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  Grimacing, I tried to wiggle out of her guilty embrace. “You’re hurting me more than the slap did.”

  She released me with a squeal and covered her mouth with her hands. “I’m messing it all up.”

  Laughing, I took her hand and pulled her toward the door. “You’re not. Come on.”

  Maddox and Jury, who I’d met on my visit before, stood on the porch. “Need help?”

  “Get the boxes?” I asked. If I couldn’t carry anything, neither could she.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Jury saluted me and bounded down the stairs. I moved much slower upward and cursed his youthful vigor, then remembered I was just as bouncy when I wasn’t half-beaten. I forgave him before we got to the top of the stairs.

  Maverick’s mom met us at the door. “Hello, welcome!” Carla had a friendly, open aura about her. She scooped me from Ava’s grasp and put her arm around me as she led us in the house. “I’m so glad you came. We didn’t think you would.”

  We walked into a foyer full of beautiful, dark wood. A lone table in the center held a bouquet of flowers that had to have been grown in a hothouse this time of year. They reminded me of the ones that Ava had put in my room. She’d said they were from Maverick’s brother, to brighten my day, but hadn’t said which one.

  I assumed the older brother. Nineteen-year-old Jury didn’t seem the type to think to send flowers or ice cream, which I’d enjoyed that evening with the company of the flowers and a TV show about solving crimes by studying bones.

  “Now, you sit here and talk to everyone while I get the rest of the food together. We barbecued out back, but this cold snap has us inside to eat.” She let go of me at the couch. I had no choice but to sit beside James, Maverick’s dad.

  Maverick walked in with his older brother, Axel. He was the one that had gone to the pharmacy for me. A real gentleman, that one.

  “Hello, young lady,” James said. “Nice seeing you upright.” He patted my knee in a very fatherly way.

  “It’s nice to be upright. I’ve spent the last several days recuperating.” No sense in lying, even if I did cover my bruises.

  “Well, you look like a million bucks.” He cut his eyes around the room. “Don’t let my wife hear me say that.” He winked and stood, ambling over to Ava, who followed her son into the room giving instructions for the food. “There’s my gorgeous daughter,” James said with his arms out.

  He wasn’t creepy, not at all. More like he felt himself the father of the group. And he was. Immediately upon talking to him, I felt like he was happy to have me there as a part of his family’s celebration.

  Maddox and Jury disappeared through the far door Carla had gone through. When it swung open, I caught sight of a kitchen and heard Hailey’s girlish giggle. I’d assumed she was here. Ava said she had a hard time getting her out of Carla’s grasp these days.

  She complained, but I knew how thrilled she was for Hailey to have a grandmother in her life again. Ava’s mom was as bad as mine. Maybe worse. And her Nana had passed away before Hailey was born.

  Even though Hailey wasn’t Maverick’s biological child, the entire family treated her as if she was. A chosen family often ended up better than a biological one, anyway. The little girl was lucky.

  Maverick hugged Ava, whispering in her ear while her face reddened. I grinned and ducked my head, looking at the coffee table. It felt weird not to be up and talking to everyone. Usually, I was the life of the party, but I just didn’t have it in me at the moment. I’d be better off on the sidelines today. A few magazines spread across the top caught my eye. As I reached for one, someone sat on the couch beside me.

  “Nice to see you again,” Axel said in a low voice. “You look well.”

  With him sitting right next to me, it would be rude not to look him in the eye, so I turned my knees toward him. I didn’t want to turn my torso or neck; it was still too uncomfortable.

  Looking him dead in the face, I nearly sighed. Good Lord, the man was gorgeous. I’d been in such a bad place when I left the hospital, I wasn’t sure I’d gotten a good look at him then and we’d never gotten around to actually meeting when I’d visited Ava previously.

  His brown eyes twinkled under black eyelashes long enough to make any woman jealous. I’d spent ten minutes getting my lashes to look half that good.

  Smiling, I went into flirt mode automatically, but my heart wasn’t fully in it.

  No straight woman in her right mind could sit next to this man without straightening her spine and sticking her boobs out a little.

