To Bring You Back: a Contemporary Christian Romance by Emily Conrad

Author:Emily Conrad [Conrad, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781736038819
Publisher: Hope Anchor LLC

17

Adeline went on tiptoe to reach her arms around John’s shoulders for a hug.

“See you around.” He lifted her off the ground for a moment. “I’ll send the car back for Gannon.”

He nodded to Drew, who hovered by the dining table, then left.

Drew bumped the table, which he’d lingered to help clear. “You look tired.” His tone was flat.

She certainly didn’t feel tired. Her pulse buzzed, a mixture of excitement and guilt she hadn’t experienced since the night she’d gone to that party looking for Gannon. That night, their relationship had been nothing more than hints and a wild crush, and here she was again.

But whatever happened, they would not repeat their mistakes. Experience had been a harsh teacher.

At the door, she thanked Drew for all the work and bid him good night.

Back in the living room, Bruce lay curled in his bed in the corner.

Gannon stood at the wall, studying a painting she’d done on a piece of plywood. He’d either ripped the sleeves off his T-shirt or had bought it distressed that way. Whatever the case, she had a full view of his tattoos.

The detail in the lion made it a work of art. On his other shoulder, a tree burned with orange flames so realistic they looked painful. A simplified version of that design had marked the cover of their first album. He also had a compass on the side of his calf, exposed by his knee-length shorts.

No cross, which would’ve been the first tattoo she would’ve guessed he’d have. Perhaps one spanned those broad shoulders?

Before he could turn and catch her staring, she stepped up next to him. The painting he studied was nothing more than swirls of blues and yellow with a touch of pink here and there. He’d know she’d painted it by the initials in the corner. What did her simplistic art look like to him? What kind of art did he have in his house?

“Inspired by the lake?”

“A happy accident, but that’s what it reminds me of too.”

Nodding, he turned, eyes focusing on the front window.

The sheers had been pulled, but not the curtains themselves. She kneeled on the couch, drew the curtains in case photographers remained outside, and turned to sit.

He took a place next to her, angled so their knees were an inch or two apart. “I hope you don’t mind that I came. You said something about the paparazzi losing interest if they didn’t see us together, but I didn’t get the feeling that was what either of us wanted. Not at that price.”

“Even if they write about us like we’re a couple?”

“I never said I minded that.”

Hadn’t he?

No, not directly. She’d assumed, based on his tone.

She smiled. She couldn’t help it.

A smile played at Gannon’s mouth too. “What I don’t want is you in the middle of a media circus you want no part of. The opinions and rumors can get nasty.”

“Like the ones about you and Harper.”

“Exactly.”

“Well. I’m more concerned about the reality than the rumors.”

He didn’t break eye contact.

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