“And no one deserves it more.” He paused for a second and said, “Can I come in?”
“Oh. Yes, sorry.” She backed up, and he walked inside. Closing the door, she breathed in the delicate scent of roses.
“I’m just not used to such a lovely gesture.” She might have received numerous gifts of flowers and other things through the years, but none had ever meant more to her.
“Then I’ll just have to make sure you have many more.”
She lowered the flowers and took in his appearance. His words held a significance she needed to get her head around. Her first thought was he looked tired. Tension lines around his mouth and eyes said he’d had a stressful day. Even his broad shoulders seemed to droop a bit. Her gaze went back to his eyes, and she revised her opinion. Yes, he looked tired, but his eyes told a different story. Had she ever seen such peace in them before?
“That sounded almost like a promise.”
A small smile curved his mouth. “Almost? Then I’ll have to do much better. It was definitely a promise.”
No longer able to wait, she steeled her spine and braced herself, hoping she hadn’t misinterpreted his meaning. “You’re staying?”
“If you’ll have me.”
With a squeal of joy, she threw herself into his arms. As they closed around her, she peppered his face and neck with kisses. He was doing the same, kissing her everywhere he could reach.
She pulled slightly away from him and met his eyes. They shared a moment more intimate and revealing than any words, touch, or sexual act could convey. In that look, she told him what was in her heart. Her love, devotion, trust, and total commitment were his.
Brennan’s eyes revealed the same, and then he took it a step further. “I love you, Kacie Dane. I am in awe of your courage and your incredibly tender heart. The way you live your life. The way you love the people in your life is an inspiration. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, showing you exactly what you mean to me.”
No one had ever said more beautiful words. None could ever mean more to her. And she had to give him her own.
“And I love you, Brennan Sinclair. I love your kindness and your nobility. Your strength makes me stronger. Your gentleness makes me feel treasured. Not a day will go by that I don’t thank God for bringing you into my life.”
She didn’t expect to see tears from this big, strong man who had more courage than anyone she’d ever known. But they were there, and she pressed her face against his, mingling their tears.
Then he kissed her. His mouth moved tenderly, softly against hers as they sealed their devotion and commitment. As inevitably as the tide rises, so did their need. Kisses turned ravenous, demanding. Words had confirmed their commitment. Now their bodies would, too.
Clothes dropped to the floor. Brennan took the flowers she still held in her hand and placed them on a table.
“I probably should put them in water.”
His smile sexy, his eyes hot, he shook his head slowly. “They’ll be fine for a few minutes.”
She grinned. “So this is only going to last a few minutes?”
Bending her slightly backward in his arms, muffling his laughter against her skin, Brennan kissed a soft, fragrant spot between her neck and shoulders. “I’ll try to hold out a little longer, but…” His hands cupped her silky, firm ass. “My need is quite fierce.”
“As is mine,” she whispered.
Words stopped, replaced by gasping moans from Kacie and low groans from Brennan. She tasted like every sweet, precious dream he’d ever had…and had given up on. This beautiful, vulnerable, incredibly strong woman had changed his life.
He slid on the condom he’d snagged from his pocket. Then, lifting her in his arms, he growled, “Wrap your legs around my waist and hold on tight.”
The instant she complied, Brennan thrust deep into her and almost lost complete control. So wet…so hot…so damn tight. Taking a few steps to his right, he carried her to the large leather chair in the living room and dropped down into it. When her knees hit the cushion, he went even deeper, and they both groaned.
Easing her slightly away from him, he checked her face for signs of fear or shadows. It had only been a few days since her abduction, and though she insisted she was fine, damned if he would be the cause of the darkness returning. Instead of doubts or fears, all he saw was heat, need, and happiness.
Reassured, Brennan cupped her breasts in his hands, suckled one and then the other. With a moaning sigh, Kacie arched her back, giving him greater access. Never had he seen anyone lovelier or more sensual.
When he could no longer wait, could hold out no longer, he grasped her hips and pulled her up until just the tip of his cock was inside her, then he dropped her. Her eyes widened on a gasp, and she spasmed around him. Unable to hold back any longer, Brennan held her down on him and exploded inside her.
