When Wesley finally relaxed, I realized that his eyes had never left mine. Our bond was deeper than ever, our relationship forever changed. Our lips found each other again, and this time our kiss was soft and tender, his hand coming up to stroke my hair and to cup my face. Wordlessly, he smiled and rolled to the side, keeping our bodies pressed together as he pulled me into his chest. He held me for a few long, silent minutes, and before I realized what was happening, tears began to form in my eyes.
“What’s wrong, Robin?” Wes asked.
“I’ve loved you for years, Wes,” I said as his eyes were still shimmering at me. “I just don’t think I realized it.”
I’d realized my feelings for him ever since the crash, and my emotions were whirling inside me. I stroked his face, chuckling inside at the feeling of his day’s growth of beard. It wasn’t like he’d had time to shave, after all.
Before he could respond, I added, “Wes, we both almost died yesterday. And the thought that went through my mind as we crashed was that my only regret was that I hadn’t loved you the way I know I do. The only relief I had was that if I was going to die, I was going to die in your arms. So when I woke up this morning and I felt you pressed against me, I wasn’t going to live in fear any longer. I realized that life is too short, and I don’t want to have any regrets.”
Chapter 1
Wes
My pickup truck rumbled as it pulled into the half-mile long driveway that really should have been called a private road. Making its way slowly past the manicured bushes and trees of the multi-million dollar estate, the old truck looked out of place, like it belonged to the gardener or maybe a delivery man.
When I pulled in front of the main entrance and shut down, I sat there silently for two minutes before getting out. I had dressed in blue jeans and a simple black t-shirt, my standard casual wear. The black really contrasted with my skin, and I may have looked too plain and out of place, but I was comfortable walking across the crushed granite driveway and up the marble steps to ring the doorbell. The tone echoed through the large building before being answered by the tapping sound of dress shoes walking toward the door. The door opened, and a door butler who wore the seemingly mandatory facial expression of all butlers stood there.
“Master Wesley,” the butler said, a slight softening to his features coming over his face as he spoke. He had known me for years, and I think he kind of liked me. “You didn’t inform us of your arrival.”
“My flight just got in two hours ago, Winston,” I said, “and I didn’t think it would be worth it to disturb Father or Rebekah.”
“They are in the family room right now, sir,” Winston continued. “I think you will surprise them very much.”
“With that doorbell? I doubt it.” I laughed, walking through the foyer. Mounting the stairs to the second level, I appreciated that the decor changed from staidly palatial to a warmer, more intimate style, rich with wood tones and softer materials. At the far end of the second floor was the room I was searching for, a family room that looked very out of place for such an expensive house. With a regular sofa, television, and even a Barcalounger, the room looked more like it came from a suburban tract house than an estate. “Hey guys.”
“Wesley!” my stepmother, Rebekah Brandt, said, standing up to come hug me. “Why didn’t you tell us that you were coming home for a visit?”
“Because I just got back two hours ago,” I explained again, returning the hug. “Besides, I thought I’d surprise you.”
Releasing her and setting her back on her feet, I shook hands with my father. It’s weird; it’s not like he’s distant or anything, but there’s something about him that says he’s not the sort of man to exchange hugs with. I’m the spitting image of Gerald Brandt. Both of us stand six foot four, and while the middle age spread has started to affect his waistline, Father is still lean for his age and sports a large frame. “Father, it’s great to see you. I missed you both.”
“Welcome back, son,” he said. “Now kick off your shoes and have a seat on the sofa. Rebekah and I were just getting ready to watch something on Netflix. I already have the cheese and crackers ready, but Winston can get you something else if you want.”