Page 53 of The Jade Stone Sleuth

Clara stepped forward, unsteady and uncertain but overwhelmed with happiness. Brex had come to Angola. For her?

He reached her, swept her off her feet, and swung her around.

“Clara.” He held her aloft, staring up at her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. Then he slowly lowered her into his embrace and captured her mouth with his.

His kiss was warm, full of longing and reconnection. His lips and strong body sent tingles and joy through every cell in her body.

She registered cheering and laughter, but all she could focus on was Brex’s mouth, his strong body surrounding her, and his insistent and wonderful kisses.

He pulled back and smiled gently at her. “Clara. Ah, I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” she admitted.

The students and children were clapping and cheering for them.

Brex looked around and waved a hand. He focused back on her. “Is there somewhere quiet we could … talk?”

Clara wanted to kiss, not talk, but she knew they needed to talk. She nodded, took his hand, and tugged him around the corner of the school. Glancing back, she saw Aiden Porter watching them. He lifted a hand and gave her a charming smirk and a nod. She attempted a smile back but it was wobbly.

“Aiden Porter?” she managed as she and Brex walked through the trees and down to the riverbank.

“Best boss I’ve ever had.” He turned toward her. “After I got the information they needed from inside the trafficking ring, he, Nick, and ten other operatives showed up and we dismantled the traffickers, rescuing over fifty youth and children.” He smiled grimly, but there was pride there too. “Then Aiden and I chatted about his and Chalisa’s love story and he thought I should do a grand gesture. When I told him my idea, he insisted he was headed to the island of Magna to be with his wife, baby girl, and in-laws, and Angola was a quick side trip.”

“Wow. That’s generous of him. All those supplies, bringing you here.” Itwasa grand gesture, them bringing things for this village, Brex coming to Africa to find her. Angola was no quick side trip from an island near Spain.

“Clara … I thought I wanted glimmer and shine, but that’s all fake. Without you in my life, I feel like I’m a house made of straw. I want—no, I need real in my life. I need you.”

Clara took in his words. They were a balm for her aching heart. She didn’t know how to answer.

“Do you want me here, Clara?” Brex suddenly seemed uncertain and a little shy. “You needed time, and I don’t want to push you if you’re not ready.”

She looked at the river, then into his deep-brown eyes. “I’ve been trying to muddle it out in my head. I felt betrayed and of course I wished you hadn’t lied to me.”

He nodded his understanding.

“But I do understand that’s the nature of your job. What if I had been the murderer?” She shrugged. “I don’t know if I can be a good security operative’s girlfriend. I don’t like feeling like you don’t trust me. I want to trust you.”

“I can understand that. I want you to trust me.” He took both of her hands in his. “Aiden told me that if we’re married, I can confide things in you, as long as you want to hear them and I won’t risk national security.”

“What are you saying?” Her heart thudded too hard against her rib cage.

He smiled. “You don’t think you’d be a good security op’s girlfriend, but what about wife? I think you’d be the most incredible wife in the world.”

“Brex …” She couldn’t catch a full breath. “Have you lost your mind?”

Brex chuckled at that, obviously remembering when he’d said it to her. He eased closer and wrapped his arms around her waist, his firm hands splayed across her lower back. “I have, Clara.” He bent down and his warm breath tickled her mouth. “I’ve lost a bunch of fake, petty fantasies and found the real thing. I’ve lost my mind and have fallen desperately in love with a charitable angel.”

She loved him too, but … marriage?

“Where would we live? When would we even be together?”

“I’d love to buy a little house in Jade Valley,” he said softly. “I really like the pastor there, and his daughter.” He whistled. “She’s hot.”

“Brex.” She half-laughed and half-groaned. “You sound like Linc.”

“I like him too. I’ve always wanted a crazy little brother.” He kissed her gently and then drew back. “Take the time you need. I don’t want to pressure you. But you need to know that nothing else matters to me, not compared to you. I paid off my Range Rover and sold my condo. I put a couple hundred thousand in an investment Aiden recommended, earmarked another five hundred thousand for the house I want to buy you, and donated the rest to your mission organization.”

“Brex,” she breathed in awe.

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