Page 98 of Never and Always
I forced myself to look at my brother in the bed. He was what I should be focused on, not myself and my future worries. I had more than enough to deal with right now.
“All right, Murray.” I set my shoulders back. “I’ll let you boss me around for my own good, but I’m not drinking the rest of that swill you call coffee.”
Chapter 33
Everett
Iunlocked the door and let us into Piper’s suite.
She’d been quiet. I could tell she was tired, worried, and drained.
“I’m going to get us some food and make you a hot drink.” I set my keys down on the kitchen counter. “Why don’t you have a hot shower and change?”
She met my gaze briefly and nodded.
“Remember to cover your stitches so they don’t get wet.”
“Yes, Dad.”
I watched her go, worry gnawing at me. I was so used to take-charge Piper. I hated seeing her so upset.
I made some hot chocolate but held off ordering food. I wasn’t sure if she’d eat anyway. Once I filled a mug, I glanced at the bedroom. I could hear the shower running and she still hadn’t reappeared.
Carrying the mug into the bedroom, I set it down on the bedside table and walked to the bathroom. Steam filled the room and I saw Piper in the shower stall.
She was standing there, arms at her sides, looking at the water swirling down the drain. My heart clenched. Damn, Iwanted to take away all her pain. I wanted to see her smile. I wanted to hear her snapping orders at someone over the phone.
I quickly shed my clothes and stepped into the shower. She startled and looked up. She hadn’t even realized I was in the room.
“Hey.” I wrapped my arms around her.
She burrowed in, and together, we stood under the hot spray.
“I can’t get warm. I keep seeing Chance… I keep seeing his blood on my hands.”
“Shh. Just let it all go for now.” I tipped some of her flowery shower gel onto my palm. Then, I took my time smoothing it over her skin. I wanted to soothe her, help her realize that she was safe. “I’ve got you.”
“No one ever has before,” she whispered.
But I did. And I would forever if she’d let me.
Fuck, I was way past falling for Piper Ellis. I’d hit the ground hard. I was crazy for her. Not the glossy, sometimes bossy and terrifyingly smart executive. I liked that Piper and her high heels, but I also liked the other side of her. The loving daughter, sister, and granddaughter, the real woman she didn’t show everyone.
Still, I knew Windward wasn’t for her. And it was my home.
I shoved that thought away for now.
“One day, you’re going to stop looking so surprised about someone looking out for you.” I washed her all over, then got some shampoo and worked it into her hair. She was quiet and still, tipping her head back, letting me wash her.
Finally, I shut the shower off and led her out. I wrapped her in one of the hotel’s fluffy towels. With a second towel, I dried myself off quickly and slung it around my hips. Then I took my time drying her off.
With the towel still around her, I nudged her into the bedroom. When she sat on the edge of the bed, I pushed the mug of hot chocolate into her hands.
“Drink. It’s probably going cold.”
“You’re always making me drink hot things.” She sipped.
I stood over her, watching. “Drink it all.”
