Inherited: Instant Family by Judy Christenberry Page A

shows!”
    “No.”
    “Then how did you know it’s not on tonight?”
    “My mother used to watch it.”
    He seemed to retract physically. “I’m sorry.”
    “It’s okay. Really. I can’t pretend she didn’t exist. And I’d much rather remember the good things.”
    Brad said he understood.
    It wasn’t long before he took the exit for Golden.
    “Brad, you’re making me feel guilty.”
    “Why?”
    “Because you’re taking me up to the mountain.”
    “Yeah, but it’s what I want, too.”
    She didn’t complain again.
    When he parked, he came around to open her door. As she got out, he took her handand shut the door after her. Then he led her to the bench they’d occupied earlier.
    When they were seated, she tried to withdraw her hand. But Brad held on to it. After a few minutes, he brought her hand to his lips again.
    “What are you doing?” she whispered. Somehow, sitting in this place made one speak softly.
    “Kissing your hand.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I like to. Because I like the feel of your hand.” He kissed it again. “Because I think you’re very sweet and thoughtful. And because I believe you’re strong for your brother and sister and because I want to be strong for you.”
    He kissed her palm this time, then up to her wrist.
    If a gentle, harmless kiss like this could make her heart race and her mouth dry, what would a real kiss from Brad Logan do to her?
    * * *
    Brad didn’t know how much longer he could wait to kiss her. Really kiss her.
    He’d been on his best behavior the whole trip, gentlemanly and respectful. He even made sure he had her back to the motel by ten o’clock. He would’ve liked to stay out later, but he wanted her to get enough rest.
    But when he took her to her room, he couldn’t hold off any longer. He bent down and tasted her lips.
    It was a little longer than a peck, but not enough to worry her. He hoped.
    He remembered when he’d first seen Sarah. He’d thought she was a careless mother, risking her children for no reason. But as her true story had come out that night, he’d found himself more on her side.
    By the time they’d left home on Monday morning, he knew he was attracted to her. But Mike and Nick had warned him against flirting with her.
    So he hadn’t flirted. He’d been honest. And supportive.
    He hoped that was helping.
    It was killing him.
    It was eight-thirty when he knocked on her door the next morning. She opened it at once.
    “Yes, I’m starved,” she said before he spoke.
    “Good morning. Are you hungry?”
    “Smart-aleck,” she said with a grin.
    “Yes, ma’am. Right this way.” He smiled to himself. Each morning she seemed a little more relaxed. This morning, she obviously thought he’d waited too late to go eat. Tomorrow, he figured she’d be knocking on his door.
    They ordered bacon and eggs, and when he finished, he sat there watching her eat. She looked up and raised her eyebrows. “Is something wrong?”
    “Nope. I was just enjoying watching you eat.”
    “I eat the same way you do.”
    “Nope. You’re a delicate eater.”
    “You’re making me nervous.”
    “Sorry. I just like to look at you.”
    “Brad! You’re not behaving yourself.”
    “Are you going to tell Nick?”
    She blinked several times. “Why would I tell Nick?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
    Though she gave him a suspicious look, she finished her breakfast silently.
    “Ready to go, or do you need to go back to the room?” he asked.
    “I’m ready to go.”
    “Will we see you two tomorrow?” the waitress asked as she took Brad’s money. “It’s not often that we get honeymooners!”
    Sarah turned bright pink.
    “Yeah, we’ll be in tomorrow, too.” Brad took Sarah’s hand and pulled her out after him.
    “Why didn’t you say something?”
    “Because the lady didn’t mean anything by it. She was just being friendly.”
    “But we don’t have rings on.”
    “Don’t worry about it, Sarah. They don’t know anyone in Sydney