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He’d actually fared better than I had in some ways.

Brock had learned to trust and he had a found family that would do anything for him.

He’d adjusted to the changes in his life as they’d happened.

I’d really struggled with my issues and my fears. Sometimes I still did, even though I’d gone through years of counseling. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was lonely sometimes because I’d never quite been able to clear some of those hurdles.

“You grew up beautifully,” I answered him honestly. “You’re a good man, Brock Miller.”

“I’d like to argue,” he said with humor in his tone. “But I’d really prefer that you keep thinking that so you’ll stay for a while.”

“I like it here,” I told him. “I like you. I like your friends. I like this town, and I really like cooking in your kitchen.”

“So you’re only staying because you want my kitchen?” he joked.

No.

Not at all.

I was staying because I wanted him.

Because I’d never felt this kind of connection with a man.

Because…I just couldn’t bring myself to walk away.

“Maybe I should go home, but that’s not what I want, Brock.”

God, I was pathetic sometimes.

I was in my thirties, and I still had no idea how to deal with an attraction like the one I had to Brock.

“I’m never going to push for anything you don’t want, Jenna,” he said in a stoic voice. “I think we both know that there’s a hell of a lot of chemistry between the two of us, but we’re not kids. We don’t have to act on that unless and until you’re ready.”

“Until I’m ready?” I questioned. “What about you?”

God, I wanted this man more than I’d ever wanted another guy in my entire life.

But the chemistry I was feeling was so much different than anything I’d ever felt before, and I wasn’t quite sure how to handle it.

“Sweetheart,” he drawled. “I’m a sure thing if you ever decide you want to explore that chemistry. I’d get you naked in a heartbeat, and you’d be screaming my name soon after that.”

Heat flooded between my thighs, and I had to squeeze my legs together to try to control the desire to crawl into his lounger with him.

“I suck at relationships, Brock,” I warned him. “I’m super self-conscious about my scars, and they aren’t just on my face and neck.”

“This is a whole new relationship,” he said. “And I don’t give a flying fuck about your scars, Jenna. I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

Okay, my heart just sighed. A huge, floaty sigh that made me giddy with happiness.

“Are you trying to be optimistic about the fact that I suck at relationships?” I asked and smiled into the darkness.

“One day at a time, Jenna. No pressure. You went through a lot in Mexico. Let’s just enjoy spending time together.”

“I can do that,” I agreed just as a light streaked across the sky. “Meteor! Make a wish.”

“I already got my wish,” he said hoarsely. “You’re not leaving. Make yours.”

I closed my eyes and made my wish.