Page 37 of Rush

“Tonight was incredible,” he says, stepping closer.

I nod slowly, swallowing against a gentle flutter in my chest. “Thanks for...earlier. And tonight.”

A soft smile tilts his lips. “Anytime, El.”

“It was nice to see you enjoying yourself,” I say quietly, lifting my eyes to meet his again.

A quiet chuckle escapes him, the sound warm and comforting. “You have a way of taking my mind off things.”

“Do I?”

“Yeah,” he breathes, sincerity deepening his tone. “You do.”

We stand there in a lingering silence, the air around us thick with things unsaid.

Riley’s voice and laughter spill faintly from the apartment, yet it seems distant, compared to the heartbeat thrumming in my ears.

Broderick clears his throat softly, breaking the spell between us. “I’ll be gone for a week. Flying out Monday.”

“Where to this time?”

“Argentina,” he answers, eyes lighting up instantly, launching into a passionate description about the restoration efforts in the Buenos Aires’ slums. I laugh softly under my breath—Philippa is right; this man truly is married to his mission.

“That’s amazing,” I say warmly, my voice carrying genuine admiration. “I’ve never been. Will you do me a favor?”

“What’s that?”

“Have some fun,” I whisper playfully, stepping slightly closer. “Take a picture of something interesting and send it to me. So it’ll feel like I’m right there experiencing it with you.”

His eyes soften; a look of surprise mixed with fondness crossing his face. Slowly, carefully, he reaches out, his fingertipsbrushing gently against my skin as he tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

“I’ll do my best.”

“You always do,” I whisper, smiling. “Goodnight, Broderick.”

“Goodnight, El.” He holds my gaze a heartbeat longer before finally turning away, disappearing into the night.

As I close the door, I take a moment to release the breath I’d been holding. Riley throws herself onto the couch with a groan, interrupting my thoughts before they could form.

“Too much rum,” she whines.

I laugh, sitting beside her, tucking my feet under me.

She turns her head, grinning. “So...Broderick, huh?”

I sigh, leaning back. “Don’t start.”

“Oh, I’mstarting. That little moment in the kitchen. Then his reaction to Andrew’s comment, he was ready to ruin his friendship. That man has got itbadfor you—you know that right?”

“Riley.”

She smiles, stretching out. “I’m just saying...you’ve got options, babe. And not all of them are as complicated as Viking baby daddies.”

I laugh, but there’s something in my chest that aches a little too.

“Maybe, but he’s Pip and Andrew’s best friend, it would be so complicated and messy, it’s a bad idea.”

“Those are always the most fun,” she says slyly. “Plus, the quickest way to get over one man...is to get under another.”