Page 74 of Brooke
“Ivar is her Viking fantasy guy,” Dean said, which made Brooke punch him lightly in the chest. “Seriously, Brooke, some would call this kind of thing a coincidence, but I call it kismet. I mean, you wanted your fantasy to become reality, right? It’s basic manifestation.”
“She also manifested a man who thinks she’s absolutely beautiful,” Sawyer added, making everyone turn his way. “I heard him say so.”
“Hang on.” Kyle stalked over to Sawyer and put a hand on his shoulder. “You knew about this?”
“Yeah, but I was sworn to secrecy.” He zipped up his lips. “I thought you might not like the idea, Kyle.”
“I don’t,” he said flatly, causing Brooke to tense along with everyone else—not that she was shocked. “I hired Axel to help you with your career. I was concerned the moment he sent flowers.”
“Another reason I kept it to myself,” she said, going on the defensive. “Kyle, you and Madison raised issues with the flowers, and then Dean and the others did too. I thought I’d go out with him and see if it went anywhere. And heishelping me. I’m learning so much from working with him, which we’re doing our best to keep things separate. I know it’s a big deal, Kyle, but truthfully, if you’d heard Axel talk about how it won’t interfere with his work?—”
“Brooke!” Kyle’s raised voice froze her in place. “I am not worried about Axel. I’m worried about you. This secrecy is not helping.”
Chewing on her bottom lip, she searched for an adequate reply. “You don’t need to worry.”
“Bull.” He lifted a finger, giving into a hefty sigh. “Sorry, my temper is up, but we’re about to get personal. According to what I know, Axel is the first person you’ve dated since Adam, right? And this after you finally tell us that Adam cheated on you, which you found so humiliating you didn’t tell us, your best friends.”
“Kyle—” Madison began.
Brooke appreciated her friend trying to protect her, but she needed to tap into the personal courage she’d donned when she’d put this dress on. “Yes, he is the first person, and I know where you’re?—”
“Let me finish.” Kyle ran a hand through his ash brown hair before pinning her with a look. “Big breakups leave a mark, and I imagine ones where someone cheated are even worse.”
“They are,” Madison broke in, causing everyone to look at her. Her response was only to shrug.
Kyle’s harsh sigh filled the air, and Brooke wasn’t sure if it was over her or Madison’s revelation. “Thinking about dating again is a super big deal, then, and the actual execution even bigger. Brooke, I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
For a moment, all she could do was watch Madison tense up. Then she realized what else Kyle was saying. He wasn’t worried she couldn’t handle a personal relationship with a business associate without messing up the project. He was worried about her on a personal level. Suddenly, she knewher breakthrough with Axel had helped her hear what her friend was really saying and not what she would have heard through her old filters of shame and defensiveness.
“That’s really sweet, Kyle. While I don’t want to get hurt with Axel, I can’t assume that’s what will happen before I even try.”
“Bravo, Brooke,” Sawyer broke in softly. “I believe you’ve found that courage you were looking for.”
Madison jerked her pointy chin. “Takes guts to get back on the horse. Way to go, Brooke.”
Thea’s brown eyes were watery. “Kyle, I know you’re only being protective, but I’m really happy for Brooke, and honestly, I like him better than Adam.”
“Me too,” Dean echoed, holding out his hands. “By miles.”
“Kyle,” Thea continued, “even if it turns out Axel isn’t right for her, it’s still a sign that her heart is healing.” Her dear friend put her hand over her heart and smiled at her. “That she’s ready to move forward and find the man of her dreams. But like I said, Axel is really great from all I’ve seen.”
“Thanks, Thea.” She walked over and side hugged her. “I think so too.”
“Ivar in the flesh, one I’m taking as a sign,” Dean said, only to stop when she glared at him. “Hey! You know I want you to be happy and find the best guy out there. Like I said, youmanifestedyour fantasy guy. That’s awesome.”
Dean would. She blew him kiss, because part of her was starting to believe he was right.
“Also, if Axel does turn out to be a jerk, he won’t be decorating our house,” Madison added with an eerie smile, “which totally works for me.”
“Axelwillstill decorate the house,” Brooke informed her, tapping her finger on the vanity for emphasis. “I won’t let it affect our project either. You have my promise, Kyle. I know how important this project is—to me and the rest of us.”
Kyle came over and held her shoulders in a gentle grip. “We can fire him anytime, Brooke, and help you find a different way to break into interior design. Your happiness and well-being are more important than any project.”
God, that slayed every known dragon in her universe. “I’m going to give in to a moment of sentimentality here. I really love you guys.”
“We love you too,” Madison said with a quick wink and a quick clapping of her hands. “Before we all get sappy—in the bathroom, which is totally weird—you need to get that lightning bolt off your face and finish getting ready for your date.”
“She’s right,” Thea said softly, touching her arm with a soft smile. “We can get all mushy later.”
