Nonstop (Open Skies #3) - Becca Jameson Page 0,63

entire package. What if they realized in a few months that they weren’t as interested in each other as they felt like today while things were so fresh and new?

Bex was far too skittish to commit to even one part of Bracken’s proposal. She needed time, and he was giving it to her, so there was no reason to panic.

His reassuring hand landed on hers on top of her thigh as he drove, squeezing, letting her know he was there, that he cared a fuck of a lot, that he wasn’t going anywhere, that he meant every word.

She turned her gaze to him and drew in a long breath. Bracken was fine. There was indeed no reason to panic, nor did he expect her to return his sentiment. She even sort of understood why he’d said all of that. He’d laid out all of his cards so she would know. It couldn’t have been easy for him. He’d put his heart out there.

As soon as she fully grasped there was no pressure here, she smiled and released a deep breath. This trip was going to be filled with memories. Hopefully, it would be the start of a lifetime of memories that would fill dozens of photo albums for years to come.

For now, all she needed to do was relax and let Bracken show her the sights. He had an itinerary all lined up. It was going to be an amazing trip. She would let her problems go for the time being. When they got home, then she could face her emotional and financial problems. Not today. Not this week. Not while Bracken was offering her the universe.

Chapter 24

The next seven days were some of the best in Bracken’s life. He didn’t mention their future a single time, and neither did Bex. He was relieved she was able to put aside his lengthy confession and enjoy herself. He was equally glad to be able to spend every moment of every hour proving to her that he was the entire package.

When they got back to Dallas, he drove them straight to his house, not mentioning her condo. After unpacking and doing a few loads of laundry, Bex came up behind him where he sat at his desk going through emails. She wrapped her arms around his neck from behind and set her chin on his shoulder. “I’m going to go home for a bit, spend some time with Shayla and the rest of the girls. I feel like I need to connect with them.”

He spun around and pulled her between his legs, hands on her hips, meeting her gaze. “Okay. I’m sure it will be good for all of you. Will you be back later tonight?”

She gave a slight shrug. “Not sure. Might sleep there tonight.”

He nodded and then pulled her closer to kiss her gently. His heart was flipping over inside with worry. Maybe it was unfounded, but he couldn’t be sure. She wasn’t saying enough. It was possible she simply needed to connect with her friends. He totally understood that. But was she putting space between the two of them?

Even if her goal was to take a step back, he had to respect that too. She had a lot on her mind. He needed to butt out and let her process things. What he’d dumped on her a week ago was a lot. If he pressured her, it might backfire on him.

He rose and walked her to the door, noticing she had packed a bag. She still had some clothes and things at her condo, but it made him nervous to see her taking that much stuff with her, as if she wasn’t sure when she might come back. He shouldn’t read into it. She would need her toiletries and a few clothes. Maybe more of her stuff had migrated to his house than he realized.

He slid his hands into her hair and cupped the back of her neck. When she tipped her head back, he forced himself to remain calm. “Call me if you need me. I know reuniting with your friends will be emotional.”

She nodded and leaned into him. “I will.” She rose up onto her tiptoes and kissed him. “I’ll keep you updated.”

And then she was gone.

Bracken flinched when the door shut behind her. The house was suddenly too quiet. Lonely.

He was beyond nervous. Something about her departure seemed wrong. As if she had no intention of coming back.

As he headed back to his office, he pulled