Page 66 of Buckled in Barbwire

“Yes!” Which immediately stabs me with guilt. Not that he deserves my empathy. “You tricked me into this marriage and now my best friend won’t speak to me.”

Brody’s swallow is thick. “My intentions weren’t great at the beginning, but I think there’s something real between us, Twinkles. Give me tonight to prove it to you. We can leave in the morning.”

My cringe shuts him down. “I’d like to go home now.”

After a solemn nod, he hangs his head. The weight of his bad decisions appears to crush his spirit in this moment. He twists his wedding ring and the fidgeting motion seems purposeful. When he peers up at me, his eyes are glassy. It’s more unexpected than a punch to the gut. I choke on a gasp, trying to muffle the reaction.

“Please,” he murmurs. “I can’t force you to stay but I would really appreciate it.”

My exhale is mostly steamed frustration. “One night isn’t going to change anything.”

“It might.” Brody scoots to the edge of his seat. “We won’t know until we try.”

I cross my arms, warding off his approach. “What are you suggesting?”

“We get to know each other.”

“It’s a little late for that.”

“Only if you’re not interested.” He inches forward until our legs are almost touching. “We might be married, but we’re practically strangers. That’s how I wanted it at first. From what little I know, I can tell you’re different from the rest. Unique.”

“Too much,” I add in a mutter.

His lips twitch. “I feel something when we’re together. That’s never happened to me before.”

It’s difficult to keep a straight face during his seemingly heartfelt speech. “How do I know you’re being honest? Maybe this is just another ploy to get me to play by your rules.”

Brody reaches for me but I shrink back. “Fuck, I’m sorry. Okay? I really am, Paisley. It’s my fault that you don’t trust me.”

I roll my eyes. “Duh.”

“Give me a chance to fix this between us,” he pleads.

“There’s no us, husband.” My tone is resolute.

“But there could be.” His gaze begs me to reconsider.

I blow out another heavy breath and glance upward. Just then, the sun shines through the clouds. It’s just a small section fighting against the gloom. But streaks of light quickly break apart the gray in a dominant display. The sight has me thinking of Marion. She would want patience and understanding for her son. I’ve been raised to offer both freely, along with kindness.

As I continue contemplating the message in the sky, my chest tingles and a strange sensation spreads through me. Almost like an uplifting force. If I were more religious, Imight consider it a spiritual awakening. My faith suggests it’s a sign to be compassionate.

I glance at Brody to see if he feels it too. His gaze is locked on me, waiting for my decision. I’m aware of the change in him. It’s sudden but can’t be ignored. If I reject him now, he’s going to rebuild his walls and reinforce them stronger than before. That’s not something I can have on my conscience.

“One night?”

Brody expels a breath that sounds like a bag of bricks. “That’s all I’m asking.”

My smile is slight but visible. “Make it count, husband.”

My gaze is hooked on Paisley as she spears a forkful of elbow noodles and slips the bite into her mouth. I lean closer, holding my breath while she chews. Her lashes flutter shut on a moan. That sound pumps me full of heat, traveling south to twitch my dick.

Blue clashes with green when she opens her eyes and looks at me. I wait for her critique like it’s a backstage pass into her good graces. Paisley leaves me hanging. A quirked brow is the extent of her feedback as she stabs more pasta from the bowl. That’s probably a good sign. Or she’s indecisive.

Since when do I give a shit about gaining approval?

The answer is sitting right in front of me. I care about what this sparkly cowgirl has to say. This newfound affliction is far worse than that based on my recent behavior. Fuck, I’m weak for this woman. Or just that taken. She’s proven to be too much, which I’m realizing is exactly what I’ve been missing.

“So?” I jerk my chin at her dinner that’s already halfway gone.

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