I laugh and pull his hands away, threading my fingers through his. “Come on. We’ve got somewhere to be.”
I grab my Porsche keys from the bowl by the door and unlock it, practically herding Rowan out before he can start overthinking or protesting.
The moment we step into the hallway, he pauses. “Wait… my keys…”
I dangle my own keys in front of him. “You’re going to be my passenger princess today.”
Rowan blinks. “I… what?”
I grin and tug him gently into the elevator with me, the doors sliding shut behind us.
I’m really enjoying discovering this side of him… the flustered, blushing, slightly bratty version that only seems to come out when I push. It makes me wish I’d spent a lot more time with my stepbrother long before now.
…
We pull up outside the quiet mid-rise building that houses Dr. Hart’s office. Rowan frowns immediately, staring at the entrance. “What are we doing here?”
I don’t answer right away. I simply cut the engine, climb out, and round the Porsche to open Rowan’s door for him. The gesture feels instinctive now.
Rowan blushes again as he steps out, muttering, “I can open my own door.”
“Uh huh,” I reply, lips twitching. “Like you didn’t love that.”
He rolls his eyes, but there’s no real heat behind it. I lock the car and follow as he heads toward the entrance. Thankfully the building is quiet this time of day. We ride the elevator up alone, and the small, private waiting area outside Dr. Hart’s office is empty. I nod politely at the receptionist I spoke with earlier.
She smiles warmly. “He’ll be with you shortly.”
Rowan sits down in one of the armchairs, trying to look casual. “You made an appointment?”
I nod and settle into the seat beside him. “I don’t want you to freak out.”
Rowan lets out a short, slightly hysterical laugh and hisses under his breath, “You’re literally mystepbrother. I’ve known you since I was ten.Of courseI’m freaking out.”
I grin. “And that’s exactly why we’re here.”
He groans and tips his head back against the wall. “I’m gonna move across the country.”
“Don’t be dramatic.”
The door to Dr. Hart’s office opens. A well-groomed man in his mid-forties steps out, kind eyes and a calm presence. “Cade, Rowan… come through, please.”
I stand and offer a polite smile. Rowan stays seated for a moment longer. I turn and use the low, firm tone I know he can’t ignore. “Ro. Up. Now.”
He lifts his head instantly. “Yep,” he mutters, pushing to his feet.
I motion for him to go in first, then follow.
Dr. Hart lets out a soft, amused laugh but doesn’t comment.
We settle into two comfortable leather armchairs across from him, near a large window that fills the room with soft, calming light. I sit back relaxed, but when I glance at Rowan, I have to do a double take. He’s slouched like a sullen teenager, shoulders rounded, head hanging.
I smile awkwardly at Dr. Hart before turning to Rowan. “Rowan… what are you doing? Sit up.”
He sighs but immediately straightens, though he still leans forward with his elbows on his knees and his head hanging low.
I reach across and start rubbing slow circles on his back. “As you can see, Dr. Hart, the spiralling has already begun.”
Dr. Hart hums thoughtfully. “This is certainly an interesting development, isn’t it?”