  But that hurt my ribs, so after a few seconds of it, I relaxed again. “Thank you. I’m a little sore and bruised still, but nothing a little concealer couldn’t hide.” There. Now maybe he wouldn’t think I always wore this much makeup caked on. I lowered my eyelashes. “You look well yourself.”

  What the hell was I doing? Shut it down, you idiot. I was in no position to flirt, especially with Ava’s fiancé’s brother. My mind was freaking broken. I’d launched straight into flirt mode without thinking about it.

  I had to start doing better for myself. If I got into another relationship, it would be with slow, confident progress. Not flirting with the first hot guy to bat his mile-long eyelashes at me.

  “How are you liking Colorado?” Axel asked. He adjusted his position on the couch, opening up the space between us. Not moving away, but showing he wasn’t trying to be up in my bubble. A respectful move.

  “I haven’t had much chance to see it. I will soon, though. Especially when the weather changes. I’d like to hike, explore the countryside.”

  He nodded and his eyes lit up. “That was part of the reason that helped me decide to move back when my family did. I could’ve stayed in Arizona, but I missed the mountains. I love being outside. Hiking, swimming, fl—” He cut off with a cough. “Oh, excuse me. Something in my throat.”

  Before he coughed, I’d found myself enchanted by his voice. “No problem. So, you’re outdoorsy?” I wanted him to keep talking. His rich, smooth voice had an odd calming property to it. I found my nerves soothed.

  He went on, talking about camping in the mountains and all the land his family owned. His words revealed a thankfulness for his good fortune that I didn’t think he realized. He wasn’t a snotty rich boy. He was truly grateful that his family had this good fortune.

  “Has anyone ever mentioned how soothing your voice is?” I’d interrupted him, so rude. “I’m so sorry.” I covered my mouth. “I interrupted you.”

  “No, it’s okay. I was talking too much. But no, I don’t believe I’ve heard that before, that I have a soothing voice.” He cocked up one corner of his mouth, revealing a dimple in the middle of his slight beard growth. I couldn’t tell if he just hadn’t shaved in a few days or if he always kept a scruff. It wasn’t quite enough to be a beard, though it was even enough that I was sure he could grow one if he wanted to.

  “You could do ASMR work if you wanted.” I nodded and pursed my lips to emphasize my surety.

  He laughed. “I don’t even know what that is.”

  I tried to explain, but I just made him even more confused. “I’m trying to remember what it stands for.” It was on the tip of my tongue. “Something sensory something response.” He must’ve thought I was a lunatic. I laughed and tried to redeem myself. “It’s inducing euphoria just by the tone of your voice.”

  Before I could go deeper into explaining—because, by the expression on his face, he thought I was nuts—Carla walked in.

  “Soup’s on!” She grinned at me and Axel, and I realized we were alone in the living room. I hadn’t realized Ava and Maverick had walked out.

  Axel jumped up and offered me his hand. I took it gratefully and let him help me stand. “Thanks. It’s still a little painful.”

  “I’ve bruised my ribs before.” He let go of my hand as soon as I was upright. “It sucks.”

  I nodded and laughed, regretting the laughter, because it twinged through my abdomen. “That’s an understatement.”


  He held the door open for me. Carla had the food spread out across the kitchen island, and it looked like enough to feed an army. But, as Maddox and Jury piled up two plates each, I realized it was only enough to feed a house full of men.

  Axel stepped in front of me, taking two plates as well. He dished a few pieces of barbecue ribs onto one plate.

  As I reached for my own, he looked at me with the tongs held out. “Ribs?”

  “Sure, just a little,” I replied, shocked. The second plate wasn’t for him. It was for me.

  He placed a small slab on my plate, then picked up a serving spoon in a bowl of macaroni and cheese. After putting a scoop on his plate, he looked at me with eyebrows raised.

  “A lot, please.” I giggled. “I love that stuff.” It looked like it had been baked, which was the best.

  He put an enormous serving on my plate. He repeated the process, dishing something for himself then checking to see if I wanted some for green beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, and broccoli casserole. When he asked if I wanted okra, I had to refuse. “No, thank you.”

