Page 28 of Choosing Skyler

It takes several minutes for the band in my chest to release. When it does, I stand with her still in my arms and carry her to the bedroom. She snuggles into my side and holds me tightly until I fall asleep.

Chapter 12

Skyler

Once Brady is sound asleep, I get up and go out to the living room. I text Devon to tell him to come home for lunch and then head to the kitchen to start cooking. Just as I get all the ingredients out my phone dings with a text.

Devon: I’ll be there. Did Brady call the lawyer yet? How is he?

Me: He called her and found out a lot of stuff he didn’t know. He took it pretty hard.

Devon: Damn. Does he need me to call Timothy?

Me: He didn’t mention it, but I think he was just trying to process everything. There was some good and bad news. I’m glad I was here. He was a mess when he got off the phone. It’s nice to be able to help someone else for a change.

Devon: I’m glad you’re there with him too. I’ve gotta go, but I’ll see you in about an hour for lunch.

Me: See ya.

Devon comes in just as I’m sliding the last omelet onto a plate. He looks between me and the plate. Then, he gives me a blinding smile before running up and wrapping me in a bear hug.

“Thank you, Sweets. These look amazing,” he says, pulling back to look me in the face. “I probably don’t deserve one after my meltdown, yesterday.”

I wave him off. “I’m used to your meltdowns. I’m just not used to them being directed at me. I figured I owed you after flaking on afternoon snacks. I did add you to my tab at work for coffees, though.”

“Yeah, I really am sorry about yesterday. That was uncalled for. I got into it with Joey at work over the design for the new game display. That’s no excuse for treating you like shit, though. I was an ass. I own it,” he says with a wink.

“Well, maybe you and Joey should just bang it out and get it over with. You’ve clearly got some built up tension. You’re always arguing over stupid shit just to get a rise out of each other.” I smirk, knowing he’s about to blow.

“Hell, NO! Don’t even start with that shit,” he says, looking around. “Where’s Brady?”

“He’s still asleep. I didn’t want to wake him until lunch was ready. That call was a lot for him. We’ve got to help him through all this, Devon. He was so upset,” I choke out.

Devon wraps his arms around me again. “We will, Sweets. He knows we’ve got his back. We’ll get him through this. He’s not alone anymore. I’m so glad you two hit it off like I knew you would. That means he gains someone to care about, and I don’t have to worry about losing either of you to some asshole.”

“You know better than that. You’d never lose me to some asshole. I would never trade our friendship for a relationship. I haven’t even been attracted to anyone since moving here until I met Brady. It’s like we just clicked. It’s because of you, you know? Knowing how much he means to you,” I tell him honestly.

“Naw, you were attracted to him before I told you who he was, remember? Maybe your trust in him is because of who he is to me, but not the chemistry. That’s all you two. You were meant to be together. It’s the real deal. I’m sure of it and so fucking happy to see it happen,” he tells me seriously.

“Maybe. I hope you’re right. I feel a lot for him already and I don’t know how I would deal with losing that after finally feeling it,” I say, dropping my gaze to the floor.

“You won’t. I’m pretty sure you’re it for him too. Now, do you want to go wake up the sleeping beauty? Or do you want me to do it?” he asks with a devilish grin.

“Go for it. I’m sure he could use a laugh,” I tell him with a chuckle.

Devon runs down the hall and I hear a caterwaul from my room. I’m sure he just dove into my bed to startle Brady awake. I’d lose my mind if someone woke me like that after a panic attack, but Devon knows how to handle Brady. He’d never do anything to upset him like that. I walk down the hall to listen in.

“Wakey, wakey, sleepy head.” I hear Devon teasing.

“Man, get the hell off me with that shit,” Brady murmurs before I hear a thump.

I put my hand over my mouth to cover my snicker, because I’m pretty sure he just pushed Devon off the bed.

Devon just laughs. “No can do. Skyler made lunch and I’ve got to go back to work. So, get your ass out of bed and come eat with us.”

“Oh, shit. I was supposed to help her make omelets. I shouldn’t have gone to sleep,” Brady says, sounding guilty.

“She made the omelets all by herself and they look fantastic. Come on before she eats without us,” Devon chirps.

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