Page 84 of Seducing Bran
And if Bran was truly willing to make her a priority… Well, that changed everything.
Ireland checked in with Cali to see if she needed anything, then beelined it out of the reception tent to the main house. She needed space. To clear her head. To process Bran’s actions.
She climbed the stairs and entered a bathroom on the second level. The Langs had set up fancy temporary bathrooms next to the giant lawn tent, but a porta-potty, nice though it may be, wouldn’t give her the space she needed.
She flattened her hands on the vanity and stared at herself in the mirror. “Holy shit.” Had any man stood up for her the way Bran had tonight? The way he had with James when James had manhandled her in the parking lot?
Bran had been there for her more than she gave him credit—feeding her, loving her, calling her his. Yes, he’d fucked up, but Ireland had assumed the worst as soon as Bran had taken a mental step back. When he’d had what probably equated to his career and the careers of his brothers hanging over his head.
He deserved a second chance.Theydeserved a second chance.
Ireland’s chest warmed for the first time since that awful night at Bran’s house. She shook with excitement and trepidation, because no matter what, love was a leap of faith. But if Bran was willing to try, it was worth it.
The door opened—and closed just as quickly. But not before Bran squeezed himself inside the bathroom.
Ireland spun around, her heart racing. “Wh-what are you doing here?”
“Came to find you.” He stretched his neck, his face strained. “I’m sorry about that out there. I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but Adam was dead wrong. He hasn’t heard all the details of the police investigation into James, and I couldn’t listen to him spew bullshit. You’re an incredible worker, and smarter than the five of us combined.”
Ireland stared at his strong jawline at eye level, then moved up to sincere blue eyes. “You put me first.”
“I’ll always put you first.”
Ireland jittered with emotion. She reached for the lapels of Bran’s jacket and jerked him close, kissing him before he could say another word.
It took Bran all of a millisecond to react, and then he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back.
He lifted his mouth just above hers. “What was that for? Not that I’m complaining.”
“You had it coming.”
“Using my words now?”
Bran had explained away the kiss on the boat all those weeks ago by telling her she’d had it coming. “They were good words,” she said.
He lowered his mouth to hers and slid one hand to her ass, squeezing her rear over the silky, asymmetrical dress Cali had picked out for the bridesmaids. “Did I mention how beautiful you are in this dress?”
She grinned. “You like? Does my description make more sense now?”
“Nope. But it wouldn’t matter what you wore. You’re beautiful in everything—though naked is my preference.”
“Were you serious out there? About trying again?”
He leaned back and looked into her eyes. “I was an idiot. Don’t hold that against me. I love you, Ireland, and I want us to work.”
Her face spread into a wide smile. Love was reckless, but there was no one she’d rather be reckless with than her not-so-monk-like boyfriend, who did his best to take care of the people he loved. Ultimately, Bran’s heart was in the right place, and that was what mattered. “I want us to try again as well.”
He closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath. “Thank God.” He kissed her, and Ireland wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
She slid her hands up the back of his strong neck where the skin was soft, her fingers clinging to his silky hair. “I have an idea.”
“Hmm,” he said, and continued to kiss her lips, nipping here and there and mapping out her ass with his hands.
She assumed his one-syllable utterance meant, “What did you have in mind?”
“You know how we’ve always been interrupted in bathrooms and offices?” she said.
His hands stilled on her ass.
