3 Seconds (Time for Love 6)

“This is more important,” he replied, causing my insides to go all gooey. When his lips captured mine and he kissed me properly, I tried to tamp down the hope and promise of his words, while at the same time hoping to convey with my response that I felt the same way.

Chapter Fifteen ~ Brendan

“Brady tells us that you’re seeing that woman you said wasn’t your girlfriend last time you were over.”

I shot a glare at my brother, who simply shrugged, then gave my attention back to Victoria. I’d stopped in at O’Malley Brothers, the painting business where Brock, Brady, and Victoria all worked. Brock ran the business, with Brady as his second in command. Victoria was in charge of interior design, and often worked with clients hand and hand with my brothers. It was a business that started out small, and that Brock had grown out of hard work and determination.

I’d always thought Brady loved working there and planned to stay, but after our last conversation, I was no longer sure. I hadn’t heard anything about him joining the police force again, and was pretty sure he hadn’t said anything to Brock or Victoria yet, although he’d obviously been running his mouth about my relationship.

Douche.

“Yeah…”

“That’s all you have to say? Yeah?” Brock asked as he leaned against Brady’s desk in the front office, hands folded across his chest. “You haven’t dated anyone in … ever … What’s this anomaly like?”

“She’s not an anomaly, she’s a gorgeous, successful, pretty freaking terrific, woman.”

“Oh, I like that!” Victoria said, resting her face against her palm and getting a dreamy expression on her face.

I suppressed my eye roll and stated, “This is why I didn’t say anything. I didn’t want things to get blown out of proportion. We are still in the beginning stages, and I don’t want anything to screw it up. I really like Bronagh, but I’m worried that I’ll do something to fuck things up.”

“Language,” Victoria said. It had become her habit to try and get us to watch our mouths, so Declan didn’t eventually pick up any bad words.

“Why do you think that?” Brock asked with a scowl, as if he were mad at me for doubting myself.

“Because, as you pointed out moments ago, I’ve never been in a serious relationship. It’s unchartered territory for me. Bronagh’s older, she’d been married, she runs her own business … she’s pretty much out of my league. I’m just waiting for her to realize it and kick me to the curb.”

“She’s divorced?” Brock asked, then asked, “What?” when Victoria leaned over and punched him in the arm.

“Don’t be so judgmental,” she admonished.

“It’s just a damn question,” he grumbled, rubbing his arm as if her delicate hand could damage his massive bicep.

“Yes, she’s divorced,” I said, my tone relaying that he was broaching dangerous territory.

“How old is this Bronagh?” he countered.

“Thirty-five.”

His eyes widened a bit, but before he could voice his concerns, I voiced mine.

“This is why I didn’t rush to tell you. Yes, she’s older than me. Yes, she’s experienced more than I am. Yes, I’m worried that she’s going to realize I’m just a young punk who hadn’t done anything with his life yet, and wonder what she’s doing wasting her time … then she’ll bail.”

Brock and Brady shared a look. I knew they were surprised that I’d shared so much. I’d never been one to talk about my feelings, preferring instead to express them in my lyrics. But, it felt good to get my fears out in the open. I knew I could trust my family.

“Oh, Bren, no…” Victoria said, walking toward me, her face full of concern. “You’re not a young punk. You’re a man who’s driven, creative, and brave. She’s lucky that you’re willing to give her a chance.”

“You haven’t met her yet,” I argued. “You’ll see how amazing she is once you do.”

“I know how amazing you are…” she countered, causing my heart to shift uncomfortably.

“What if I screw it up?”

“Just look at me and Brock,” Victoria said, pointing at my brother, who just grunted. “Did you ever think the two of us would not only date, but get married and have babies together?”

“Well, no, but…” I stopped, focused on her words and asked, “Babies?”

Victoria bit her lip, as if trying to conceal her expression, but her joy was too big to be contained.