I glance at my best friend.
Demi would be shocked to learn that my relationship with Brayden has progressed at even more of a rapid pace than she realizes. I still haven’t disclosed that we were pretending to go out in the beginning. Now that we’re actually a couple, there doesn’t seem to be much point in revealing the truth.
“You’re right,” I agree, “that’s exactly the way I felt. What I’ve discovered is that Brayden isn’t the guy I’d assumed he was. And now that I’ve taken the time to get to know him, I realize how wrong I was.”
She nods. “He’s a really good guy. I’ve always had a soft spot for him. And you know what?” Before I can respond, she continues, “I like that you two are drama free. I no longer have to worry about walking into the middle of World War III when I walk through the door.”
Demi’s joking.
Kind of.
So many of my relationships were like riding a roller coaster with the ups and downs. This one couldn’t be more different. Brayden and I are so in sync with one another. That’s not something I’ve experienced with other guys. Even though it hasn’t been long, I can appreciate that what we have is special. That knowledge makes me want to hang on tightly to it with both hands and never let go.
None of my past relationships were on this level. Even the one with Ethan. The highs and lows were exhausting. And it never truly allowed us to drill beneath the surface and get to know one another on a deeper, more meaningful level. It’s only now that I’m with Brayden—and have experienced something more even keeled—that I can understand and appreciate the difference.
“Now all I have to worry about is walking in on the two of you getting it on,” she adds, cutting into my thoughts.
Ugh.
Demi has yet to let me live that down.
“Technically,” I point out, “that’s your fault for not knocking on the door. And at least I was in my own bedroom when it happened. If I recall correctly, I walked in on you and Rowan making out on the couch.” Unlike me, she’d been topless.
Color slams into her cheeks. “Yeah...that was definitely not one of my finer moments.”
Maybe not, but it had been hilarious.
For me, anyway.
Demi, not so much.
When the corners of my lips tremble, hers do the same. Pretty soon, we’re both laughing. It takes a few moments before our humor subsides.
“You know what’s funny? I’d always suspected that Brayden had feelings for you.”
Ironically, I hadn’t been able to see if for myself. I had thrown up enough walls to make my heart an impenetrable fortress where he was concerned. And yet, somehow, he managed to smash through all of them.
“You two make a really great couple,” she continues. “I hope it lasts.”
As much as I’ve tried to hold myself back and take things slow, the truth is that I’ve fallen hard and fast. I’m in deeper than I ever thought possible. And it scares the shit out of me.
I glance up from the bathing suit I’m shoving in the bag. Brayden mentioned there was a hot tub, and I want to be prepared for whatever this weekend has in store.
“Me, too,” I admit softly.
This is the first time I’ve acknowledged my feelings out loud. And doing so makes them all the more real.
“Who would have ever thought that Brayden Kendricks would turn out to be your boo-thing?”
I snort.
No one. That’s who.
Do we really need more proof that miracles can happen?
Chapter Thirty
Brayden
I turn the truck onto a narrow, country road that’s flanked on both sides by tall trees spearing up into the bright blue sky. The closer we get to the cabin, the more nausea churns at the bottom of my gut. Why the hell did I think bringing Sydney here was a good idea?
At the moment, it seems like a pretty shit one. This place holds way too many memories. And the closer I get to the property, the more the nerves sitting at the bottom of my gut feel like they’ll revolt. The hardest part is that all of my recollections are happy ones. I don’t have a single bad one of this place. Except they all revolve around my father. Thinking about him always feels like ripping open an old wound.
Other than the football field, this was Dad’s happy place. After he and Mom got married, they purchased a couple hundred acres of wooded property with a spring fed, five-acre lake in the middle. After each NFL season ended, we would spend time here, tromping around in the forest, riding ATV’s, hiking, fishing, and camping. It was the only time that we had Dad all to ourselves. Here, he wasn’t a famous NFL player. He was simply a loving father and husband.