Page 88 of Between Us

He gives me a meaningful look. I’m sure he’s putting the clues together as quickly as he did earlier, but that’s still Blake’s conversation to have with her parents. Still, I admit, “I hope you still feel that way after this.”

“I do, because I blame you two separately and equally.” I let out a shocked laugh at his honesty, the genuinely kind smile he offers me not surprising at all. “And I trust you two won’t do this again, and you’ll call me if it’s something that requires medical attention.”

I promise him that we won’t, feeling cautiously hopeful about making that oath on her behalf.

As I move to stand, knowing that I’ve been dismissed, Dr. Miller stops me as I’m walking out the office door.

“Adrian.”

With my hand on the frame, I turn toward him. “Yes, sir?”

He clears his throat. “Moving out of boss mode… I have a question. And I don’t mean to overstep. Blake mentioned that you won’t be seeing your parents or godmother for Christmas?”

“Oh,” I mutter, slightly shocked. Not that it’s out of line, it just wasn’t what I was expecting right now. “No, I won’t see them for the holiday. My parents are in Maine, working until a couple days before New Year’s Eve. And my godmother is taking her parents to visit family across the country.”

He nods, seeming to think over his words. “Maybe I should leave the invitation to Blake—and I do think we should check with her—but Selena and I would love for you to spend the holiday with us. If you want.”

My brows flick up. This definitely wasn’t what I was anticipating today. Though, it does sound a hell of a lot better than eating takeout and watching a football game alone.

“I’ll talk to Blake, but if she’s okay with it… Yeah,yes. I’d love to spend the day with you guys.”

He offers me a small, earnest smile and a quick nod. With that, I take my leave and text Blake, hoping to at least find out where she went.

Chapter Forty-Four

Adrian

It’sbeenaboutfivehours since Blake stormed out of the clinic. I started to worry about three hours ago, however Tim let me know she was okay. She hadn’t gone home, but both of her parents had her phone’s location and said she was safe.

It still didn’t do anything to calm my nerves though. Not like seeing her standing at my front door, hair wet and face a blotchy red. I hate the sight of her upset, but I love seeing her here.

And a small, selfish part of me can’t help noticing that she didn’t go home. She came here. In the past, if she needed space, I’m not sure where she would go to get away from her parents—I don’t know if she’s ever needed to. With me she has a safe place to land, and it does something to my heart to know she’s actually utilizing it.

“Hey, Storm Cloud,” I quietly greet her.

Her throat bobs and she whispers, “Hi.”

Opening one arm, she easily falls into my embrace as I shut the door with my other one.

“Sorry I just showed up,” she mumbles into my chest.

“You don’t have to apologize. I’ll give you a key if it makes you feel better.” She leans her head back, resting her chin on my chest, to look at me. “I really would.”

She chuckles lightly. “I believe you.’

“I called your parents,” I confess. “I was worried about you.”

Her face falls, washing away the short-lived amusement with guilt. “I should’ve texted you.”

Shaking my head, I tell her, “It’s okay to need space sometimes, Blake. I just worry.”

“I’ll tell you when I need space next time,” she promises.

I lean down to place a soft kiss on her lips. It’s quick and tender, and hopefully exactly what she needs right now. “You hungry?”

She nods. “I was at the gym—well, the pool. It’s usually where I go when I’m feeling anxious.” She slips into one of the stools at the small breakfast bar and watches as I finish getting out the ingredients for the burrito bowl I’d planned to make for dinner, and a few lunches for the week. There’s chicken already in the oven, so I can at least stay closer to Blake while I finish everything else.

“That’s good to know.” I walk to the sink and wash my hands—using the time to think over my next words. When I turn back to the counter across from her, I take a second to fully observe her beauty—getting stuck on those goddamn lightning eyes that haunt me every moment now. “I wouldn’t expect you to take me, but if you ever want to be alone, butnotalone, I’m there. I’ll work out while you swim.”

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