“More like she had a nightmare and decided it wasmycock she wanted a nap on last night. Then at some point she got up and crawled back in bed with you and Evan.” He neatly folded the blankets that Wes had left strewn on the couch.
So that was why she smelled like them.
“Thank you for comforting her. I don’t have any issues with it. Do you?” I knew that he’d really struggled with everything with his ex—and the feelings Grace’s appearance had brought up. Personally, I hadn't liked Caroline much. I’d only tolerated her because she’d meant something to Brennan.
Brennan exhaled sharply as he pushed the bed back into a couch. “I don’t know. She’s so fragile, and I’m not sure I can meet her needs.”
“I think really she just wants your acceptance and love. Maybe some ice cream after you play piano duets,” I suggested.
“Maybe that’s what I grapple with most. I’m used to people needing and wanting more from me. She is a good listener, though.” Brennan rolled his eyes as he stacked the folded blankets on top of the pillows.
“She is. Maybe that’s also what you need from her.”
He turned and stared at me. “Must you be so profound right after surgery?”
“I’ll try to be less insightful,” I joked.
“We were worried. There was a lot of blood,” he whispered.
“I’ll have to go easy on the golf and tennis for a bit, but I’ll be okay. Wes and I have a symposium soon, and I should still be able to make it.” I’d forgotten about it. Mrs. K had asked if she needed to cancel everything.
Brennan sat down. “Wesis going to a conference?”
“There’s a cybersecurity forum that he’s quite excited about. He’s less excited about the panel he’s on. I’m on a couple of panels. I was considering bringing Grace, but you have on the calendar that you’re taking her to a piano concert. If she wants to stay, will you, Jett, and Evan look after her? It’s a short symposium, and it’s not far, so we can come home quickly if she needs us. I’ll also cancel if she wants us to.” I hadn’t expected to bond with her so soon.
“If she wants to stay, we’ll watch over her. If she wants to go, I’ll take someone else to the piano concert.” His look went wistful.
“She’s looking forward to it,” I reassured him. “I’m so happy that you have a love of music to share with her.”
“It makes things easier when you share an interest. I suppose I should order some sheet music for some Theodosia pieces considering that’s her middle name.” He got on his phone.
“Danser Dans La Neigeis my favorite of Theodosia’s works.” I hummed it under my breath.
“Oh, that’s a nice one. I was thinking ofLes Cloches de Maisince it’s a common competition piece in the upper levels.” He looked up at me.
“Or both,” I agreed. I didn’t play the piano, but my mother did. I played the bouzouki a little, but it was back in Greece at my mother’s. Perhaps I should ask her to send it to me.
He nodded. “Good idea.”
“What’s a good idea?” Wes came back in with Grace. Both carried coffee cups. Grace had a little sack.
“I got you coffee and a croissant. They only had plain, not chocolate.” Pulling the bed table over, she set the coffee and bag next to me.
“Thank you, my good doctor.” I gave her a fond smile.
“Hi, Bren. We didn’t bring you anything. I’m sorry.” Grace sat on the bed and leaned into me. I kissed her forehead.
“That’s okay, Grace. Evan, Jett, and Riley are getting food for everyone,” Brennan told us.
“Um. Hi. I… I wanted to make sure that everyone was okay.” Nate Thorne stood awkwardly in the open doorway, holding something.
“Um, we’re okay, Professor.” Grace’s scent went anxious.
“Fortunately, both of them will be fine. But they could have easily not have been,” Wes snapped.
Nate bowed his head. “I’m sorry. We didn’t expect Adriana to come after you. I’m so sorry for what she did.”
“Thank you, Professor. Do you remember Spencer? Also, this is my mate Wes, and this is Brennan, he’s head alpha. Everyone, this is Professor Nate Thorne,” Grace introduced.
