Page 76 of Better than Famous

"Thank you." Accepting the cold cup, I drained half the water in one long swallow. Then I set it on an empty table. "I need some fresh air for a minute. Let’s step outside."

After Ben wrapped an arm around my waist, we wove through the cheering crowd. We slipped past the bar, pushed through the heavy swinging doors into the kitchen, and dodged a line cook carrying a tray of fries. At the back exit, Ben pushed the heavy metal door open, and we stepped out onto the concrete loading dock.

The heavy door groaned shut behind us, cutting the roar of the pub down to a muffled, vibrating thrum. Ben approached the rusted metal railing. A dry laugh scraped up his throat as he scanned the empty concrete slab.

"What’s so funny?" I asked.

"Just reflecting." He shook his head, a wry smile touching his lips. "I stood in this exact spot three months ago, completely drowning in misery. I was convinced I had to suffer in isolation to protect you."

“Oh yeah? What changed your mind?"

"Eli followed me out here." Ben shifted to lean his hips against the brick wall. "He cornered me and told me I wasn’t being a noble protector. He said I was just an arrogant coward who took away your choice because I was too scared of failing. It was a brutal pep talk, but it woke me up. We brothers tend to do that to each other."

I stepped into his space and wrapped my arms loosely around his neck. "Remind me to buy your brother a very expensive bottle of whatever he drinks."

"He’ll be very grateful. But not as grateful as I am that you’re here."

As I tilted my head back, the glow from the solitary streetlamp illuminated his face. The happiness radiating from his expression wiped away the shadows of that old memory.

"You were amazing up there," Ben murmured, caressing my cheek with his knuckles.

"I had excellent inspiration." As I brushed a quick, soft kiss against his jaw, a thrill of anticipation raced down my spine. "Margaret called me this afternoon."

His brows pulled together. "Nash isn’t causing problems again, is he? I’ll soundly kick his ass if so."

I tipped my head back and laughed. "Nash is ancient history. And I fully believe you’d flatten him if given the chance. She was calling about the real estate offer we submitted. The paperwork cleared and the Pelican Marsh tract next to the cottage is officially ours. The deed is recorded."

An expansive wave of relief and joy washed over his features. Our privacy perimeter was secured.

"We can start your studio construction," Ben said, a rough laugh scraping up his throat. "Chase already drew up the foundation plans. He’s been harassing me about ordering the acoustic drywall for a week."

"Tell him to order it." Running my hands into the hair at the nape of his neck, I stepped closer. "And while he’s at it, tell him to draw up plans for the cottage expansion. It’s a little tight in there."

Ben’s eyes lit up with wicked amusement. "Wait. Are you admitting I was right about it being too small?"

"I am admitting that needing my entire old bedroom to house my wardrobe isn’t a viable solution," I corrected smoothly. "We need a bigger closet. And maybe a bigger bathroom. Definitely a bigger shower. I’m sure Chase is the perfect man for the reno."

"I’ll call him tomorrow."

He tilted my chin up and captured my mouth with a slow, deliberate press, sealing the promise between us. The gentle pressure barely lasted a heartbeat before the spark caught. His broad hands gripped my waist, hauling me flush against his chest as the kiss turned ravenous. His tongue pierced into my mouth, and I shoved hard against him. He grunted as his back hit the brick wall, grounding us both in the electric rush of the moment.

Eventually, we broke apart, both breathing hard in the sticky, warm air. Inside the pub, the cover band struck up a loud, classic rock anthem. The muffled sound of his family cheering and shouting leaked through the brick walls.

"It’s loud in there," I whispered, my thumb stroking his neck.

"I know." A fierce, permanent smile carved itself into his face. "I used to crave the silence. But looking at you right now? I wouldn’t trade the noise for anything in the world."

Taking my hand, he laced his fingers tightly through mine. We didn’t walk toward his truck or the quiet beach. Ben pushed the heavy metal door open, and together, we stepped right into the light and the beautiful rush of noise.

Epilogue

BEN

The high-pitched whine of a power drill cut through the air of the new cottage extension. Driving the final screw into the acoustic paneling provided a satisfying torque that vibrated all the way up my forearm. I released the trigger and the mechanical scream died, leaving behind the heavy, insulated silence of the room. The smell of fresh sawdust, drywall dust, and paint hung thick in the air. That scent usually meant work, but today it meant something entirely different. Home.

Stepping back, I used the back of my wrist to wipe a sheen of sweat from my forehead. The finished wall looked solid. The panels were staggered perfectly, lined with high-density foam and covered in a light-gray fabric Sutton had picked out to absorb sound without making the room resemble a coffin.

Chase leaned in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. "You measured that trim four times, Ben." My brother-in-law normally appreciated precision, but right now he shook his head with a grin bordering on pity. "I watched you. It was straight the first time. It was straight the second time. By the fourth time, I think you were just having an emotional affair with the tape measure."