Breanna didn’t know why she was playing with Brad’s emotions this way. She knew what he wanted, and one day, she would want the same thing. Just not tonight. Tom had hurt her not only physically but mentally, and she needed to get over her feelings. Brad was the right man for her, not Tom, but she still should heal before she gave her heart and body to the man she loved.

“I would love for you to take care of me, even though it’ll be a first since nobody has ever taken care of me before.” She stroked his sexy trimmed goatee. “However, as much as I would love to see your bedroom again, maybe it’s too soon to become that close with you.”

A frown marred his face, but there was a twinkle in his eyes that let her know he was playing along with her teasing. “Why did I know you were going to say that?”

She chuckled. “After what I’ve been through with Tom, don’t you agree with me?”

“Yes, you’re right. But we can still cuddle, can’t we?”

“Of course. I’d be very upset if we didn’t.”

His wide smile returned. “That’s all I ask for right now.”

She moved away from him and stood. “I’ll go pack a few things.”

He nodded and rose to his feet. “And I’ll try to fix your door enough so it can stay closed tonight. I’ll get someone here tomorrow to repair the damage.”

“You know, now that I think back on it, you did look rather gallant busting through the door, ready to pounce on Tom.”

“I’ve never been so angry in my life.”

“Me, neither, but...” She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Why didn’t you just open the door?”

Brad threw back his head and laughed. She loved hearing him this way. Not only did she fall more in love with him, but she had more self-confidence in herself. Brad made her feel like an interesting woman. No other man, especially Tom, had made her experience such elation.

She leaned up and kissed him briefly on the lips. “I won’t be long.”

“Good. I’m anxious to get you somewhere safe.” He wagged his eyebrows. “And maybe bring a swimsuit. We’ll take advantage of the pool and spa.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

* * * *

BREANNA DIDN’T WANT to awaken. Brad’s bed was so soft, so cozy, and still held his masculine scent of musk and spice on his sheets and pillowcase. But she needed to get out of bed. She’d been through a lot in the past twenty-four hours, but she needed to rejuvenate and get on with her life.

She climbed out of his large bed and walked into his adjoining bathroom. When she glanced at herself in the mirror, she gasped. I look a mess! She quickly ran her hands under the faucet and dampened her hair. Then she ran her wet fingers underneath her eyes to remove the black makeup smeared there. Her cheek held the proof of Tom’s anger. Tenderly, she touched it and flinched. Hopefully, the pain would leave soon.

Leaving the bathroom, she glanced around the room, searching for the suitcase of clothes she’d brought to stay the night. She needed to change out of these clothes since she’d slept in them, even if it had only been two hours of sleep.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed Brad’s closet door was open. Hanging next to his clothes were hers. She smiled as her heart skipped a beat. He was such a thoughtful man. How did she get so lucky to find him in her miserable world? But she wasn’t going to question fate. She’d accept it wholeheartedly.

She quickly changed into another dress he’d purchased for her when they’d gone shopping. This one was made of green spandex, and fitted her figure like a glove – or closer, actually. The collarless dress had short sleeves, and three buttons that trailed down the bodice. The hem hit her just above her knees. When she slipped on her black heels, she couldn’t help but feel like a model. Then again, Brad had a way of making her feel that way.

She left the bedroom and wandered down the hall. The house seemed quiet. Then again, with the noise from her heels clicking on the hardwood floor, perhaps that drowned out any sounds going on downstairs.

Just before she reached the stairs, one of the bedroom doors opened and a man stepped out. To keep from running into him, she stopped suddenly. The man’s eyes widened as his gaze moved all over her, from the top of her head, down to her black heels. Although she’d never met him, she knew this was Brad’s brother, Corey. His hair was a lighter brown and shorter, but he still had Brad’s sparkling blue eyes, and his handsome face.

He grinned, and just like Brad, he grinned more out of one side of his mouth.

“You must be Breanna... or Tyger.”

She nodded. “I’m Breanna, but Brad calls me Tyger.”

“I’m Corey.” He held out his right hand in greeting.

She shook it. “Nice to finally meet you.”

He glanced up the hallway toward Brad’s room before returning his gaze to her. “Are you staying with Brad now?”

“Just for tonight. I’ve had a terrifying twenty-four hours.”

Corey’s smile disappeared. “Yes, my dad told me what happened. I’m glad you and my brother made it out of the warehouse alive.”

She nodded. Apparently, he’d not heard about the situation with Tom, but she wasn’t going to enlighten him. That part of her life she wanted to forget. “Yes, Brad and I were blessed, that’s for sure.”

He motioned toward the stairs. “Were you heading downstairs for dinner?”

“Uh, well... I didn’t know it was dinner, but I was going down to find Brad.”

His full smile returned. “You must join us for dinner, then.”

“Your family has been so kind to me. I don’t know how to repay you all.”

He flipped his hand in the air. “There’s no need to repay us. Any woman who can tolerate my brother and still love him for his faults is a good person in my eyes.” He winked.

