Page 45 of Every Breath

She scooted off the bed. “Now you’re starting to sound like Rodney. Don’t tell me how I should behave.” She crossed her arms across her breasts and glared at him.

His face went a chalky white and his lips tightened into a thin angry line. Brandi took a step back when he got off the bed and hovered over her.

“Don’t ever compare me to Rodney again.”

Her mouth opened but she couldn’t say a word. This man was definitely not like Rodney and she wasn’t sure why she said it.

“Brandi, whenever you’re near me, no one else exists for me. I think you feel the same way, too.”

“You don’t know how I feel!”

“I can tell when you’re in my arms. Why are you fighting this so hard?”

“I just broke my engagement. What would it look liked if I turned around and started dating you?”

“Do you honestly care what other people think? Are you ashamed to be with me?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

“I have my kids to think about.”

“And I have a son. What’s your point?”

“I have done my best to raise them the best way I could since my husband died. What kind of example would I be setting if I allowed you into my life after a broken engagement?”

“Our children get along well, and, frankly, I think your children and my son want us to be happy.”

“And just what makes you think you can make me happy?”

“I know one place where I can make you happy and I think I can make you happy outside of the bedroom, as well. Just give us a chance.”

“I can’t.”

“Why can’t you? What are you so afraid of?” He grabbed her, pulling her body against his. Damn him for making her feel this way. Already she could feel her nipples hardening against his chest.

“I’m not afraid of anything. I just know this isn’t right.”

“Says who?” He lifted one chestnut brow as he brought his face closer to hers. She could feel the heat of his breath against her lips.

“Don’t.” She knew if she allowed him to kiss her that would be it.

“Don’t what? Don’t kiss you? Don’t touch you? You know I can’t honor that request. Please, Brandi, give us a chance. If you’re worried about the kids, we’ll take things slow. They don’t have to know about us right away; just don’t fight what I know we both want.” His lips descended on hers.

Brandi’s fists were clenched tightly against her sides. Her head and heart were in a tug-of-war. She had to fight this, but his tongue was pressing at the seam of her lips, and she felt a familiar rush of excitement pulse through her body.

Her heart won. Her arms went around his neck and she surrendered to his kiss.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Paul entered the hospital room and watched the little girl. Her arm and leg were encased in casts, and he knew she had a mild concussion. There was a bandage wrapped around her head. She looked so peaceful and silent as she rested. Anger washed through him as he thought about the monster who had done this to her. He wished that he were alive, so that he could wrap his fingers around that son of a bitch’s neck. Anyone who could do this to a child had no soul.

He gently touched her face and Tina shivered. As a Watcher, Paul had seen much pain and suffering. He watched helplessly as his wife opened the door to find his fire chief on the other side instead of him on the night of their anniversary to tell her about the accident. He felt her devastation and wanted to take her in his arms, but he couldn’t. The miserable nights she spent crying while he could do nothing, made him curse fate’s cruelty.

Then there were the women beaten by their husbands or boyfriends, teenagers strung out on drugs, parents abandoning their children, and mothers who cried themselves to sleep because they didn’t know where the next meal would come from to feed their children.

Paul knew the big guy had a plan, and he had no business questioning his boss’ will, but he couldn’t help but wonder why there was so much suffering in the world. He thought he would have the answers when he crossed over, but he still didn’t.

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