Chance Encounter (46 page)

“While I was working my ass off to recover...” Brennan shook his head. “No, even before my injury, my career came before my family. I was a bad husband and an even worse father.

“My wife never meant for our son to die. She wanted a divorce—very rightly, I might add—but because she couldn’t talk to me or trust me, she chose an avenue that had devastating consequences. At the beginning, I blamed her for everything. And though it was poor judgment on her part, I was the catalyst. My lack of maturity and utter selfishness drove her to do what she did.”

Brennan tried to swallow, but the gigantic lump in his throat prevented the action. His voice, thick with emotion, rasped out, “And our beautiful son paid the price.”

Feeling as though he’d run a marathon at warp speed, Brennan worked hard not to collapse in his chair. Not that he minded showing his vulnerability. Hell, he’d just bled himself dry; pride was the last thing on his mind. However, he knew Mooney would have follow-up questions, and he needed to be able to answer coherently.
 

“That was a…surprisingly candid statement, Brennan. Few people, especially men, would have the courage to confess their sins, much less take full responsibility for their weaknesses. Is there a specific reason you’re doing this now?”

He had known that would be asked but had hoped it would come later. Still, his answer would not change. Damned if he would tell a reporter that he was hopelessly in love with Kacie Dane before he told her himself.

“That’s a question I won’t answer. Do you have more?”

A small smile played around Mooney’s mouth, as if he had guessed what Brennan’s answer would be. However, all he said was, “Oh yes, I most certainly do.”

The questions went on for almost an hour. Why had he walked out in the middle of an important game? Did he not appreciate the thousands of fans who believed in him? Why should anyone believe what he said now after all these years of silence? If he could say one thing to those people who still doubted him, what would it be?

Other than that first one, Brennan gave open, honest, and sincere answers to all of Mooney’s questions.

He knew this interview wouldn’t be a cure-all. He’d pissed off too many people, burned too many bridges. A hero had fallen, and some people would never forget their disappointment or forgive Brennan’s disgrace. However, this had been his best hope. He loved Kacie with every ounce of his being. He also knew she loved him. And because of her love and incredible selflessness, he knew if it came down to it, she would willingly sacrifice her career to be with him. He didn’t want her to do that. Spilling his guts and laying open his soul on the altar of public opinion was a small price to pay to be with the woman he loved.

Chapter Forty-five

When the doorbell rang, Kacie knew a small moment of concern. It couldn’t be Brennan—he had a key.
 

Skylar and Gabe were staying at Mr. James’s estate tonight. Noah and his LCR team, with the exception of Brennan and Gabe, had already left the city. Any other person visiting would need to be approved by her before being allowed up. So who was at the door?

She brushed off the paranoia. Not only had building security been overhauled, but she knew that Brennan, Noah, and Gabe had personally met with the building owner. From now on, security would be a helluva lot tighter.
 

Still, she was no fool to just answer the door without checking the peephole. Seeing Brennan on the other side of the door gave her a start. He still had a key to her apartment, didn’t he?

Opening the door, she was about to ask that very question when a giant bouquet of red roses appeared from behind his back.

“Oh my, what’s this?”

“It’s occurred to me that I have never wooed you.”

Something that felt like optimism made her heart leap. Laughing her delight, she took the flowers and sniffed them appreciatively. “I don’t believe I’ve ever been wooed by anyone before.”

“And no one deserves it more.” He paused for a second and said, “Can I come in?”

“Oh. Yes, sorry.” She backed up, and he walked inside. Closing the door, she breathed in the delicate scent of roses.
 

“I’m just not used to such a lovely gesture.” She might have received numerous gifts of flowers and other things through the years, but none had ever meant more to her.

“Then I’ll just have to make sure you have many more.”

She lowered the flowers and took in his appearance. His words held a significance she needed to get her head around. Her first thought was he looked tired. Tension lines around his mouth and eyes said he’d had a stressful day. Even his broad shoulders seemed to droop a bit. Her gaze went back to his eyes, and she revised her opinion. Yes, he looked tired, but his eyes told a different story. Had she ever seen such peace in them before?
 

“That sounded almost like a promise.”

A small smile curved his mouth. “Almost? Then I’ll have to do much better. It was definitely a promise.”

No longer able to wait, she steeled her spine and braced herself, hoping she hadn’t misinterpreted his meaning. “You’re staying?”

“If you’ll have me.”

With a squeal of joy, she threw herself into his arms. As they closed around her, she peppered his face and neck with kisses. He was doing the same, kissing her everywhere he could reach.

She pulled slightly away from him and met his eyes. They shared a moment more intimate and revealing than any words, touch, or sexual act could convey. In that look, she told him what was in her heart. Her love, devotion, trust, and total commitment were his.
 

Brennan’s eyes revealed the same, and then he took it a step further. “I love you, Kacie Dane. I am in awe of your courage and your incredibly tender heart. The way you live your life. The way you love the people in your life is an inspiration. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, showing you exactly what you mean to me.”

No one had ever said more beautiful words. None could ever mean more to her. And she had to give him her own.

“And I love you, Brennan Sinclair. I love your kindness and your nobility. Your strength makes me stronger. Your gentleness makes me feel treasured. Not a day will go by that I don’t thank God for bringing you into my life.”

She didn’t expect to see tears from this big, strong man who had more courage than anyone she’d ever known. But they were there, and she pressed her face against his, mingling their tears.

Then he kissed her. His mouth moved tenderly, softly against hers as they sealed their devotion and commitment. As inevitably as the tide rises, so did their need. Kisses turned ravenous, demanding. Words had confirmed their commitment. Now their bodies would, too.

