Page 68 of Freedom's Kiss
“She would kill the messenger, wouldn’t she?” He laughed again. “That’s all right. Michael’s coming next week as a surprise for her birthday, so I’m sure if we’re not forgiven by then, seeing him will smooth everything over.”
That piqued her curiosity. “Your brother is coming?”
“Yep. Didn’t I tell you? Prepare yourself to meet a true American hero.”
“First”—she held up a finger—“is this an official invitation to your mother’s surprise birthday party? And second”—she ticked off another finger—“I’ve already met a true hero.” She looked at him pointedly.
He shifted and glanced down at her with an expression of mock surprise. “You’ve met Steve Rogers? Or was it Peter Parker? Maybe Tony Starks?”
She met his eyes. Recognized that he was deflecting with humor. He might be good at running, but this time he had someone willing to chase after him. “Who needs those fantasies when I’ve got the real deal right here?”
His forced smile slowly froze. “Olivia, I’m not—”
She placed a finger on his lips, silencing his protest. “Yes. Youare. You’ve just got to remember, all those superheroes—Batman, Superman, whoever—they all get beat down a time or two, but that doesn’t strip them of their superhero status. You know why?”
Adam shook his head, her finger still pressed against his mouth.
She replaced it with her lips and kissed him, pulling back to stare into his eyes. “Because it’s who they are. Their drive to help others. Their calling. And you know what’s my favorite part in those superhero movies?”
“What?”
“The comeback.”
* * *
Lily:Summer just texted. Why didn’t you tell me you and Chef Hotty-Pants were cooking up some love?!?
Olivia:I don’t know whether to laugh or roll my eyes at you.
