Page 88 of Bad Boys After Dark - Brett
Brett cleared his throat in an attempt to move past the emotions clogging it.
“You’re right,” Dylan said. “Dad’s softened since the fundraiser, so maybe it’s not a bad idea. I’ll go with you, too, but don’t expect miracles.”
“If he and I both come out of the room alive, that’ll be a miracle,” Brett said, shifting uneasily on the couch. “But I need to go alone. With you guys around I’ll feel caged, and I either won’t say what I want to say, or I’ll blow up. I appreciate the offer, though.”
Mick stewed in silence.
“Mick, I’m doing this for me and Sophie, not just for Dad.”
“I was there, Brett, remember? I saw and heard everything he did. You are not to blame for a damn thing.” Mick cracked his knuckles and leaned forward, elbows on knees. “I get why you’re doing it, and I’ll admit that Amanda and I talked about my doing the same thing.”
“I don’t want to talk, Mick. I need to do this for my own sanity.” Brett leaned closer to him, holding his gaze, and said, “You know Sophie wants kids. How can I be a good father if I still resent my own?”
Mick put an arm around Brett and pulled him closer. “I get it, brother. I should do the same.”
“How about we see if I survive first?” Brett cleared his throat again as the girls came into the room, and he pulled Sophie down beside him. He kissed her, then whispered, “Missed you.”
“What were all the serious faces about? Is Brett worried he isn’t going to survive coupledom?” Tiffany teased as Dylan pulled her down on his lap.
Brett kissed Sophie again, already feeling more at ease, and said, “Survive it? I’m going to be Sophie’s great love story.”
SOPHIE HAD WONDERED if things would be weird around Brett’s family now that she and Brett were a couple, but the girls were as excited about them as she was, and his brothers acted like they were a given. The afternoon flew by amid laughter and smart-ass banter as they watched the football game. It wasn’t so different from watching football with her own family, except that Brett’s brothers and sisters-in-law were kissing and touching as much as she and Brett were. Love resonated off of each couple, but Brett’s love felt more intense, like she was a million times more important than the football game or anything anyone else said. He was constantly whispering in her ear about what he’d like to do to her later and running his hands along her leg. She spent the entire football game hot and bothered, and the darkness of Brett’s eyes told her it was exactly what he’d hoped for. Two could play at that game, and she made a mental note to torture him next time they were around her family.
He brushed her hair over her shoulder and whispered, “You. Me. Bathroom.” Then he whipped out his phone and pulled her in for a selfie. She was sure her cheeks were bright red. He took another picture, kissing her smack on the lips this time. All three of his brothers looked over. As if he couldn’t have cared less, he put his hand on the nape of her neck, drawing her cheek to his, and whispered, “You on the bathroom sink, me on my knees. Meet you in there.”
Lust seared through her.
“Selfies?” Dylan said with wide eyes. “Never thought I’d see the day when you took selfies.”
Brett held Sophie’s gaze, his eyes simmering with heat.
“Leave him alone,” Tiffany said. “You always complain that he’s not in touch with his feelings. Now he is.”
“I’ve always been in touch with my feelings, just not the girlie ones Dylan is in touch with.” Brett squeezed Sophie’s hand and said, “I was thinking, how about if Sophie and I host football next weekend? Is that all right with you, Soph?”
“Yeah, great.” She loved the idea of hosting the get-together. Maybe then we can sneak into your bedroom…
“Really?” Carson asked, snapping her from her fantasy.
“Do you even know what hosting means?” Dylan teased. “Do you have enough plates and silverware for more than one person?”
Brett scoffed and pushed to his feet. “I’m going to use your bathroom instead of smacking you in the head. You can apologize when I get back.” He blew a kiss to Sophie and headed down the hall.
