Page 34 of Day of the Storm

Daryn pulled in a deep breath and sat up. Mike followed, cursing when his leg protested.

“You ok?” she asked.

“Yeah.” He didn’t stop to think she’d probably changed her mind. He just opened his arms again.

Then Mike was kissing her, like he really meant it.

Because he did.

Holding her into the night had made one thing clear: he was tired of living his life alone. No responsibilities—but no connections, either. He wanted what his parents had. That connection between them that was tangible at times. He didn’t want to face all of life alone.

Not any more.

The woman he wanted to build that with was pressed against him right now. And there was no one to interrupt him, to stop him from telling her, showing her, exactly what he wanted. Hejust hoped what he felt came across in his kiss, because Mike didn’t know that he’d ever have the words to tell her exactly what he needed.

Finally he pulled back. “Daryn Mabry, consider this your warning.”

“What?”

“Now that I’ve got you in my arms? I’m not about to let you get away.” He buried his fingers in her hair and justlookedat her again, damned glad he had that chance. “I’m going to keep you forever, woman. You can count on that.”

How the storm had changed everything.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean, I’m going to prove to you I’m not just the jackass you’ve called me before. I’m going to prove to you that I can be the man you want in your life. Forever, if I get lucky enough. And if you’ll have me. No matter what I have to do. So…what do you say, doc? Can you give me a shot?”

16

Daryn pressed closer,listening to the words.

If he had said them just one day ago, she never would have believed him, would have thought he was just out for what he could get. Another cop on the prowl, looking to getlaid,and then just move on.

Now she knew the truth.

“I won’t lie—relationships with men make me nervous. Especially?—”

“Men who work for the TSP. I can understand that. But I’ll do my damnedest to never hurt you deliberately. I’ll probably be an ass sometimes, I’ve been told by my brothers and A.J. I’m the king of asses sometimes. But… you’ve caught me. I’m not going anywhere.”

As he spoke, his hands slipped around the small of her back. Daryn pressed closer.

She rather wanted this man to hold her forever.

No matter what storms might come…

THANK YOU FOR READINGSTORM DAMAGE.FOR MORE FINLEY CREEK NOVELS VISIT www.callejbrookes.com.

CHECK OUT MIKE’S BROTHER HOUSTON IN:

IF YOU MISSED A.J.’S STORY, CHECK HER OUT IN:

Like Rain it sounded till it curved

And then I new 'twas Wind --

It walked as wet as any Wave

But swept as dry as sand --

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