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It was time to take charge of a situation she’d once again allowed to get out of control. Why did she keep doing that? Brielle thought that, at some point, she’d finally figure out how not to make a mess of her life. Apparently, that time wasn’t today.
Her elbows rested on her knees, allowing her fingers to dig into her hair. Already her pulse was quickening as she wondered what Tad’s reaction would be. More than that, she wasn’t sure how Wade’s would differ or which one was going to be worse.
The sound of an engine approaching caused her to lift her head. She already knew who was coming before she saw him. Tad was right on time. He always was.
Brielle remained seated as she watched the headlights flash across the side of the house when he pulled up. The sky was filled with the bright colors of a sunset she couldn’t even enjoy because of what her next steps were going to be. Her stomach knotted, twisting angrily. Was this what it felt like to finally take control of her life? If so, she didn’t want it. Being an adult was overrated.
The Jeep stopped, and the driver’s side door opened as Tad stepped out. He smiled at her as he propped his elbow up on the door. “Hello, love. Don’t you look beautiful.”
She got to her feet somewhat unsteadily and took a step toward him. “Hey, Tad.”
He swung the door shut and headed her way. “You said you wanted to plan tonight’s events, but you didn’t tell me if there was anything I needed to wear or be prepared for.”
Taking in a deep breath did nothing to ease the tumultuous chaos within her. “That’s because we’re not really going to do much.”
Confusion flickered across his face as he stopped in front of her. Then one side of his mouth quirked upward. “This sounds interesting.” His tone made it ever clearer that he thought she was trying to joke around with him.
Brielle shook her head as she got to her feet. “You don’t understand. I need to say something, and I don’t know how to say it. This has all just been a big mistake. I don’t even know what I was thinking when I agreed to any of it—”
Out of nowhere, Tad wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his arms and holding her snuggly against him. “Shh. It’s going to be okay.”
She stiffened, her ramblings coming to a halt. His hug felt strange. It wasn’t necessarily bad, but it didn’t feel like the ones she’d gotten from Wade.
“Go ahead and tell me what’s going on,” he said softly.
Something deep down told her she needed to stick to the plan, to tell Tad that she was going to break it off with everyone. But for some reason, she couldn’t quite grasp, she started talking. “Wade is distant.”
Tad didn’t tense at her words. It was almost like he knew what she was going to say. His arms remained around her, giving her the courage to continue.
“He and I have always had this little thing going on since the day we met. And recently, it’s turned into more. I… I think I love him.” Brielle waited for Tad to get angry, to pull away from her and tell her she’d ruined their little trial run.
But he didn’t.
He continued to hold her, giving her time to verbally process what had been going through her heart.
“I feel like he’s hiding something. There’s just—I don’t know—something going on. And then all the trouble with his criminal record has me worried.”
“What about his criminal record? Are you scared he’s going to hurt you?”
She pulled back sharply and stared up at him with surprise. “Of course not. Wade would never hurt me. That’s not what worries me. He’s got a hot temper, and he’s been known to…”
His eyes delved into hers, and she flushed as she looked away.
“Well… you know. He’s not against using his fists to make a point, and he’s been locked up enough already. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up landing himself in prison next time.” Her brows pinched together as her stomach churned faster. Brielle’s next words came out softer, laced with only a small percentage of the trepidation she felt. “What happens when he snaps and leaves me and our family alone?”
It was the first time she’d imagined the two of them together in such a way. She always knew Wade was a good family man. He would do anything for his brothers and sisters. He was protective to a fault, which was probably why he was so quick to come to the defense of anyone he loved.
Her heart hammered and she glanced up at Tad, whose expression had shifted somewhat. She couldn’t figure out what was different. If anyone else were looking at him, they might even say he looked a little bored.
No, his expression was different. It was something in his eyes. It was almost like they’d darkened, showing her a side of him that he hadn’t allowed her to see. But just as quickly as it had arrived, it disappeared.
Tad tilted his head to the side and offered her a small smile. “Seems to me I need to work a little harder. I know we haven’t connected like you and Wade, and maybe that’s my fault.” He reached for her hand, his fingertips brushing against hers before he laced them together. “I really do care about you, love. And from the sounds of it, Wade is just giving you reasons to doubt him. If that’s happening, don’t you think he’s not the right fit? You can still love someone and understand that you need to let them go. Perhaps you should go with your gut feeling.”
She stared at Tad, his words seeming to resonate with her. Her gut had told her that she needed to step back from both men for a bit. Her head and her heart were at odds with each other mostly because she was scared that Wade would end up failing her.
Stomach twisting at the thought of walking away from Wade, she glanced down at where Tad held her hand and gently tugged it from his grasp. “Actually, I’ve been thinking a lot about that. This isn’t working. Not with you. Not with Wade. I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear. You came all this way and… I’m so sorry if I’ve wasted your time.”
Her voice broke and she couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze. She could sense the irritation coming off him in waves. Tad wasn’t happy, but then what did she expect? At least he didn’t have to have this conversation a second time. And when she did, it would be with the man she knew she loved.
