He held her gaze for a moment, and she was afraid that he was about to ask whether she had any friendships like that.Of course, she had Shelley, but they’d known each other since college, not kindergarten.She was relieved when he said, "Yeah, I’m close with all the guys, but Blane was always my buddy.I’m glad he’s home."
She checked her watch, and he’ll be here any minute."Do you still want an omelet?"
"I'd love one, thanks, but you know that me talking about your cooking was just an excuse, right?"
That made her smile."I was hoping so, but I'm glad to be here either way."
She turned to look out through the window at the sound of a vehicle approaching."I'll let him in, then get started on those omelets.I told Blane I’d feed him when he got here."
"Thanks, Harper.I hate that you have to do everything."
"You'll be back on your feet in no time.And if it's any consolation, I don't mind at all.It's nice to have someone to cook for.Do you think the girls will have eaten with Cash?"
"I imagine so.I told him to use his judgment about when to bring them back, so he's going to let me know when they're on the way.Sounded like they were having a lot of fun last night, so it might not be till mid-morning."
As Harper turned away, intending to open the door for Blane, two sharp knocks rang out and he walked right in.
He nodded at Harper as he passed her on his way to Emmett."How's the head, bud?How was your night?"
"Yeah, I did great."Emmett smiled at Harper."Harper checked on me every couple of hours.I'm good.No dizziness.No blurred vision.I have a thick skull."
~ ~ ~
"Do you want coffee?"Harper asked.
Emmett frowned at his friend when he didn't answer her.Blane stared back at him blankly for a moment before realization dawned on his face."Shit, sorry, you mean me?Yeah, I'll take one, thanks."
Harper huffed out a laugh."Emmett already has his.I'm going to make breakfast and leave you guys to do your thing.But I figured you might want coffee."
Emmett relaxed a little when Blane turned to Harper.He didn't exactly smile, but his expression gentled a little as he said, "I'd appreciate that, thanks.How do you think he did overnight?"
Harper shot Emmett a quick smile as she said, "Much better than I expected."
"I already told you—Harper checked on me every couple of hours."
Harper laughed again."If you want to know the truth, I checked on you every hour.I just didn't wake you up each time."
A rush of warmth filled Emmett's chest hearing that, and Blane nodded, even though he didn't comment.
"Anyway.Omelets for you both?"Harper asked."Emmett wanted ham and cheese.Does that work for you, Blane?"
Blane looked as though he was about to decline, but when Harper raised her eyebrows, he nodded curtly."Sounds great, thanks."
After she disappeared into the kitchen, Blane took up his usual stance in the corner.
"For Christ's sake, would you sit down?"Emmett asked."It's bad enough that I'm stuck here on the couch.I don't need to be craning my neck to look up at you.Sit down and make me feel a little less uncomfortable, would you?"
Blane made a face and came to sit in the armchair opposite Emmett."I'm not good at sitting."
"As if you need to tell me; we're both the same.But while I have no choice, you can join me."
"Fair enough.And now that you're through the night, how are you?"
"Pissed, if I'm honest," said Emmett."This is the last thing I need.The girls are going to be upset.And work's going to be a pain in the ass.Janey's going to give me a hard time for going in, but I won't be able to stay away."
Blane nodded."I can take some time off.I've been training my teams up, so they can operate without me more and more.It'll do them good if I take myself out of the loop for a while, get you back on your feet."
"Appreciate the offer, bud, but you can't do that."