  “I’ll just eat your share, then.” He put a second scoop on his plate. “You don’t know what’s good.”

  Oh, he wanted to be like that. “Says the man that didn’t take any green beans. Those are Italian cut. The best.”

  “Thank you,” Carla called from the table. She stood behind Jury and Maddox, handing out napkins. “I don’t know why that boy won’t eat green beans!”

  We moved to the table, and Axel set my plate across from Maddox, then his own plate beside mine. “Soda, tea, water?”

  “Water, please.” No sense in drinking my calories. I’d have water and not feel guilty about dessert.

  I sat down while he got drinks. When he was seated beside me, I touched his hand with the tip of my fingers and he jumped as if I’d shocked him, but he didn’t pull away, so I didn’t worry. “Thank you.” Butterflies erupted in my stomach when I touched him.

  “No problem. I figured it would be easier than you having to hold the plate. I’ve had hurt ribs, I told you. Just dishing out some mac-n-cheese can be painful.”

  He was right, but I had to get myself under control. I had no place fighting butterflies right now. Being attracted to someone this hot off of a relationship with such an explosive ending was a nightmare waiting to happen.

  Some of the family still stood at the island, filling their plates, but I noticed Jury, Maddox, and Axel were eating, so I dug into my food instead of speaking any more. Carla set a napkin beside me just after I bit deeply into the buttery corn. “Fank you,” I mumbled.

  Geez, these people were going to think I was raised in a barn. I swallowed the bite, blotted my lips, and thanked her properly. “Thank you for the napkin, and especially for inviting me today. This is nice.”

  Everyone eventually sat, and we talked and laughed. Well, they did. I observed, still feeling shy. It didn’t take me long to realize Axel did more observing and chuckling than interacting. I wondered why that was. He was comfortable, and a loved member of the family.

  He was nothing like the men I usually dated. They were flashy, charismatic. Usually loud and showy. Axel was quiet, dignified. He had a comforting presence.

  Not long after I finished my food, my head pounded a couple of times. That wasn’t the best sign. The concussion hadn’t given me too many symptoms. I hadn’t been confused or anything, but I’d had several nasty headaches since leaving the hospital. They always started with a few pounds of pain, then a few more, then slowly they escalated to enough pain to warrant a bigger pain pill and a nap.

  Ava had sat on the other side of Axel. I leaned forward. “I think I need to get home. I feel one of those headaches coming on,” I whispered. “I’m so sorry.” I knew she planned to be there for hours more. “If you’ll take me down, you can come right back.”

  I would’ve offered to walk, but it was damn cold, and if the headache escalated too fast, the walk would be torture.

  Axel couldn’t help but overhear what I said, considering I said it over his lap. “Let me take you,” he offered. “Ava can stay here.”

  “No,” Ava said. “I don’t mind.”

  Axel shook his head. “I insist.”

  Ava’s eyes sparkled as she agreed. “You better take good care of her.”

  He clapped his hand over his heart. “Like she was my own mate.”

  Mate. What an odd way to phrase it. But at least he made me feel comfortable. And Ava wouldn’t have let me go anywhere with someone unless she trusted them with her life. And I trusted her with mine, which meant that trust transferred to Axel.

  “Thank you,” I said. Grabbing my plate, I turned to at least put it in the sink. “Carla, I’m so sorry. I had planned to offer to do the dishes, but I think I need to lie down.”

  She rounded the table and took my plate. After setting it in the sink, she pulled me into her arms. “Sweet girl, what do you think I had all these boys for? They’ll do the dishes.” She squeezed me with a gentle touch and pulled away. “I wouldn’t have let you do them, anyway.”

  I kept thanking them and waving goodbye until I realized Axel had maneuvered me out a different door. This one didn’t lead to the living room, but straight back out into the foyer. I hadn’t even noticed this door when we came in.

  “We’ll take Ava’s SUV since it’s right up front,” he said. “Did you wear a coat?”

  I shook my head. “Not since we weren’t going far.” My sweater was nice and thick. I figured I’d be fine, and I had been.

