When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 360

His arm pressed her gently but firmly, and right away, he could feel how soft she was beneath his touch. The heat from Brody’s face seemed to burn through his whole body, his throat tightening as if there was fire in his veins. For a second, he almost lost control and kissed her.

“Brody, this is a public place. What do you think you’re doing?” Nelly’s voice was sharp, her teeth clenched, snapping him back to reality.

The haze in Brody’s eyes faded, though his breath was still uneven. His lips quivered as he tried to steady himself. “I just want to clear things up between us.”

“I think things are already pretty clear…”

He looked straight at her. “I’ll say it again. I don’t like Sheila. There’s nothing romantic between us.”

Nelly let out a short laugh. “You really expect me to believe that?”

“It’s the truth. If you don’t believe me, I can prove it.”

Nelly was about to fire back, but before she could get a word out, Brody leaned in and kissed her. It was soft, almost tentative, nothing forceful about it. For a second, it felt so unreal, like maybe she’d imagined this whole thing. That wasn’t how she thought he’d kiss her at all.

Her mind went blank. Then Brody’s low voice brushed her ear. “I really don’t like Sheila. Because now… I have someone else in my heart.”

Nelly choked on her own breath, her cheeks blazing. Brody let go of her immediately, but she jerked away and swung at him. He was ready, grabbing her wrist before she could land the slap.

“Are you messing with me again?” Her glare could cut glass. Brody’s antics were seriously disgusting her now.

He saw the anger in her eyes and something in him seemed to crumble. “What will it take for you to believe me?”

He was in a terrible mood. His past was a wound he’d rather hide, even from Nelly. But if he didn’t tell her now, he might never get another chance.

Alan looked nervous, hesitating before speaking up again. “Sir, it really is urgent. I’m afraid you’ll blame me if I don’t say something…”

Brody glanced at Nelly, but she’d already turned away. “I’m going to find Carrie.”

“I’ll be right there.” Brody caught her arm, his grip firm, his tone serious. “We’re not done talking.”

She didn’t reply, just gave a stiff nod and walked off. Brody headed to the side with Alan in tow.

Nelly’s skin tingled where he’d touched her, but as soon as his warmth faded, the night air crept in, cold and sharp. She was pretty sure she’d heard Alan almost say something about ‘Olson.’ So even with all those lies out in the open, Brody was still holding onto that fake act.