The Valentine's Do-Over by Michelle Lindo-Rice

Author:Michelle Lindo-Rice
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-10-27T16:50:36+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Selena wasn’t buying Trent’s game face or the calm exterior he projected as he stood beside her, swaying to Pammie’s song. Selena was trained to read nonverbal cues. His flared nostrils. The jutted jaw. The slightly bunched fists. All signs that her barb had pierced him.

As it should.

Trent was the one who was scared of relationships and he was making the same assumption of his sister. Selena hadn’t missed his slip earlier. Or rather, his confession. He’d self-corrected but the truth once spoken was hard to retract. Or ignore.

The professional in her understood his reaction but Selena, the woman, was miffed at how he had spoken to her. All because he refused to accept that his sister was a grown woman. A woman with special needs who desired companionship. Selena took in how Pammie’s dress hugged her curvy frame. Pammie needed the chance to explore and embrace womanhood in a healthy way, with Trent guiding her, but he was too stubborn—or scared—to see that.

Nearing the end of her song, Pammie threw her head back and held the note. Selena threw up her hands and egged Pammie on. The crowd went wild, jumping to their feet and clapping their hands. Trent pumped his fists in the air and let out a huge whoop as the music faded. Selena stole a glance his way, struck by the love reflected on his face for his sister. His lashes appeared spiky as he dabbed at the corners of his eyes.

Any ill feeling at him telling her to mind her business dissipated. Even though he was wrong—dead wrong—Trent was coming from a place of love. And she respected that.

Selena placed a hand on his biceps. He swung to face her, placing a hand over hers and giving it a light squeeze.

I’m sorry, he mouthed.

“I get it,” she whispered.

It was time for the next act, so they took their seats. His hands linked with hers in the darkened space and her heart skipped a beat. It actually paused for a millisecond. She touched her chest, feeling the rapid pacing under her palm. Her fingers tingled where they connected. Selena welcomed the sensation. It made her feel alive. Present.

That vibe stayed with her for the rest of the ninety-minute concert. Especially since Trent kept their hands joined even while they were congratulating Pammie on her success. After the finale, Trent had surprised all the performers with roses—a gesture that warmed Selena’s heart all the way until Trent hailed her a Town Car and jumped in beside her. He closed the door, shutting out the frigid temperatures.

Her mouth dropped. “Where are you going?”

“I’m making sure you get home.”

“Um, there’s no need for that. And what about Pammie?”

“Mindy texted me during the show to say she would stay over to give me and my lady friend some time.”

Selena’s brow raised. “‘Lady friend’?”

He gave her a light jab. “She’s never seen me with a woman around Pammie, so she made that assumption.”

“And you didn’t correct her?”

“No...” His voice dropped. “Should I have?”

Their eyes met.

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