“I wish I could have met her.” Scarlett took Brayden’s hand and squeezed it.
“So, who was in the mirror?” he pressed. “Almost everyone I know saw one of their parents or a grandparent, but it’s usually different for adults.”
“No parents.” She toyed with her hair as they walked.
He ran his hand through his hair. “Was it Alastair? Just tell me it wasn’t James,” he said, his tone full of dread.
Scarlett stopped in her tracks. “James? Why would it behim?”
Stopping too, Brayden barked out a relieved laugh. “So it wasn’t him—good. I didn’treallythink it would be. James and I were talking about you going to the Forest Temple, and he was all, ‘She could see her future husband. Or not. It might be someone she barely knows or doesn’t even like, and then it’ll be totally weird.’ Then he told me how pretty he thinks you are. It rubbed me the wrong way.”
He started down the forest path again, but Scarlett grabbed his hand, and he spun around to face her.
“So you don’t like the idea of me being with James?” she whispered.
His brown eyes searched hers as he gave her a humorless smile. “I don’t.”
Still holding his hand, she took a step closer. “I wanted you to kiss me, and you said no.”
“I told you, I won’t be your rebound,” he growled. “You just broke up with Alastair, and you’re leaving soon. I don’t want you to think I took advantage of your grief or something.”
She believed him now, far more than she had the night he’d rejected her, but she wanted more. “That’s considerate, but it also sounds like an excuse to let me down easy. Explain to me why you don’t like the idea of me and James.” She pushed him lightly to emphasize her point.
His grip on her hand tightened, and she squeezed it back. “No more theoretical situations involving my brother. Tell me who you saw in the mirror, and I’ll tell you how I feel.”
“Tell him the truth,” said Nori.“There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“You sound jealous. Are you jealous?” asked Scarlett. Despite Nori’s reassurances, she wanted more from Brayden before she spilled her guts.
The wind picked up, blowing her hair across her face.
His gaze was locked on hers. “Okay, fine. I guess I’m goingfirst. Are you sure you’re ready to hear this?”
“Yes.” She tensed, fearing he’d destroy her. But if he said what she needed to hear…
“I want it to be me. And if, for some Goddess-damned reason, you saw someone else…” His voice was rough with longing and jealousy.
Her answering smile felt as bright as the sun. “It wasn’t someone else. It was you. No one means more to me than you do. It was always you.” She searched his face, willing him to close the distance between them.
Looking like he was exercising every ounce of control he possessed, Brayden stuck his finger through the belt loop of her pants and pulled her closer until they were toe to toe. “Was it really me?” He stood so close his quiet words sent a shiver down her spine.
Scarlett nodded rapidly as she rested her hand on his stomach. His stare seared into her, and her heart raced.
Everything between them hung in the air. Years of wondering what would happen if they met; years of longing locked deep inside her heart. She’d always hoped for a pathway to this, even if she couldn’t see how it would happen. She’d been through so much, but it had all led her here, to this moment. Touching him. Being with him. No glass between them.Everything I’ve been through was worth it because it led me to you.
“Scarlett…” His long eyelashes lowered as his gaze moved to her mouth. He looked like he wanted to devour her. She gripped the fabric of his shirt as he leaned down, and his mouth was warm as he moved his lips against hers.
Their kiss was soft at first, but as his remaining walls crumbled before her, she eagerly deepened it, burning with need as his tongue brushed against hers. His hot mouth—Goddess. She pressed herself to him, unable to pull him close enough. She needed all of him, always, right here.
Brayden’s cedar scent enveloped her as she threaded her fingers in his hair with his mouth on hers. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her against him. The taste of him, their bodies pressed together—she was lost for good.
He’s it for me.Nothing will ever compare to this. To him.A tingling joy coursed through her chest, and Nori’s laugh sounded in response.
After a few long seconds, some rustling in the bushes behind them startled her. Scarlett reluctantly pulled back. She was getting far too worked up for being on a public path. Just as reluctantly, Brayden let her go. His piercing stare told her he was equally smitten.
“I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long.” His cheeks were adorably pink.
“How long?” she said. “It can’t be as long as I’ve wanted you to.”
