Page 65 of Of Flesh & Bone

Now, it's my turn to pull back.I look at him, confused.Why is he asking me to come back and why does he miss me when we've clearly been in bed together all night?

"What are you talking about?I've been right here."

"Do you remember what happened last night?"

"Yeah."I chuckle nervously, having no idea where he's going with this.Clearly, something happened after I went to bed last night and judging from the look on his face, I'm not going to like it.

"What do you remember exactly?"

What the hell is he fishing for?

"Uhm, I remember Ada coming over.I remember you wouldn't let me go home.Shit!Vaughn.I forgot to watch our show with her."

Wait, why didn't I do that.What happened?I stayed in here for Adam's meeting.No.He came and carried me out.Cal was here.I was uncomfortable and Cal was here.He introduced me and...it's foggy.Someone said something that he didn't like.Adam didn't like it either.Then...nothing.I can't remember.Why can't I...remember?"I...that guy.He said something about me.You and Cal went through the crowd...and then...I just...I can't remember.Did something happen?Did I pass out?"

"No, love.No.Cotton says that you dissociated.He said that can happen when there has been severe trauma, and it gets triggered."

"I don't understand.What do you mean dissociated?"

He explains the events of the night, starting with what that limp dick, Chad said and ending with Adam laying me in bed and talking to me until I fell asleep.I don't know what to say.I don't know how to react.I do know what I believe, and I believe every word that Adam has said.The relief in his eyes when he looked into mine this morning was unmistakable.This has never happened before.Well, I don't think it has happened.I wouldn't know that it had happened last night if Adam hadn't told me.Would I have even missed the time?I need to speak to Nathan.I try to sit up, but Adam tightens his hold on me.

"You aren't going to get out of bed today.I want you to rest."

"I'm not staying in bed all day.I have class.I need to talk to Nathan about what happened last night."

Adam's body tenses at the sound of Nathan's name.

"Why do you call him Nathan if he's your psychologist?"

"I think he told me to call him Nathan to make me more comfortable with him when I was younger.We got closer and now we're friends.It just stuck."

"I wonder if you weren't such good friends with him if you would be further along in your treatment process."

His words anger me.What does he know about my treatment or about my progress?For all he knows, I was a full-on social nightmare when I started seeing Nathan.Pulling out of his embrace, I slide off of the bed.His aggravated stare is on my back as I walk around the bed and into the bathroom.I don't acknowledge him.I'm brushing my teeth when he walks into the bathroom, glaring a hole into my face through the bathroom mirror.He opens his mouth to speak when someone knocks at the door, and he shuts his eyes for a long moment.

"I'm calling Cotton's realtor friend tomorrow.We're getting our own place."Adam says this and walks out of the bathroom as though he didn't just pour something onto the flames that are my rage.The thing is, I'm not even sure what he poured.Was it water?Was it gasoline?Am I more angry?Or did he just extinguish my fury with that simple declaration?I walk back into the bedroom as Adam is shutting the door.

"Coach called a team meeting today.I have to go to this and you're going to stay here and rest.I'll make you some breakfast and Ace will bring you lunch."

I smile at him knowing full well that I have approximately zero intention of staying in this house today.I'm fine and no one is going to tell me what to do.Adam kisses me and brings his forehead to mine.

"I love you.You don't have to go to the banquet.I'll get out of it if I can, but Cal and Cotton have already said they'll stay home with you until I can get back if I do have to go."

Slowly pulling away, I glare daggers at him.

"I'm not broken, and I don't need coddling."I spit out.

"No one said that you're broken, and no one is coddling you."

"What do you call it when you have my meals being delivered and babysitters at my side any time that you're away?"

He heaves a deep, heavy sigh."I just want to keep you safe.They don't have to stay with you during the banquet.I thought you might not want to be alone."

"I thrive alone.I was just fine before I met any of you.I'll be just fine if..."

I don't finish that sentence.I'm angry.I don't want to say something that I can't take back and that is definitely something that I can't take back.Adam's eyes narrow to slits and he nods slowly.

"I see.Well, you won't have to worry about that.I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you.We'll look at houses on Sunday.Consider what part of town you want to live in and what you want and don't want in a home.I'll give your list to Beth, and she'll set up some viewings."

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