Bad Boys Do (Donovan Brothers Brewery 2)

“Jamie, you don’t owe anybody anything. You were sixteen. You made a stupid mistake, but then you did exactly what they would’ve wanted you to.” Tears spilled down her cheeks, but she kept her face against his shoulder so he wouldn’t see. “And no matter how hard you tried to throw your life away, you couldn’t do it, because you’re a good man. You took care of your sister and graduated from college and you worked with your family every day. I’ve never seen you be unkind to anyone. Ever.”

She felt his cheek rise in a smile. “What about that time I punched Victor?”

“That was an act of mercy. For me, anyway. I’m just saying that you were trying to do the right thing. And you’re no more at fault than your sister would’ve been if she’d asked them to pick her up at the mall. You wouldn’t have blamed her, because it was an accident.”

“I can’t see it that way, but I’ve started learning to forgive myself.” He took a deep breath. She watched his chest expand and felt his breath tease over her hair. “I told you about this so you could understand. I’m working on it. I’m trying. And I know I said the wrong things that day we fought, but…”

“It’s okay.”

“Olivia, I don’t like you because I think you’ll make me a better person. Or because you’re smart and mature and I need that in my life. I like you because I think there’s a chance I might actually deserve you. Just a chance.”

Forgetting her vow to hide her crying, Olivia burst into tears.

“Come on. I’m not that bad, am I?”

“Shut up,” she sobbed. “I love you.”

“Yeah?” He eased her away so he could see her face, though she tried to hide her blubbering. “Really?”

“Really,” she gasped, tucking her face back into his shirt so she could cry freely. She loved him so much that she should be scared, but somehow she wasn’t. Whatever would happen would happen, and she was strong enough to bear heartbreak if she had to. But maybe she wouldn’t have to.

“Thank you for telling me what happened,” she whispered. She couldn’t believe he’d lived with that for so long. No wonder he’d been so lost. “You have to tell your family, Jamie.”

He shook his head. “Maybe someday. Not today. I need time. I need to think.”

She let it go. It was his secret. His truth.

“Are you done crying?” he finally asked.

“Maybe.”

“Should we go see my family?”

“Yes.” She sniffled a few times, trying to stop her tears. “Okay. Just give me a minute.” Olivia snapped down the passenger-side mirror to look at her face. “Oh, no. I look terrible.”

“You’re just a little moist. Here.” He stuffed a Dairy Queen napkin into her hand.

She dabbed carefully at her cheeks and told herself it didn’t matter. So she’d be late and blotchy, and it didn’t matter. She’d be with Jamie, and things were good with him, and getting better every day.

Jamie put the car in gear, but for a long moment his foot stayed pressed to the brake. “Next time,” he said, “maybe we’ll go up the hill.”

When she took his hand, his fingers squeezed hers hard. “I think that’s a great idea.”

>

JAMIE GAVE A PERFUNCTORY knock on the front door before opening it wide. He gestured to Olivia and watched as she stepped inside and glanced around the front rooms.

His chest felt suddenly tight. What did she see? It just looked like home to him. Dark wood floors, a big fireplace, the front window where his mom had always put the Christmas tree. It all looked the same to Jamie, but as he followed Olivia in, he realized he was different now.

He didn’t feel like a kid coming home. And he didn’t feel like someone stealing into a place where he didn’t deserve to be. Instead, he felt…good. Peaceful. Happy to have Olivia here. Thrilled to see her smile and reach for his hand.

“It’s beautiful. You must miss living here.”

“No. This house has too many memories. But I’m glad to be here now. With you.”

She always blushed when he said things like that, and she was still blushing when the sound of Tessa’s quick footsteps echoed down the hall.

“Are you ready?” he whispered.