Page 47 of Rush

“You could’ve brought me homemade sandwiches, and it’d still be the best thing I’ve eaten all day.”

My brows knit together. “Please don’t tell me almonds are the highlight of your nutritional intake today?”

He shrugs sheepishly. “I had an apple, a possibly expired protein bar from my drawer, and Stacey graciously shared her almonds.”

“Broderick.” My voice is firm but playful. “You can’t keep working yourself to death.” I shove two bags toward him insistently. “Eat. Now.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says obediently, smirking.

I tsk, fighting a laugh as he eagerly rips into one of the burgers. He takes a massive bite, groaning low in his throat with appreciation.

Oh my God, that sound.

I squeeze my thighs together, pulse skyrocketing. It’s been weeks since Alex rearranged my insides—too long—and even watching this gorgeous man eat is indecently arousing.

I wonder if he makes those same noises when he’s eating other…things.

Get your filthy mind out of the gutter.

Desperate for a distraction, I swallow hard and blurt out, “I loved that photo of the capybaras you sent me, by the way. So cute.”

He smiles around another enormous bite, swallowing thickly before speaking. “Honestly, I was starting to stress over what to send you, then we stumbled upon an entire herd of them at one of the sites. I figured they’d put a smile on your face.” His eyes catch mine, hopeful and quietly seeking approval.

“It did.”

Broderick grins, eyes sparkling under the light.

He quickly polishes off the burger in four large bites, immediately tearing into the second one. Watching a hungry,exhausted man devour food like it’s his last meal on earth shouldn’t be this hot—but holy shit, it is.

My mind spirals chaotically, heat coiling in places that definitely don’t need encouragement.

Broderick leans back after downing one of the drinks and pats his stomach. “Thank you El, highlight of my day.”

“Really?”

He nods slowly.

“How are rehearsals going?” he asks.

“Exhausting, but good, which reminds me.” I reach for my purse on the table and grab the VIP ticket. I tuck my knees, holding the ticket to Ava Edwards concert in both hands, like I’m presenting him with a prize.

“It would mean a lot to me if you came to my show next Friday in New York.” My voice is a little shaky. “If you’re not busy. I mean, you’re probably busy, right? Sorry—no pressure. Come, don’t come, totally fine. But, um—here.”

I thrust the ticket toward him before I can embarrass myself any further.

Broderick watches me silently, lips curving slowly into that devastating crooked smile of his—soft around the edges, yet still wicked enough to unravel every sensible thought in my brain.

Without warning, he snatches the ticket and tugs me with it, pulling me straight into his lap and wrapping his thick arms around me in a crushing bear hug. My breath hitches sharply, my body stiffening in surprise before melting like butter into his firm, warm embrace.

“El…” His voice is low, teasing, but there’s something serious simmering beneath it. Something real.

My heart thunders in my chest, and I glance at him, wary.

“You want me there,” he murmurs softly, his eyes locked on mine. “I’ll be there.”

My pulse skyrockets. “You will?”

He nods slowly, as he reaches up, fingertips brushing my jaw with impossible gentleness. The caress stirs something wounded deep within me—something that aches desperately to heal.