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“If you say so.” He let out a strangled laugh. “As long as you’re good with it, I’m a happy man.”
Genevieve rubbed her hands over his muscled abs. Damn! If he went around shirtless for the next several days, she wouldn’t complain. “You know, happy man,” she said, a teasing inflection in her tone, “you’re still a virgin.”
Brendan chuckled and released a content sigh. “That was perfect for tonight. I’m in no hurry. Holding you in my arms alone is enough of a dream.”
“Mm,” she moaned and burrowed into his side.
He brushed his fingers through her hair, exploring the curve of her back and hips with his other hand.
She smiled, loving the gentle way he caressed her and continued stroking his pecs.
Kissing her forehead, he tentatively asked, “Is it okay that I called you baby?”
“Loved it.”
“Good. I just…” Hesitating, he sighed. “I hate to bring this up, but it’s on my mind.”
“Talk to me, Brendan. I’m not shy.”
“I just don’t ever want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Especially since your past relationship appeared extremely controlling, manipulative, and?—”
“It’s only ever you and me when we’re together.” She shifted her chin and looked him firmly in the eyes. “I want my past in my past. If I’m struggling with something, I’ll let you know, and I hope you’ll do the same. I don’t want you to treat me differently because your mind is on how I was treated by him. I want you bold, confident, and most importantly, I want you to be you.”
“So do I,” he whispered. “I want you to be you too, Gen, and if that means we need to have difficult conversations, then don’t hesitate. You can call me out on anything, anytime. Nothing is okay with me if it isn’t okay with you.”
“In that case,”—she thumped his chest with the back of her index finger—“I don’t want you risking your life for me again.”
“As long as yours isn’t in danger, we won’t have a problem.” His voice darkened. “If yours is, then I can’t promise anything.”
“Way to let me call you out,” she mumbled, half-amused, half-perturbed. “We’re off to a great start.”
He scoffed a laugh. “Then allow me to rephrase… You can call me out on anything, anytime, as long as you’re safe.”
“Ditto,” she returned, grinning against his pec.
He tensed, tightening his arms around her. “I think I’m entitled here to use one of your phrases, Genevieve. Like hell. You’re not risking your life for me.”
“Back to being Genevieve already, am I?”
“Gen, that’s not…I’m not okay with?—”
She placed a hand over his mouth. “I’m too tired to settle this tonight. Good night, sweet man.”
His lips moved beneath her hand as he responded, “You better believe we will settle it. This discussion isn’t over. I want you safe.”
Genevieve yawned. “Okay, sure. Whatever you say.” She rolled her eyes against his chest.
“I felt that,” he grumbled.
A giggle drifted out of her. Exhausted and satiated, she burrowed even deeper into the crook of his arm and fell asleep content for the first time in years.
Fifteen
GENEVIEVE
Genevieve woke up the next morning to a cold, empty bed. Men! Of course, she could hardly blame him. Brendan was probably elbows deep in a plan to get them out of this mess before the sun had even risen. Ambitious a bit? But she’d known that when she’d asked him to become her ally, and now she was falling for him.
Nibbling on her lip, Genevieve stared at the golden light fixture above her. How did she feel about that? Did she want forever? She couldn’t imagine ever walking away from him, so there was her answer. She crammed her eyes shut. Please let him fall for me, too. Dealing with heartbreak after the intensity of the last several years would crush her.
