She immediately shook her head. "No. Thank you, but no. Money makes things complicated."
"Your situation is already pretty complicated."
"Still. It would constantly be hanging over my head. I can't. But thank you." Her hand lightly brushed against his cheek. "The offer on its own was sweet. I don't want you to start thinking of me as a charity case. Or as one of those users you were telling me about yesterday morning."
"One thing I'm sure of is that you're not a user." He cradled her face in his hands, smoothing the lines of worry with gentle fingertips. Bending low, he slowly brought his mouth to hers. Lips fit and slanted, and he poured all of the support and care he felt into the kiss. Ashley's arms came around him, holding tight.
Moving his fingers through her hair, he buried his hands in the rich, dark brown and snuggled closer. Her eyes fluttered open. He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. "You're not alone in this. You need to learn to lean on someone else. Lean on me, even if it's only for a little while."
Closing her eyes, she buried her face in her chest. He stroked her back, and with the rise and fall of her muscles, he felt each steady, deep breath. It was quiet, so quiet. No sounds from the bakery, no sounds from the street, no sounds from anywhere. He didn't know how long they stood, wrapped together. All that mattered was she needed him, and she was letting him in.
Ashley slowly raised her head. "Thank you." Her expression was so serious, her tone so grateful, as though his offer of comfort meant more to her than if he'd handed her a check for the grand prize.
"Anytime." He meant it. Warmth moved through him, echoed in the soft breeze blowing around them from the overhead fan. The woman in his arms was strength and determination and radiance and hidden vulnerability. He realized he cared, really cared, for her. But could she open herself enough to care for him?
"Today's my dad's birthday. I'd like you to come to dinner with my family tonight." Family dinner was a big deal. If he brought her, his family would see it as significant. He hadn't brought anyone to dinner in years.
Hope filled her eyes, but she shook her head. "Oh no, I couldn't. It's a family party, you should be—"
"I want you there." With a gentle hand, Xavier tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingertips brushed the side of her neck, and she shivered in response. "Please come."
"All right. But I can't come empty-handed. What should I bring?"
He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her palm. "Know where I might be able to get a birthday cake at the last minute?"
A smile lit up her face. "I just might."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ashley grasped Xavier's hand, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach. The living room of the elder Brennan's home was decorated with a colorful array of balloons and a large Happy Birthday sign hanging over the couch. Framed photos of Xavier and his brothers adorned two walls. Several more sat on end tables and shelves.
Xavier ruffled Ryan's hair as they walked in. "Looks great in here. Nice job."
"Tell that to Shane. The whole time we were setting up, he complained that I'd overdone it. But then he ran out and came back with a dozen more balloons."
Xavier led the way into the kitchen. The small room, with its buttercream walls and dark cabinets, was inviting and cozy. Sunlight streamed in through the window on the back door.
Mr. Brennan sat at the table, holding a cup of coffee in one hand as he chatted with Everson and Leo and woman she'd noticed in a few of the photos. He looked up and his face creased into a happy smile.
Xavier crossed the room in two long-legged steps, set the cake box on the counter, and then bent to hug him. "Happy Birthday, Dad." He straightened and placing his hand on the small of Ashley's back, guided her closer to his father. "This is Ashley. She baked your cake."
The kindness in Mr. Brennan's smile touched Ashley's heart. "It's nice to meet you. Please have a seat. Xavier, get her something to drink."
The warmth and pressure of Xavier's hand at her back increased as he shifted closer. "I know you met Leo at the 5k. This is his wife, Kelsey."
They both rose and shook her hand. She felt like she was among giants. Leo, Xavier, Ryan, Everson, and even Kelsey towered over her.
When Kelsey moved, Ashley caught a whiff of wildflowers and vanilla. She knew that delicate scent well—her mother's preferred perfume. A yearning, a homesickness, overwhelmed her, but she managed to keep her composure. "It's nice to meet you."
"I've been dying to talk to you." Kelsey leaned in as though they were already close friends. "With how often these guys text, I feel like I've been living through the baking competition with you. Ryan and Shane's commentary has been awesome."
Lifting a brow, Xavier leveled a stare at his brothers. "I'll bet."
Ryan grinned and raised his hands even as he backed up and hid behind Everson. "It's all good. Well, mostly."
With the death glare that may or may not have been false darkening Xavier's face, Ashley moved fast to soothe. She ran her hand over his arm. "Xavier has been doing amazing. He helped me decorate your cake, Mr. Brennan. I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I'll love it. And please, call me Mike." He rose and set his coffee cup in the sink. As tall as the rest, he ruffled Xavier's hair. "I have no doubt this one is doing well. He's always been a quick study."
The door to the backyard flew open, and a rocket of dark fur raced around the room. With
