Page 74 of A Kiss at Midnight

“Don’t forget that my little brother comes with me, and this impacts any deals we make, Blake.”

He doesn’t even hesitate. “I like kids.”

“Have you ever even been around them for any length of time?”

“I was a child once.”

I have a hard time believing this. It more likely he sprang from the womb full-grown. I can’t imagine Blake smiling with dirt smeared on his cheeks, or running around playing cops and robbers. Yes, he works on construction sites even now, but that’s different from making mud pies and building forts.

“I don’t think you know how to be carefree and go with the flow,” I tell him. “Did you even know how to play games as a child? You’re too set in your ways. I’m scared it won’t be a fun and carefree experience for Justin in your home. You’ll realize we’re both a burden, then he’s the one who will pay the price.” I don’t care what happens to me, but I don’t want Justin to pay for my mistakes.

He’s quiet for so long that I figure my words have finally gotten through to him and he’s deciding to break things off. I hate the pang inside of my chest. I don’t want our relationship to end. But I know it will hurt more if it ends later when I’m more attached.

“Once I decide on a course of action, I don’t change my mind, Jewel. I’m not letting you go, so it’s a waste your time worrying about it.”

“I don’t want to keep arguing. I don’t know why I started it,” I admit.

He rubs my shoulders for a moment. “Because you’re strong and stubborn. These two things I thought would drive me crazy, actually turn me on. We do have to get dressed though.” He doesn’t appear pleased with this. I don’t reply, and he lets me go, instantly chilling me.

He stands, and as unsure as I am about the future, I can’t help but look at the beauty of his naked behind. I frown when he takes away my view by pulling up his slacks, covering up the prime view.

He turns and smiles at me as if he can read my thoughts. I blush, and hate myself for it. He comes back to the bed, leans down, and kisses me for a heart stopping moment. I sigh as he pulls back.

“I’m going to leave so you can get up and dress. Our day isn’t over yet.”

He turns and leaves the room. There’s no fight left in me. This man desires me, and I desire him... and much more. I’m going to say yes. I’m going to become his wife. What this means for the two of us doesn’t matter anymore, because there are no more options left. I’m in too deep, and I have to finish this ride.

My stubbornness keeps me from telling him, or maybe I’m waiting for something more. I’m a fool if that’s what it is. I’ll be as surprised as he is when the answer comes to me... and then share it with him.

Chapter Review

Chapter Forty-Two

Blake

I wear out the den’scarpet at my brother Byron’s house as I pace his floor while he, Tyler, and our family friend Bill, gaze at me as if I’ve lost my mind. It’s quite possible I have.

“I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. I’ve put a lot of effort into changing my ways, and to romance Jewel, and it doesn’t seem to change anything,” I say, my voice tight, my muscles clenched. “She’s still not agreeing to marry me.”

“I don’t understand this at all,” Byron says. He’s nearly as irritated as I am. “Why don’t you let this go?”

Bill chuckles. “I disagree with your brother. You have a solid plan. I also believe this has become more than a simple business deal.”

“This isn’t love,” Byron says with a roll of his eyes. “It’s lust. Don’t try to mess with his head, Bill.”

I look at both of them. “This isn’t about the two of you, it’s about me,” I remind them.

Tyler sits with a lazy smile resting on his lips. “It’s entertaining to see you such a mess. Does that count as it being about us?”

“Shut it,” both Byron and I say as we glare at our youngest brother.

“I’m telling you, Blake, this woman means more to you than you’re willing to admit,” Bill says. “I’ll give you a piece of unsolicited advice, though. If you treat her like shit, she’ll walk away and never look back no matter how badly she wants to do the right thing by her brother. A woman can only take so much before you break her spirit.”

“Give me a break,” Byron says. “I can’t listen to this nonsense.” He rises and walks from the room. Yep, something’s definitely going on with him. I’m not sure what, but we’ve always respected each other’s choices. If he needs space, I’ll give it to him. He’ll come to me when he’s ready.

“Byron’s dealing with something,” Tyler says as if reading my mind.

“The problem with all three of you is, you focus so much on other people that you don’t take the time to look within yourselves,” Bill says. “If you took a few moments to find out what you truly want, maybe you wouldn’t be so miserable.”

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