Page 68 of Dream Mates
Shit, I felt awful.
“It’s fine,” I said. Also, the truth. He hadn’t kept her long and she probably needed a good night’s sleep before joining the chaos that had been Evan’s heat.
“I’m glad she had you there,” I added.
“What can I do? I don’t want to cause any issues between you, especially right now, when she really needs you. Would youlike to accompany her to the PIIP symposium instead of me? I can transfer the invitation to you. I was just trying to make her happy,” he confessed, an earnest look on his face, pain in his eyes.
“Shit, why would I want to subject myself to that when you’re willing? But thank you.” I knew he hadn’t planned that to one-up me. He’d organized the trip to the exclusive science conference because she wanted to see some particle thingy. I’d go if she wanted me to, but I had no issue with Spencer attending with her instead. He’d enjoy it. I’d find that shit boring as fuck.
Also, I knew with Spencer she’d be taken care of. Fuck, he could be her travel buddy for all the science shit I knew she’d be doing. It was only a matter of time before she was the one speaking at conferences.
“There are a few weeks before the conference, you could take her on some sort of special solo getaway. Is that the issue? While you went to the cabin for her birthday, you haven’t whisked her away on a special trip yet?” he asked.
I paused. “Oh, I could do that, couldn’t I?”
A romantic weekend would be nice. Maybe I could take her to the little seaside town my grandparents always took Lexi and I to when we were kids. Yeah, my grandma would let me borrow their beach house for the weekend, right?
Jett did say it would be good for us to spend some solo time together.
“This is all a me problem, not a you problem, Spence. I’m feeling guilty for not being there, for not protecting her, for not being alpha enough for her.” My head bowed.
“Wes, you’re a good alpha to her. You make her so happy. My interest in Grace doesn’t mean that she isn’t getting what she needs from you.” His brows furrowed.
Oh.
“I… I didn’t realize I needed to hear that. When that asshat took her, I felt so helpless…” My shoulders slumped.
“I did as well. I honestly thought I’d never see her again.” Pain leaked into his voice. “I will do whatever you need of me. The last thing I want is to come between you. It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to spoil someone in that way, and it’s very easy for me to get carried away. It’s okay to tell me to back off–or piss off,” he admitted.
“Just don’t get an ice cream flavor named after her?” I joked.
His look became amused. “I was actually thinking of an ice cream store.”
I froze, then realized he was joking.
“A car shaped like an ice cream cone?” I countered.
“Perhaps.” Spencer smiled. “Are we all right? My offer to back off stands.”
“We’re good, thank you.”
He patted me on the shoulder. “I’m glad. She needs you so much.” Spencer’s gaze shifted to the stairs. “Have fun tonight.”
My gaze followed and I sucked in a breath. Grace wore one of her usual cotton dresses, but in a cute floral print, and she’d dressed it up. She had her splint and walking cast back on. Riley had done her hair and makeup.
I stood and met her at the stairs. “You look amazing.”
“So do you.” Grace’s smile melted my heart as she grabbed me by the tie and gave me a searing kiss. There was a jacket in her hands.
Yeah, this woman loved me.
Taking her arm, we waved, and I took her outside and we got onto the boat. Nerves wafted off her and through the bond as we set off across the lake toward the restaurant.
Shit. I had to remember that our bond worked better now. Much better. Grace also probably didn’t know how to filter it.
“Come here.” I held out a hand to her.
She took it and I pulled her onto my lap as I steered one-handed.
