Page 45 of Wild Fires

“She's mated to your brother. She's seen a penis before,” Gracie reminded me. “Hell she's even seen a Davenport penis before.”

“Not this Davenport's,” I said.

Gracie blew on the burn mark on my chest, causing a reaction that was definitely not appropriate with Kim's presence.

“You know, this is why you're not supposed to cook in the nude, Ryan.”

“This is why you're supposed to knock and wait to be invited in. I know I locked that door, how'd you even barge in here?”

“You know we have a spare key.”

“For emergencies.”

“Oh, you want to talk emergencies? How about my brother being in the hospital?”

I groaned. “He made me swear not to tell you. He didn't want you to leave work or worry.”

“You know, if that was coming from Gracie, I'd accept that. She has an allegiance with Andrew over me. But you? Ryan, we're family. You can't leave me in the dark over something like this.”

“Andrew begged him not to tell you or Elias, knowing he'd for sure run and tell you. I was there, I heard him,” Gracie said, coming to my defense.

“You should have still told me.”

“I'm sorry, Kim. Really, I am. It's been a busy day, week even.”

“I can see that,” she said with a sly grin.

“Kim, this isn't . . .”

“Don't you dare say this isn't what it looks like. Eli and I were already making bets on the who you were seeing, and after seeing the two of you together in here this morning and your surprise shift on our balcony, your brother was already convinced it was Gracie. I was struggling to see it, but I certainly can now.”

“Kim, this isn't . . .”

“If you say this isn't what it looks like, I'm pretty sure Gracie will punch you in the nuts. You have never had a woman over here in the time I've been here. And from what Eli says you never have, aside from family. Your place is off-limits, so that says a lot.”

Gracie opened her mouth to protest.

“Don't bother,” Kim said. “I'm not a gossip, and I don't rat out family.”

“Then you can understand why we didn't tell you about Andrew.”

Kim started to protest, but Gracie just smirked and shook her head.

“He's my family too. You know that better than anyone.”

She sighed and nodded. “Fine, but please, next time just tell me. I don't want to have to find out through the gossip chain that my brother's in the hospital with burns covering nearly a quarter of his body.”

“I'm really sorry you found out like that. I was only trying to abide by Andrew's wishes.”

“Okay. I'll let you two get back to your, uh, dinner.”

“Kimberly,” I warned to her retreating back.

“You know I don't keep things from my mate. But otherwise, your secret is safe with me. I won't even tell Gia about this. It's just really nice to see you happy.”

She left before I could reply.

“I'm happy. I'm always happy,” I said aloud anyway

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