Free Dealing With the Dead by Toni Griffin

pushed himself too hard and nearly collapsed with exhaustion.
    Jayden had overheard Noah on the phone to his sister-in-law earlier that week. They were lying in bed and he was slowly coming back to consciousness after yet another rough night. He kept his breathing steady and remained still as Noah sat propped against the headboard beside him running his fingers gently through his hair as he spoke with Rebecca.
    "I'm worried about him, Bec." The concern in Noah's voice caused an ache deep in Jayden's belly.
    Rebecca's voice came through the phone low and tinny. Jayden had to concentrate to hear what she was saying. "Noah, I'm sure everything's fine."
    "You haven't seen him. He's thinner than normal, he's getting dark shadows under his eyes and when we're not at the cemetery, all he does is sleep all day."
    "I take it you're not worried because you're not getting any?" Rebecca laughed through the phone.
    "Bec, you should know me better by now. I don't care if we're having sex or not. I just want to take care of him and make him better." Noah sounded slightly hurt in Jayden's opinion.
    "You're right, that was completely insensitive of

me. Sorry."
    "Don't worry about it. I know you didn't mean anything by it."
    "Have you actually talked to Jayden about your concerns?"
    "I've tried, but he insists he's fine."
    "How much longer do you think the book's going to take to finish?"
    Noah sighed before shifting slightly. "Not long now, I think maybe four or five days."
    "Then as much as you're going to hate to hear this I think you should listen to Jayden. Surely he must know his limits more than anyone else."
    "You're right." Jayden could hear the unhappiness in Noah's voice as he spoke now. "But I don't like it. And I'm not a hundred per cent sure that Jayden knows his limits. This is the first time he's ever done anything on this large a scale before and I'm worried he's going to push himself because of me." Noah's tone had changed half way through to one filled with pure anguish.
    Jayden had felt horrible. He'd had no idea that Noah was still so worried about him and he resolved to take it a little easier over the next few days to ease Noah's mind. He had cuddled closer and drifted back to sleep to the hypnotic

sounds of his mate's voice.
    Jayden had made good on his promise to himself and taken it a little easier over the following days. As a result, they finally finished the book six days after Jayden had overheard Noah's conversation.
    Now that they had finally completed the manuscript Jayden had plans to do nothing but eat, sleep and make love to Noah for a few days before dragging him to his parents'
    place and introducing him properly as his mate to his brothers. Jayden wasn't under any illusions that his job was completely finished. He knew authors had to do edits and all sorts of crap, and even knew that would take time. But he was hopeful that it wouldn't take anywhere near as much time as they had just spent to get it done.
    Jayden got up and made his way to the bathroom.
    From the sounds coming from the kitchen, Noah was cooking up a storm. Jayden checked his watch and was surprised to find it nearing six in the evening.
    Stopping in front of the mirror Jayden took stock of his reflection. His skin was too pale, he had definitely lost weight, and there were large dark circles under his eyes.
    And then there was his hair—his beautiful hair was dull and lifeless. The rich, vibrant sapphire streaks were now a dull, pallid blue. He needed to call his hairdresser and make

an appointment to redo the streaks. Just as soon as he got some rest.
    Jayden turned the shower on and relieved himself while the water warmed up. Once the water had reached his preferred temperature, he stepped under the hot liquid and breathed a sigh of relief. There really was nothing in the world like a hot shower to help ease aching muscles and relieve stress.
    Jayden closed his eyes and just enjoyed the sensations. He wasn't sure how long he