Bracing his palms on his knees, Maverick moves to stand. He’s so tall, standing over six feet. He’s athletic, but whereas my brother is stockier from his time in football, Maverick is lean.
I can hear my heart pounding in my ears as he stalks toward me with a slight tic in his jaw. The closer he gets to me, the more my body comes alive with his presence.
“A little bold of you. Wouldn’t you say, Rebel?”
It isn’t the first time I’ve heard him use the nickname, but the tone in his voice is deeper. I can feel the words roll through me, crashing over me like waves as he stands close leaving only an inch between us.
I’m not able to think properly as I stare up at his gray eyes. They’re so dark, it’s almost like a storm is brewing in their depths.
Raising his hand up, he runs his knuckle along the soft skin of my shoulder as I force a step away from him. I need to gain some semblance of sanity, but the move causes his lip to curl in a small grin.
“You have nothing to say now? I didn’t think that was possible.” His quiet chuckle does crazy things to my heart.
“Aren’t you supposed to be leaving now?” I retort, hating how he can look so unaffected knowing the way he’s making me feel.
“Yeah, I am. Are you sure it’s what you want though?”
He presses the palm of his hand against my hip as he moves to step closer in the narrow hallway. I’m standing so close to the wall, I know there’s plenty of room for him to pass by.
His thumb lightly traces my exposed skin, as he takes a step around me. His body is pressed against mine, bringing us closer than we’ve ever been.
The move forces the air out of my chest and I know he can feel my body tremble beneath his touch.
“I didn’t think so,” he whispers against the shell of my ear.
As soon as he passes by me and the bathroom, he glances back at me. His eyes travel down to where my chest heaves with every struggled breath before looking back up at me. Flashing me a wink, he turns and walks down the hallway and out the front door without another word.
Holy shit.
Want to read more? Click here to download Torn for free.
Other Books by Brooke O’Brien
Heart’s Compass Series
Where I Found You
Lost Before You
Until I Found You
Now That I Found You
Tattered Heart Duet
Torn
Tattered
Learn more and purchase your copy at:
www.authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke
Acknowledgments
My Boys –I love you more than anything on this earth. Everything I do is for our family.
Mom, Gram, & Ash – Thanks for always being supportive of this journey. You’ve pushed me to go after everything I want in life. Love you!
To my AMAZING beta readers – Elizabeth, Ana, Ashley, and Cheryl. Thank you for reading Graham & Halle’s story before anyone else, for your honest feedback, and helping me make their story better. I’m so grateful for you! <3
My Rebels Babes – I flove being able to connect with all of you in my Reader Group. I feel like I’ve found a place where I can share with you my triumphs and crazy ideas, as well as catching up with you about everything going on in our daily lives. I’m so grateful to have all your support. To my Release Launch Rebels, thank you for being a part of this one. I’m excited to hear what you think of our man, G.
Kate Jessop – What would I do without you? I don’t want to find out. Thank you for being there for me when I need to brainstorm an idea or tell me it’s going to be okay when I need to hear it.
Ana Quinn – I’m giving you two shout outs because YOU DESERVE IT. Thank you for being there for me, for listening when I need it, for checking in and pushing me when I need the extra shove in the right direction.
Melissa Pötgens – Girl, I’m so thankful for you. You’ve stuck by me since the beginning, cheering me on every step of the way and loving my characters as much as I do. Thank you for being you. For EVERYTHING!
My editor, Roxane LeBlanc. I always enjoy working with you. Thank you for being honest, patient, and so very helpful to me.
My proofreader, Julie Deaton. You have a fantastic eye for detail, and I appreciate all your help in getting this book polished off. Thank you for everything!
Najla with Najla Qamber Designs, you are so incredibly talented and blow me away with your work. Thank you for designing the most beautiful cover.
To Ena with Enticing Journey, thank you for your support and helping me promote my work. I’m forever grateful!
#SquadPod – My girls in the Squad Pod for your support. I’m so glad I found this group and have you all to help me navigate this crazy journey. I hope you know I got all your back.
Lastly, to all the fantastic bloggers and authors who have shown me support throughout this journey. I hope you know how grateful I am for every one of you.
About the Author
Brooke O'Brien is the Author of the Heart's Compass series and the Tattered Heart duet.
Growing up Brooke always had a love of writing; she started out writing poetry when she was young and began journaling her thoughts as she grew older. Diving headfirst into a good book has always been therapeutic for her. Now her two passions have collided.
Brooke believes you can cure any bad day with chocolate or by going on a long drive with the windows down and the music turned up! She's found that's when her characters talk to her the most! If she's not reading or writing, you'll probably find her spending time with her family and friends, watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball, going to the movies, or collecting signed paperbacks.
She LOVES to interact with readers! Keep in touch with Brooke by following her on Social Media and join her exclusive Reader Group:
www.authorbrookeobrien.com/followbrooke
Copyright
Now That I Found You: A Heart’s Compass Novella
Copyright © 2019 by Brooke O’Brien
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permissions of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which has been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Visit my website at www.authorbrookeobrien.com.
Cover Art and Interior Formatting © Najla Qamber, Najla Qamber Designs
Cover Photo © iStock
Edited by Rox LeBlanc, Roxs Reads
Proofread by Julie Deaton, Deaton Author Services
Now That I Found You: A Tortured Heroine Standalone Romance (Heart's Compass Novella) Page 8