Page 58 of Clear Blue Sky

It had hardened him, but Brandi changed everything.

She loved as fiercely as she fought for what was right. She was kind, smart, and could hold her own in any situation. She made him want all the things he either thought he couldn’t have or shouldn’t want.

He lifted her by the thighs, and she straddled his waist as he stumbled to the bedroom. He grappled with her clothing, needing to feel her skin under his fingertips.

He was desperate to be inside her, giving her pleasure. His muscles shook as he entered her body, thrusting hard.

Her nails dug into his back and her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, encouraging him to forgo all the nuances of lovemaking. Everything about this encounter was raw with the sole purpose of getting lost in the sex.

But there was an underlying sense of love that couldn’t be denied.

It was so profound that when her climax slammed into his, he was momentarily blinded. His lungs burned as he tried to take in a deep breath and couldn’t. Holding her against his chest, he welcomed what being in love meant.

Now he had to muster the courage to say the words.

14

Nelson rolled to the side and reached for his cell.

“What time is it?” Brandi brushed the hair from her face. “Who’s calling?”

“My dad and it’s five in the morning.” He kissed her temple. “Go back to sleep.” He swung his legs to the side of bed and found his pants. “Hey, Dad,” he whispered.

“Sorry, it’s so early.”

“No worries.” Nelson tiptoed to the patio and sat on the chaise lounge. He put the cell on speaker and stretched out his legs while he checked his messages.

Since the last time he checked, Reese had texted once, letting him know that Marcus had a boat reserved for six.

That made it harder for everyone to keep track of him.

“What did you find out?” Nelson asked.

“Why don’t you come open the front door, let me in, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Shit.” Nelson jumped to his feet. “You’re here?”

“Both Mom and I just pulled into your driveway.”

“Give me two minutes to get dressed.” He tapped the red button and raced back through the sliding glass door, tripping over the track. “Fuck.” He grabbed his foot and hobbled to the bed, landing on the corner of the mattress.

“What’s wrong?” Brandi asked.

“My parents decided to grace us with their presence.”

“Excuse me?” Brandi sat up, clutching the sheet across her naked body. Her blue-green eyes widened with a combination of fear and shock. “You mean they are in the house?”

“They will be when I go unlock the door.” He glanced at his big toe. No damage, except to his ego. He stood, ignoring the sting.

“This is going to be an awkward first meeting.”

“You can stay in here and hide if you’d like.”

She tossed a pillow at his ass. “Do they even know about us?”

He lowered his chin. “Brandi, of course they know.” He headed toward the hallway. “They don’t know that I’m in love with you and that will come as a shock.”

“What did you just say?” Brandi’s voice went up an octave.

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