Page 40 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
“Okay.” I look at LuLu nestled in Brady’s arms. “For how long?”
“Overnight.”
Whoa.I draw in a breath, glancing at the other dogs in their kennels. “Does Dr. Swanson usually stay here when he’s boarding pets?”
“He doesn’t have to,” Brady says. “The clinic takes up one side of the duplex, and their house is on the other, so he can come and go right through there.” Brady indicates a door at the end of the hallway. “He even keeps baby monitors on to listen when he’s at home. The man is dedicated in the extreme.” Brady pauses to adjust LuLu, and the muscles of his forearm flex. It’s an image of strength and tenderness, simultaneously. A knot tightens around my heart.
“You’re dedicated too.”
“I’m not, though.” His eyes cloud over. “Not in the same way. I’ll never be as invested as Doc Swanson is.”
“But that’s not really a fair comparison.” I tilt my head. “You haven’t even gone to vet school yet.”
His jaw clenches. “Exactly.”
I examine Brady’s face, not quite sure what he’s getting at. “All I can say is watching you with LuLu… I’ve never seen you like this before.”
“Like what?”
“So… emotional.”
Brady squares his shoulders. “Well, I care about her. A lot.” His voice is deep and gravelly. “I care about them all.”
“Of course you do.” I swallow. “Caring is what makes people good at a job like this.”
“Yeah.” He pauses for a moment. “Caring can also make things harder.” When he lowers his eyes, the space behind my ribs begins to ache. Brady must be consumed with worry right now, for Mrs. Swanson and for LuLu. I can’t leave him alone at a time like this. I won’t.
“I’m staying too,” I announce.
His eyes flick up to mine. “What?”
“I’m going to stay here overnight with you.” I reach out and stroke LuLu’s ear. “I mean, with you andLuLu.”
Brady shakes his head. “I can’t ask you to do that, Nat.”
“You didn’t ask. I offered.”
He furrows his brow. “Aren’t you doing something with the bridesmaids tonight?”
“Kasey doesn’t have anything else scheduled for us before the hair and makeup trials tomorrow.” I lower my arm. “I think the groomsmen are getting haircuts and shaves at the same time. But until then, I’m totally free.”
“Won’t your parents be expecting you home?”
“My mom already knows I’m here,” I say. “I hope that’s okay. I didn’t think telling her was a problem. And she didn’t ask for specifics.”She just told me I’m a good friend.
Brady expels a long breath, and LuLu gazes up at him.I feel you, girl. I kind of want to stare at him too.
“Are you sure?”His eyes sweep over my face like he’s looking for clues, wondering if my offer is sincere. He sure is trying hard to let me off the hook, but I’m just as determined not to be swayed.
“I won’t take no for an answer,” I say. “Iwantto stay with you.” Maybe more than I should. No, definitely more. But this isn’t about me. It’s about offering Brady support. So I flash him a smile to seal the deal. “I’m a nurse, remember? That’s why I’m going to LA.”
“Yeah.” He shuts LuLu’s folder. “How could I forget?”
ChapterSixteen
BRADY
Just when I start to feel safe opening up to Natalie, she reminds me she’s already got one foot out the door. Scratch that. One foot out of the state. I can still feel the warmth of her hand in mine as we raced to the clinic, but I need to bury that memory. I need to bury all my memories of her.
