into my palms as my tension returned.
“I did.” His handsome features firmed. “I’m not going to back out. My mind hasn’t changed. I want to make this work with you and me. But I have no experience with relationships. I told you about that at the beginning. And in your brother’s mind, there’s some doubt about my sincerity with me withholding information from you.”
“Cork.” I swallowed hard and turned my gaze to him. My eyes stung as his met mine. He was doing this out of love, but he was going to ruin this for me.
It hit me hard, the similarities in recent circumstances for both of us. I’d had to give Cork the freedom to make his own choice about being in OB Hardy, come what may, and he needed to do the same for me regarding my relationship with Journey.
“This is my decision. I don’t need you to protect me from Journey.”
“You need someone to protect you from you.” Cork’s gaze narrowed. “You’re too trusting, and far too often sell yourself short. You did that with Saber. I’m afraid you might be doing the same thing with S— Journey.”
Softening my voice, I said, “I love you, love that you’re looking out for me. You’re my brother and Journey’s friend. I know you think you have perspective and the right motivation to interfere with us, but you don’t.”
Even seeing in his eyes the hurt my words produced, I powered on. I rarely shut Cork out of any aspect of my life, but in this instance, I had to. Even if deep down I knew it was unwise, and that I might only be delaying getting hurt.
“Journey and I decide what happens in our relationship. Not you, not anyone else.”
Cork’s jaw tightened. “Dad would want me to protect you.”
“Dad isn’t here,” I said as my eyes filled.
“I think you’re making a mistake,” he said softly.
My lips trembled. “If so, it’s my mistake to make, and you’re going to have to respect that.”
I didn’t like being at odds with my brother. Did he know Journey’s secret? It seemed like he did, and knowing it, he feared it would end my relationship with Journey. Both of them did.
“This isn’t the way I wanted things to start for us.” Journey stood and came toward me, his expression soft, his eyes like freshly tilled earth with brilliant shoots of green. “But I can work with what I have. I will work with anything, through anything, whatever I must to have you.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
My life wasn’t simple. I came with a lot of complications, but Journey was recognizing that and saying I was worth the effort. His words were exactly what I needed to hear, at just the right time to make me feel secure. I’d never felt worthy or secure while with Saber.
“No thanks necessary.” Reaching for me, Journey brought me into him. He wrapped his strong arms around me, and I slid mine around his slim waist.
Laying my cheek against his chest, I breathed him in and absorbed his warmth. In his embrace, my reservations melted away. Something that felt this right couldn’t be wrong. Journey cared about me, and I trusted in that. It wasn’t a lie.
“You mentioned things you have to do today.” Journey’s voice rumbled into my ear. His thumb under my chin, he lifted it and eased back to gaze down at me.
“Yes. Ash’s place first to take care of his plants. Then the studio for a launch party, and bartending at the Deck Bar to end my day.”
Journey’s dark brows rose. “That’s a lot, babe.”
“It’s a typical day for me, except for the special event at Outside.”
Those paid a lot. I suspected Ash overcompensated me. But I counted on those extra jobs from him and my tips at the Deck Bar. Though neither were givens, those extra funds paid for food, electricity, and all the additional stuff beyond the rent for Cork and me.
“Will you eat breakfast with me before you get started, my treat at the diner downtown?” Journey asked. “I demanded before, and I apologize for that. But if you can fit me into your schedule, I’d like to spend some more time with you.”
“Sure, that would be nice.” I nodded, my heart melting from his gentleness, and my stomach grumbling as if to make its affirming vote heard.
“Cork, how about you?” Journey asked, shifting to face my brother. “I’d like you to come with us. After breakfast, you and I can head to the