My One And Only (Very Irresistible Bachelors 5)

“Gran fell down, and she doesn’t want to go to the hospital. That was one of her neighbors calling. I’m sorry. I really wanted to spend this whole day with you, but if I don’t check on her, I’m just going to keep thinking about her. The neighbor says she’s okay, but I want to make sure.”

“Of course. Want me to come with you?”

I was stunned. My shock must have been obvious, because she quickly said, “It’s just...you look super tense. I thought maybe it would help.”

“It would, actually. And Gran would love meeting you.”

Tess blinked rapidly.

“Why do you look so surprised?” I asked.

“Let’s just say you’re unlike any guy I’ve ever known.” Coming closer, she took my fist between her hands. I hadn’t even realized I clenched it.

“You’re going to cut your palm,” Tess whispered. She unclenched my fing

ers.

I left marks on my skin. Tess lifted my hand and kissed my palm gently. I wasn’t used to anyone soothing me—I always licked my wounds alone—but right then, all I wanted to do was more of this. More of Tess.

Chapter Sixteen

Liam

I couldn’t calm down on the drive to the Upper East Side. Tess kept my hand between her palms, looking sideways at me.

“I have an idea. My brother’s fiancée is a doctor. I know for a fact that she’s not on shift right now. I could ask her if she can stop by your grandmother’s place to check up on her, if you want.”

How had she guessed that I was worried sick that my grandmother didn’t want to go to a hospital? That I needed the reassurance of a doctor?

“That’s a great idea, Tess. Thank you.”

“I’ll call her right away.” Taking out her phone, she brought it to her ear and spoke quickly. “Hey, Laney. I hope I’m not disturbing you. I have a huge favor to ask. The grandmother of a very good friend fell down. She appears to be okay, but he’d be much happier if you checked on her. She doesn’t want to go to a hospital.” Tess had my hand in her lap, caressing it. “Okay, perfect. Thanks. I’ll text you the address.” Hanging up, she half turned to me. “We have a doctor.”

“Thank you.”

“Just tell me the address.”

She typed as I spoke, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I didn’t like that description of me—a “very good friend”—but this wasn’t the time to bring it up.

We arrived in front of my grandmother’s building ten minutes later. I led the way, keeping a hand at Tess’s back. I couldn’t stop touching her, and honestly, I wasn’t even trying. I was calmer whenever we were connected.

I rang the bell, even though I had a key, just to give Gran and her neighbor a heads-up. I unlocked the door, and Tess and I stepped inside the narrow and dark corridor.

To my astonishment, I heard my grandmother’s laughter from the living room. Had they not heard the bell?

“Someone’s in a good mood,” Tess whispered.

Nodding, I led the way, right until my grandmother and Hilary came into view. They were both sitting on the flowery couch. Gran had her leg up on a wooden chair with a pack of frozen peas on her knee. Hilary, a white-haired wisp of a woman who always dressed in dark colors, had her face scrunched in concentration at the chess board in front of her. They both startled upon seeing me and Tess. Clearly, the doorbell wasn’t working. I made a mental note to fix it.

“Liam, darling. Who is that lovely creature you’ve brought to see me?”

“Gran, this is Tess. We were together when Hilary called to tell us about your fall.”

Tess smiled at her. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Harrington.”

“Call me Ellen.” Then she turned to me. “Liam! Tell me you didn’t interrupt a lovely day just to check on this bag of bones. I clearly heard Hilary tell you I’m okay.”

Hilary merely waved at us before focusing on the board again. She lost against my grandmother every time, and to my knowledge, she wasn’t faking it.