They were both gasping for air as they recovered. Then, without warning, Brennan barked with laughter.
“What?” Kacie asked.
“Did that even last a minute?”
She laughed softly. “We’ll try for two next time.”
Unable to stop caressing her, kissing her, he pulled her tightly against his chest. Never had he felt such contentment, such completion. He didn’t want to move from this spot. Holding Kacie, staying inside her sweet, giving body, was his idea of heaven on earth.
A stomach growled.
“Was that yours or mine?” she asked.
“I think it was both. Apparently, they’re talking to each other.”
She leaned back in his arms and grinned at him. “Can you understand what they’re saying?”
“I think mine said it would love Chinese.”
“Oh really? How did mine respond?”
“It was kind of a mumble, but I think it said something like, ‘Kung pao chicken sounds damn good to me.’”
She gasped. “My stomach curses?”
“Yeah, but only when it’s really hungry.”
“Then I guess we’d better feed it.”
Talking nonsense with Kacie was more fun than any day he’d ever spent on a football field winning games. More than aware that he was grinning like an idiot, Brennan kissed her quickly again. “I’ll order the takeout.”
“While you do that, I’ll put my flowers in water. Then…I guess we need to talk.”
“Something wrong?”
“No, I just want to talk to you about something.”
He pressed a quick kiss to her nose. “Guess I need to tell you something, too.”
She met his eyes, revealing a flash of vulnerability. “But we’re okay…here? This is for real?”
“This is for real.” Cupping her head in his hands, he leaned his forehead against hers. “This, my love, is forever.”
Epilogue
It was standing room only in the small auditorium. Kacie had chosen this elegant venue for a reason. There was nothing clandestine or cheap about the news she would impart. And she’d nervously and jokingly said that if things went sour, they could just have a cozy dinner party.
Beautiful beyond belief, she stood at the podium on the small stage. Never had he seen such poise, grace…or more courage. Never had he been more proud of anyone in his entire life.
He had wanted to be up there with her, to hold her hand, lend his support…something. But she’d just given him that sweet smile he adored and said that she needed to do this on her own. Still, as she waited for the crowd to quiet down, her eyes met his. In that one look, he tried to convey everything that was in his heart. All the love, all the devotion, all the support he could. No matter how this went down, he knew he had never known anyone braver.
The last few days had been a whirlwind of activity. The article on his interview first appeared in the Times, and then was picked up by every news outlet from New York City to Bangladesh. He doubted the news spread so wide because it was his story, believing it had more to do with the shock value. Not too many former celebrities were willing
to cut themselves open and bleed themselves dry in the media.
The article had been met with a surprising—at least to him—compassion. Having lost faith in most people, especially himself, he hadn’t expected a lot of sympathy or understanding. Especially when he didn’t deserve it. But Kacie had thought differently, predicting that when his story was finally told, public opinion would rule in his favor. He was okay with good press, but that hadn’t been why he’d opened up. And his plan seemed to have worked. So far, nothing negative had been printed or reported about Kacie because of her engagement to him. That was all that counted.
And now she was about to reveal her own secrets, her own pain. Brennan swallowed hard as emotion surged up his throat. This beautiful, caring woman, who would soon be his wife and someday the mother of his children, was about to bare her soul.
Everyone of consequence in Kacie’s life had been told what she would reveal. Every single one of them had voiced their total support. Julian Montague had added to his previous support, offering to donate a portion of every Kacie Dane sale to the Kacie Dane Foundation.
Kacie’s voice came loud and clear through the speakers, catching everyone’s attention and successfully quieting the crowd. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. I have a brief statement and then will take some questions.”
He watched as she visibly took a breath and then began. “Kacie Dane is not my real name. Almost four years ago, I legally changed it and created a new background and new life for myself.
“My real name is Kendra Carson. A little over five years ago…”
As Kacie continued with her revelation, she watched the sea of people around her. Most looked shocked. A few appeared on the verge of tears. She wasn’t doing this to gain sympathy and most certainly not more fame. This was all about the need to claim herself, be proud of who she was and what she had become, and show that healing was possible. She’d given her time and her money and put her famous name behind helping other abuse victims. However, she’d hidden herself. But now, thanks to the love and support of so many, she realized that had been a mistake. She had been a victim, and not because of anything she’d done wrong. Hiding had not been the solution.
