“I—” Her breath caught, eyes hooded.
“Do you think you have time for that in your busy schedule?” I teased, nuzzling her mound.
“I—” She sighed, reclining against the pillows as I licked her in a slow, teasing motion. “I might be able to fit that in.” She was smiling as she said it, and I wasn’t sure she’d ever looked more at ease.
When I walked her to the door half an hour later, she wasn’t just relaxed, she was satisfied. I was clad in one of the hotel robes, and she was in a pair of silk bridesmaid pajamas from Allie. The pale blue shorts showed off her toned, tanned legs. And the matching button-down shirt had her name monogrammed over the chest pocket.
“Have fun today,” I said, drawing Bryn into my arms.
She smiled, draping her arms around my neck. “The day certainly started off on a high note.”
After she’d come, we’d hopped in the shower, and she’d made me see stars. I was so gone for her that when she’d dropped toher knees, I’d come embarrassingly quickly. Fortunately, Bryn didn’t seem to mind that I couldn’t get enough of her.
I leaned down to brush my lips against hers. “If it were up to me, we’d start every day like that.”
I cupped her cheek, kissing her deeply, pouring everything I felt and everything I wanted to say into it. I knew she had to go, but I wanted to hold on to this moment of bliss. That’s what this was. Peace and paradise and happiness.
She groaned, tilting her forehead to mine. “I have to go.”
Her phone buzzed as if to reiterate her statement. “I’ll see you later.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead.
She nodded then turned to head down the pathway that led to the resort. I stood there, still in disbelief. She turned and glanced back at me over her shoulder, biting on a smile when she saw that I was watching. I grinned, waiting until she was out of sight to close the door.
I only wished I’d had more alone time with Bryn this morning. More time to check in and really see how she was doing after last night. Not that I had any concerns on the physical front. The sex had been fucking incredible, and I could tell just how happy she was. Sated and glowing. I was more concerned with her emotional state.
Bryn hadn’t dated anyone since Derek’s death, and she wasn’t the type to have casual sex. I wasn’t sure what she envisioned when it came to us, but our chemistry was electric and our connection was undeniable. Even so, I could only imagine how big a step it was to sleep with someone new after losing your spouse, and I was honored that she trusted me.
I grabbed the hotel tablet and was about to place an order for breakfast when my phone chimed. I submitted the order then grabbed my phone, frowning at the screen.
Mom: Please call me.
Another message came through on the heels of the first.
Mom: I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important.
I dragged a hand through my hair, knowing I couldn’t—shouldn’t—put this off any longer.
Me: Give me five.
I slipped into a pair of athletic shorts. I’d already planned to do a workout, but I had a feeling I’d need to burn off some stress after this conversation. Not because of my mom but because of whatever my brother must have done now.
I took a deep breath and hit the number to connect the call. “Hey, Mom,” I said when she picked up. “Sorry for not returning your call sooner. I’m out of the country.”
“For hockey? Or…a sponsor, a photo shoot?”
I stood, pacing along the windows. “Bryn’s sister’s wedding.”
“Oh, that’s right. I knew you were going with her, but I didn’t realize that’s where you were now. When are you coming home?”
“We return to LA in a few days,” I said, trying to buy myself a little extra time. I had two days left with Bryn in paradise, and I resented anything that intruded on my time with her.
I half hoped my comment would deter Mom from initiating a discussion about anything serious. I guessed that was too much to wish for because she said, “I’m sorry to interrupt your vacation, but I’m at a loss for what to do about Jules.” She sniffled. “Oh, Frasier. He’s a mess.”
What’s new?I sighed, hoping it wasn’t too audible over the phone.
Unfortunately, he’d been a mess for a few years now. It was heartbreaking to watch him go through this and feel unable to get through to him. I loved my brother, but I felt helpless when it came to him. It pained me that I no longer had a relationship with him, just as it hurt that my parents didn’t understand my need to set boundaries when it came to Jules.
I didn’t ask about the specifics. I didn’t need to. Because this was what had happened time and time again. And I hated it—for my brother, my parents, me. Our whole family.
