I laugh and shake my head. “Of course she is. Meg wants everyone to be happy.”
“She’s a lot like Nat in that way,” Will agrees. “Jules might be a hard sell.”
“Jules loves everyone, too,” I disagree, thinking of my sweet baby sister. “She’s just a little protective of her brothers. She never had an issue with Meg.”
“No, but that’s because she’s known Meg since college,” Will replies. “And Bryn’s been around forever, too. It’ll be interesting to see how she reacts to someone she doesn’t know.”
“I’m not worried about Jules,” I reply drily.
“You will worry when she and Nat take Nic shopping.” Will shakes his head ruefully. “Those two are responsible for keeping Seattle’s commerce thriving.”
“At least they’re doing their part,” I reply with a grin.
“Looks like your girl has a bit of a crush on Leo.” Will gestures toward them with his chin.
Leo has hugged her, excited about the progress they made on the song, and Nic is blushing furiously.
“That doesn’t worry me either.” I smirk. “Leo’s a rock star, and Nic’s a fan. She’ll get over it.”
“I wonder if she knows who Luke is.” Will says thoughtfully. “She doesn’t seem to mind being around me.”
“That’s because you’re a douche bag,” I reply.
“Whatever, moron.” Will laughs.
“I know what you’re getting at. It’s hard to be with our family. But I trust her.” I scratch my cheek then cross my arms over my chest.
“Okay.” He grins at me smugly. “I knew you’d fall in love eventually.”
“I’m not…” I begin, but he cuts me off with a loud laugh.
“Right. That’s what I said, too. Now look at me, so in love with her I can hardly see straight, and getting married.” Will’s face softens when he watches Meg play her guitar. “I wouldn’t change it for anything. She’s all that matters, Matt.”
I take a deep breath and watch Nic at the piano, tickling the keys, singing under her breath, off in her own world.
She’s all that matters.
Chapter Eight
~Nic~
“Thanks for taking me with you,” I murmur to Matt as we walk up to my apartment.
I rub my temple, hoping to alleviate the dull ache that’s been throbbing behind my eyes all day and has only gotten worse since dinner.
Matt lays his hands on my shoulders and rubs, making me moan in pleasure. “There’s nowhere else I’d have you be.”
I unlock the door and lead him inside my apartment, but turn and stop him from following me inside. “I’m not going to be the best company tonight, Matt.”
He frowns as he takes my face in his hands. “What’s wrong?”
“I’ve had a headache all day, but it seems to be getting worse, so I think I’ll just take a shower and go to bed.” I shrug and offer him a small smile. “I’m sorry.”
“What are you sorry for?” He takes my hand, kisses my knuckles tenderly, sending electricity up my arm, before pulling me behind him to the bedroom.
“For ending the night early.”
“Do you mind if I stay?” His voice is soft, gentle. He brushes his knuckles gently down my cheek before leaning in and kissing my forehead carefully.
“I don’t mind,” I reply.
“Have a seat.” He gestures to the bed, but I shake my head.
“I really just want to take a hot shower and go to sleep, Matt. If you change your mind and don’t want to stay, it’s okay.”
He steps closer and wraps his arms around me, pulling me in for a big hug.
I wrap my arms around his waist and hang on, close to tears, and I have no idea why. I had a great time with his family. He hasn’t done anything wrong.
Damn hormones.
He runs one big hand down my back to my ass and back up again before sighing and whispering against my hair, “I don’t want to go, little one. I want to take care of you.”
I begin to shake my head no, but he chuckles quietly.
“Just relax and let me take care of you. Let go. I’m going to help you get rid of this headache.”
It suddenly occurs to me that just having him here with me has helped. Who knew that a good, firm hug could ease a headache?
Matt kisses my hair and gently pushes me back onto the bed before marching into the attached bathroom. I hear water running in the tub and soft music begins to play, which must be coming from Matt’s phone, before he walks back into my bedroom and pulls my shirt over my head. He undresses me slowly, careful not to jostle my head as the smell of jasmine fills the air.
“You used my bubble bath,” I whisper.
“I like it,” he replies calmly. His hands are warm but don’t travel my skin the way they normally would when he has me naked. Instead, he’s comforting.
Loving.
He leads me into the bathroom, and I’m surprised to see candles flickering around the room. The bathtub is my favorite part of the apartment. It’s a large old-style claw-foot tub set against the wall and is currently full of water and bubbles. I step inside and lower myself into the fragrant water, sighing with relief as I lean back against the white porcelain.
“Water too hot?”
“Mmm,” I murmur.
“Is that a yes or no?” he asks with a laugh.
“Feels good,” I reply. My eyes slide closed, and I float weightlessly. The pain behind my eyes begins to fade.
“Can I get you something to drink?” he asks quietly.
“No, thank you,” I whisper. “You can join me, though.”
“No, this is just for you, baby. Relax. I’ll be back.”
I open one eye to see him walk out of the bathroom and shut the door behind him to keep the warmth in the bathroom. I sigh and sink down lower into the hot water. It is a bit too warm, but it feels fantastic.
I’ve never trusted someone enough to take care of me. I would have said that I don’t need someone to take care of me. And, truth be told, I don’t. I can take care of myself just fine, thank you very much.
But having someone around to pamper me a bit, just because he can, isn’t a bad deal at all.
“How are you feeling?” Matt joins me, kneeling beside the tub.
“Better.” I grin at him and raise a wet hand to cup his cheek. He turns his face and plants a kiss to my palm. “Thank you.”