Breanna’s cheeks warmed. He winked like Brad, too. “Your brother has been a godsend to me. I don’t know where I’d be without him.”

Silence stretched between them as they headed down the stairs. Since meeting Brad, she felt awkward if people were quiet around her. Funny, since she used to enjoy silence. “Brad tells me you have your own computer business.”

“Yes.” His face brightened. “A chain of them, in fact.”

“You must be very successful.”

He shrugged. “I’m trying to be like my old man except in a different field.”

She laughed. “Well, it sounds like you’re on your way.”

“I certainly hope so.” He smiled. “I’m glad to know you’re as sweet as my brother has talked about.”

Her cheeks heated once again. “Actually, it’s your brother who is sweet.”

“I’m sure he’s that way because of the woman he’s with.”

Breanna didn’t think he was hitting on her, but he was definitely a flirt like his younger brother. “If I had met you somewhere else, I’d know immediately you were Brad’s brother.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Really? How?”

“You have the same charm.”

As they reached the bottom of the steps, Brad moved around the corner and blocked his brother. Brad wore a scowl as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“I figured you would try hitting on Breanna when I wasn’t around,” he snapped.

Corey’s harsh expression matched his brother’s. “Are you kidding me?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Brad’s face beamed red.

Corey shook his head. “You really think I’d flirt with your girlfriend?”

“I don’t have to think, brother dear. I heard you just now.”

“So what are you going to do about it, brother?” Corey folded his arms.

“You aren’t even going to deny it, are you? You really want to steal the woman I love.” Brad’s voice rose.

“Why can’t you let the past rest?” Corey asked. “We aren’t in high school any longer.”

Breanna didn’t know what to do. Obviously, Brad hadn’t gotten over feeling jealous of his older brother. She wanted to correct Brad, but she didn’t dare. Tom had taught her to hold her tongue or feel stupid afterwards because of his mean words.

“I think we need to take this argument outside,” Brad snipped.

Breanna’s heart dropped. She must say something no matter what Tom had taught her. She didn’t like the sparks shooting out of Brad’s eyes. She stepped next to Brad and grasped his hand, linking her fingers with his. “Brad, Corey, there’s no need to take anything outside.” She met Brad’s gaze. “I met your brother in the hallway as I was coming out of your room. We chatted. That’s it, and that’s all there was to our conversation.” Brad inhaled and opened his mouth, but she placed her hand over it and smiled. “And, if you want to know what we were discussing, we were talking about you and how much I love you.”

The tightness in Brad’s face disappeared the longer he stared at her. Soon, his mouth lifted in a smile. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Corey answered for Breanna before she could. His attention moved to her and he added, “Please forgive me if I offended you. That’s not what I wanted at all.”

“You didn’t offend me at all, Corey.”

He threw Brad a glare before walking out of the room.

She slid her hands up Brad’s muscular chest and linked her fingers around his neck. “Brad, I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

He kissed her briefly before shaking his head. “No, it was my fault.”

“Why do you still think your brother wants to steal your girlfriends?”

Brad blew out a heavy breath and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

“It happened a couple of years ago. Corey was married, and he and Melissa were here for a family dinner. After the meal, I decided to take a dip in the pool and so did Melissa. I don’t know why she was hitting on me. I thought she and Corey were happily married. But she kept getting bolder with her flirtations, and soon, she had me pinned to the wall of the pool. Before I could convince her to move, Corey walked in and saw us.”

Breanna held her breath. Why would that woman do such a thing to her husband’s brother? “Wh-what happened then?”

“Melissa blamed it all on me, of course, but she hurried and left the pool. Before Corey left, he threatened me. He said one of these days he’d take away the woman I loved. And since you are the only woman I love...” He shrugged.

“Oh, Brad. You can’t possibly think your brother was trying to take me away from you.”

He nodded. “Yes, that’s what I thought.”

“Your brother probably said those things to you out of anger.” She stroked his soft goatee. “I’ll admit, Corey has your charm, but believe me, there is no way I’m going to give you up so easily.”

Brad grinned. “That’s good, because look at what we went through to get to this point.”

“Exactly. But I think you should talk it out with your brother. All he needs is to understand what really happened in the pool. I think he’ll believe you.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes. It’ll be better if you work things out with him now. The longer you go without talking, the further apart this will pull you. And believe me. You don’t want that.”

“You are right. I’ll talk to him later. Besides, how can I deny you anything when you look at me with your hypnotic eyes?”

Her heart skipped. She loved this feeling. Going with her instincts, she placed her mouth on his for a slow kiss. Brad’s lips were so gentle, and so very fervent. She could kiss him all day long and not get tired.

When the kiss ended, Brad groaned, and placed his face in the crook of her neck. “You are wonderful, my sweet Tyger.”

“No, you are.” She kissed the side of his head.

He pulled away and took her hand in his. “Dinner isn’t quite ready, so until it is, will you go for a walk with me?”

“Of course. Lead the way.”

