Page 47 of Bloom: Part 2

He shrugged. “Yeah, but I knew that from the start.”

“And it doesn’t bother you that they fuck around?”

“Language. There’s a baby present.”

“He’s too young to understand me.”

Saint rolled his eyes. “It’s good to see none of the doc’s refinement has rubbed off on you. But no, it doesn’t bother me. Maybe at first, but I understand how it is for them.”

“I couldn’t do that sh—err thing. It’d drive me insane if I caught Logan sleeping with someone else. I’d probably kill them both.” But could I hurt Logan? I’d be devastated, though. “Or maybe kill the one he cheats with, then keep Logan locked up just for me.”

“Spoken like someone who needs more time with his psychiatrist. My mom’s been trying to reach you. She says you’ve stopped going to see Dr. Simms. I haven’t said anything to Crowe about it yet, but if he knows you’re not going, he’s going to flip.”

“Who cares? It’s my decision, and I’m not going.”

“Why don’t you try saying that to Crowe’s face?”

I shot him two middle fingers. “Is there any food? I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.”

“Because all you’ve been doing is riding the doc’s you-know-what since you’ve gotten home. It’s good you’re enjoying yourself, but don’t wear the merchandise out.”

“Hey, you and Bay were such hos back in Riverton. Maybe it’s my time now, so let me be one for a change, all right? You didn’t answer me about the food.”

He nodded slowly. “Well, damn, our little Bloom’s not so naïve anymore, is he?”

“The food, Saint!”

The baby startled, face crumpling as he let out a wail. Oh shit. I didn’t regret a lot, but he sounded so pitiful, I felt sorry for frightening him.

Saint shot me an annoyed look, cooing to the child. “It’s okay. Don’t let the mean uncle scare you.” He rose to his feet, placed the bottle on the table, and walked back and forth with the baby propped up on his shoulder. He looked way too much of a natural with a baby when I knew he’d never held one before in his life. “Food’s in the oven. Your man sent a delivery guy. I might have eaten half the potatoes.”

“Asshole.” The temptation was great to yell again, so he’d have a crying baby on his hands, but I took the high road. I grabbed a can of Pepsi from the fridge but returned it. Logan’s voice reminded me of the orange and apple juices he’d bought for me because he’d seen me drink one too many sodas.

I guess he just lives rent-free in my head now.

In the oven, I found a beautifully wrapped package, still warm. When I unwrapped it, the aroma hit me—a blend of herbs, melted cheese, and something else I couldn’t quite place. My stomach grumbled. The box had the same logo as the restaurant he’d taken me to recently.

Inside was an avocado toast. Not regular like, though. The bread was thick, crusty sourdough, grilled to perfection, and slathered with creamy avocado. On top were slices of smoked salmon with a poached egg in the center. A side of roasted cherry tomatoes and truffle-seasoned potatoes completed the meal.

I grabbed my plate and returned to the mess hall, only to find it empty. Saint must’ve taken the baby elsewhere. I settled down at one of the tables and dug in. The first bite was heaven—the creaminess of the avocado mixed with the smoky salmon and the rich yolk of the poached egg. Logan knew how to treat me better than I treated me.

Grinning, I pulled out my phone, holding a huge forkful of food and snapping a picture of myself midbite. I sent it to Logan with a message:“Thank you.”

I hit Send, then leaned back, savoring another bite, the taste and textures blending perfectly on my tongue. I was almost finished when footsteps approached me from behind. Gunner entered the mess hall, his eyes flicking to the plate in front of me.

“Goddamn, that smells good.”

“Tastes fucking good too. Gunner, get you a man who knows what you want even when you don’t.”

He scowled. “I’d not trade Ben for any other man. I like him just fucking fine the way he is.”

“What’s with all the cussing?” Ben came up behind him, making a beeline straight for the bar.

“Just bragging about who has the better man. I’m winning, by the way.”

Ben’s face turned red, but he failed at hiding his grin. “Before I forget, Jamie’s inviting us over to his and Grimm’s place for Thanksgiving. He says no isn’t an option. Bloom, pass the info on to Doc, will you?”

“Okay. I’ll let Logan know.”

---