A few days later, Grayson was dressed and ready to leave the hospital. He just wished that Xavier was coming home with him, too. But even though he was awake, he had to stay in the hospital a bit longer to ensure there was no further injury.

“Are you okay?” Ari asked, folding what little clothes she had brought for him to the hospital. “You’re okay to come home?”

“Don’t start.” He sighed, glancing over at her.

He heard her sharp intake of ...