28. Soren
J ames opens the front door and grins at me. “Well, nice to see you again. Don’t leave without a key next time.”
I chuckle, but the look on his face says he’s serious.
“Have you eaten yet?” he asks.
“That’s my line usually, but no.”
“Go clean up and then come to the kitchen. I still have batter from the pancakes I made this morning.”
I try to protest. “You don’t have to go to the trouble.”
“It’s no trouble, now go. Daddies need to take care of themselves, too.”
Laughing, I raise my hands in surrender. “Okay, I’m going.”
After a quick shower, I find James in the kitchen. He jumps up when I enter the room and I say, “I can make my own food, I’m not Doc.”
He laughs. “It’s not a problem. I’m used to cooking because you should never trust Ash in the kitchen; he’s a menace.”
“He lets you call him Ash?”
James glances at me as he pulls the pancake batter from the fridge. “I didn’t give him a choice.” His grin is feral and I laugh. “He’s serious about his first name, he doesn’t like any reminders of his past. I call him Ash because it’s a thing between the two of us; something that helps cement the bond we have. Whatever the two of you are building will do the same. Though I’m careful not to call him that in front of other people, it’ll lead to more questions he won’t answer; I value my life too much for that.”
I smile softly at his words, liking the sound of building on my foundation with Doc—with Ashby . “You said earlier that ‘Daddies need to take care of themselves, too’. How’d you know? I don’t think I scream ‘Daddy’, at least no one before believed it until they saw me in action.”
James laughs and pours some batter on the now hot griddle. “He told me. I hope that’s okay? We don’t have any secrets, so unless you tell him not to, nothing will ever stay between the two of you.”
Shaking my head, I reassure him, “It’s fine. I’m not upset that he told you about what we’re doing. I’m glad he has someone to talk to. Plus, my best friends know.” Even if I wish they didn’t . “So I'd be a hypocrite if I said he wasn’t allowed to talk to you.”
“You know,” he says as he plates up the stack of pancakes, “I always said Ash needed a keeper, didn’t expect him to go out and get a Daddy, but it’s fitting.”
I smirk. “Yes, well, don’t expect me to be a lenient Daddy. I take the care of my partner seriously.”
James sets the food, along with utensils, syrup, and butter in front of me. “I don’t know much about those types of relationships, they're not my thing, but I trust Ash, and if he trusts you, I’ll learn to. You don’t have to worry about me interfering with your relationship, just don’t hurt him.”
I shake my head as I cut into the pancakes. “It’ll never be on purpose; and when it is, it’s the kind of hurt we both want.”
James grins. “Yeah, I saw the marks you left on him. That kind of hurting is perfectly acceptable.” He frowns and his light brown eyes get a serious look in them. “He’s been through a lot, even if he won’t ever admit how deeply he feels things. All I want is for him to be happy. If that means he gets a Daddy who knows how to keep him in line and deliver the good type of hurt, I’m not going to complain.”
“You’re not worried that I’ll get in the way of your relationship?”
James shakes his head. “I already know he warned you that our relationship wasn’t going to change. I’m not worried you’d go back on your word. The only reason I didn’t crawl into bed with you the other night was because we didn’t know how you’d respond. There’s a difference between being okay with us and seeing it full-force. I’d like to think we’re easing you into it, but I don’t think there’s any type of easing.”
I laugh. “No, probably not.”
James makes tea for the both of us while I finish my plate. “Want more?” he asks as he slides my mug over.
Shaking my head, I wrap my hands around the mug and take a deep breath. “No, I’m good. I’ll probably crash for a few hours after this, though. Even alone, sleeping on that cot is not the most comfortable thing.”
“Yeah, been there done that. I'm glad there’s someone else to take the brunt of it now.” He grins when I glare.
As we’re finishing our tea, James pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket. “I’m going to the grocery store, because it may be my day off from babysitting Ash, but that just means I have a million other things to do.” I laugh at his put out expression. “Anything you need or want?” He waves the paper in the air. “Let me know now so I can get it on the list.”
I shake my head. “No, I’m fine, thanks. I’m just the interloper, you don’t have to worry about me. Plus, one of my friends dropped by yesterday with groceries that he and his brothers bought for my place.” Rolling my eyes, I give James a wry grin. “Apparently, they don’t trust me to do my own shopping.”
He smiles back and puts the list away. “Okay, well, text me if you think of something.”
“Sure.” Drinking the last of my tea, I carry all my dishes to the sink and put them in the dishwasher. “I’ll see you later? I need to crash before Doc gets home… I have plans for him.”
James laughs and shakes his head. “I don’t want to know. Go sleep, I’m going to check in on Enzo and then head out.”
“Thanks for the food, and the company.”
“Anytime.”
I’m sitting in the family room, reading one of the random books I found on the shelf, while Enzo sits on the sofa opposite me, watching something on a tablet, when Doc comes home.
“Well, this is a surprise,” he says, walking into the room.
Looking up, I close the book. “I needed something to do.”
He takes the book out of my hands and sets it on the coffee table. “It’s a good choice. Never thought you’d be a romance reader, but I have a whole selection of books to choose from.”