He led them out the back door. They passed his mother’s flower garden, and Brad picked her a red rose. She took the flower and brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply.

“Thank you,” she said.

“I love watching your eyes when I give you flowers. They practically dance with happiness.”

She chuckled. “That’s because they mean so much when you give them to me.”

He took her hand again and walked them toward the maze. She grinned. She didn’t need to make a wish at the well. Her wish had already come true. What more could she want now?

He stopped at the entryway. “Do you trust me to get you through this without getting lost?”

“I don’t believe we were lost last time, were we?”

He laughed. “No, we weren’t, but I don’t know who turned the lights out. That wasn’t planned. Although, I’m glad it happened.”

“Me, too.”

Brad took Breanna inside the maze. Tonight wasn’t dark, yet, and so it was easier to see everything. The hedges were neatly trimmed, and a few spots along the way flowers grew with the bushes, giving the air a fragrant scent. Another thing that was different was that she wasn’t panicked. She didn’t feel closed in at all. Then again, she knew what to expect this time.

When they reached the center, he stopped them beside the wishing well. “Look familiar?”

“Of course.” She sighed. “Too bad it’s not dark.”

He wagged his eyebrows. “Close your eyes, my lady, and your wish will be granted.”

Her heart skipped. Apparently, he wanted to go back to playacting again, just as they’d done that night in front of the pictures.

Following his suggestion, she closed her eyes. Immediately, his arms slipped around her waist as his chest pressed against hers. She held tightly to his shoulders. Within seconds, his mouth captured hers. Sighing with happiness, she relaxed and allowed the passion growing inside her to take control. Her mind became dizzy with excitement, but that wasn’t anything new since she felt this way every time they kissed.

When he deepened the kiss, she slid her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She’d always enjoyed the way he kissed her so tenderly, with so much emotion, and now she could actually feel the love he had for her. She hoped he could feel what she was experiencing as well.

The kiss was like a burning furnace, heating up her mouth and spreading like wildfire throughout her whole body. She released a throaty sigh, meeting his passionate kisses.

She didn’t know how long it lasted. All she knew is that they floated to paradise and back. But soon he slowed the kiss and pulled back. His dreamy eyes told her how satisfied he was.

“Oh, my sweet lady. You surely take my breath away.”

She knew how he felt since she was having a hard time breathing right now. She threaded her fingers through his short hair. “And you, my lord, know how to make my heart and soul melt with passion.”

He traced his fingers along her mouth. “Your lips, my sweet lady, were made for kissing.” He moved his fingers up to her eye lids. “And your mesmerizing eyes were made to beckon me further with my seduction.”

She grinned, but didn’t say anything.

He took her left hand and brought it to his mouth where he kissed each finger. “Your delicate hands are so soft, like rose petals. They were made especially to calm me by just your touch. We haven’t really known each other for very long, but I feel as though we were made for each other. I have every inch of you memorized, and I wouldn’t change one thing about you.”

He placed kisses on her fingers again, but lingered on her ring finger. “And this finger, especially,” he caressed it lovingly, “was made to wear the proof of my love and devotion – for now and always.”

Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, and she caught her breath. Was he saying what she thought?

Brad reached into his pocket and withdrew a small, black velvet, square box. He opened it to reveal a large star diamond with sprinkles of little diamonds surrounding it. Tears gathered in her eyes as a lump formed in her throat.

He knelt on one knee, still holding her left hand. “Countess Tyger Breanna Loveland, my lady. My heart has just one desire and that is to be your soul mate throughout all time. Would you make me the happiest man in the world and agree to become my wife?”

Breanna was speechless. Literally. She hadn’t expected this. But what he’d said made sense. They might not have known each other for very long, but her heart has been telling her since their first meeting that this was the man who would make her happy all the time. This was a man who would love her unconditionally. This was a man she always wanted to be with.

The sun was setting on the horizon, bringing shadows everywhere. The lights decorating the maze appeared like diamonds were sprinkled on everything.

She moistened her dry lips. “My lord, Brad Montgomery. It is indeed my pleasure, and my honor, to accept your proposal. You, my lord, have made me the luckiest woman on earth, and now you make me the happiest. My love has grown higher than the tallest tree and is deeper than any ocean. My love will surround you like fresh air that surrounds sunshine and like fragrance surrounds flowers. There is no other man I want to grow old with, because you, Brad Montgomery, are a wonderful man, and yes, the sexiest one alive.”

Brad’s eyes misted as he took the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. “Tyger, with this token of my affection, I promise to love and honor, and make you happy for the rest of our lives.”

She chuckled. “And I, my lord sexiness, plan to hold you to all of your promises.”

He stood and took her back in his arms. “How did I get so lucky to find you?”

She shrugged. “It was bound to happen, you know.”

“It was?”

“Yes. We were made for each other. I believe that now more than ever.”

“I believe it, too.”

He kissed her again, and within seconds, her mind floated to paradise again. Nothing else mattered in the world because they were in love and together. Forever.

THE END