Page 33 of Cedarwood Manny

Adrien nodded. “For half an hour, then you need a bath. I’ll clean up the kitchen and either Nathan—Nate or I will help you.”

Kyle sighed, then turned away from Adrien.

“Stop.” Adrien placed the last pancake on his plate and switched off the burner. He directed Kyle into the hallway.

Nathan couldn’t hear what was said, but guessed by the tone Adrien wasn’t pleased with Kyle’s reaction. Pride swelled in him. He wanted Adrien to be more forthright with his son and was proud Adrien had taken the initiative. But Kyle’s behavior bothered him. The kid had been through a lot, but that didn’t mean he should be belligerent.

Adrien returned without Kyle. “He’ll drive me crazy.”

“He’s a kid.” Nathan put his plate in the dishwasher and rearranged the plate Kyle had used. “He’s reacting to his environment and seeing how he can push the boundaries. You’re setting them, so he’ll learn.”

Adrien rinsed the pan. “I feel like I’m failing.”

“You’re not,” Nathan said. “He knows things are in flux. Gerry isn’t coming back and isn’t interested in him. Dad works a lot and Kelsi left him. He needs the stability—same as you.”

“I should be home more.” Adrien tensed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m not around enough.”

“Adrien, slow down.” Nathan rounded the counter and caged Adrien between his body and the sink. He pressed his groin against Adrien’s ass. “You’re not failing. You’re learning, remember? Things won’t always go the way you want—won’t for him either. But you can’t quit.” He curled around Adrien enough to meet his gaze. “I know what I said last night. I pushed and now you’re overwhelmed.”

Adrien didn’t move and said nothing.

“We need to show unity. Kyle isn’t a bad kid. He’s just testing what he can get away with. He’ll straighten up as long as you give him stability and let him know he’s loved. He’s safe and you want the best for him—even if that means boundaries.”

“Thanks.” Adrien dunked the pan in the water. “I’m—I need to get over myself.” He snagged a towel and dried his hands before he turned around in Nathan’s arms. “I enjoyed last night.”

“I did, too.” Nathan paused. “Why’d you let me sleep for so long? I’m here to work for you and with Kyle.”

“You looked so angelic I didn’t want to wake you and I’m Kyle’s father. If I can’t take over from time to time, then what’s the point of me being here?” Adrien asked. “I’m going in at ten today because my first appointment isn’t until ten-thirty. I figured I had the time, why not spend it with my family?”

His?Nathan’s heart swelled. “Me included?”

“Yeah. You’re both my family.” Adrien kissed him. “Unless you want to not be.”

“I do.” He cared for Adrien more than he’d ever thought possible.

“Good,” Adrien said. “Unless you want to, I need to give Kyle a bath or he’ll be covered in syrup all day.”

“I’ll do it. You get around for work.” He kissed Adrien and basked in the sweet taste of the syrup on Adrien’s lips. “I feel like I belong here. Like fate intervened.”

“Maybe it did,” Adrien murmured. He embraced Nathan. “I like you being here, too.”

“Thank you. By the way, I love pancakes, like Kyle said.” He tweaked Adrien’s nipple through the fabric of his T-shirt. He disengaged from his lover, then left the room. He’d never felt so loved or appreciated in his life. His spirits soared. He could handle anything because now he had a home.

* * * *

Adrien finished his last appointment. His back ached from hunching over the chair all day—four deep cavities and a dozen smaller ones. He never should’ve scheduled them all in one afternoon session.

“Dr. Ellet?” Mary strode into his private office. “You have a visitor.”

“A patient?” If Kyle and Nathan were there, she would’ve alerted him.Who in the hell’s out there?

“No.” She frowned. “Just…it’s someone from the Coalition.”

“Great,” he grumbled. “Thanks.” He followed her out to the records space. A woman waited alone by the coffee table in the outer room. He turned back to Mary. “Stay in the office and keep your ears open,” he whispered. Adrien strode out to the larger space. “Hello. I’m Dr. Ellet. Did you have any questions?”

“I do.” She folded her hands. “Have you considered closing your half of the practice and leaving Cedarwood?”

She was blunt.Okay…“Are you suggesting there’s a bigger practice seeking my skills?” He shook his head. “I’m happy here and my family is in Cedarwood. I think I’ll stay.”

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