Page 57 of Something Unprofessional

“I can numb you up and put in a few stitches, but you need to promise me you’ll follow my care instructions afterward.You’ll need bandage changes twice a day and antibiotics for two weeks.”

“I’ll take care of him, Sir,” Ev cut in. He could stay with Owen for a few days at the apartment until he was feeling better.

Grant’s lips twitched into a smile. “You don’t need to call me Sir. I’m not a Dom.”

Ev blinked at him. Really? ’Cause he was married to one of the guys who’d started the Edge, and he had all kinds of Daddy energy. Maybe it was just a surgeon thing? Whatever. That wasn’t important. “I can help Owen with his bandages and make sure he takes his medicine and cook for him and help him take a shower and—”

“Breathe, boy,” Daddy cut in. “We’ll both help, Grant. We appreciate you doing this.”

That agreement made, Grant proceeded to numb Owen’s hand and stitch him up. Owen spent most of the procedure with his face hidden in Max’s chest, while Ev did his best to keep him distracted. When Grant was done, Owen had a fresh white bandage on his hand, strict instructions to keep it clean and dry, a prescription for antibiotics, and another for painkillers.

Grant packed up all his supplies, then got a kiss of thanks from his husband and a cheeky promise for more later. Then he headed out.

Owen was still curled in Max’s lap and looking sleepy, so Daddy announced it was time to go home and that Owen would be staying with them tonight. Ev hugged him in gratitude.

“Oh.” Ev remembered. “But he needs his bunny. He can’t sleep without it.”

“We’ll swing by and get it,” Daddy promised.

“Don’t hafta,” Owen mumbled, his cheek pressed to Max’s chest. “S’fine.”

Ev gave Daddy big eyes and got a kiss to the forehead in reply. “We’ll stop and get it.”

Ev had the best Daddy.

Ev kept his armaround Owen as they stepped off the elevator, even though he didn’t look so wobbly anymore. Daddy went ahead and opened the apartment door for them.

Ev helped Owen get his shoes off, ignoring his protests that he could do it himself. “You gotstitches,” he reminded him. “Just hug Bunny and let me help.”

Owen huffed but did as he was told, pressing his lips to the worn fur on top of Bunny’s head.

When Ev straightened again, he finally realized that something was different. “Why is the sofa moved?” He stepped farther into the living room and froze. Taking up the space by the window where the round dining table used to be stood a beautiful baby grand piano.

Ev couldn’t breathe. Arms slid around him from behind, and Daddy hugged him close. “Surprise,” he murmured in Ev’s ear.

“You—” Ev tried and failed to speak. “How?”

“It was delivered while we were at dinner.”

“You bought a piano?”

Daddy kissed his temple. “No. I boughtyoua piano.”

Ev blinked rapidly. But… “Why?”

Daddy’s quiet laugh vibrated against his back. “Because nothing makes you happier than creating music. You glow, tiger.”

Ev gripped Gabe’s hands where they rested on his belly. He was totally lost for what to say. This was so much. Too much. “I—thank you. But you didn’t need to do this. I have my keyboard.”

“And I’ve heard you waxing poetic to Kelsey about how much better the piano at the studio is,” Gabe replied. “Now you have one you can play whenever you want, with no limits or expectations. I want you to make music that’s for you and no one else.”

Ev wasn’t going to cry. He was happy, dammit. This wasn’t the time for tears. He sniffled. “I love it,” he managed to get out. He reached up and tugged Gabe down for a kiss, tilting his head back to meet him halfway. “I guess this means you want to keep me around,” he said, trying for lighthearted even though his heart was doing wildly distracting things in his chest. “’Cause there’s no way you’re getting rid of me now. I’m gonna be here all the damn time.”

Gabe cupped his cheek, his blue eyes warm. “I’ll do you one better. Move in with me.”

Ev couldn’t say yes fast enough. Except, crap. Owen. He turned to look at his roommate, who was leaning in the doorway, watching them with a soft smile on his face.

“Say yes, Ev. I can find a new roommate, and I’ll never forgive you if you turn him down for my sake.”

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