Read Online Explosive Passion by Marissa Dobson - Free Book Online

question to the man than to her.
    “Excuse me, do I know you?
    “Are you Justin Taylor?” He wanted to make sure, because after fourteen years Justin would have changed.
    “Yes. Now who are you?” Justin looked between them, confusion knitting the lines of his face.
    “It’s me, Jared.” He watched his brother carefully, trying to use his training to detect the slightest change in his brother’s features.
    “Jared.” His eyes widened his mouth slack with surprise. “Holy shit, it’s been too long. You heard about Dad then?”
    “Too long and yeah. I was just up there, but he doesn’t want to see me.”
    “I suspected he wouldn’t. What made you come?” Justin stepped to the side to allow others to get on the elevator.
    “Mom called.” When Justin’s gaze traveled to Wynn, he made the same introductions as before. “Justin, this is my fiancée, Wynn.”
    He held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “You too. I just wish it was under better circumstances.” She took his hand, giving it a solid shake.
    “I get that Mom called but why come home after all these years?” Justin’s gaze left Wynn’s and moved to size up Boom.
    “Dad’s dying; how could I stay away?”
    “You’ve managed to do so up until now.”
    “When I first left for boot camp I used to call home, write letters, and even try to visit on leave, but every way I tried, I was rejected. They hung up whenever I called, my letters were returned to sender unopened, and they refused to allow me in when I would come back to town. How long did you really think I’d put up with that treatment before I quit trying?” Boom was disappointed that the hatred their parents felt toward him had infected his brother.
    “Now that he doesn’t want to see you, you’ll what? Return home?” Justin shoved his hands into the pockets of his coat and glared at Boom.
    “What do you want me to do? Sit around the hospital waiting for some news? Force myself into his room, even after the hospital staff asked me to leave because the patient was getting upset?”
    “You shouldn’t have even come.”
    “That’s painfully clear now.” Boom nodded.
    “Stop this.” Wynn interrupted. “You’re brothers and you have your differences, but this is not the time for this.”
    “What do you know of it?” Justin glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, keeping his focus on Boom.
    “I know enough to see that this hatred is pointless. Every child must grow up, pursue their own life, and choice of career. Jared had the will to do what he wanted no matter the cost, and it’s something he has to carry with him for the rest of his life. He dropped everything to come here, even though he knew he’d most likely be rejected. That takes even more courage.” She squeezed his hand before continuing. “Right now your father is upstairs dying, so how about everyone puts this hatred aside and focuses on that?”
    Justin’s beeper blared through the silence that settled over them. “I’ve got to get back to the ER.”
    “Dad’s having surgery. Could you call and let me know how it goes?”
    “What’s your number?”
    Wynn tugged a piece of paper and pen out of her purse before jotting the information down. “Here. This is his cell number and the address where we’re staying. If you change your attitude and want to see him, you’re more than welcome to come by.”
    “Don’t count on it.” Justin shoved the paper in his pocket and turned on his heels.
    “What did I really expect?” Jared mumbled to himself, watching his brother walk down the hall.
    “You okay?” She rubbed his arm.
    “I’m fine. I didn’t except anyone to be happy to see me, but there had been a glimmer of hope that Justin wasn’t contaminated by the same hatred my parents had for me.” He looked down at her and knew that all that he did in his life brought him to her and that was what mattered. I wouldn’t change a thing.

 
    T he cool night air didn’t soothe