Brody - Ellie Masters Page 0,65

I spin and gape, not believing my eyes.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” Asher greets Cage, drawing him into a hug and slapping his back. “You’re looking a little rough around the edges, bro.” Asher cants his head and takes in Cage’s appearance.

“Cage!” Evie screeches with joy and practically flies around the kitchen counter and into Cage’s outstretched arms.

“How’s my future sister-in-law doing?” He wraps Evie in a hug and holds her until Asher yanks her out of his arms.

“Hands off my girl,” Asher growls at Cage, but it’s all in fun.

Cage moves on to our mother, folding her into a hug. “And how’s my best girl?”

“You made it.” Mom gives him a kiss on the cheek, then holds him at arms’ length. “You lost weight.”

“Nothing that your amazing pancakes can’t fix.” He looks up at me, then his gaze slides over to Grace. Recognition sparks in his eyes, and he wings up an eyebrow with a question I’ll answer later.

“Grace Atwood, this is a nice surprise. You look amazing.”

“Hi, Cage.” Grace gives a little wave of her fingers, looking lost amidst my entire family.

I finally buck up and go to her. So much for playing things casual. I wrap an arm around her waist and tug her to my side. “Grace and I are…” I glance down at her, not really sure what it is that we are. “We’re working together.”

Cage’s lips quirk up in a knowing grin. “Is that what we’re calling it these days?”

“Manners.” Mom pinches Cage’s arm. “We’re thrilled to have Grace over, and she cooked for us, although I don’t know if there’s enough for everyone.” She glances at Grace, and the two women exchange something in that look.

“Oh, we’ll have plenty. I tend to overcook. Let me whip up some veggies and throw some bread in the oven. If y’all want to catch up, you’ve got about half an hour before dinner’s done.” Grace pushes away from me but keeps a hand on my arm.

“Come on boys…” Mom shoos Asher and Cage out of the kitchen. Evie follows them out into the great room, leaving me alone with Grace.

“Hey, I’m not really sure what happened, but it was never my intention to subject you to a family dinner. We can escape all this madness. Just say the word and I’ll make our excuses.”

“Your family is fun. I like Evie, and there’s no way I’m leaving her to finish up in here.”

“Tell me what you need help with…” I glance around the kitchen, not really knowing how I can help. Unlike when Evie cooks, everything is perfectly clean. I’m not sure how that’s possible.

“You don’t have to stay here with me. Don’t you want to catch up with Cage?”

“I can catch up with him anytime. I want to spend time with you.”

“Odd as it sounds, cooking is my happy place, and after our talk, I don’t mind a bit of silence.”

Silence? I think she means space. Asher told me to listen; this sounds like a good time to take his advice.

“Well, let me apologize in advance for whatever mayhem my brothers create. Are you sure you don’t want help?”

“A bit of peace and quiet is what I need right now. I really am good, and it’s not going to take but a second to prep some veggies.”

Not sure if I believe her, I sense she’s being as open and honest as she can. Grace bared herself to me up on the ridge. I sense her fragility and understand she needs space to regroup.

“I’m going to go in for a second, but I’ll be back in a bit to help. I hate that my invitation to dinner turned into you cooking for my whole family.”

“Honestly, it’s my pleasure. It feels good to be doing something normal. If I was uncomfortable, I’d tell you.”

“You promise?”

“Absolutely.” Her soft smile slides over me with truth and conviction. She may not realize it, but she’s softening toward me, seeing me in a different light. I’m good with that, the more she can see of this side of me, the better.

Twenty-Five

Grace

While it may be weird—me cooking for Brody’s family—I love that they leave me to it. I get a chance to mull over my thoughts. Besides, I love cooking. It’s been far too long since I lost myself to the soothing tasks of creating something mouthwateringly delicious.

I open a bottle of La Rouge wine. Not sure if I should’ve asked beforehand, it doesn’t occur to me until the cork’s out and