“They don’t come inside?” she asked when we pulled into the garage and the dogs turned to continue casing the property. I had state-of-the-art security systems, but there was nothing better than a dog, or better yet two of them.
“They’re not house pets, babe,” I replied as I shut the garage door.
“But it snows!” she exclaimed, adorably alarmed.
“That’s why they have an outdoor enclosure. It’s plenty warm in there. They’re fine,” I assured her, biting back a grin as I cut the engine and walked over to her side of the truck, guiding her through the door that opened into the kitchen.
She took in the galley kitchen I planned to open up to the living room with vaulted ceilings as I tugged her to the stairway, intent on getting her into bed, and not the way I typically would have wanted.
I towed her past the three essentially empty bedrooms toward the master bedroom that was only slightly more furnished, thanks to my sister’s nagging.
“Whoa, look, furniture,” Grace teased, her face more flushed than I would have liked.
“Furniture you’re about to lie down on,” I commanded as I led her over to the edge of the bed.
“But I haven’t even seen the closet,” she protested feebly as I removed her boots.
“Tomorrow,” I assured her as I pulled her shorts down her legs, her shirt up and over, trying desperately to ignore her creamy white skin and delicious curves, quickly tucking her under the covers. “Sleep, baby,” I murmured as she almost immediately drifted off.
It may not have been what I would consider the ideal first time having her in my bed, but seeing her now, completely entrusting herself to my care—it was pretty damn close.
Chapter 14
GRACE
When I woke up hours later, my stomach growling, a glimpse at the clock showed I’d slept the entire afternoon.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, realizing I felt better, and hoped perhaps with one more night of sleep, I’d finally be over this demon bug.
Now that I was better rested, I took in the simple beige comforter underneath me, the two nightstands, only one outfitted with a lamp, indicating Ruston’s side of the bed. There was a dresser against the opposite wall with a small house plant sitting on top that if I had to guess, I’d say was a gift.
The room was meticulously neat and bare of any personal effects but still somehow inviting.
I wouldn’t allow myself to think about what I’d do with the room if I lived here. Despite Ruston’s declarations, I needed more time together to trust that we were ready for that next step.
After using the bathroom and putting on some leggings and a cozy sweater, I decided to go in search of food and my man.
Ruston’s gaze snapped to me when I emerged into the living room, finding him, Tank, and two men I hadn’t met locked in what looked like a serious discussion.
“Baby.” Ruston acknowledged me immediately, rising to come stand at my side, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and kissing my head. “Feeling better?”
I nodded, glad to note that he wasn’t going to avoid public displays of affection in front of his men.
“Better,” I agreed as he took my hand, guiding me further into the room where the three Royal Bloods members appraised me with open curiosity. “Grace, meet Ryland”—he gestured to the handsome brown-haired man with blue eyes and a kick-ass mustache—“and Lincoln.” He pointed to the black-haired man with dark penetrating eyes. “And you’ve already met Tank.” He gestured to the bearded, well, tank of a man. The name certainly suited him.
“Nice to meet you, and good to see you again, Tank,” I added, finding myself comfortable in their presence despite the collective power and intimidation they exuded. It helped that I’d grown up around men like this my entire life.
“Nice to meet you too. We’ve heard a lot about you,” Lincoln replied in a deep timbre.
“Hopefully that’s a good thing,” I mused with a small grin.
“It’s a good thing,” Ryland confirmed.
“We’re just gonna finish up, and I’ll come find you.” Ruston squeezed my hand once before letting me go.
Being dismissed while club matters were being discussed rankled, but I decided now wasn’t the time to press. Instead, with a wave in parting, I strode toward the kitchen to rustle up something to eat.
I was digging into my peanut butter and jelly sandwich when a deep chorus of male voices said their goodbyes. Ruston appeared a moment later.
