Besides, a powerful man like that, with his sexy graying hair and a strong body like his, I’m sure he’s got all of the ladies after him.
I mean, he’s got to be straight, right?
I need to get any notions of that out of my head.
But still, a boy can dream about a strong man to protect and take care of me and give me snuggles, and maybe let me suck?—
Brendan nudges me gently, and I jump to attention. “Which one do you want?”
My eyes roam over the gigantic cluster of balloons. “I’d like the pink and blue one with the light.”
Brendan scans his wrist band as the employee hands me my balloon.
I asked him about the cost of everything, and he just told me not to worry about it.
How could I not, though?
I know he spent way too much on my lawyer and my medical bills, and I haven’t been any help since I’m a college student without a job.
Maybe I should get one and start pulling my weight, but he’s always been so stern about me focusing on school.
He knows that being a nurse has always been my dream, and he’s been working to make that dream come true.
I decide that I can focus on that later and just enjoy this amazing vacation.
“You alright over there?”
I sigh happily and wrap my arm around my brother’s as we walk toward the fireworks viewing area as the sun sets gently around us. “This has been great. Thank you.”
“It’s not over yet, and you deserved this trip.” He doesn’t say “after everything you’ve been through,” but we both know that’s what he means.
“I-I’m worried about— Everything is so expensive.”
He kisses the top of my head. “Don’t worry about it. This trip was a gift from some very wealthy people who told me to get you everything and do everything the park has to offer. So I am.”
“Are you sure? I feel so guilty?—”
“No, stop right there,” he says sternly. “This is a gift, trying to give you some happiness after what you lost and get you back to yourself.”
“Okay.” I pause and look into the window of the store we’re walking past. “Then I want that giant sucker.”
He laughs now and leads me into the store. “Everything you want.”
I wake with a start when my head touches Brendan’s shoulder as we ride the boat back to the resort.
“It’s okay, pixie. I’m right here. You should really try to get some sleep since I know you weren’t sleeping last night.”
“I was too. I just fell asleep with the TV on,” I try, and he knows I’m lying.
“You can always sleep in my room,” he offers.
“I’m a grown man. I can’t always sleep in your bed.” Although having him in the room with me keeps most of my nightmares away.
“Have I ever told you that you couldn’t?”
“No,” I grump. “But—” I try.
“No buts. I’m here for you, so if you need me to hold you while you sleep then I will.”
