“Brandon,” I whimper, and my head falls back as the pleasure builds.
“That's it,” he encourages, his voice rough with his own need. “Let go for me.”
The combination of his touch and his words sends me over the edge, and my body clenches around him as pleasure crashes through me in waves that seem to go on forever. The sight and feel of me coming undone triggers his own release, and he follows moments later with a groan that sounds like my name.
Afterwards, we lie tangled together, both of us breathing hard. I'm sprawled across his chest, careful to keep my weight off his injured arm, and I can feel his heartbeat slowly returning to normal beneath my cheek.
“I love you,” I say against his skin.
“I love you, too,” he replies, his fingers trailing through my hair.
And as he pulls me up for another kiss, I know with absolute certainty that this is exactly where I'm meant to be.
thirty-seven
. . .
Stella
“Stop fidgeting with your bow tie,”I say, watching Brandon adjust it for the fourth time in the bathroom mirror. “You look perfect.”
“Easy for you to say. You're not about to meet your girlfriend's father for the first time.” He runs his good hand through his hair, careful not to mess up the styling. His cast comes off next week, and he's been counting down the days.
I step behind him, smooth down his collar, and meet his eyes in the mirror. “My father is going to love you. Just like everyone else does.”
“I hope your mother put in a good word for me. She loves me,” he says as he gives me a wink. He knows good and well how much my mother adores him.
“I'm sure she did.” I tease him.
His phone buzzes on the counter, and he glances down at it. His entire expression changes, with tension melting into relief and excitement.
“Helena?” I ask.
He nods and turns the phone so I can see the message.
Helena
Welcome to the PACE team, Brandon. Just emailed the shoot schedule for the next six weeks.
Looking forward to working with you.
This is going to be incredible.
“Brandon, that's amazing!” I throw my arms around him, careful of his cast. “I'm so proud of you.”
“Coordinating instead of performing,” he says, still staring at the message like he can't quite believe it. “This is really happening.”
“This is just the beginning,” I tell him, meaning every word. “You're going to be brilliant at this. Better than you ever were at throwing yourself off buildings.”
“Think so?”
“I know so.” I reach up to fix his bow tie one last time. “Now, come on. Let's go show my parents what a power couple looks like.”
Crystal chandeliers cast warm light across the marble floors, where designer gowns and tailored tuxedos mingle beneath soaring ceilings draped in ivory silk. The air hums with champagne glasses clinking and the gentle murmur of guests discussing their latest philanthropic endeavors over the scent of white orchids arranged in towering centerpieces. It's exactly the kind of elegant venue that makes my father's company events feel important.
We make our way through the crowd, and I can feel Brandon's nervous energy beside me.
“There's my beautiful daughter,” my father's voice booms as he approaches with open arms. “You look radiant, sweetheart.”
