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She should’ve felt relaxed. At peace. Wanted.

But her thoughts wouldn’t sit still.

“You good over there?”

Brooks’ voice drew her from her thoughts. Taylor turned to find him lounging on the couch, his robe hanging open to reveal his chest. His eyes held that steady warmth she was coming to depend on.

When he’d offered to fly her out, he hadn’t hesitated to cut his celebration short, hadn’t thought twice about changing his plans. His boys understood. Nothing mattered more than having her here, secure with him.

“Yeah,” she said softly, moving to join him. “Just thinking.”

“About your folks?” He lifted his arm, and she settled against him naturally, it felt like they’d been doing this forever.

“Mmm.” She traced patterns on his chest, gathering her thoughts. “You know what hurts the most? They didn’t even ask if I was okay. Just jumped straight to disappointment.”

Brooks’ hand found her hair, stroking gently. “That’s some bullshit.”

“Right?” She agreed with a laugh, but it was hollow. “But I stood my ground. I just wish I didn’t have to.”

“I’m sorry, baby.” His arms tightened around her. “But you know it’s not your fault. I hope you ain’t carrying that.”

The way her parents had dismissed her pain made something dangerous stir in Brooks’s chest. He’d never harm her parents, but he was ready to change his mind about letting Tyree continue to exist.

She shifted to look up at him. “I don’t even care what they think. And that’s new for me. I mean, it hurts, yeah. I know I did all I could and then some. But sitting here with you, being able to just... breathe? I’m ok, and I’ll be ok.”

Brooks studied her face for a long moment before leaning over and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’ll see to it.”

“Thank you for flying me out here. For the flowers, dinner, all of it. But mostly just for caring about me.”

“Always gonna care about you,” he murmured. “Always gonna be here when you need me.”

“I might need you for a while,” she whispered, snuggling closer into his chest.

She wouldn't spend this trip looking backward or worrying about what awaited her back home. Instead,she’d savor every moment, every touch, every glance Brooks gave her and trust herself enough to enjoy it fully. If this was wrong why did it feel so right.

Brooks smiled against her hair. “Good thing I ain’t going nowhere.”

He held her tighter, breathing in the scent of her body wash and lotion. Having her here, felt like a blessing he still wasn’t sure he’d earned. He didn’t spend too much time worrying about it, he wasn’t foolish, there’d be no wasting his blessing.

Together in a city far from their pasts, they’d choose each other without apologies, without conditions.

Chapter 16

Taylor woke up to the weight of Brooks’ arm draped across her midsection, his cologne lingering on the hotel pillows. The sky was soft and pale beyond the windows, early light creeping across the bed. They were so high in the air no one would see them, the blinds didn’t need to be drawn. She took him in. He was perfect in every way

In sleep, his features softened, jaw unclenched, brow smooth. Vulnerable in a way she suspected few ever witnessed. Her eyes traced the ink decorating his skin. Names etched near his heart: “Forever my Lady” with his mother’s beautiful face above it. Her finger hovered above a script on his ribcage she couldn’t quite make out, but she was tempted to touch.

“Good morning,” Brooks rumbled, his morning voice rough, eyes still closed. But the corner of his mouth lifted, giving him away.

Taylor smiled, caught. “Good morning.”

His lips curved into a smile as he pulled her closer, burying his face in her neck. “Appreciate all you want, beautiful.”

“What’s the plan for today?” She asked.

Brooks opened his eyes, dark and intense as they swept over her face. “First, room service. Then I’m taking you shopping and to lunch.”

“Shopping?” Taylor propped herself up on oneelbow. “Brooks, you don’t need to spend a bunch of money on clothes. I have clothes.”