Page 94 of Bad Boys After Dark - Brett
“I’m still seeing the therapist,” his father said. “It’s been a process, building up to do what you had the courage to do today. To apologize. I didn’t think any of you would accept an apology from me. Too little too late. I’ve been putting off reaching out and trying.” His mouth twitched, as if struggling over what might come next. “Another weakness of mine, avoiding failure.”
Failure? Brett hadn’t thought his father even knew the meaning of the word. What else did he have wrong?
“But you’re here, Brett,” his father said. “And you’re more of a man than I could ever be. I’m sorry, son. I’m sorry I wasn’t the father you and your brothers deserved. Or the husband your mother deserved, and I’m sorry we lost Lorelei.” His jaw tightened, just as Brett’s already was. “But I hope your being here means it’s not too late for us to salvage some kind of relationship.”
Brett nodded, for fear that if he tried to speak, the tears he’d been holding back for decades might break free. His father took a tentative step closer, and the boy who’d lost his sister, his father, and the family unit he’d once counted on bullied his way through, closing the distance between them and stepping into his father’s open arms.
Chapter Twenty-One
“I’M GOING TO become a pro at this,” Sophie said as she tossed a piece of popcorn into the air and dove to catch it in her mouth Sunday afternoon. “Darn it!” She bent at the waist, wearing Brett’s favorite cutoffs, the ones he usually tore off her the minute he noticed them, and tried her best to get Brett’s attention. But he was busy making two different types of dip. She hadn’t even known he could make toast, much less dip.
Brett’s eyes shifted to her for only a second, then back to the vegetables he was cutting, which was how she knew her badass boyfriend was a nervous wreck. He hadn’t yet told his brothers that he’d invited their father to stop by and watch the game with them. He’d found out that Carson and Tawny were bringing Adeline, and he’d been worried ever since. He didn’t want there to be any trouble in front of his niece, but he also didn’t want to cancel the invitation, especially since his father had said he wasn’t sure he was ready to see everyone, and he might not even show up.
She ran her hand along Brett’s side and kissed the back of his neck, hoping to distract him and help him relax before everyone arrived. She went up on her toes and whispered in his ear, “What other secret talents do you have?”
He smiled and tossed the vegetables into a bowl, then set to work crumbling bacon.
“That looks delicious.” She moved beside him, her back to the counter, and picked up a carrot. “I do love having things in my mouth.” She slid the carrot between her lips and moved it in and out. “Mm.”
He cleared his throat, his jaw clenching. She ducked under his arm, moving in front of him, and lifted his shirt, kissing her way up his tense muscles, slowing to suck the spots she knew drove him wild, over his ribs, and around his nipples.
“Play with me,” she said between kisses. The song on the radio changed to “Love Me or Leave Me Alone” and she swayed seductively, rubbing her body against him.
His arms stilled as she sang about magic between them and his eyes finally met hers. She ran her hands along his thighs, singing about him loving her or leaving her alone, and his lips curved up in a lecherous smile. He swept her into his arms, holding her tight as they danced across the kitchen floor, and he showered her with tantalizing kisses. When he deepened a kiss, a groan rumbled up his throat, sending her girly parts into a celebration. They danced around the island, and he clutched her hips, holding her tight. Passion brimmed in his eyes. She loved the way he looked at her as he lifted her up and set her on the counter with a predatory stare.
“They’ll be here any minute,” he said, running his hot, rough hands up her thighs.
She palmed his hard length through his jeans and said, “Then we better be quick.”
“Fuck,” he growled. “Sophie…” He lowered his mouth to her neck, sucking hard enough to kick off the celebration in her panties. “You know I can’t resist you.”
