Page 19 of Heat Transfer

I stepped into the doorway, and all eyes landed on me.

Well, us. Because apparently Felix and I were still holding hands.

Dad lay in the hospital bed, but his eyes were soft, and a grin was on his face, so he wasn’t in too much pain. Mom sat besidehim, and Ollie stood next to her. She glanced up, her sharp eyes missing nothing.

“Oh, so you brought your boyfriend?” She pushed up from her chair.

I expected Felix to yank his hand away, but he didn’t.

“I’m so happy to meet you.” Felix extended his free hand. “Though obviously, better circumstances would be great and all.”

“Come on.” Mom opened her arms. “We’re huggers in this family.”

Felix winked at me before letting go of my hand to accept a hug from my mom. My nerves jumped around, and I caught Ollie’s “what the fuck” look. I rolled my eyes and shrugged.

“I don’t know,” I mouthed back, and Ollie grinned, waggling his brows.

Pain in my goddamn ass.

Mom swept me into a hug, and I squeezed her tight. “So, what’s the damage?” I asked.

“Just had a small slip.” Dad ducked his head.

Mom pulled away and shot him a look. “Moderate sprain to his right arm, so you boys will be taking the reins for the next few weeks.”

“I should be back sooner—” Dad said.

“No.” Mom pointed at him. “You should be retired anyway. Take the time.”

“What she said.” Ollie crossed his arms, attempting to intimidate, but since my brother was a golden retriever, he failed. “However, what I would like to know is more about Cor’s budding new relationship.”

Everyone’s eyes returned to us, and Felix made it worse by sliding right next to me and wrapping an arm around my waist. I met his eyes, trying to communicate cozy things like murder,retribution, and “you’re an asshole.” He gave me a cheeky grin and mouthed, “practice.”

I opened my mouth and shut it again. Fuck if I knew what to say.

“Okay, all you fuckers are standing here, and none of you bothered to send an update?”

Rory to the rescue. He stood in the doorway, his shoulders heaving, probably from rushing up. His beanie covered his dark hair, and ink peeked past his rolled sleeves and up the side of his neck. His green eyes flashed, and he would guaranteed draw attention his way just from sheer loudness.

“We were too busy interrogating Cor about his new boyfriend.”

Fucking Ollie.

I shot my brother a look, and he gave me a shit-eating grin in return. Felix hadn’t budged from my side, and under different circumstances, I’d be floating to have his arm wrapped around me like this.

“Shit, really? Not Luke again, right?” Rory marched in and casting Felix a glance. “Good, no Luke.” He stomped past us to Dad’s bedside. “Okay, so clearly your right arm’s borky, which is why you didn’t message, but that doesn’t explain the rest of you fuckers being all elusive in the group chat. There’s a group chat for a reason.”

“Okay, Mr. I’m On My Way who arrives a half hour later.” I jumped in, eager to get the attention off me.

“Traffic, bitch,” Rory said. “Though Aislin and Declan are almost here. As you would know if you checked your phones.”

Mom ground her palms against her forehead. “Maybe I should’ve spelled everything out explicitly. We don’t need the entire Brannon clan here for a minor injury. Your father will be released soon enough.”

“Should we head to your house, then?” Rory asked.

Mom shot him an arch look. “Not if you’re expecting dinner. Don’t you have a life to get to?”

“Cold blooded.” Rory plunked on the edge of the hospital bed.

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