Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga 10)

I sighed. Another time.

I walked into the house stealthily and went straight to my bedroom.

Though tempted, I didn’t let any tears fall.

I set the alarm on my phone. I’d be up early to do my duties. I’d let Talon and Jade down enough for now.

Talon was up first. I’d spent my entire shower trying to figure out what lie to tell him about where I’d been last night, but I ultimately decided to just apologize for not being here for them and offer no further explanation. I was a grown woman, and I certainly didn’t have to account to my big brother where I’d been.

He accepted it with pursed lips. “As long as you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” I replied as nonchalantly as I could. “Just had to take care of a few things. I should have called.”

“Yeah, you should have. We were worried.”

I said nothing. He was right. “What do you have going on today?” I asked.

“Meetings mostly. The three of us need to get the financial staff up to speed with Bryce taking over.”

I nodded, trying not to let the tension I felt show. He had to mention Bryce, didn’t he?

“How about you?” he asked.

“Not much. The usual.”

“Aren’t you going to call Colin?”

“Colin?” Right. “Yeah, sorry. I forgot. I’ll give him a call and set up a time for him to talk to Jade.”

“Good. I still don’t like the idea of me not being there.”

“We’ll be fine. I’ll be there. I’ll look out for Jade.” I’d been looking out for Jade long before Talon came into her life, but I left that unsaid.

He nodded, sipping the last of his coffee before he set down the cup and stood. “I have to look in on the hands in the field before I begin the meetings. I’m going to go kiss the boys and Jade goodbye.”

“Okay. I’ll be in to roust the boys in a few.”

He nodded again, walking out of the kitchen.

Whew! That wasn’t pleasant, but he seemed to accept that I wasn’t going to offer up any details to my whereabouts the previous evening. I hadn’t slept a wink once I’d returned, but I felt okay since I’d slept for seven hours in Bryce’s arms.

Seven wonderful hours. Granted, I had no memory of them since I was asleep, but I felt oddly refreshed this morning, both physically and mentally. Emotionally? Not so much.

I missed Bryce. I wished we’d ended it on a better note.

But I had other fish to fry today, beginning with taking care of my nephews.

I woke them and pulled them out of bed to come to the kitchen to eat. Even Donny was quiet this morning. The skies were gray, unusual for a Colorado morning, and the boys were feeling it.

An hour later, I’d dropped them at the bus stop and returned. I went in to check on Jade.

She was up and showered, a good sign.

“Starting to feel better?” I asked.

“A little less nauseated. Believe it or not, that’s a good thing. I’ve been feeling so sick that the ‘little less’ part actually feels good.”

“Feel like breakfast?”