Page 56 of Mr. Big Mistake
“I didn’t even know he laughed.”
Then, Brenden almost choked on his own wine.
“Warn me before you do that.”
I batted my eyelashes. “Do what?”
“Crack a joke that’s going to kill me. I should have some fair warning first.”
I winked. “Noted.”
He grinned. “But, after that, work plodded along. Lots of paperwork to wrap up some sales. I had to contact our attorneys about getting the last of Clint’s contract with us set up.”
“What’s he going to be doing, anyway?”
“Security for our properties while they’re in the process of being sold. With additional opportunities to make his own business by offering his security services past our sell date.”
“That’s really nice of you guys to do that for your brother.”
He lifted his glass. “That man’s given everything he has to this country, and to us. It’s the least we can do.”
My heart felt warm. “Anything else?”
He paused. “I thought about you a lot.”
“Me?”
He nodded. “Yes, you.”
“Why?”
He set down his wine. “I’m not going to lie, fighting with you is rough. I couldn't stop thinking about how hurt you were yesterday and how much I’ve really fucked this situation up.”
I reached for his hand. “We’ll get through it, Brenden. So long as we stop trying to rip each other apart.”
He took it. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
His touch was firm but gracious. Dinner had been phenomenal, but his presence put the icing on the proverbial cake. I enjoyed this. The way things used to be between us. When we were friends who flirted around a bit and joked at one another’s expense.
“Brenden?”
He smiled. “Yes?”
“You ready for some dessert?”
He snickered. “I’d love some. I’ve been waiting to taste that sweet cream all day.”
“Just the sweet cream?”
His eyes darkened. “Choose your next words wisely.”
Just because we were cooped up together in a less than palatable situation didn’t mean we couldn't make the most of it. And I had to admit, waking up this morning had been quite lonely. As a smirk crossed my face, I stood up. I walked over to the kitchen island and picked up our bowls of fruit before heading over to the fridge. I pulled out the cold sweet cream and dolloped generous portions on top. Ready to take these bowls back to the table and torture Brenden until he popped.
But, when I turned around, he was behind me. Hovering. With those dark eyes that boasted of mischief.
“Oh,” I breathed.
He took the bowls from my hands. “Do you know what you do to me, Kelly?”
