Chloe’s New Beginning Read Online Free Page B

herself. Her heart pounding, she ran toward him, throwing herself in his arms. She crawled up his large body, finding the place she loved most, being held against his chest in his large arms. He didn’t stop her. He grabbed her, held her close, and wrapped his strong arms around her. “Conner…Oh, God, Conner. I’ve missed you much.” She pulled back, noticing the shocked look on his face, and before he could say anything, she smashed her lips against his. His lips stayed firm for only a moment before he opened his mouth and accepted her tongue. Chloe put everything she had in that kiss, all her love, all her sorrow.
    He pulled back slowly, and she leaned her head against his broad shoulder, feeling whole once more. His arms tightened around her, and for the first time she felt peace. She breathed in his scent, and he smelt exactly the same. He smelt like pine, mint, and fresh air. She let his warmth seep into her. “Chloe.” She felt him take a deep breath and let it out. “Chloe, I–I’m not Conner, sweetie. I’m Brandon, his brother.”
    Chloe went rigid in his arms. His words stung her, and she slid down his body and out of his embrace. All the adrenaline left her body at once. She started panting, black webs taking over her eyes. She looked at him, feeling sick and weak, and then the world went black.

    * * * *

    Brandon watched in terror as Chloe started shaking. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath, and then she was falling. He grabbed her before she hit the ground and lifted her up into his arms. She was so light, and he pulled her close against his chest, enjoying the weight of her. He leaned his head down and inhaled, enjoying her smell, honeysuckle.
    He walked quickly into the house, not wanting her to get too cold. Her reaction to him had been so unexpected, and words couldn’t describe what feeling her in his arms did to him. When she arrived, he wasn’t able to contain his excitement. He needed to see her, to be close to her. The thought never crossed his mind that she might confuse him for Conner, the pain that entered her eyes. He never wanted her to be in pain again.
    “Put her in Conner’s room.” Adam’s voice rang out above all the others when he walked into the house. People were moving around, clearing out so that he could walk straight to the bedroom. Everyone strained their necks to be able to get a peek of her. They had all been waiting so long to meet her. He tried to shield her with his body, not wanting anyone ogle her. He also didn’t like the idea of her waking up and getting scared.
    He walked into Conner’s old room. He hadn’t been here in so long, ever since his brother left five years ago. They had the housekeeper clean it up for her to stay in. They wanted her to be comfortable. She moaned and twisted in his arms, snuggling closer to him. He laid her on the bed and pulled away slowly. He grabbed the blanket that lay at the bottom of the bed and pulled it up, hoping that she was comfortable.
    “Brandon, what happened? The doctor should be here in a couple minutes. I called him right after you walked in.” Adam stood behind him. It looked like she affected him as well. The unbreakable Adam would be under her spell soon enough.
    “I saw her sitting in the car. I wanted a closer look. I thought maybe I could talk her into coming inside, thought maybe she needed a helping hand. She stared at me and then ran and jumped into my arms. She kissed me. I–I was completely blown away. Then she called me Conner. I had no idea that we looked so alike in her eyes.” He looked back at Chloe lying motionless on the bed.
    “We all have been waiting for her. I told you to stay inside. She needed to walk in the door. This is Conner’s fault, I told him to bring her here. He’s caused this mess.” Adam shoved his hand through his hair, looking angry and stressed out.
    “We both told him it was time. If he didn’t bring her sooner, then it makes me wonder how weak she is. She’s