Heavenly had no idea what time it was when she rolled over with a gasp. Her dad! He must need her. But she realized she lay in a big, fluffy bed, and she remembered that, for once, he didn’t need her before her feet even hit the floor. The staff at the hospital were undoubtedly taking good care of him.
She sighed with relief, rolled over, and stared at the digital blue numbers on the nightstand clock. One in the afternoon? Oh, goodness. Granted, she hadn’t fallen asleep until nearly five this morning. But she couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept anything close to eight hours.
She groped the bed around her. The covers on both sides were cold. Beck and Seth were long gone now, but their deep breathing and soft snoring had lulled her to sleep almost instantly. Whenever she’d awakened, the sense of security and belonging she felt with them had tugged her toward slumber again and again.
Last night, they’d taken care of her utterly. It went against her independent streak, and she intended to get on her own two feet quickly…but she couldn’t deny how much she appreciated everything they’d done for her. And how much she loved them for it.
Sliding out of bed, she listened through the door for the sounds of them in the kitchen. Silence. Frowning, she quickly brushed her teeth, washed her face, and re-braided her hair. After a swipe of lip gloss, a sweep of mascara, and a change of clothes, she was ready to face them and the day. She’d give anything to spend today with Seth and Beck. Not only did they have a lot to talk about, but she yearned to be with them. She shouldn’t. It wasn’t fair since they wanted a future she wasn’t ready for…but that didn’t stop her heart from wishing they could find common ground.
Thoughts racing, she stepped into the kitchen and stared out the sliding glass door with a gasp. The Pacific lazed in its shimmering blue perfection for as far as the eye could see. The sight was stunning, but what really caught her attention were Beck and Seth lounging in chairs on the balcony, seeming to share an easy conversation.
When had they started getting along? They had pulled terrible pranks on each other…then suddenly they’d been confronting her together about her admittedly stupid plan to use River. Heavenly felt more than vaguely ashamed about that now. Not long after that, they had raced her to the hospital, held her hand, helped her father, beat the snot out of her landlord, and brought her to safety—all without a single argument.
Because the situation had been too harrowing for squabbles? Or because something had changed?
With a mixture of anticipation and dread, she pulled the balcony door open. They both swiveled in her direction.
“Morning, guys.”
“Morning.” Beck stood. “Coffee?”
“Breakfast?” Seth offered.
“I can get it. Have you two eaten? I don’t mind cooking. You did it last night. Then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go see my dad.”
“Sure. I can take you. I need to make rounds anyway.” Beck gestured her inside. “But I talked to the staff this morning. He rested comfortably last night and seems to be in good humor.”
“That’s a relief. Thanks.”
“I’ll go with you.” Seth set his big palm between her shoulders. “I’d like to make sure your dad is all right, too.”
That simple touch shouldn’t affect her so much. But everything these two did made her fluttery and giddy and achy.
Get your mind out of your panties. There’s way too much going on now to think about their kisses and caresses…and where those might lead.
“That would be great. Then, unfortunately, I have to be to work at five. I’m there until close and clean-up are done.”
“We’ll drop you off and pick you up,” Seth said, his tone firm with steel.
That would be a problem since they didn’t actually know where she waited tables. She’d never wanted the humiliation of them knowing she flashed ninety percent of her body to strangers for tips. Now…well, she had the feeling they wouldn’t be pleased if they found out.
“I can take the bus.”
“You’re done taking the bus, Heavenly.” Beck leveled a glare at her that brooked no argument.
She closed her eyes. Since she had to keep this job—none of the alternatives tipped half so well—she was going to have to lie. Dang it. She’d rather not. At least there was a kids’ pizza place about half a mile from Bazookas. She’d have them drop her off there and walk down the road. They would feel better about everything, and she would be fine.
“All right. Thank you.”
Quickly, Heavenly tossed together some pancakes and bacon. It was a huge treat to cook in a kitchen stocked full of food and new appliances. She hummed as she chopped cantaloupe, aware of Beck and Seth watching her intently. She could only imagine what they were thinking after everything that had happened last night.
When she set the food on the table, Seth helped her into her chair. It was second nature to grab their plates and serve them. She’d been doing it for her father for years.
When she realized her faux pas, she set Beck’s plate down with a grimace. “I’m sorry. Habit.”
Seth didn’t mind. He was already digging in with a moan.
“Don’t apologize.” In fact, something in Beck’s smile said he liked it a lot.
Seth nodded, almost the same little grin playing at his mouth.
Sometimes she didn’t understand these men…
After putting a few bites into her belly, she sipped her orange juice and blew out a breath. “I know I owe you a lot of explanations.”
Neither said a word, but their expressions were rife with silent agreement.
“I don’t even know where to start. I didn’t tell you anything because…”
“It wasn’t our problem,” Seth finished for her. “We’ve heard this. There’s more to it.”
“There is.” She swallowed. “I could give you a lot of excuses, but the truth is, my mom