Clothes dropped to the floor. Brennan took the flowers she still held in her hand and placed them on a table.
 

“I probably should put them in water.”

His smile sexy, his eyes hot, he shook his head slowly. “They’ll be fine for a few minutes.”

She grinned. “So this is only going to last a few minutes?”

Bending her slightly backward in his arms, muffling his laughter against her skin, Brennan kissed a soft, fragrant spot between her neck and shoulders. “I’ll try to hold out a little longer, but…” His hands cupped her silky, firm ass. “My need is quite fierce.”

“As is mine,” she whispered.

Words stopped, replaced by gasping moans from Kacie and low groans from Brennan. She tasted like every sweet, precious dream he’d ever had…and had given up on. This beautiful, vulnerable, incredibly strong woman had changed his life.
 

He slid on the condom he’d snagged from his pocket. Then, lifting her in his arms, he growled, “Wrap your legs around my waist and hold on tight.”

The instant she complied, Brennan thrust deep into her and almost lost complete control. So wet…so hot…so damn tight. Taking a few steps to his right, he carried her to the large leather chair in the living room and dropped down into it. When her knees hit the cushion, he went even deeper, and they both groaned.

Easing her slightly away from him, he checked her face for signs of fear or shadows. It had only been a few days since her abduction, and though she insisted she was fine, damned if he would be the cause of the darkness returning. Instead of doubts or fears, all he saw was heat, need, and happiness.

Reassured, Brennan cupped her breasts in his hands, suckled one and then the other. With a moaning sigh, Kacie arched her back, giving him greater access. Never had he seen anyone lovelier or more sensual.

When he could no longer wait, could hold out no longer, he grasped her hips and pulled her up until just the tip of his cock was inside her, then he dropped her. Her eyes widened on a gasp, and she spasmed around him. Unable to hold back any longer, Brennan held her down on him and exploded inside her.

They were both gasping for air as they recovered. Then, without warning, Brennan barked with laughter.

“What?” Kacie asked.

“Did that even last a minute?”

She laughed softly. “We’ll try for two next time.”

Unable to stop caressing her, kissing her, he pulled her tightly against his chest. Never had he felt such contentment, such completion. He didn’t want to move from this spot. Holding Kacie, staying inside her sweet, giving body, was his idea of heaven on earth.

A stomach growled.

“Was that yours or mine?” she asked.

“I think it was both. Apparently, they’re talking to each other.”

She leaned back in his arms and grinned at him. “Can you understand what they’re saying?”

“I think mine said it would love Chinese.”

“Oh really? How did mine respond?”

“It was kind of a mumble, but I think it said something like, ‘Kung pao chicken sounds damn good to me.’”

She gasped. “My stomach curses?”

“Yeah, but only when it’s really hungry.”

“Then I guess we’d better feed it.”

Talking nonsense with Kacie was more fun than any day he’d ever spent on a football field winning games. More than aware that he was grinning like an idiot, Brennan kissed her quickly again. “I’ll order the takeout.”

“While you do that, I’ll put my flowers in water. Then…I guess we need to talk.”

“Something wrong?”

“No, I just want to talk to you about something.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her nose. “Guess I need to tell you something, too.”

She met his eyes, revealing a flash of vulnerability. “But we’re okay…here? This is for real?”

“This is for real.” Cupping her head in his hands, he leaned his forehead against hers. “This, my love, is forever.”

Epilogue

It was standing room only in the small auditorium. Kacie had chosen this elegant venue for a reason. There was nothing clandestine or cheap about the news she would impart. And she’d nervously and jokingly said that if things went sour, they could just have a cozy dinner party.

Beautiful beyond belief, she stood at the podium on the small stage. Never had he seen such poise, grace…or more courage. Never had he been more proud of anyone in his entire life.

He had wanted to be up there with her, to hold her hand, lend his support…something. But she’d just given him that sweet smile he adored and said that she needed to do this on her own. Still, as she waited for the crowd to quiet down, her eyes met his. In that one look, he tried to convey everything that was in his heart. All the love, all the devotion, all the support he could. No matter how this went down, he knew he had never known anyone braver.

The last few days had been a whirlwind of activity. The article on his interview first appeared in the
Times
, and then was picked up by every news outlet from New York City to Bangladesh. He doubted the news spread so wide because it was his story, believing it had more to do with the shock value. Not too many former celebrities were willing to cut themselves open and bleed themselves dry in the media.

The article had been met with a surprising—at least to him—compassion. Having lost faith in most people, especially himself, he hadn’t expected a lot of sympathy or understanding. Especially when he didn’t deserve it. But Kacie had thought differently, predicting that when his story was finally told, public opinion would rule in his favor. He was okay with good press, but that hadn’t been why he’d opened up. And his plan seemed to have worked. So far, nothing negative had been printed or reported about Kacie because of her engagement to him. That was all that counted.

And now she was about to reveal her own secrets, her own pain. Brennan swallowed hard as emotion surged up his throat. This beautiful, caring woman, who would soon be his wife and someday the mother of his children, was about to bare her soul.
 

Everyone of consequence in Kacie’s life had been told what she would reveal. Every single one of them had voiced their total support. Julian Montague had added to his previous support, offering to donate a portion of every Kacie Dane sale to the Kacie Dane Foundation.
 

Kacie’s voice came loud and clear through the speakers, catching everyone’s attention and successfully quieting the crowd. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. I have a brief statement and then will take some questions.”