Page 14 of Out of the Shadows

She looked out for everyone at Hudson Security, but itwasn’t until today—when he saw the utter panic on her face when Doc said she needed to be offline for forty-eight hours—that he realized that no one looked out for her. And that was unacceptable.

He hated to disturb her, but she needed sustenance. No matter how peaceful she looked. Crouching next to the couch, he grimaced as his knees popped. “B, you awake?”

“No,” she grumbled, eyes still closed.

He smiled. How had he never realized how damn cute she was when she was crabby?

Wait, what?He froze.Uh, no. If fact, make thathellno.

Shaking his head, he cleared his throat. “I made chicken and rice. You need to eat something.”

Nothing. She gave zero indication she’d heard him.

Part of him was grateful her eyes were still shut. Because that earlier feeling he didn’t recognize? It was not only growing, but he also feared his confusion was written all over his face.

“Bean?”

“Go away.”

Focus, Frazier. The woman—yourfriend—is concussed and needs food.

Shoving his emotions down, he refused to be deterred. They hadn’t been friends for all these years for nothing. He knew the trick with Bean. “Xander said he’s going to drop off some ice cream for you later.”

Her eyes popped open, and he bit back a smile. Barely. “What flavors?”

“Mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream,” he replied with zero hesitation. “But dinner first, B.”

“I’m not a child,” she said with an exasperated sigh as she moved to sitting. “You don’t have to bribe me to eat dinner.”

“Would never dream of it,” he said, rising. That wasexactlywhat he had to do. “You okay eating in the kitchen?”

“Sure,” she said as she stretched her arms over her head. After pushing the blanket off, she glanced down at herself and frowned. “Let me change first.”

“Take your time,” he said as she rose. She grabbed the bag he’d snagged from her trunk and headed down the hallway to the guest room. Once she was out of sight, he pulled his phone from his back pocket.

Gavin

Are you back on Hudson?

Xander

Almost. Ferry’s just pulling in. I left Team Two with the McClintocks. They’re all still at the hospital. What’s up?

Gavin

Can you pick up a gallon of cookies and cream and drop it by my house? Mint chocolate chip too?

When Xander replied with a row of laughing emojis, Gavin silently cursed his friend.

Gavin

Is that a yes?

Xander

Sure. I assume it’s to bribe Bean?

Gavin snorted. The fact that Bean had the appetite of a teenage boy was no secret to anyone. Frozen food, takeout, chips, ramen, energy drinks, and soda.

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