Exiting the elevator, we split up—Grady to settle Brenner’s bill and me to find Brenner in the restaurant. Brenner and Manny were in a deep conversation, which I had no qualms about interrupting. With a smile on my face, I pulled out the chair next to Brenner.
“All set. Grady’s gone to check you out, and we have all your stuff here.”
Brenner couldn’t meet my eyes. “Thanks, West. I do appreciate it. And everything you’ve done.”
The snarky response I had prepared died, and I found myself hesitating. I remembered Grady’s words. Be kind. “Uh, you’re welcome. I’ll go put the suitcase in the car and bring it to the front of the hotel to make it easier for you to get to.”
He finally met my gaze. “That would be great.”
“I’ll help him while you do that,” Manny offered.
“Perfect.” All right. Being nice to Manny wasn’t so hard. I could do it. “Thank you.”
Grady walked with me to the garage. “It’s really nice of you to take him home. What made you offer?”
I raised a shoulder. “I have a car, so why not? It’s only right.” I chafed a bit under Grady’s relentless stare, which penetrated right through my bullshit shield. “And I guess I didn’t like the way we left it with each other after we split up into teams. I might’ve overreacted to him looking at my phone, said some shit, and figured I should make it up to him. This seems like the perfect opportunity.”
We reached the car, and after turning off the alarm, Grady and I took off. I swung around the circular drive to where Brenner waited with Manny, but before I cut the engine, Grady put a hand on my arm.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think you and Brenner have some unresolved personal issues you should explore.”
Puzzled, I put the car in park and faced him. “What’re you talking about? I already said—”
“I’m not talking about the text message.”
“What the hell are you saying, then?”
Through the windshield, I watched Manny hover by Brenner as he limped along on his crutches. Brenner stopped for a breather, and he and Manny exchanged some words. With a grin, Manny took the crutches, and Brenner leaned into him as he slowly tried to walk.
Grady said, “You know what? Forget it. I’m talking out of my ass.”
My attention remained riveted on Manny and Brenner. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I unclipped the seat belt and opened the door. “I’d better help them. Brenner’s pushing himself too hard.”
I strode over to Brenner’s side. “Ready?” Manny handed me the crutches. “I can take it from here. Thanks for the help.”
Manny’s lips twitched. “Yes, boss.”
Ignoring him, I steered Brenner toward the passenger side, where Grady had vacated, and stood waiting.
“Your chariot awaits.”
By this time Brenner’s face was a bit pale, and I made sure he took his time getting comfortable.
“You okay?” I asked as he wiped the sweat off his brow. “You don’t look well.”
A quicksilver smile came and went. “Always with the compliments. Depends on what you consider okay. My headhurts, my ribs hurt, and my ankle hurts. But I’ll be all right.” He raised a hand. “Thanks, Grady, for your help.”
“Don’t thank me. It was all Weston. Take it easy, and don’t come to work until you’re ready.” He handed Brenner a bottle of water.
“Thanks. Yeah, I spoke to Daniel. He told me to take the week off, but sitting in my apartment will drive me nuts. I need to keep busy.”
“You need to recuperate,” I answered, sliding behind the wheel.
Blue eyes glinted at me beneath thick lashes, but Brenner remained silent, and we were off. Around ten minutes passed before he spoke.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Maybe I’m a nice guy? Could that possibly be the reason?” I teased, but Brenner’s expression remained thoughtful, almost grim.
