Chuck grins, lifting his hand to show me that his IV is gone. "I'm on oral painkillers now. Doctors said I can go home either tomorrow or the day after. No signs of infection and all my levels are back up to normal. I just have to take it easy at home."
I grimace. "You don't know how to take it easy."
"If I had a sexy nurse to help, I might be able to rest."
I tap the side of my face, deep in thought. "Maybe you can come stay with us. I don't think the guys would mind. The only problem is…"
"Is what?" he asks.
I sigh. "Our parents. They are still struggling with the fact I'm dating my three stepbrothers. Not sure how they would react to a fourth boyfriend."
"Since when do you give a fuck?" he asks genuinely.
"I don't," I admit. "I just don't want to rock the boat right now with the Norsemen keeping us on edge. I just wish my Mom would get off my back and let me live my life the way I want to."
Chuck hums thoughtfully. "Sounds a lot like my Mom. Tyson has gone back home, but he stopped in to see her before he left. Apparently, she's still a religious nut."
"You don't talk to her at all?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "When I got my first tattoo, she drove me to the church and tried to get me baptized. I think she's too far gone. I love her as my mother, but it doesn't mean I have to like her. Respect goes both ways."
"Too true," I sigh. "I love my Mom too. I just think she blames me for my Dad's death and still thinks that one day I'm going to wake up, and want to be a perky cheerleader again."
"Do you still have the outfit, by chance?"
I raise an eyebrow at him. "Pervert. I'm not putting it on and dancing for you."
Chuck pouts, feigning a hurt look. "Meanie. I've always wanted to fuck a cheerleader in costume."
"Maybe for Halloween," I say, laughing as his eyes laugh up like a kid at Christmas.
"I need to talk to you guys."
The three brothers look up from the gaming console, their half-empty beers in front of them. Apparently, they've taken to hiding in Asher's mancave during the day when the parents are at home.
"Yes and yes," Zayn grins.
"You don't even know the question yet," I laugh.
Asher's eyes scan my body heatedly. "If it involves you, then yes."
I cross my arms, jutting my hip out. "It does involve me. It also involves Chuck."
Asher's face falls, like he's just been cockblocked.
"Maybe," he grumbles, his face twitching as he considers possibilities likely involving me in the middle.
I roll my eyes, walking over to sit in between Blake and Zayn.
"Chuck's being let out of the hospital tomorrow. I think he should come stay with us."
Asher's eyebrows crease as he puts his controller down. "Here?"
"Where else would I be talking about?" I snipe, annoyed. "Yes, here."
"It's not a horrible idea," Blake says. "Especially with everything happening right now."
Zayn puts his hand on my knee. "I'm easy. But I'm not sharing my bed. That's reserved only for you."