“She was. We got married young—not even twenty yet. Everyone said we were crazy, but it just felt right.” His thumb traced circles on the back of Brooke’s hand. “Garrett was born a little over a year later. He looked just like her. Same smile, same laugh. He loved trucks and dinosaurs and being outside.”
“You had a good life,” Brooke said.
“I did. For almost four years, I had everything I’d ever wanted.” Tyler’s voice was thick with emotion. “Then it was gone. And for a long time, I thought that was it. That I’d used up my chance at happiness.”
“And now?”
“Now I’m sitting in your kitchen, holding your hand, and wondering if maybe I was wrong.” He met her eyes. “But I’m terrified, Brooke. What if getting close to me puts you in danger? What if Adam’s right? Not about me being guilty.” He shook his head. “But maybe I’m cursed. Maybe I’ll put you in danger simply because I’m me.”
“You’re not cursed,” Brooke said firmly. “Bad things happened. Terrible things. But that doesn’t make you cursed.”
“You sure?”
“I’m willing to take my chances.” She squeezed his hand. “What if you could be happy again? What if you could have something good?”
The question hung between them. Tyler stood slowly, and Brooke stood with him. They were close now, the tension from last night back in full force.
“I’m scared,” Brooke admitted. “I don’t know if I’m any good at relationships. I get so wrapped up in things that I can become a little...obsessive.”
“I’m not sure I mind you being obsessed with me.” Tyler’s hand cupped her face. “It seems like we might be a good pair, don’t you think?”
Brooke’s breath caught. This was right. Tyler was right. Whatever was building between them was real and worth the risk.
She closed the distance. Her hands gripped his shirt as she pulled him down to meet her. The kiss was everything—passionate, desperate, and perfect. All the tension that had been building between them since that first moment on the mountain released in a rush.
Tyler’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as the kiss deepened. This wasn’t the brief, tentative kiss from last night. This was them choosing each other despite the risks, despite the fear, despite everything that said they shouldn’t.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Brooke rested her forehead against his chest.
“What have we done?” she whispered.
“Something either really smart or really stupid.” Tyler’s voice was rough. “But I don’t regret it.”
“Me neither.” She looked up at him.
They stood there for a long moment, holding each other.
Finally, Brooke pulled back slightly. “I have running club in forty-five minutes. Come with me?”
“To running club?”
“Why not? Show everyone you’re not hiding. That you have nothing to be ashamed of.” She gave a mischievous smile. “Plus, it’ll drive Adam crazy.”
Tyler laughed. “When you put it that way, it’s tempting. But I don’t have running clothes on.” He motioned to his jeans.
“Go change. We’re meeting at Meadowlark Lane this week. You know the trail there?”
“I know it, but I’m going to pass. There’re a few things I need to do at home. You all run every week?”
“Every Wednesday, rain or shine. Next week, maybe?” While she wanted him to join them, she knew it might not be the best idea. Adam showed up last week. He might show up again, and then what? It could be super uncomfortable...or worse.
“Next week, sure. Let me help you tidy the kitchen.”
They cleaned up the dinner dishes together, the comfortable domesticity from earlier back in full force. When they were done, she walked him to the door.
She wanted to kiss him again, have a repeat of earlier. But she worried that if she did, she might beg him not toleave, and then she’d miss her run. Instead, she gave him a hug.
“You have my number now,” she reminded him. “Maybe call me tomorrow?”
