Page 96 of Noah

"Fine." I laughed. "I'll have the pub on speed dial."

"Seriously, though." Liam patted my shoulder. "Is moving in with him going to put too much pressure on such a new relationship?"

"We'll figure it out."

"I've never seen you like this, Noah. So willing to go with the flow."

"Because I'm not striving for perfection?"

"Exactly."

I shrugged. "What Brody and I have is better than perfection. What we have is real."

"You love him that much."

"He's become the most important thing in my life. I could have lost him in that car accident. I already loved him but the experience of fearing the worst made me realize how much I love him."

"As your best friend, I'd appreciate getting to know him."

I hadn't wanted to rush Brody into meeting our entire group. The few nods from Liam and the interrogation from Ethan had pushed what I thought Brody was prepared for. Then he'd gone to my parents' gala and met them and my sister, brother, and their partners. And he'd survived.

Even though Brody had been thrown in at the deep end, my friends might be more difficult to endure. They could be relentless when it came to someone they loved.

"Soon. Give him some time at home first. The hospital has overstimulated him."

"And that's something that's an issue for him, why?"

I touched Liam's arm. "I'll tell you when he says it's all right for me to do so."

Liam grunted and opened the door into the hallway. "Go. We've got this. Get your love nest ready to bring your man home to."

I finished up the last couple of items on my list, then grabbed my coat. I stood in the doorway, peering around the office, remembering all the hours I had spent in there, pouring over reports and yanking my hair out. For the first time ever, the pub wasn't the most crucial thing in my life.

Chapter Twenty | Brody

Ten in the morning couldn't come soon enough. After five days in the hospital with the constant intrusion of light and noise, my mind was ready for some solitude. Noah told me my home was ready for me to do just that. Decompress and regain my mind-body balance.

When Noah had suggested moving in with me, my brain had pulled me in two directions. One part wanted it so bad, to have him near me every night and the most of every day. The other part of me worried that we'd be incompatible living together and doing so would ruin everything.

I loved that man and wanted to hang on to him for as long as possible.

I placed my hand on Noah's. He'd been waiting with me since 9 am. He was as anxious to get me out of there as I was to leave. The past few days, he'd been at my townhouse every day at some point. Sometimes twice. He'd kept me updated about the animals. They'd all taken to Noah which I didn't find surprising. He really did love animals. They could feel that in him.

"God." Noah looked at his phone. "It's 10:10. Where's the doctor?"

"I'm sure she has more than me to discharge this morning."

"How can you be so calm? I'm going squirrely."

I smiled at him. "They've got me on good drugs."

"Okay. Yeah. That would do it."

"Mr. Carlisle." The doctor strode into the room. "I'm going to discharge you today. I'm satisfied you're on the right track with your injuries. A nurse will come in and explain to Noah what he needs to do to keep your lacerations and dressings clean."

The nurse had already done that; given us the rundown. Noah had been adorable as he listened intently and asked questions. He was taking this seriously.

He loved me.

---