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25
Xavier pulled up outside the house. Someone must have told Juliet he was here, because as soon as he stepped out of his car, she was barreling down the steps toward him.
“Slow, down, Twink,” he commanded, surprised when she listened. She came to a stop right in front of him.
Then, to his shock, she threw herself against him, hugging him tight. It wasn’t often she initiated hugs, unless she was in Little space.
“Hug?” she whispered.
He realized he was standing there, like a dummy. He wrapped his arms around her. “Will Brick be okay with this?”
Much as he wished he was her man, he didn’t want to create problems between her and Brick. She was happy, and for that much he was grateful to the other guy.
Grudgingly.
“Of course,” she whispered, sounding indignant. “Brick sometimes has issues with trust after the way his ex-wife cheated on him. But if he doesn’t trust me, then this isn’t going to work.”
“That’s really insightful of you.”
“Well, I’ve been told I’m pretty smart,” she said modestly. “I baked some brownies.”
“Without walnuts?”
“You’re as bad as Reuben. No walnuts. Promise. I’m not annoyed with you.” She winked up at him.
“Brat.”
Turning, she tugged on his hand. He was still concerned that Brick would appear and knock him flat on his back for touching his girl.
“Should you be out here, alone?” he asked as they entered through the front door.
“She should not,” Brick said, walking towards them both with a stern frown aimed at Juliet. “She was supposed to wait until you were inside.”
“Twink,” Xavier said warningly. “You need to listen to Brick when it comes to your safety.”
“And other things,” Brick added. “We’ll be having a discussion about that later.”
Xavier studied her closely, looking for any sign that she was scared or concerned about Brick’s words, but she just gave the other man a pouting look.
Damn, that was cute.
“Don’t even start. That won’t get you out of trouble.” Brick pointed a finger at her. Then he turned to Xavier with a nod. “Thanks for your help last night.”
“Of course,” Xavier replied. Even though it had hurt him not to help her in person. “I wanted to come over and check on her before my shift at the hospital.”
“Would have thought less of you if you hadn’t,” Brick said. “She’s a bit tired. She’s going down for a nap later.”
“Good idea. She doesn’t sleep enough as it is.”
“Hm, I wonder if a regular napping schedule would benefit her.”
“Could do,” Xavier agreed.
“I’m still here, you know,” Juliet suddenly said.
Xavier glanced down at her, biting his lip in amusement as he took in her red face and the way she glared at them both. Her confidence was growing and he was proud of her.
“You’re so short, I forgot you were there, Twink.” He pulled on her braid teasingly.
