Page 60 of Stay for Me
“Sorry I kept you waiting.”
I shake my head. “You didn’t. I just got here.”
I would’ve waited an hour just to get to see her. I can’t stop looking at her. I know we’re in her living room with her kids, but no matter how much I tell myself to stop staring, my eyes won’t obey.
Brenna looks down, her lower lip between her teeth.
Did she dress like this because she knew we’d be together? I know she feels the pull that I do. I can sense it when we’re together, and it’s getting harder to deny. I wonder if tonight feels as much like a date to her as it does for me.
Melanie clears her throat. “You look beautiful, Mom.”
“Thanks.” She still doesn’t look up.
I feel like an ass for not saying that first.
“Come on, Sebastian, let’s get our bags in the car so we’re ready for Grandma and Grandpa.”
I hear the door click closed and wait for her eyes to meet mine. When they do, I see the apprehension swimming in them. All the promises I made about staying away from her are gone. I can’t do it. I want her more than a thirsty man needs water. “You look more than beautiful,” I tell her.
“You look very handsome.”
I smile and make my way toward her. Grabbing her hand, I pull it up to my lips and place a soft kiss against her knuckles. My voice is low and filled with desire. “I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to resist kissing you, Brenna. Each time I see you, my fucking chest is tight and I want to pull you in my arms and make the ache ease.”
“Jacob . . .”
“I love the sound of my name on your lips. Makes me want to know how they taste.” Her breath hitches, and I know I’ve pushed as much as I can. I release her hand and step back. “I just wanted you to know that. Come on, let’s go to the festival.”
Her eyes are wide, and she blinks a few times. “Right. Festival.” Brenna takes a step toward the stairs.
“Brenna?”
“Huh?”
“Where are you going?”
She looks around and then touches her lips. “I’m not sure.”
I chuckle. “Come on, the door is that way.”
I lead her out and hope I can manage to keep my hands to myself all night.
Chapter Fifteen
Brenna
Now that my brain has returned from the scrambled state Jacob left it in, I’m having a great time. The kids are having a blast, running around, riding the rides, and seeing their friends.
This is the happiest I think I’ve seen them since we lived in Florida.
California was a rough time for them. Luke was deployed within two days of us arriving, and they never felt like they truly fit in. I don’t know if it was the private school or if it was because they missed Pensacola, but it was hard for them.
And then Luke died.
Here, they have wide-open spaces, friends, and they fit in. It’s nice to see.
Melanie rushes over and grips my arm. “Can I go watch the tractor pull?”
“Umm . . .”
