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35
Elizabeth
“Tell me again how Brenden ended up coming along on our little excursion to Pennsylvania?” Julianna inquires, digging through her suitcase.
We flew out here today to pack up the rest of her things and ship them back to Tennessee. Julianna said she didn’t trust Christopher to do it right or get it done in a timely manner, and we both agreed she shouldn’t come back alone.
Brenden insisted on tagging along, worried it wasn’t safe for us to travel alone. Although I felt we were perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves, the idea of having him with us did make me feel safer. Now, I can’t stop thinking about the fact that he’s in the hotel room right next door.
I plop down on one of the queen beds. “He wanted to make sure Christopher didn’t bother us, and I didn’t think it’d be a bad idea. You said yourself he doesn’t want to let you go.”
Julianna rolls her eyes, dismissing my concern with a wave of her hand. “I’m not worried about Chris hurting me. The cheating asshole just thinks he can win me back.” She eyes me with a lopsided grin on her face. “I don’t think Brenden came here to protect me from my ex. I think he wanted to spend the weekend with you.”
My face heats as I bite my lip, my eyes avoiding her glare. It’s not like I haven’t thought of that possibility, but I didn’t allow myself a chance to overthink it for once, not stopping to consider all the different ifs, ands, or buts.
I shrug my shoulders as my eyes land on her again. “Maybe he came for both reasons.”
“Well, hot damn.” She slaps the bed as she takes a seat. “Does that mean the two of you are finally talking about how you feel? After watching the two of you all day, it’s pretty damn obvious you’re crazy about each other. I don’t understand what the problem is.”
My lips curve up against my will. Brenden carried my suitcase and took my hand to comfort me as we took off on the plane earlier. Anyone who saw us together surely thought we were a couple.
I groan, running my hand through my hair. “It’s me. I’m the one still holding us back. He’s simply trying to be respectful and make sure I’m ready.”
“What’s stopping you from telling him you want to jump his bones?”
My face heats as I shake my head. “I don’t know. Xander, I guess. What does it say about my love for him if I’m falling for someone else?”
“I’m going to put a pin in that whole falling comment for now,” she says, tilting her head. “Having a relationship and developing feelings for someone else doesn’t change your love for Xander.”
“Doesn’t it, though? And what about the kids?” My kids are the main contributing factor in my efforts to keep my relationship with Brenden platonic. I don’t want to confuse or upset them. Losing their father was enough of a traumatic experience.
“I get you being nervous and cautious when it comes to them, but Brenden seems like a great guy, and you don’t have to bring him around the kids right away.”
“But—”
She raises her hand, cutting me off. “Look…you don’t have to make any lifelong decisions right now, but you’ll never know how things could be if you don’t at least try.”
My gaze shifts to the wall connecting our room to Brenden’s. As she stands, my mind considers what would happen if I were to go knock on his door. I’m hundreds of miles away from the reminders of why it could potentially be a very bad idea.
Julianna’s lips curl as she rubs her hands together. “This would be the best time to go for it. It’d be so cute for you guys to hook-up on Valentine’s weekend.”
“Valentine’s weekend?” My heart sinks, my thoughts leaving Brenden to focus on her. Valentine’s Day isn’t something I’ve given much thought to since losing Xander, and I hadn’t realized it was this weekend. “We shouldn’t have come here this weekend. Why didn’t you say anything? This has to be hard enough on you without doing it on Valentine’s.”
“Oh, whatever.” She turns, making her way toward the bathroom. “Valentine’s Day isn’t until Sunday. Besides, it gives it a poetic vibe.” She opens the bathroom door and steps inside before facing me again, the bright smile on her face not matching the dullness of her eyes.
“But—”
She shakes her head, cutting me off again. “I’m fine—honest. And if you don’t take advantage of this weekend, I’m going to kick your ass.” She laughs as my mouth hangs open, and then she starts slowly closing the bathroom door. “Getting in the shower. Don’t be here when I get out,” she calls right before it shuts.
Brenden
My heart hammers in my chest as I swing the hotel door open. I’d nearly been asleep when I heard a light tap thinking it was the television, until she knocked again.
Her long, dark hair is untamed, her face stunning with its natural glow. She’s so damn beautiful it’s almost painful to look at her.
“Lizzy? Is something wrong?”
She shakes her head, blushing as she eyes my black boxer briefs. I hadn’t really taken the time to consider my clothing or lack thereof before rushing to answer the door. I chuckle, pulling her into the room. She continues to stand by the door as I walk toward the bed, her body rigid.
