Page 66 of Pucking the Grump

“Thanks, but I think I should give him some time.” I sigh. “Give me some time, too.” I reclaim his hand, forcing a brighter note into my voice as I add, “Besides, you’re my priority right now. Somebody’s got to keep you in line, and I’m afraid I’m the only one tough enough for the job.”

His lips twitch as his lids grow heavy. “Tough as nails. But you don’t have to be all the time, Rem. Love you soft, too.” He pulls in a sleepy breath, his eyes closing as he adds, “Thank you for coming. It means a lot.”

“You’re welcome,” I say, my throat tight. “I’ll always come, Stone. I promise.”

“Me, too,” he says, so softly I can barely hear it.

But I do.

And as I sit, holding his hand, there’s no doubt that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Hopefully, someday, Dad will be able to see that, too.

Chapter 18

Remy

Three days later…

I can’t lie, three days of hiding from the world at Stone’s place, playing nurse to my injured boyfriend, have been amazing—despite his love for cheesy cop movies from the 80s and increasingly ridiculous crafting ideas. We’ve had a very healing, relaxing, peaceful time together, filled with laughs, great food, and more Barb cuddles than any human deserves, but it’s time to rejoin the real world.

The admin office won’t run itself, and Juliet’s “take all the time you need” texts are starting to carry an edge of desperation.

I’m gathering my things for work at the kitchen table when Stone hobbles in from the bedroom on his crutches, Barb tailing after him like the most loyal nursemaid ever. It’s still hard to see this man, who used to be able to pin me against the wall with one arm, struggling to get around.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay?” I ask. “I can dip at lunch if you want. As long as I make an appearance, I?—”

“Oh, stop,” he says, his voice still rough with sleep. “I’ll be fine. Barb’s here, ready to wait on me hand and paw, isn’t that right, Barb?”

Barb barks on cue, making us both smile.

“Go, do your thing,” he adds, pausing to kiss my cheek on his way to the coffee. “Save the Badgers from death by paperwork. I’ll still be here and in need of your gentle healing touch when you get back.”

“But seriously, what if you need something Barb can’t reach?”

And what if I run into Dad in the halls at the arena, and he ignores me in person the way he ignored my text yesterday? What if this rift between us really is permanent?

What if I’ve lost him for good?

If so, I know it won’t be because I’m a horrible daughter or asked for anything that an adult child shouldn’t be able to expect from a parent, but still…

My anxiety levels are much higher than usual today, and a weak part of me would be just fine with hiding out at Stone’s for another three days.

Or thirty.

Or three hundred…

“I’ll text if I’m in trouble for any reason, but don’t worry. I can always call Sophie if there’s an emergency.” Stone pours his coffee. “And I won’t be alone for long, anyway. Martha from my decoupage class is coming over at ten. We’re going to craft while she makes me cookies because I’m just a poor, precious baby who needs cookies.”

I arch a brow. “Right. Did you tell Martha that your mom already sent you three different kinds of cookies? And she’s coming down on Friday to make you more?”

He flashes that golden retriever grin that charms me every time, even when I know full well he’s using it to manipulate me the same way he’s manipulating every soft-hearted baker in a five-mile radius. “Hush, woman. What are you? The cookie police? Martha loves to bake. And she loves my vintage National Geographic collection for sourcing decoupage. It’s a win-win. But I mean…if you have extra time before work, there is one thing I would love.”

“What’s that?”

He shoots me his best puppy dog eyes. “Well, if I’m going to eat cookies all day, I should probably have a healthy breakfast first. And what’s healthier than low-sugar roasted peach oatmeal with extra peaches and pecans?”

“From The Grainhouse?” My brows lift. “That’s at least a ten-minute walk, and there’s no easy way to drive there. Build in time to order and get back, and we’re talking a thirty-minute side quest before I head to work.”

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