“Thank you!” He kisses her cheek before taking the bag from her outstretched hand and dragging Bones down onto his lap as he dives in. Alek and Evan head our way, hand in hand, with Conan at their side. I try to sit up and scoot away, feeling weird, but Noah won’t let me, like he’s determined to keep me as close as possible.
“How are you feeling?” Alek asks stoically, but I see the worry in his eyes.
“I’m okay,” Noah replies despite the act he just pulled with me. “Thanks, man. The garage?—”
“It’s fine. Don’t think about work,” Alek tells him before sharing a look with Evan. “We heard about your condition.”
“Does everyone know?” Noah mutters, and I can tell he’s uncomfortable.
“These are your friends,” I snap at him. “They have a right to know. They are worried. Don’t be an ass. You’re already in trouble.”
“Sorry, baby.” He sighs, tugging me closer. “It’s weird knowing everyone is aware.”
“You should have told us,” Alek states, drawing our gazes. “We’re family, aren’t we?”
I feel Noah swallow as he stares at Alek. We all know how seriously Alek takes family. “We are.”
“Family doesn’t keep secrets, not like this. Next time, I’ll kick your ass,” Alek warns before turning away and heading to Skylar to steal some food.
Evan smiles at us, patting my arm. “He means we’re glad you’re okay.” He follows Alek, and Conan steps forward.
“I’m glad you two are sorting it out,” he murmurs as he takes my hand, uncaring that Noah is right there.
“I’m still mad,” I admit, knowing everyone is listening, “but he knows that.”
“I made some calls,” Noah’s dad says as he sits on the other side of the bed. “Apparently, the best doctor is already on your case. Your friend is some sort of genius.”
“I tried to tell you,” Noah mutters.
“Yes, well, I’ve given him free rein. He’ll be here later to check on you. He was quite . . . unwilling to listen to my demands though. He’s an odd one. He said he didn’t become a doctor for the money, but for the cool jacket.”
I smile, and Noah sighs.
“He’s good, just a little weird,” Noah says. “I’ve agreed to have the surgery when they give me the go-ahead.”
“That’s good to hear!” We all turn to see Henry in the doorway. “I was going to pull your boyfriend aside today and give him some tipson how to convince you . . . with his mouth.” He winks as my grandma cackles.
“I like him. He’s cute,” she whispers loudly.
“I like my women older too.” He winks at her before focusing on us. “I have your latest scan. You need to heal before we can perform surgery.”
“I want to wait,” Noah begins, and I turn my glare on him. “Not forever, baby, don’t give me that look. Just until this season is over.”
“Noah,” I warn.
Henry sighs. “You know the risks, but we need your brain to heal anyway. How long?”
“Hopefully until the championship,” Noah replies. “I want to see you win, baby. I want to see you on that podium, even if it’s the last thing I see.”
How the fuck can I argue with that?
“Fine, but if you need it before, then you get it, understand?” I demand, pointing in his face.
He captures my finger and kisses my hand. “Whatever you say, baby.”
“I should have just spoken to cutie here months ago,” Henry complains. “Fine, let me come up with a treatment plan. Rest, I mean it.” He points at me. “I don’t care if you have to strap him down. Do it, he’d probably like it.”
He leaves while the rest of us gape in shock. “Is he single?” Grandma asks, making me groan, even as Noah laughs.
