by Elsa Kurt
“What’s holding us back from telling everyone now?”
“They don’t have a right to our privacy!” I snap, frustration consuming me as I recall the headlines, camera flashes, and paparazzi that have cornered me.
“Baby, I’m not talking about making a press conference about our relationship. What is holding you back from being open about us at work? Of walking out of here with me and going for a walk—headlines be damned!”
My teeth dig into my lower lip as I consider his words. “They’re going to hound me either way,” I say to myself, contemplating both sides. “I’m sick and tired of hiding us.”
Brendan nods. “I am too, but I don’t regret this time together. The media is a fickle beast and I know they’re going to attack you a lot more than they will me. I have your back, either way and if you need more time, then that’s what we’ll do.”
He’s so good to me. I cradle his cheeks and plant kisses over his face. “Why didn’t I see you before? Really see you?”
His eyes crinkle with a smile. “I am pretty awesome.”
“Oh!” I smack his shoulder playfully and we both laugh.
“All kidding aside, Kylie. I didn’t really see you either. There was a line in the sand, and I refused to even consider looking at the other side. Some days I wonder how I fell in love with you so quickly, but then I realize I’d already been halfway in love with you before I crossed that line.”
“I’ve wondered the same thing. It all seems so fast, but there are moments when I hear Granddaddy saying, “It took y’all a month of Sundays to figure this out.” Brendan chuckles, his body shaking under me and I can’t help but laugh too.
“Yeah, there are moments when I can hear him saying one of his phrases…God, I miss him.”
“I miss him too…”
Grief washes over us and I lean into him. Brendan holds me, and we sit in silence. My mind wanders from Granddaddy back to the topic at hand and I know exactly what to do.
Shifting, I straddle his hips so I can face him. “Granddaddy wouldn’t be wrong. It really has taken us forever to get here. I don’t think we should stay hidden in the darkness any longer than we already have.” His mouth opens, but I press my lips to his for a quick kiss. “We have to fly down to South Africa to support the Breitenbach’s fundraiser. I don’t want to inadvertently take the spotlight from Machi’s Foundation with our relationship. How about a week after we come home we start behaving like the real couple we are?”
Brendan’s eyes light up with excitement. “I’m in love with the most selfless woman in the world.”
“And I’m in love with the most patient man in the world. I’m sorry we can’t—”
He presses his finger against my lips and stares at me for a moment. My heart speeds up in anticipation as I wait for him to speak.
“I think it’s a brilliant plan, baby. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to show you how much I appreciate your beauty—inside and out.”
About the Author
AJ Renee is the author behind the St. Fleur series, Beauty Unmasked, Winter’s Surprise, Surviving Paris, and Finding Love at the Falls. She’s a military wife and mother to three young girls. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology while working at the library.
She loves to write steamy romance with suspense and a happily ever after. When she isn’t writing or interacting with her readers, you can find her spending time with her family or reading. AJ enjoys traveling, researching family history, and all things New Orleans.
AJ would love to hear from you! You can email her at: [email protected] or connect with AJ Renee:
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