Page 40 of Broken Rules
“Don’t say that,” Savannah scolded. “You are worthy Brandi Bush. Now, take a few minutes and get yourself together, then call him.”
Brandi took a deep breath. “Okay. In a few minutes I’ll—” A knock sounded at the door cutting off her words.
Savannah’s eyes flashed wide. “It’s after three in the morning. Who could that be?”
“My guess is it’s Mr. Darcy,” Damien said as he stood and headed into the kitchen. He returned a moment later with William following close behind.
William’s stricken blue eyes lit up when he saw Brandi. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Are you all right?”
Brandi shook her head, tears again flooding her eyes.
William’s eyes darted to Savannah and then to Damien. Clearly, he was feeling the pressure of the spotlight. With his arms hanging helpless at his sides, he shifted his gaze back to Brandi and bravely pushed on. “Why did you just leave like that?”
“You lied to me, and...” Brandi took a deep breath before she continued. “And I thought you were embarrassed of me.”
William closed the distance between them, sat down on the couch, and took her hands in his. “I’m not embarrassed of you. I’m embarrassed of my family. They’re shallow and small-minded. Don’t get me wrong—I love them. They’re my family, but they can be pretty lame.” He reached out a tentative hand and tucked loose strands of Brandi’s shiny dark hair behind her ear. “I just didn’t want you to think I was like them, because I’m not. That’s why I’m trying to make my own way.”
Brandi sniffed. “Really? You’re not just lying to smooth things over?”
William straightened his back and said in a firm voice, “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I could never be embarrassed of you.”
A beautiful smile broke across Brandi’s tear-streaked face. “Do you mean it?”
William nodded sincerely. He pulled her close. “And if you don’t mind an evening spent listening to my sister-in-law complain about first-world problems and my mother picking apart every other woman’s dress choice and my dad talking down to the catering staff, then I would be honored if you would come to my brother’s wedding as my date.”
“I will,” Brandi squealed and threw her arms around William’s neck.
“I’m sorry, baby,” Savannah heard William say in a hushed voice.
Damien appeared at her side and took her hand. “Shall we give them some time alone?”
She nodded and followed him upstairs to her room and collapsed on the bed. “I’m so relieved, relieved and exhausted.”
He stretched out alongside her. “Tonight was definitely not the perfect first date that I had planned, but it certainly proved eventful.”
She smiled and stroked her finger down the black stubble on his cheeks. “I’ve had lots of perfect first dates with guys with very imperfect intentions. Tonight was unforgettable.”
He leaned close and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “You should sleep.”
She nodded. “I have to be up in a few hours to make Nonna breakfast. Will you stay?”
He whisked his shirt over his head, revealing his steely shoulders and the cut ridges of his stomach.
She smiled, her gaze devouring the sleek contours of his beautiful body. “So, that’s a yes.”
He laughed. “Yes, I will stay.” He pulled back the covers and laid down while she stripped down to her bra and panties and climbed in beside him, resting her cheek on his strong chest.
He pressed a kiss to her head. “Rest, Savannah Honey and dream peaceful dreams.”
With a smile curving her lips, Savannah drifted off to sleep.
Feeling as if she had only been asleep for a few minutes, Savannah sat up with a jerk and gripped her head with her hands.
“Are you okay?” She heard Damien say.
She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “Yeah, I’m fine. It was just a waitressing dream.”
He gave her a questioning look.
