Defend

But Brent, he laughs. “I didn’t expect you to. I mean if you do and you want to, great. But if you aren’t ready, then you shouldn’t say anything. I figured when you kissed me and we started walking it meant you weren’t ready and that’s fine. You don’t say something if you aren’t ready and unless you really mean it.” He quickly undresses and steps into the shower. “Now, come on. We’re wasting water.”

I hurry to get my clothes off and try to assess my feelings. Did I bring it up because I felt like I needed to tell him since he told me? I don’t think so, and besides, I definitely don’t feel like that now. Not after knowing it wouldn’t bother Brent if I don’t say it right away. However, he does make me so happy. He’s honest, protective, caring, and he can obviously calm me down. When I think of my future, I easily see Brent there with me.

“You know, when I asked you to take a shower with me, I didn’t think we’d actually just shower,” Brent says, pulling me out of my thoughts as we step out of the shower to dry off.

“Sorry. I was distracted.” I drop my towel and wrap my arms around his neck. “You’re more than welcome to take me to bed now if you’d like.”

He kisses me quickly. “If I get you in my bed now, we might not leave until morning and it’s a bit early to leave Gregory completely to his own devices.”

The words are on the tip of my t

ongue, ready to blurt out and let him know I do indeed feel the same way, but Brent turns away and I miss my chance. After we’re dressed, Brent checks in on Gregory while I head downstairs. I think I need a mug of hot chocolate.

“He’s watching a movie now,” I hear from behind me a second before his arms snake around my waist. “Will you make one for me?”

“Of course.” I grab another mug while he kisses my neck.

Such a small kiss, yet totally not innocent as it distracts me and lures me into his captive presence. “By the way,” he whispers, already speaking in that up for no discussion tone, “I’m taking you back to campus tomorrow. You’re not allowed to get Erin to pick you up.”

“Has anyone besides me ever told you you’re really bossy?”

“Nope.” He releases me so I can make his hot chocolate.

I laugh. “I do not believe that! You are. But I’ll give you this one. Why are you insisting on driving me back?”

“Because you haven’t told me when I’ll see you again. Because today has been rough. Because I want to be the one to make sure you get back safe. Because I love you. Do you need more reasons?”

I shake my head as I hand him his mug and take a sip from mine.

“Good.”

We eye each other over the rim of our mugs. I lean against the counter and Brent steps forward to be as close as he possibly can be.

“Is your head on straight again?” he asks with his voice low. “I won’t need to talk you off the ledge anytime soon?”

“If it’s not, it will be after a good night’s sleep, but I think I’m fine.”

“Good.”

I take a long sip of my drink while Brent seems to study me. “Can I tell you something?” Why I’m asking, I don’t know.

“Is that a real question? Tell me whatever you want.”

First, I finish off my hot chocolate and set my mug down on the counter next to me. Doing so makes Brent set his down as well. I wish I could slip this into conversation as easily as Brent did, but I had to go and put myself in this position. Brent rests his hands on my hips, patiently waiting.

I bring my arms up to wrap around his neck and whisper in his ear, “I love you.”

Brent kisses my cheek and then drops his head so his forehead rests on my shoulder. That’s not exactly the reaction I thought I’d get. It doesn’t seem all that positive. He takes a deep breath before looking at me. We’re nose to nose and those green eyes sear into me, stealing my breath. He looks overcome with emotion. Brent, who is always on top of his emotions, even when pissed, at least as far as I’ve seen, looks like I just emotionally knocked him on his ass.

“Do you know what’s ridiculous? The fact that since I first saw you I wanted to get to know you and I felt a little helpless about it. Like I knew I didn’t have a choice. Then, I got to know you, your dreams, your troubles, and,” he laughs, “I almost have this crazy urge to abduct you. Keep you all to myself so you can do whatever you want without anyone else tearing you down in the process.” He kisses the corner of my mouth, sending my already out of control heartbeat soaring higher.

“And then, I fall in love with you. That is a wonder in and of itself. Not that I couldn’t, but that I was lucky enough to have that pleasure. My life has been pretty good. However, being with you makes me excited and happy in a way I haven’t been in a long time. Hearing you love me too? Honey, you have no idea what that does to me. Hell, I’m not even sure I know exactly what’s going on inside of here.” He places a hand over his heart. He opens his mouth as if he has more to say, but no words come.

Brent eliminates the space between our mouths and kisses me like I’ve never been kissed before. My hands cling to his shoulders for stability. He kisses me, harder and harder, leaning into me more and more until the back of my head touches the cabinet and my back aches a little from the counter cutting into it. My leg lifts up with the need to wrap around him and hold him close. Brent grabs me by the back of my thighs and hoists me onto the countertop, stepping between my parted legs.

“Whoa. No makeout sessions in the kitchen,” Gregory says, causing Brent to barely pull away. “What did you do? Propose and she say yes or something?”

“No, but maybe we’ll get married on the cruise.” His smile is small and I can’t tell if he’s teasing or not.