“So I’ve noticed. I don’t really read romance, but I was curious. And bored enough to give one a try.”
Enzo snorts. “So sorry I wasn’t enough entertainment for you.”
Doc turns his attention to the other man. “How are you doing? I’m glad to see you up and about.”
Enzo shrugs a little. “I’m okay. I'm having some phantom pains today, so I’ve been trying to distract myself, but other than that it’s been good. I made it out here with only a little assistance from Jane.”
“Good, do you mind if I check the wound?”
Enzo waves his hand at his sweatpant-covered residual limb. Doc rolls the pant leg up and pokes a little at Enzo, who seems more bored than bothered by the treatment, but then he’s been dealing with Doc for years, not just since losing his leg, so he’s used to Doc’s mannerisms.
“You’re looking good. Jayden should be here tomorrow to go over your new physical therapy program, and your appointment with Dr. Watts and the surgeon is on Tuesday.”
“I know, Doc.” Enzo rolls his eyes. “Are you done being a mother hen now?”
“Don’t be such a drama queen, I’m just doing my job and making sure you’re aware of what’s going on. Speaking of knowing what’s going on, I talked to Tennant before I left. He wants to bring Roman over sometime soon to see you.” Doc holds up a hand when it looks like Enzo is going to protest. “I’ve spoken to the Boss as well. He agrees with Ten that seeing you will help Roman. The boy is…struggling with his guilt. He hides it well, but you know Tennant pays close attention to his lovers.”
Doc levels a look at Enzo and the other man pretends not to notice, adjusting his pant leg and then shifting his position on the sofa. “I don’t want him to see me like this; so weak and helpless.”
Doc’s face softens and he reaches out to squeeze Enzo’s shoulder. “Roman loves you. You’ve been in his life since the beginning and he trusts you—the list of people who have that trust is short. We all know the boy puts too much on his shoulders because of his position.
“Let him see you’re okay. Honestly, I think you both need it. So much of your life revolved around him. I think, as much as he needs to see you’re okay, the same can be said about you. It was your job to protect him, after all, and that doesn’t just go away.” Doc shrugs. “But then, I’m a medical doctor, not a psychologist. Talk to Dr. Madison, that’s what he’s there for.”
Enzo makes a face. “I’ve been attending my appointments.”
Doc must hear the same derision I do in Enzo’s voice because he says, “But are you doing the work or just going through the motions because you’re trying to appease me? I’m not an idiot, Enzo. Don’t think I won’t get Cristian down here again if I discover you’re trying to pull one over on me.” He leans down and forces Enzo to look at him. “Talk to Dr. Madison, actually talk to him, and allow him to help you through this. Nobody expects you to handle this on your own, and none of us think less of you. The only one who is judging you for everything that’s happened recently is you .”
Enzo closes his eyes and his emotional pain is evident on his face. My heart goes out to him. His entire world has been turned upside down multiple times in recent months, and I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t unravel under the circumstances.
Doc being such a driving force in making sure Enzo heals, not just physically but mentally as well, shouldn’t be as attractive as it is. But I love watching him care for the bodyguard. Yes, he’s brash and his bedside manner is nonexistent, but it’s honest, and for someone like Enzo, it’s what he responds best to.
“Okay,” Enzo finally says. “I’ll see Roman when he comes, and I’ll try more with Dr. Madison. I make no promises, but I do appreciate everything you’re doing for me, Doc. I won’t let you or anyone else down.”
“Mi preoccupo per te. All I want is to see you thrive. This is a big life change, yes, but it’s not the end of your life. Get healthy, or be stuck living here forever—your choice.”
Doc straightens up and Enzo looks at him, what can only be love and admiration shining in his eyes. “God, please no. I’ll talk to a million therapists if I have to in order to go back to my own home.”
Doc smiles. “Good, glad we’re on the same page. Now, I’m fucking exhausted. I’m going to shower and take a nap before dinner. Need anything before I go up?”
“No, I’m fine, thanks. Jane is around, I’ll call her if I need to. Did Kail go straight to bed?”
Doc shakes his head. “No, he went to visit his sister, but said he won’t be long. I’m sure he’ll come see you when he gets home.”
“Ah, I see. Well, good. He needs to get out and live a little. I hate that he's been stuck here with me for so long.”
“Yeah, because it’s such a hardship for him.” Doc rolls his eyes. “I’m going to bed, you can sort out your relationship drama by yourself.”
“My relationship is relatively drama free, thank you.”
Doc snorts. “Whatever you say.” He turns to me. “Come lay with me?”
“Of course.” Getting up, I hold my hand out for Doc’s and pull him close when he threads our fingers together.
“I missed you,” Doc whispers, looking down at me.
Raising on my toes, I press a kiss to his lips. “Missed you, too. I brought some things from my house… Want to see?”
He grins, sharp and feral, but there’s a slight apprehension in his eyes as well. “Yes, let’s go.”
“See ya later, Enzo,” I say over my shoulder as Doc drags me out of the room.