My quickening pulse and the tension in my jeans tells me I like the idea of Grace being in the house.
One unruly part of me with a mind of its own loves the idea, at least.
The knot in my stomach tells me to fucking behave.
It also reminds me I’d probably have an easier time wrestling a porcupine than convincing her to go along with this plan.
She walks out of the bedroom, relief written on her face. “Has he been asleep the whole time?”
“Not quite,” Owens says. “He was awake long enough to eat some soup and whine about me hovering over him.”
“Sounds like him, all right,” Grace says, a laugh slipping out of her.
I’m glad Nelson’s still in fighting spirits. Plus, it gives me a good idea of how to get Grace over to the house and convince her to stay put.
Hell, she’ll sleep on the floor in the cabin if I don’t.
I sweep her coat off the couch and look at my valet.
“Tobin, I’m going to take Grace over to the house. Fix us some sandwiches, please?” I give the order direct to him so she can’t refuse.
“Oh, it’s fine. I’m not that hungry,” she says.
“I am. And I don’t fancy eating alone,” I tell her firmly.
She shakes her head, shoulders bowed up. Her hand pushes her gold locks back behind her ear as those blue eyes flash a warning.
Aw, hell.
Here we go.
“We have some...urgent matters to discuss,” I growl, trying to put my inner caveman back in his box and channel Tobin’s diplomacy.
Yeah. Part of me feels bad saying that because she looks so worn out, but it’s in her best interest.
“If the sandwiches can wait, then I’ll stay here to keep Miss Owens company and ensure she’s set up properly,” Tobin says, giving me a knowing glance.
I grin internally and smother a laugh.
Can’t say he never goes out on a limb for me.
I’m pretty sure the list of people Tobin ever liked keeping company ends with me and Mother. He damn sure doesn’t want to be the one to get Grace to sleep in the house because he knows he’ll lose.
Not me.
“Sounds like a plan,” I tell him.
Walking over, I hold out her coat.
Grace gives me a slow, heavy look and sighs, turns around, and shoves her arms in the sleeves.
I help her into it and place a hand on her back to steer her to the door.
“I’ll be right back,” she tells the nurse.
“No worries, I’m sure he’ll sleep comfortably all night,” Owens says. “If not, I’ll be here. That’s what you’re paying me for.”
Grace nods and walks out the door.
“Seriously, I’m not hungry, Ridge,” she says the second I shut the door behind us.
“You will be. We’re not waiting up for Tobin. I make a mean sandwich. Grilled onions, cheese, and bacon that’ll knock you on your ass. Ass, baby.”
“Um, I think I’ve had enough surprises for one day.” She spits out what sounds like a half laugh. “Is there anything the infamous Ridge Barnet can’t do?”
“No,” I say, because I want her to believe it. “There’s a whole team of quacks still trying to discover my kryptonite.”
I want her to believe that I’m going to get her out of this mess.
So fucking far out of it that they’ll never have to deal with a vicious little troll like Grendal again. I texted his info to Faulk a little while ago, and I’m waiting to hear back.
Once we’re in the house, she leaves the room to use the bathroom.
I wash my hands and dig the ingredients out of the fridge to make us a couple of my death-by-decadence sandwiches. I also pull some hot cocoa out of the cupboard, this imported stuff Tobin buys.
Can’t say I have much of a sweet tooth, but it’s done the trick in the past when he serves guests who do.
I go easy on the chocolate. Caffeine will only keep her awake, and she needs sleep after what we’ve been through.
“I said I’m not hungry,” she pouts, standing at the entryway to the kitchen.
“Too bad, you’re eating, woman, so get over here,” I tell her, sliding a plate across the breakfast bar along with a glass of water. “Have a seat.”
She takes a stool at the counter and plops her chin in one hand. A heavy sigh sizzles out of her as she looks at the sandwich and takes a bite.
“It’s tasty, I’ll give you that. Happy now?” she whispers, still