I sighed. “Both of us.”
His chuckle was low and knowing, but he didn’t push.
“She looks happy,” he murmured, nodding toward Fiona. “Did you actually share real thoughts and feelings with another human?”
It was meant to be playful, but something tightened in my chest.
Because he was right.
I didn’t share feelings. I kept them locked down, filed away, buried deep where no one could reach them. And him calling me on it so easily? That stung.
“So what if I did?” I stepped out of his hold, needing space, but Brooks was faster.
His hands were around my waist before I could fully retreat, tugging me close with an ease that made my pulse trip over itself.
His voice softened. “Let’s get some fresh air.”
I should’ve said no, but the room suddenly felt too small, too loud, too much.
So I let him lead me onto the terrace, the cool night air wrapping around me, the sky scattered with stars, the city stretching endlessly below us.
Brooks let go, giving me space, but his presence stayed close, warm, steady.
I took a deep breath, inhaling the clean air, trying to chase away the creeping weight in my chest. I didn’t like losing control.
And Brooks? He made me forget what control even meant.
I forgot why I’d been irritated with him, why I’d pulled away, why I always fought so damn hard to keep him at arm’s length.
Until he brushed a light kiss on the back of my neck.
“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, Michelle.”
A shiver skated down my spine. “You didn’t.”
Great. Now I sounded like a moody teenager.
“Yes, I did.”
His voice was lower now, his arms bracketing me in, caging me between the warmth of his chest and the breathtaking city view.
“I teased you,” he murmured, his lips brushing just beneath my ear, “and I shouldn’t have. You share plenty. Every time you do, it makes me happy.”
I closed my eyes, breathing through the way his words settled somewhere too deep inside me. His lips skated over my jaw, his hands running slow, firm strokes up my sides, like he was memorizing me.
Then I felt it—his arousal pressing against me, hard and undeniable.
A slow exhale left my lips, my body already responding, already leaning into him.
“Brooks…”
“What?” His voice was pure sex, thick and edged with heat. “I’m enjoying my date. Relax.”
Don’t let yourself ruin the night.
Fiona’s words echoed in my mind, and for once, I listened. I let myself lean back into him without worrying about what happened next.
Brooks let out a sound that was more growl than sigh, his fingers slipping up the slit of my dress, tracing a line where my underwear would’ve been if it wasn’t in his pocket.
