Page 40 of Coming Unraveled
“Brooks…” she begins but it rings with uncertainty.
“How much do you remember from last night?”
“All of it.”
Their conversation pauses. Each of them letting their moment together sink in.
“I want to be with you, Everleigh, and I know that you have secrets. I’m ready to listen whenever you’re ready, but know that I will never judge you.”
“I want to be with you too, Brooks. I’m just not ready to give you everything yet. But I am trying.”
Leaning forward he strokes a hand across her cheek.
“That’s all I ask, sweetheart.”
Before he has the chance to press his lips against hers, to satisfy his craving for her taste, both of their stomachs rumble loudly.
With a chuckle, Brooks jokes, “Let’s go feed the monsters, and then we can feed the other monster.” His hips press against the soft skin of her thigh letting her feel his stiff erection.
Everleigh lets loose a melodic giggle and he smiles as he helps her from the bed.
He could listen to her laughter forever and he plans to make that fantasy a reality.
Chapter Six
CONTENTMENT IS SOMETHING EVERLEIGH hasn’t let herself feel in a very long time. She and Brooks had lounged in her bed all day Sunday after her sister’s wedding, hiding away from the world and specifically the nosy neighbors in Carson. He had left for only a moment to check in on Charleston, who had found the fabric and yarn store and had been crocheting like a mad woman, and to return Everleigh’s car.
She can’t deny her feelings toward him any longer, they are powerful and strong, and her heart clinches every time she thinks of losing him.
This morning Brooks insists on driving her to work and bringing her home, claiming that he wants to spend as much time with her as possible since he needs to leave at the end of the week to film a few more segments for Charleston’s contract.
“I know we haven’t really talked about this, about us, but I want you to tell me what you’re thinking in that bright, beautiful head of yours.”
They sit in the small space of the car while parked in his space next to the clinic and she closes her eyes, letting his scent calm her nerves. She is about to take a leap, a giant jump towards something new and unfamiliar, and the fear of change begins to well in her chest.
“I want you. I want us, but I’m afraid that I don’t have much to give.”
“Everleigh, look at me.” When she follows his request and turns her gaze onto him she witnesses one of her favorite parts about Brooks, the way his eyes mirror exactly what’s in his heart and they’re filled with an overwhelming amount of love, and for the first time, that notion doesn’t frighten her. “I will take whatever you can give, sweetheart. I love every piece of you.”
Love.
She isn’t sure he realizes that he slipped and spoke the word, he gives nothing away. But the way his eyes shine has Everleigh questioning how strong her own feelings may be.
“Brooks, I…” she begins but she is quickly interrupted by the look of confusion on his face.
“Fucking, leeches,” he growls, his eyes pointing towards the few lingering photographers, hoping to still catch a glimpse of Cassidy and Harlan or their famous friends.
With her thought now forgotten, Everleigh reaches over and rests her hand on Brooks’ smooth cheek, letting it linger before turning his attention back towards her.
“I need to go open the store. Will I see you later?”
She holds her breath as she waits for his response.
“I plan on spending every night in your bed, sweetheart.”
Her body leans across the center console as she saucily brings her mouth within an inch of his. Her heart pounds in her chest as she lets a piece of her true self, the confident side, come through.
“Sleeping?” she asks as her tongue darts out and licks at his top lip.
