Chapter 1 #2
“The wedding will go ahead,” Lacey said.
“One way or another. We’re grown adults.
If we can’t figure out how to walk down the aisle and repeat some words without a practice run, we probably shouldn’t be getting married.
And if it ends up being in an office in front of a random official, then so be it. ”
“I wasn’t meaning that. Lacey… you’ve planned this day for months.” The storm had to be over by Saturday. She deserved that perfect day. “I don’t want you to miss out on your dream.”
“Bren,” her voice softened. “I won’t. My dream is Ethan. Not the wedding. That’s a bonus. And one day, I hope you feel the same way about someone.”
He did. He just didn’t know what to do about it. Or if it was even a possibility. Evie’s kiss on his cheek and her lingering touch flashed through his mind. As did his rising suspicions about Lacey’s call and Rowan’s text. Not something he could dwell on right now though. “You’ll keep me updated?”
“I will. Keep Evie safe for me.”
“Of course.” Even if he became tongue-tied around the woman, there wasn’t a chance he’d let anything happen to her if it was in his power to stop it.
“She has a problem with storms. Not the snow itself, but storms. Be gentle with her. Please.”
That was a twist Brennan hadn’t seen coming. “Will do. Anything else I should know?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, sis. Be good.” Not that it would help. She was up to something. He wasn’t sure what that was … yet. He took a deep breath before turning to Evie.
“Brennan, what’s going on?”
She’d moved closer and was now barely three steps away.
He forced his lungs to take another deep, calming breath, but the sweet scent of roses accompanying the oxygen didn’t help.
If this was the way he responded to her in something simple, yet elegant, he predicted serious trouble headed his way at the wedding.
Lacey had practically shone when she’d come home from the shopping trip and gushed over her own dress, and the equally fantastically gorgeous—Lacey’s words not his—dresses for her bridal party, which included one Evie Morgan as the Maid of Honor.
Right now, he needed to speak. Evie needed information, and he was the only one who could give it.
“Trees are down, cutting the way into town. Lacey canceled the rehearsal because of the storm. We’re to stay put until it’s cleared.”
“Here? We’re… You’re staying here?”
Brennan nodded.
Those beautiful blue eyes of hers were swirling with emotions he couldn’t decipher.
He could read his sister’s looks as if he had a guidebook in his hand, and while there were definite tells Evie had, he hadn’t learned how to read her eyes yet.
He’d hazard a guess as to worried, nervous, and maybe even a touch of curiosity.
The first one he could do something about.
The second? No idea. But the third? Oh, he’d like to explore that possibility but now was not the time. First one it was.
He smiled and took a step closer, even if it might not be the wisest move regarding his sanity. “You look beautiful,” he said. No. Not good enough. “Stunning, in fact.” Better. Still not quite right, but he’d take it because he’d actually gotten the words out.
Evie glanced down. “I guess I should change. Not much point to it now.”
“Or—” Brennan stopped. As a distraction, his idea was brilliant, but could he actually say the words?
Evie looked up at him, her head tilted, opening up the neck he’d had more than one dream of touching, tasting, and kissing. “Or what?” she prompted.
The words wouldn’t come. The vision was there. The two of them. At her small—intimate—dining table. Candles. Sharing a meal. Talking. Like a date. Something he’d dreamed about doing, even when he’d been in denial about his feelings, but never had the courage to follow through.
“Brennan?”
“You could stay like that while we eat… if you want.” Miracle of miracles, he’d gotten something out that resembled non-essential words.
“Will you stay like you are, too?”
“I have nothing else.” Holy sh— He had nothing else. And he was likely staying the night. Normally he had a change of clothes in the truck, but it had been serviced earlier today, and he hadn’t restocked it yet.
“I guess it’s only fair.” Evie smiled. “And I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable. I’ll see what I can find for dinner.”
Brennan watched her walk toward the kitchen, his gaze lingering on the way the dress shifted with her body’s movement.
How would she feel under his hands through it?
He gave himself a mental shove and turned his head away.
What the hell was he doing? Now wasn’t the time.
They were stuck together, and he needed to rein in his thoughts.
If he didn’t, he’d likely do something stupid. Pleasurable but stupid.
Like you haven’t already?
He shouldn’t have agreed to come and get her.
Any of his other brothers could’ve done it.
But Lacey had played on his protective side, complete with turning those pleading eyes of hers on him.
He hadn’t been able to say no. She was his little sister, and he’d do anything for her.
All of them were afflicted with the same weakness.
Oh, he’d seen it coming a mile away. What he didn’t know was why he hadn’t prepared for it, and why he’d given up without a hint of a fight.
Liar.