Her gaze zeroed in on the man in the front row, the one who had not only made her see herself in a different light but had given her the courage to see this through. Before she met Brennan, she hadn’t realized she’d been living only half a life, hiding in the shadows, and never allowing the real person behind the famous façade to show. And because of him, because of his faith and love in her, she could reveal herself.
Brennan’s courage in giving his own interview to the press had gone well beyond anything she could ever have expected of him. But it hadn’t surprised her. From day one of their first meeting, Brennan had shown her what true courage looked like.
Now, every secret, every flaw would be revealed. Brennan’s confession had been met with a kindness and compassion that thrilled her. And no matter how today’s reveal went, she could never regret her decision. Her journey had been a long, often painful one, fraught with mountain peaks and the lowest of valleys. But she had survived. And whether she was Kendra Carson or Kacie Dane, she was happy and at peace with the person she had become.
She was too realistic to believe it would be all smooth sailing from here on out. Life wasn’t like that. But with Brennan Sinclair, her love and real-life hero, at her side, she knew without a doubt that together they could weather any storm.
Thank you for reading Chance Encounter, An LCR Elite Novel. I hope you enjoyed it.
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Other Books by Christy Reece
LCR Elite Series
Running On Empty, An LCR Elite Novel
Last Chance Rescue Series
Rescue Me, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Return To Me, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Run To Me, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
No Chance, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Second Chance, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Last Chance, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Sweet Justice, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Sweet Revenge, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Sweet Reward, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Chances Are, A Last Chance Rescue Novel
Grey Justice Series
Nothing To Lose, A Grey Justice Novel
Wildefire Series
Writing as Ella Grace
Midnight Secrets, A Wildefire Novel
Midnight Lies, A Wildefire Novel
Midnight Shadows, A Wildefire Novel
Acknowledgements:
Special thanks to the following people for helping make this book possible:
My husband, for his love, support, numerous moments of comic relief, and respecting my chocolate stash.
My mom, who patiently listened as I ranted and raved about stubborn characters and plot points that unravel.
My Aunt Billie and Uncle Marlin for once again opening their home on the river to me.
Joyce Lamb, for her copyediting, fabulous advice, and not giving me an exact number of ellipsis she deleted for me. Thank…you!
Marie Force’s eBook Formatting Fairies, who always answers my endless questions with endless patience.
Tricia Schmitt (Pickyme) for her awesomely beautiful cover art.
Reece’s Readers, my incredibly supportive and fun loving street team. Thank you for all that you do!
Anne Woodall, my first reader, who always goes above and beyond, and then goes the extra mile, too. You’re awesome!
Kara, Hope, Crystal, Alison, Kris, and Jackie, my beta readers, for reading so quickly, all the catches you guys made, and your great advice.
Linda, my proofreader, who did an amazing job and in an unbelievably tight timeframe.
And a very special thank you to all my readers. Without you, this book and all the others, past and future, would not be possible. You make my dreams come true!
Christy Reece is the award winning and New York Times Bestselling author of dark and sexy romantic suspense. She lives in Alabama with her husband, three precocious canines, an incredibly curious cat, two very shy turtles, and a super cute flying squirrel named Elliott.
Christy also writes steamy, southern suspense under the pen name Ella Grace.
She loves hearing from readers. You can contact her at [email protected]
Praise for Christy Reece novels:
“The type of book you will pick up and NEVER want to put down again.” Coffee Time Romance and More
“Romantic suspense has a major new star!” Romantic Times Magazine
“Sizzling romance and fraught suspense fill the pages as the novel races toward its intensely riveting conclusion.” Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Flat-out scary, and I loved every minute of it!” The Romance Reader's Connection
“A brilliantly plotted book. Her main characters are vulnerable yet strong, and even the villains are written with skillful and delicate brush strokes haunting your mind long after the book is done.” Fresh Fiction
“A passionate and vivacious thrill-ride! … I feel like I’ve been on an epic journey after finishing it.... Exquisite.” Joyfully Reviewed
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