn’t hesitated to cut his celebration short, hadn’t thought twice about changing his plans. His boys understood. Nothing mattered more than having her here, secure with him.
“Yeah,” she said softly, moving to join him. “Just thinking.”
“About your folks?” He lifted his arm, and she settled against him naturally, it felt like they’d been doing this forever .
“Mmm.” She traced patterns on his chest, gathering her thoughts. “You know what hurts the most? They didn’t even ask if I was okay. Just jumped straight to disappointment.”
Brooks’ hand found her hair, stroking gently. “That’s some bullshit.”
“Right?” She agreed with a laugh, but it was hollow. “But I stood my ground. I just wish I didn’t have to.”
“I’m sorry, baby.” His arms tightened around her. “But you know it’s not your fault. I hope you ain’t carrying that.”
The way her parents had dismissed her pain made something dangerous stir in Brooks’s chest. He’d never harm her parents, but he was ready to change his mind about letting Tyree continue to exist.
She shifted to look up at him. “I don’t even care what they think. And that’s new for me. I mean, it hurts, yeah. I know I did all I could and then some. But sitting here with you, being able to just... breathe? I’m ok, and I’ll be ok.”
Brooks studied her face for a long moment before leaning over and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’ll see to it.”
“Thank you for flying me out here. For the flowers, dinner, all of it. But mostly just for caring about me.”
“Always gonna care about you,” he murmured. “Always gonna be here when you need me.”
“I might need you for a while,” she whispered, snuggling closer into his chest.
She wouldn't spend this trip looking backward or worrying about what awaited her back home. Instead, she’d savor every moment, every touch, every glance Brooks gave her and trust herself enough to enjoy it fully. If this was wrong why did it feel so right.
Brooks smiled against her hair. “Good thing I ain’t going nowhere.”
He held her tighter, breathing in the scent of her body wash and lotion. Having her here, felt like a blessing he still wasn’t sure he’d earned. He didn’t spend too much time worrying about it, he wasn’t foolish, there’d be no wasting his blessing.
Together in a city far from their pasts, they’d choose each other without apologies, without conditions.