Page 72 of Before It's Too Late

“Yeah. Nothing’s really changed. Dr. Cruz said it could be hours, days, even weeks before she might wake up again, and even then, it’s impossible to predict whether she’ll stay awake, only that her odds are greatly improved.”

“Do you want me to pick up Taylor and meet you there?”

“I was actually thinking of heading home and picking Taylor up on the way.”

“I thought you’d want to stay longer?”

“I do but there really isn’t anything I can do.”

“If you’re sure.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Then how about I pick up dinner and meet you at home?”

“What were you thinking?”

“Carolina’s?”

“My stomach fucking loves you right now. For the record, I do too.”

“You just love me because I keep you from starving to death.”

“That, and other things. You are super adorable in protector mode.”

“Shut up, before I start on just how cute you are when you attempt to cook anything more complex than grilled cheese.”

Zach laughed. “Oh, them’s fightin’ words.”

Cael snorted and giggled, actually giggled, and the Goddamn sound when straight to Zach’s heart. He glanced down at Abbey and could have sworn a hint of a smile had formed on her lips. He knew it wasn’t really there, that he was seeing things, but that didn’t stop him from bringing her into the conversation.

“Abbey’s giving me that ‘you’re such a dork’ grin. I think she wants in on our conversation.”

“I bet she does. Wonder if I could render her speechless for once if I kissed you right in front of her and then dragged you off to our bedroom without a single word.”

A warm shiver raced down Zach’s spine. He lowered his voice. “Fuck, man, promise me you actuallywilldo that.”

“How ‘bout I promise to do that in front of both our sisters?”

Zach grunted, blood rushing to his growing erection.

“Anyway, now that I’ve got you thinking of my dick in your ass.” The sound of a car door slamming followed by an engine revving echoed through the phone. “You want your usual?”

“Yeah. And I thought you liked shoving your dick in my ass.”

“Is there something wrong with me fucking the man I love?”

“Not at all, as long as it’s me.”

“It will always be you, Pook. You’re stuck with me for the rest of your life. I hope you realize that.”

“Rest of my life, huh?”

“Yep.”

“I think I can handle that.”

“Yeah?”