Nonstop (Open Skies #3) - Becca Jameson Page 0,57

her jaw. “I can see your mind working. Don’t worry about Shayla. She was with Raeann. They’re friends. They work together often. They were flying back to Dallas together, and I told Raeann to stay at our condo with Shayla.”

He blew out a breath. “Good.”

“Christa and Libby will pick them up at the airport. They’ll be fine.”

Bex obviously had a great deal of confidence in her friends, but she looked incredibly less certain about herself. She looked tired. Defeated.

Bracken rolled her onto her back so that he could easily look down at her, facing her directly. He hovered over her. “Tell me what you’re thinking, baby. I can see your mind running too fast.”

She sighed. “I’m thinking that my life is a hot mess. I’m wondering what the hell I’m going to do for work. I’m wondering how long I can hide in your arms and pretend the world isn’t continuing to revolve while neither of us works.”

He stroked her cheek again. “I told Tank earlier today that I need some time off. He fully understands. My job will still be there when I’m ready to return. As for you, I hate that you’re concerned about working. I know you think our relationship is too new for any kind of commitment, and maybe under ordinary circumstances you would be right, but we’re not living in ordinary times.

“For one thing, we’ve spent more time together since we started dating than many married couples do in months. For another thing, we’ve lived through some intense situations and come out on the other side together every time. I’m not going to freak you out with words you’re not ready to hear or say, but know that in my mind, we’re a unit. I waited a lot of years to find someone I meshed with as well as you, and I’m not giving you up, so you need to get used to having me around.”

She never took her gaze off him, so he continued. “I don’t give a fuck about you having a job. We’ll sort that out when you’re ready. In the meantime, I have your back. One hundred percent. All I want you to worry about is healing your mind so that you can live a long and healthy life filled with laughter and goodness.”

She chewed on her bottom lip, a tear sliding down her cheek. “Okay.”

He closed his eyes, set his forehead against hers, and drew in a long deep breath. This was his idea of winning. One step at a time.

Chapter 22

Bex was stressed when they arrived at his parents’ house. Meeting new people was difficult one day after dealing with terrorists. Plus, she was worried about them liking her, approving of her.

She needn’t have worried for a moment. Bracken’s mother, Joan, met her with a huge hug the moment she stepped out of the rental car. She then took Bex’s cheeks in her hands and met her gaze. Her expression was warm and so caring. “You poor dear. I’m so glad you’re here. You can rest now. Relax and take the time to recover. What an ordeal.”

Bracken’s father wasn’t as talkative as his wife, but he was equally kind. He clapped Bracken on the back and immediately put Bex at ease. “Come on inside. You two must be exhausted.”

It wasn’t even noon yet. Bex and Bracken had taken their time that morning, not getting out of bed too early nor rushing. The drive to his parents’ home had only been an hour.

Bracken unloaded their bags from the trunk, handing one to his father’s outstretched arm. He took Bex’s hand in his and led her into the house.

It was a sprawling ranch. They stepped into an enormous living room but then passed through to an even larger great room that stretched along the back of the house. One end was the family room. In the center was a long butcherblock kitchen table. And to the right was the kitchen.

It was warm and inviting, but what took Bex’s breath away was the view. It was exactly as Bracken had described. The entire back of the house was windows that led to the sloping, lush green backyard. Large trees were scattered around the property. All of this led down to the water. “Wow. Gorgeous,” Bex murmured as she wandered closer to the windows.

Bracken set his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to her ear. “It’s so peaceful, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“Come on.” He grabbed her hand, opened the door, and tugged her outside.

She