“Yeah. Which means Ethel’s health can deteriorate really quickly now.”
“Or—I need to do some digging, but I’ve read about instances when a mate dies early, the human that remained could sort of inherit their years if there is someone left on this plane with them: children or close relatives. When they’re ready, they can decide when they’re done and fall into a coma-like sleep until they pass away.”
I sat upright, but Rowan stopped me halfway with a hand on my chest. Fair.
“So Ethel might live another hundred years?” I squeaked with glee.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t think it can be determined easily. Maybe by scanning to check the speed of her aging. Dr. Frances will know if we ask.”
“I need to do that. Stuff like that should be common knowledge. I hate how much the human system is still the default at schools and hospitals.” I sighed and stepped off my soapbox. “Ethel misses my auntie, but she is having fun now toowhen I visit her—” My shoulders slumped. “That would mean she might see me die of old age. Or if I’m the reason, she’d die when I will.” My head grew heavy, and I winced.
“Maybe get some rest now, my little coffee bean.” Rowan kissed my palm, then leaned over to place his lips on my temple. “You still smell of French roast.”
His phone vibrated, and he fished it out of his pocket. “It’s my sister.”
“Take it. I’m not going anywhere.” I offered a small smile. “Your little coffee bean.” I giggled and pulled the sheet to my nose.
Rowan’s cheeks pinkened, and he stood up, putting the phone to his ear. “Hi Riri. Yes, I saw. I liked the lavender more. The green will not go well with my hair…That’s why I’m telling you now…What did Riley and Ruben say? See? Yes, lavender is common, but everyone will be focused on your black cake, anyway. And on your gorgeous dress.”
Rowan grew quiet, glanced at me, then back to the window. “Maybe. I’m not sure. Yes, there is someone, but—Oh my gods, you’re worse than mom!”
I bit my sheet to stifle my giggles. The big, hairy bigfoot was bickering with his sister like they were kids. It was the most precious thing I’d seen.
“Yes, okay.” He sighed and looked at me again. “I’ll ask him…Love you too, even when you’re a bridezilla.” He hung up and turned the phone in his hand as if it were a playing card.
His hands were so big. His arms so muscled. If I weren’t so woozy, I’d lick him everywhere.
“Uh oh. Are you in trouble?” My grin was so wide my cheeks hurt.
Rowan pointed a finger at me. “I would tickle you. But I’m afraid I’d hurt you.”
“Okay. Save tickles for later.” I made a grabby hand in the air for him. “So you like lavender?”
He returned to his seat next to me. “In this case, yes. It’s about shirts. My sister was always the most organized of us all. Which means she had every detail of her wedding planned way ahead, and now she’s re-analyzing everything. Including the color of the shirts the brides’ mates will be wearing—that’s me and my two siblings. All three of us are set for the shade we agreed on initially.”
“You’ll look so handsome in lavender.” I patted his cheek, then let my arm flop back onto the bed. “You’ll have to send me a picture.”
“Actually, Raina asked about you.” Rowan took my hand and held it to his face.
How can he be so big yet so gentle? I melted a little.
“What did I do?” Why would he tell his sister about me?
“Only good things.” He patted my leg through the sheets. “She asked if I would bring you as my plus one.”
In an attempt not to squeal, I took a breath, then released it slowly. “Would you want me at your sister’s wedding?”
“Yeah. It will be a fun party and all the nosy family members would stop harassing me about setting me up with someone. And I wouldn’t have to sit at the singles table.” He said it matter-of-factly, but he wasn’t meeting my gaze.
“We’re not a couple, right?” Even if I want us to be. Wait? Do I? I’m having a good ride with a fuckbuddy and reinstating non-toxic men into my life after getting rid of Andrew. I don’t need a relationship. And Rowan definitely doesn’t want one.
These drugs were making me loopy.
“Hey, hey, don’t panic. It’s okay.” Rowan rubbed the back of my hand. “If you decide to come, you can treat it like a fake date scenario and an occasion to party. But I actually like you, as opposed to finding someone random to pretend to be with me.”
“Mmhmm.” I closed my eyes, then opened them very slowly. My eyelids were heavy. “My last relationship fucked me up, so I can’t do this again. Not for a while. But—” I lifted a finger in the air. “I can be your boyfriend for the wedding. Fake partner, but a real date.”
“Yes. That works for me.”
