Page 70 of Penalty Kill

Brandon’s pleas ran through my mind over and over. He was in love with me. He wanted me to stay. He wanted to be included in my dreams.

Why was I pushing him away?

I hurried outside then and realized I had nowhere to go and no way to get there.

“Need a ride?” A voice behind me called.

I spun and saw Brandon’s car parked near the entrance. Of course, he was here.

For someone who firmly believed in fate, I was sure running from the signs. First, Emma called me just before I got to the airport. Now, when I needed him the most, Brandon was there.

I walked over to his window, stopping a few feet back. “Get out.”

He hesitated before opening the door and stepping toward me.

“When you pulled away from me, I thought it meant you didn’t care about me anymore. I thought your feelings changed.” I paused to keep the emotion out of my voice. “I was scared, so I pulled away too. I decided to do what I’m best at. Moving on without looking back.”

“I’m sorry.” He took a step forward.

I held up my hand. “I know. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t run away. That shouldn’t be my default, but I was trying to protect myself. I’ve always put myself first. This is new territory for me.”

He nodded. “I know.”

“I wasn’t prepared to like them, let alone love them. I wasn’t expecting to change so much in such a short period of time. I never, ever thought I’d fall in love with you.”

He took another step forward, and this time I didn't stop him. “You can’t control everything.”

I shook my head. “No, I can’t.”

“Sometimes you have to let life happen.” He stopped inches away from me.

“I know.” My heart raced.

He reached out and took my hands in his. “I’ll never try to stop you from exploring and traveling. Being with me, with the boys, isn’t a prison. It might have felt that way lately, but I promise I won’t try to contain you.”

Living in one place, establishing roots, finding a family wasn’t the same as giving in. It wasn’t accepting the same life my parents had. I could still be me, be a free spirit, and be happy.

“It’s not going to be easy,” I warned.

He lifted my right hand and kissed it. “It’s not going to be as hard as you think.”

“I’ll get restless.”

He repeated his kiss on my left hand. “We can keep up.”

“I’m not normal.”

His lips curved into a breathtaking smile. “None of us are.”

“I love you,” I whispered just before his lips captured mine. There was nothing timid or cautious about this kiss. One hand snaked around my waist, pulling me closer, while the other threaded through my hair holding me exactly where he needed me.

There were promises made with each nip and peck. We were in this together. We wouldn’t pull away ever again. Our love was enough.

“I love you, Sydney.” His voice was low in my ear.

I dropped my forehead against his chest. Brandon Cullen, the dad, the hockey player, the man of my dreams, loved me.

“Let’s go home,” I said.