I blink, step back, and look him up and down with skeptical eyes.
There’s always a catch when things are too easy with him.
“What do you want?”I snarl.
“A goodnight kiss.”
When every fiber of my being jumps in eager joy, I know I won’t be able to resist.
“Fine,” I snap.
I step forward, hook my arm around his nape, and tug him down as I rise onto tiptoe.Intending to give him a chaste peck on the cheek, I squeak when he tugs me fully against him and captures my lips with his.Bent backward in his arms, I forget we stand in the middle of the dirty sidewalk with strangers scurrying past and a potential stalker watching from some unknown alley.
His familiar scent and the diabolical teasing of his tongue lure me into deepening the kiss.
When he lifts his head, I struggle to catch my breath.
“Goodnight, my future wife,” he murmurs.
Emotions clog my throat.He tucks my hair behind my ear before turning and guiding me through the doors of my apartment building.
I step onto the elevator in a daze, but my senses rush into high gear when the doors shut between us.
Usually I take the stairs to some random floor first, then sometimes take the elevator, but the cramped space always smells of beer and vomit, so most days I avoid it.After selecting the floor above mine, I walk down a flight of stairs before reaching my apartment.
I lock the door behind me, set my bags in their normal place, and pull my phone from my purse.Despite my insistence to keep Brennan away, I stop and stare at my bed.The disheveled pile of blankets I’ve used as my sanctuary for over a decade no longer holds the same appeal.
I miss my big brother’s comforting arms.
Except he’s not my big brother anymore.He’s my fake fiancé.
I still can’t believe he proposed.It must have been a moment of insanity.He was only using me to rid himself of the clingy rich bitch.
The thought hurts.My heart aches.
I want him.Even if our time together is short—he’ll abandon me again when he finds out the truth—denying what we both want is stupid.
But it’s too late tonight.If I back down after putting up so much resistance, the jerk will think he can get away with anything.
When I see him tomorrow—because I know he’ll find a way to cross my path at some point—I won’t fight so hard.
Maybe.
Old habits die hard.
In a twisted way, arguing with him makes me feel alive.I cherish the unconventional bond between us.
I sigh, shower, and check emails on my phone as I eat a cup of instant ramen.Even though it’s early, I climb into bed and hide under the covers.
With the sounds of my neighbors muffled by the blankets, I admit the truth to myself.
I’ve fallen in love with Brennan again, except it’s more than it was before.Deeper.
Even though I saw him less than an hour ago, I miss him.I miss his arms around me, his quiet strength, and his kisses.
I tighten my arms around myself and fall into warm, tantalizing dreams.
For a while I bask in bliss, safe in the comfort of Brennan’s embrace.As his kisses lure me into an edgier heat, I squirm closer to the source.I need relief.
