Page 83 of Dream Mates
My phone rang as we toured the gardens, which were mostly in disarray but starting to bloom, creating a chaotic, but enchanting display.
“Hi, Wes, how was the movie?” I walked in the opposite direction of Brennan, going into another garden.
“It was great. You’re with Bren?” he asked.
The anxiousness from the bond made my belly twist as I sat on the edge of a non-working fountain. “Is that okay? I was stressed about my new job, so we went for a ride on his motorcycle.”
I’d texted Wes to let him know what was going on.
“Grace, Peaches, it’s totally fine. I’d like you two to be at least friends.”
“At least?” My brows rose. Though I was enjoying this kinder and protective side of Brennan.
There was a jostling of the phone. “Having fun? What are you and Bren doing? Each other?” Evan asked cheerfully.
“Evan! He took me for a ride on his motorcycle. That’s okay, right?” Memories of him taking me flitted through my mind, making my insides tingle.
“If he asked you to go somewhere with him, go for it. I mean, none of us would be mad if you abducted him and made him take you somewhere, as long as you eventually brought him back,” Evan laughed. “Motorcycle ride. I hope you enjoyed that. I know I do. Does he play with your ankles when he’s at a stoplight? I always like that.”
“It was nice. We’re at the estate. I guess he needs to make some decisions.” This was a lovely place with so much potential. It meant a lot that Evan wanted to marry me here–and that Brennanboughtit so that he could do so.
“Grace, we want you to be friends with Bren. Besides, aren’t you going on a date to a concert with him at some point?” Evan teased.
Anxiety shot through me, as I recalled the piano concert he’d invited me to back before I’d been taken by the Authority. “It’s a date?”
Sure, he was cute, and I was so curious about what that pierced cock felt like when I was not high on orgasms and pheromones. But I was still getting to know him, trust him–especially the not-asshole him.
“Hey, it’s okay. I’m teasing you.” Evan’s voice went soft. “We’re a little horny, so ignore us. We love you, have fun.”
“Okay. I love you, too.” For a moment I just sat there. It was an unassuming little garden with a bunch of little benches. This, too, could have so much potential. I could almost see the wallflower sister hiding here with her book, and hear the laughter of a young couple off in the distance…
“This is a night blooming garden, so I’m told. Is everything okay?” Brennan sat down with me on the fountain’s edge.
“Oh. That sounds lovely. I just wanted to make sure no one was mad that I ran off with you. I’m still trying to figure all this out.”
“Given no one had anything planned, I don’t see why they would. Now, if you spoiled Jett’s plans then he might get cranky with you.” He smiled. “Jett wants Spencer to grill ribs for dinner. Does that sound good?”
“That sounds amazing.” Would he let me make the sauce? My sauce literally won an award at the fair. I texted Spencer and asked him.
“So much of our life must be so new and strange to you. We sometimes forget that you’re not used to this.” He looked up at the cloudy sky.
My lower lip quivered. “I get so confused. Like you can barely stand me sometimes, but back at the cabin you…” My body flooded with heat with the little I did remember. “Then Evan was cracking jokes and…”
Brennan started rubbing my shoulders. “Easy or Evan’s going to call and scold me. You’re right. When you first came here, I was so blinded by what Caroline did to us that I could only see you as a threat. But I see beyond that now. You make my packmates happy. And well, I like playing the piano with you.”
I relaxed into his hands. It felt different from when Spencer did it.
“As for the cabin, I’m sorry for not talking with you beforehand, and I hope it wasn’t unwanted. Wes is still trying to figure out how to manage both your and Evan’s needs. My actions were beyond duty or instinct. When we’re in the nest, we care for each other's wants and needs regardless of who we’re with on the outside, because we have trust. We’re a family and the last thing I’d want to do is leave someone hurt and wanting.”
“Oh, I… I like it when you’re sweet with me. And I don’t necessarily even mean kissing. Like this–getting me out of the house before I become a wreck. Though what I remember was good.” I ducked my head. It felt weird saying these things out loud.
Trust. Care. Before I came here I didn’t experience a whole lot of that. Now, I craved it.
“I take care of everyone in this family–even those I don’t have a bond with. We’ll get it all figured out. Getting used to the hormones can be a bitch.” He chuckled.
That was an understatement, because just him sitting this close and touching me so tenderly was getting my lady parts a little jumpy.
Down girl. We’re not getting with Brennan.
