Bren dropped into the passenger side of the car. “I thought you’d jump all over this. Back when I got the box, you were intent on us going there.” She started the engine, staring straight ahead. Her chest rose and fell in quick time. He thought he could almost see the movement of her heart palpitating in her chest. He waited, wanting to reach out to her, but he knew whatever was going on in her head, she wouldn’t accept his touch. “Brennan, I don’t know how to explain this. You’ve—you’ve come here when I needed you most and I appreciate that.” “Aw, Hope, I’m not asking for your appreciation. This isn’t about quid pro quo.” “Stop.” She raised her hand, holding her palm in front of his face, but not looking at him. “I need you to listen.” He swallowed, then gritted his teeth. Glancing out the window at the park, he nodded to her to continue. “We’ve been playing this game now for weeks, Bren. Our little ‘ready-made’ family isn’t real. Going with you on this trip to gather up your inheritance is something I can’t afford to do.
