Granting Wishes by Deanna Felthauser Page B

stroked the stubble on his cheek.
    “You know, I think it was when I was fifteen that I knew. My life had been in such turmoil and it was starting to look up. The Canes became our foster parents after years of us bouncing from one awful foster home to another. Dakota was a larger presence in our lives again. And you, Chels, you were a rock for both Lilah and I. No matter what happened or how much trouble we got in, you were always our friend and showed us love when we felt like we had no one but each other. But that day when we had the cookout and were meeting our new family, there you were again, still giving us that constant support. You never failed us. You never let us down. Now I can see how I have let you down though. I see that, and I am so sorry, Chels. I’m going to make it up to you and spend the rest of my life loving you the way you deserve. I’m going to be your rock, the one you always know you can depend on.”
    Tears wet both of their cheeks but he didn’t stop. Now that he was opening his heart to her he couldn’t stop. He took a moment to wipe the tears from her cheeks before he continued.
    “I think back to that day when Jade ridiculed you and made you cry because she saw how happy I was around you. Even she saw back then how I loved you. And when I’ve watched you around Jake lately, seeing you smiling and laughing with him or when you and Lilah have talked about how attracted to him you both were,” Dom took a deep breath and let it out, shaking his head side to side. “Jealousy hit me so hard. I couldn’t stand him catching your eye. I think I always thought no matter what, you would hang around waiting for me to sow my wild oats and be ready to settle down.”
    He saw her pull back from him as shock registered on her face. “I know, I know, Chels. That was so wrong of me. God, I was so stupid. Once I saw how I could lose you, I bout lost my damn mind.” Dom paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts as he took her hands in his and cleared his throat. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, I want you to be my girl, Chels. I don’t want to date other people. I’ve only got eyes for you. I love you. I have since I was fifteen years old. It took me almost seven years to have the nerve to say it, but I mean it with all my heart.”

Chapter 14
    “So I guess your brother isn’t a fan of mine,” Jake crossed his arms over his wide chest and sighed. He looked worn out , like he hadn’t been sleeping well.
    “Well you haven’t exactly been a stand-up guy to me lately ya know.”
    He winced, but didn’t deny it. “You’re right, but to be fair, you’re the one that disappeared on me after we made love, Lilah. I admit it was a blow to my ego and felt like it was like history repeating itself. Women I care about leaving me when things get serious.”
    Lilah snorted and braced her hands on her hips. “You’re ego? Do you want me to go there, Jake? Because I think I’ve got you beat on getting ego’s crushed.”
    She watched as his brow furrowed and he pushed off her desk, stalking towards her. “What the hell are you talking about? I’ve done nothing to hurt your ego that I know of, that would cause you to take off on me like that! Don’t blame me for you turning tail and running away from me.”
    Lilah was fuming. Without another thought or moment’s hesitation she let him have it with every hurt bit of her heart. “Oh really? You did nothing wrong huh? I suppose that means you think the fact that I woke up to you crying out for Alana of all people, saying you loved her and begging her not to leave you is nothing then. I should be grateful to wake up in your arms while you’re dreaming about another woman. And not just any woman but, the one that turned you into a cold-hearted bastard!”
    Jake looked like he’d been slapped. The incredulous expression on his face almost made her feel bad for shouting it out like that.
    “Lilah, no…” his shoulders slumped and he gorgeous