  “No problem. Stay here. I’ll start the car.”

  I looked around the foyer as I waited, but he was only gone seconds. My head wasn’t any worse, just the occasional pound of dull pain.

  “Ready?” He shut the front door behind him and held out a hand.

  I let him hold my hand down the stairs, feeling a little unsteady. Damn this concussion.

  “I’m sorry,” I said as he got in the driver’s seat. He had shut the door for me but hadn’t pushed it so far as buckling my seatbelt. Chivalry without being creepy. The man was too damn attractive.

  “Don’t be sorry. You’re healing from a traumatic injury. This stuff is bound to happen.”

  He drove at a snail’s pace down the driveway. “I don’t want to bump you.”

  Damn him. He had to have a flaw. “You’re very considerate,” I commented.

  He didn’t respond, but when we pulled into Ava’s driveway and parked beside the snowdrift, he bounded out of the car and opened my door, holding his hand out.

  “I’ll walk you in.”

  She’d left the front door unlocked. “Does she have a key?” I asked.

  He looked at the keys in his hand. “Yep. There’s one here.”

  That made me feel a little better. “Good, because I can’t leave the door unlocked.”

  “I’ll go check the back door.” He left me alone in the hallway and headed to the kitchen. “Yep,” he said when he returned. “Locked. Lock this one behind me and you’ll be safe and sound.”

  It was time for him to go, but I realized I desperately wanted him to stay. “Would you like a drink?” I offered. “While I get my medicine?”

  “Sure.” He held his arm out. “Lead the way.”

  Axel followed me into the kitchen and I found the bottle with the strong pain relievers. I’d only taken them a few times, wary of the risk of addiction. That was the last thing I needed. Popping one, I turned and realized he already had a glass of water held out.

  “Thanks,” I murmured around the pill, then swallowed it down. The pain intensified then, so I had to set it down and put my fingers on my temples. “It’s getting worse.”

  “Come on. Let me help you upstairs.”

  I didn’t strictly need help up the stairs, but the thought of being alone in the house made my head pound harder. “Thank you.”

  He put an arm around me, and his touch calmed me. I’d never been into aura reading, but something about Axel
and his family had a certain presence about them that put me at ease. Especially Axel.

  All the way up the stairs, he had one arm around my shoulders and the other on my bicep.

  I didn’t feel trapped. I felt cherished. Taken care of.

  Fuck, I wasn’t about to refuse that. I needed it.

  Axel wasn’t my type, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be my friend. And he was already a better friend than any I’d ever had, besides Ava, of course.

  I kicked off my shoes into my closet and took off my sweater carefully, trying not to wince when it aggravated my ribs. I wore a modest tank under, so nothing provocative or inappropriate. Axel cleared his throat and turned the blankets on my bed back. I slid between them and scooted over.

  He sat on the edge. “Can I get you anything?”

  I looked down in time to see his fingers twitch, almost like he wanted to brush my hair back, but that would’ve been too intimate for two people who’d only really known each other a day.

  “Would you stay?” I asked.

  Damn it. I hadn’t meant to ask him to stay. But I hadn’t been alone in the house, as far as I knew, since I got there. Ava was careful if she went out that she made sure Maddox or Maverick were there. I didn’t know how she knew. I hadn’t told her, but I was utterly terrified Logan would show up.

  Axel’s face softened and he smiled a sad smile. “I’d be honored. Are you worried about being alone?”

  I nodded. “I’m so sorry. I’m being such a burden.”

  He shook his head and adjusted himself, sitting better on the bed with one leg bent. “You’re not a burden. You’re a friend in need of a little assistance. I might be the one needing your help one day. Would you refuse me?”

  Never in a million years. “Of course not.”

  “See?”

  “Talk to me, please.” The pain had been steadily intensifying. I needed the pill to kick in, and soon. “Tell me about your childhood.”

  He chuckled. “There’s not much to tell.” But he tried anyway. He talked about growing up here, knowing everyone. Small-town life.

  His melodic voice lulled me nearly to sleep. I woke up a little when a stray thought crossed my mind.