One Night (The Sullivan Family, #4)

by Lena Hendrix

Things got heated. I’m fine. To answer your question, I only ever stay on nights you’re there.

I wish I could have you. I wish you were mine. In reality, I have wanted you for years and I hate that I can’t have you. I thought that taking care of my dad and giving up everything was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do, but the truth is that wanting you is by far the single hardest thing I have ever had to do.

Finally, his deep voice broke through the silence. “You know you can do this, right?” I looked at him, questioning. “You’re stronger than you think. You don’t need anybody. But what I’m telling you is you don’t have to do it alone.”

“Sylvie, I liked you before this happened. You are funny and sweet and full of fire. I am willing to take you in any form you’re willing to give me. You have my word that I will be the best father to our kid.” I cleared my throat as tightness set in.

Frustrated, I turned on my heels and hit the ladies with the sweetest smile I could muster. My glance flickered to their long-empty coffee cups. “All finished, or should I give you a few more minutes to talk about people and pretend they can’t hear?” Their stunned eyes widened. “No?” I swiped the coffee cups in one motion. “Have the day that you deserve!”

Loving him will be the easiest thing I have ever done.

Every day that hurtled me toward spring was one less day with the woman I loved.

Anger—at myself for being a coward and not laying my battered heart at her feet—simmered next to the chill that tore through me.

I knew Sylvie belonged on their side, but despite the animosity between our families, I had fallen in love with her. My heart tightened with every thought of her, and yet I hadn’t found the courage to tell her the depth of my feelings. To tell her how madly in love with her I was, to beg her to give up her dream and stay.

I’m pressing charges. Assault. I don’t give a fuck if you’re a Sullivan or not.”

“Matty’s gonna need to get checked out for a concussion,” I offered. Lee straightened, a curious look on his face as he glanced toward our little cousin just as I turned and punched Matty in the jaw, knocking him out cold.

This was so incredibly hot

Duke was grumpy and probably a bit overbearing, but coming from him, it wasn’t stifling. It mostly made me feel loved.

you don’t deserve her love any more than I do. You’re just mad because of my last name. I worship the ground she walks on, so what the fuck is your problem?”

To feel my fury bubble over. “No. You both need to hear this. This relationship? The life that Sylvie and I are desperately trying to create for ourselves? It is the only thing I have ever taken for myself.” I dragged my hand through my hair and let loose a humorless chuckle. “You have no clue, do you? No idea how many years I pined for her in deference for your feelings. I’m not doing it any longer.” I turned my back and climbed into my truck, closing the door with a slam. My brothers had the good sense to look stunned and ashamed as I left them in the cold darkness.

“You are stubborn, woman, but you will hear me. You may have gone your whole life without people prioritizing you, but that ends with me.” His eyes moved over my features as my lip quivered. “Sylvie, it’s you or no one. It has always been you.”

“Don’t cry, baby. I’m trying to tell you that I love you—that I have loved you for far too long without telling you. Before we ever got pregnant, I fell in love with your smile, your humor, your heart. I used to imagine a world where Outtatowner didn’t exist and I could flirt with you, sweep you off your feet, and take you for coffee. Show you off to my family. I don’t care what your last name is as long as it eventually becomes Sullivan.”