Brad helped carry Breanna’s many bags of clothes into her apartment. The time spent with her today had been Heaven on earth. He couldn’t think of another time in his life when he’d enjoyed himself so much. Unfortunately, the day was drawing to a close, and soon he’d have to say good bye.

But before that happened, he had to change her mind about her so-called boyfriend.

She piled the bags on the floor by the couch before plopping down on the cushion and releasing a gush of air from her mouth. He set the bags in his arms down beside her and then joined her on the couch.

“Whew, what a day,” she exclaimed wearily.

“You can say that again. But we got so much done, so it was worth it.”

She nodded. “It was worth every minute.” She leaned her head against the back of the couch. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into getting all of those clothes.” Frowning, she rolled her head toward him. “And I can’t believe you won’t let me pay for them.”

“My treat.” He held up his hands.

“That’s not fair.”

He chuckled. “It was my privilege to do this for you, because you deserve it. Seeing the sparkle in your eyes and your smile made everything worth it.”

“Oh, Brad.” She sighed heavily. “I also can’t believe I wore clothes two sizes too large. Why didn’t I realize it?”

“I wish I knew.” But he really knew. It was her boyfriend, Tom. He was the one who controlled her. Brad would do anything to make her see that.

A small laugh erupted in her throat. “What will the girls at work think of me now?”

He rolled closer and drew his finger along her chin. “They’ll be happy that the real Tyger Breanna Loveland finally came out of her shell. If you’re happy with the results, they will be happy.”

“Oh, Brad. I wish everyone had a positive outlook like you do.”

“I was blessed, I guess.”

She laughed. “You were blessed with more than that.”

He could stare into her eyes all night, which was exactly what he wanted to do. He couldn’t let tonight end. “So what should we do next?” He pulled off the couch and stood.

“Are you kidding? You want to do more?”

A lot more, my dear. “Yes.”

“But aren’t you exhausted?”

“A little, but I don’t want this day to end. I’ve enjoyed my time with you today.”

Her smile softened. “So have I.”

He walked to the framed pictures lined on a shelf. Cade was in a few of the pictures. One was with her and Cade and they appeared much younger, like they were still in high school. They were with an older couple. Probably the people who adopted them.

His Tyger was a pretty girl, which of course is why she turned into a beautiful woman. A few other photos were of her and a man with mousy brown hair. He stood beside Tyger with his arm around her, and yet he didn’t smile. It appeared as if the man was irritated because he had to be in a picture. It was clear, however, that she didn’t start dressing differently until after meeting Tom.

“Oh, look how cute you were,” he said teasingly, pointing to the younger picture of her and Cade. “And look at your brother. I wouldn’t have recognized him at all.”

“Yes, that’s us right after we were adopted.”

“Is this your boyfriend?” He pointed to the one of her and Tom.

“Yes, that’s Tom.”

He kept silent for a few seconds, afraid to say anything about her boyfriend. He knew whatever words exited his mouth would not be kind. “Hey, I know what we can do.” He turned around and faced her. “Let’s have a little party tonight.”

She chuckled. “No, Brad. Although the party was fun the other night, I can’t have another one here at my place.”

“Why?”

“Because when Tom found out, he exploded.” The smile disappeared from her face. “And he’s right. I shouldn’t have let so many people into my apartment without his permission.”

“Are you serious?” Brad couldn’t bite his tongue any longer. “Tom doesn’t live here. This is your place. Breanna, this is your life. He shouldn’t be the one controlling it.”

Sadness encased her expression. Slowly, she lifted off the couch and walked toward him, stopping only a few inches away.

“No, Brad. Tom is my boyfriend. He’s the man I’ll marry one day.” A sob caught in her voice, so she cleared her throat. “He’ll be living here with me, so it’s only right—”

“Tell me you’re not seriously thinking of marrying this guy. He doesn’t treat you right, and you deserve much better.” Panic strummed through Brad, and a sense of urgency came over him.

“Brad, you have no right.” Her body stiffened. “You don’t even know him.”

“No, I don’t, but from what your landlord told me, along with some of the women at the magazine, I don’t need to know him. He’s a real jerk.”

“Tom and I have been with each other for five years,” she defended in a tight voice.

“And that gives him permission to tell you what you can wear and how you can look every day of your life? Does that give him permission to choose your friends, as well?”

Moisture gathered in her eyes and she blinked. “He’s only looking out for my best—”

“He’s looking out for him and only him,” Brad snapped. He grasped her shoulders. “Tyger, can’t you see he’s kept you wearing outdated, over-sized clothes for a reason? He knew how beautiful you were and he didn’t want other men to see it.”

A tear slid down her cheek. “Please, Brad. Don’t say that about him. You don’t know him.”

“I don’t want to know him, because I’d be tempted to slam my fist into his face for treating you the way he has.”

She choked on a sob and tried to pull away. Instead of letting her go, he pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her to keep her up against his body. She trembled, but she didn’t fight him.

“Don’t you see,” he said, kissing her forehead. “You are a woman who needs to be happy. You have so much passion, and he’s keeping you from expressing it.” He pressed his cheek against hers. “You need a man who will shower you with gifts. You need a man who will make you smile and laugh. Oh, my sweet Tyger, you need a man who will make you feel special, and beautiful... and loved.”

He placed his mouth on hers, coaxing her into a kiss. At first, she remained stiff, but the more he kissed her, the faster her body relaxed. Soon, she slid her arms up his chest and linked her fingers around his neck.

A soft moan came from her as she opened her mouth for him. He deepened the kiss, holding her tightly and showing her through the kiss, how much he wanted her. His chest restricted the longer they kissed, but he didn’t want her to choose Tom. Brad was right here. He wanted her to pick him.

Suddenly, she stopped and pushed against him, pulling out of his arms. “Brad, this is wrong.”

“No, Tyger, this is right.”

“Please...” She wiped away the tears in her eyes. “I can’t do this to Tom. I’m... so confused.”

Brad breathed slower, trying to think straight again. If she was confused, that could only mean she was pondering which man was right for her. That was a good thing.

“Fine, I won’t say anymore.” He walked to the door, but stopped before reaching it. He looked at her from over his shoulder. “My parents are having a dinner party this Thursday evening. I would love it if you would be my date. It’s at six thirty. Formal dress. If you change your mind about me between now and then, please consider keeping me company so I don’t go crazy alone with my family.”

“Sorry, Brad,” she said softly, “but I can’t cheat on Tom.”

“And you’d pick a man who treats you like leftover dog food than a man who treats you like a princess?” His voice choked, but he didn’t care. This particular subject upset him so much he wanted to scream.

“I’ve only known you for two days. I’ve known Tom for years. And... he has a decent job, and he’s settled. Who else would I chose?”

It was as if she’d shoved a knife through his heart. The pain of rejection was real, and it hurt more than he’d expected. Not knowing what else to say to convince her that Tom was wrong for her, Brad left her apartment with his heart around his ankles, not knowing if he could ever recover from this blow.