Page 65 of Bones

“Are you going to put him out of his misery?”

“Yeah, I guess. Eventually.”

She grins and blows me a kiss before she leaves.

BONES

It’s been two days since I spoke to Doc, and that’s not without trying. I’ve sent her fresh flowers each morning, handwritten letters, and I’ve called and messaged her as much as I can without coming off like a stalker.

Okay, I am a stalker, but I’m trying here.

My only saving grace is the cameras. I get to watch her every day and see what she’s doing. I even heard the entire conversation with Isla, which made me feel even more shitty and guilty because I forgot about the cameras and the fact that I do have one more secret I’m going to have to come clean about the next time I get to speak to her.

Skull saw my tattoo, and straightaway went to see Rune at the tattoo shop to get one in the same spot but with Isla’s name. He couldn’t believe I’d gotten another one, and had laughed when I told him I didn’t remember it because I was that drunk.

Brandy slides up to me when she finds me sitting alone at the bar and leans over the counter, showing off her cleavage. “You look a little tense there. I can help you out if you want. You know, for old times’ sake. No one has to know.”

I shake my head before she can even finish her sentence. “Yes, I’m tense, but no. No one is touching me except my old lady. And don’t ask again, Brandy. You know I’m taken.”

“I know, I just thought?—”

“You thought that because I haven’t been around, he might cheat on me?” Doc asks as she steps into the room, interrupting her. She looks beautiful in jeans painted on like a second skin and a white top that clings to her breasts. If she came here to torture me, she’s already succeeding.

“Well, maybe you should take better care of him,” Brandy snaps, turning to leave.

“Maybe you should mind your own business, or get your own man instead of trying to go after everyone else’s,” Doc snaps, keeping her eyes on Brandy until she leaves, then her hazel eyes come back to me, and they narrow slightly. “Should I be taking better care of you?”

That sounds like a trick question.

“I hurt you, so I get it.” Standing up, I walk over to her and cup her face in my hands. “I love you. I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” she admits, and doesn’t stop me when I lift her and wrap her in my arms.

“I’m sorry, baby. Does your being here mean that you forgive me? Because my dick thinks it does,” I rasp, kissing her neck.

She pulls away to look at me. “I’m still upset, but I want to work things out with you. I love you, Nate.”

Nate.

Fuck.

Kissing her deeply, I walk up the stairs with her and take her to bed. “There’s something I need to tell you.” I’m taking a risk telling her before tasting her pussy, but I promised her honesty going forward.

“What?” she asks, helping me take off my T-shirt.

She gasps, her fingers tracing her name on my chest. “When did you get this? How? Did they knock you out again?”

“I got it the last night you were with Skull. And I was drunk. I don’t even remember getting it,” I admit, and her lips curve.

“I love it. I love you, Nate.”

“I love you too, baby. And that’s why I’m telling you now that before I even walked into your office, I had cameras put in your house. I’ve been watching you on my phone. I don’t have one in your bedroom, though, because that would be intrusive.”

“That’s where you draw the line?” Her mouth drops open. “You’re insane, you know that? Fucking unhinged! Who does that?”

“Ghost.”

“You’re taking dating advice from Ghost now?” She pauses, a contemplative look on her face.