Chapter Thirteen
“Ithink I’ve had anepiphany.”
Bristowe looked over at him as he sipped from a coffee mug. “Oh?”
“Yeah.” Scratching the back of his head, he almost couldn't meet her gaze. “I’ve had more frequent panic attacks since I met you.”
“Oh, God, Flynn.” Sitting back in her seat, Bristowe rubbed her face. “That’s awful. I’m so—”
“I didn't finish.”
Watching him warily, she set her cup down beside her plate. “Okay.”
“It’s a good thing.”
“How the hell is it a good thing? Doesn't it mean we’re incompatible?”
“No, doll.” Crossing the small space of her kitchen, Flynn leaned down until he boxed her in. “It means I’m feeling things again. I’d locked my feelings up so fucking tight that it was more like living a half-life.”
“You’ve almost convinced me.”
Watching the storm clouds in her eyes disperse, he dropped a kiss to her forehead. “For years, I didn't let anyone past my brick wall, except maybe my brothers. I knew what to expect with them, and there were no surprises.” He kissed her nose. “I was pretty boring, honestly.” Claiming her lips with his, he stole her breath for himself as he devoured her.
“Mm, I won't complain.” When he would have moved back, she pulled him closer again. “My father loves you, by the way.”
Flynn grinned, twirling her hair between his fingers. “Believe it or not, I love him too. It feels weird, honestly, but it’s like he’s my father too, in a way.” He frowned. “I hope that’s not stupid.”
“Of course not.” Resting her palm against his cheek, she rose up to kiss him again. “You need someone constant in your life who can be a positive role model. I know you have Mitch, but you’ve said yourself you don't have a deep connection with him.”
“Maybe I needed an eye opener like you to come in and wake me up. I might not have given Mitch a decent chance at being my father figure.”
“He’s a nice guy,” she said, smoothing his hair off his face.
“Definitely. We have next to nothing in common, though, and it always sort of felt like I had to accept him. So of course I resisted.” Pulling away, he straightened and tugged her out of her chair.
“I understand.”
