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“You’re making it real hard to keep my walls up,” she admitted, a small smile playing at her lips.

“Good,” he said, that confident grin back in place.Brooks squeezed her hand. He could be patient. Could be her friend, her protector, whatever she needed. But they both knew this was just the beginning.

His smile said everything.

“To new beginnings then.” He raised his glass.

“To new beginnings,” she echoed, clinking her glass with his.

Brooks smiled. The way she was looking at him told him she wasn’t as convinced about “just friends” as she wanted to be.

Their food began to arrive pausing the conversation. He watched her bow her head and begin to pray. He decided to do the same. Brooks bowed his head, exhaling slowly before murmuring under his breath.

“Lord, I don’t do this much, you know that. But if you listening… keep your hand on her. Give her peace. Clarity. And if it’s in the cards, let me be what she needs. Oh, and uh… thanks for the food too. Amen.”

He glanced up just as Taylor finished, her eyes flickering open to meet his. She tilted her head, curiosity dancing on her face.

“You prayed,” she said softly, surprised.

Brooks smirked, reaching for his fork.

“Yeah.” Taylor blushed and smiled. This is what he meant about sharing worlds. It could be simple, it could be big. He didn’t care, he just wanted her attention and time.

He hadn't expected her to break him open like this. Brooks was used to bodies, not souls—being the escape, not the sanctuary. But she touched something inside him he thought died with his mama. And that terrified him. If she could get that close, she could leavejust as deep a bruise.

She was worth the risk.

As they left the restaurant, Brooks couldn't help but replay the evening's highlights—her eyes closing in pleasure at the first bite of Paella, her laugh deepening with each glass of wine, her fingers lingering against his.

Now, watching her walk ahead to the car, the sway of her hips in that dress tested every bit of his restraint. He'd promised himself he'd take it slow, but watching her ass move like water had him questioning all his good intentions.

“Taylor Bradshaw, that walk should come with a fuckin warning label,” he whispered, his voice rough as he helped her into the car. She looked up at him, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe. He shook his head before closing the door.

Taylor settled into the leather seat, mind warm with wine and possibilities. She couldn't remember feeling this alive in ages. Brooks had leaned in when she spoke of running the hospital someday, his eyes lighting up at her dream of Rome—unlike Tyree, who'd always been half-present, more interested in his phone or the bottle than her dreams.

Tyree left her waiting. Brooks made her feel like the main event. That was evident. Helen Keller could see that.

She didn’t have to worry about that now, she was riding shotgun with a man who celebrated her without even knowing he needed to. And that was dangerous in all the best ways.

“You always know exactly what to say,” she said softly, watching him slide behind the wheel.

The drive was quiet and comfortable, both of them lost in thought about what this night meant, what it could lead to. Brooks gripped the steering wheel tighter, fighting the urge to rest his hand on her thigh. He knew he’d find some heat there. But he’d meant what he said about taking it slow.

“I had such a good time tonight,” Taylor said softly as they stepped out of the car.

The walk to Taylor’s door felt like sweet torture, Brooks fought the urge to pull her close with every step. That Tom Ford perfume was doing something to his senses, making him want to bury his face in the crook of her neck and breathe her in. He envisioned her body melting, morphing to match with his body. She was the perfect shape, thick in the places that mattered. But it was her eyes that truly had him mesmerized. Those warm brown pools held an innocence he’d protect at all costs.

The motion sensor lights clicked on around her, casting a glow over her face, yard and driveway.

She paused, looking around. “Brooks...”

“I couldn’t do that basic ass Ring setup,” he cut in gently. “I had a friend install a full system while we were out. Motion sensors, Flood lights, and cameras covering every angle. Something to help you sleep better at night.”

“I keep expecting simple gestures from you, a bag, a necklace, and you go for gold.” Taylor blinked, taking it all in. She glanced at the small, barely visible cameras, then back at him.

“We grown.” He shrugged. “Why would I get you a bag when you need peace of mind?” He questioned causing her heart rate to slow down.

“I’ll sleep better knowing you’re protected. Everything feeds straight to an app on your phone. The code 0926, the instructions should be inside.”