Page 18 of On the Edge

You. You. You.But I couldn’t say that, couldn’t let myself think it for more than a second.

“Good night, Declan.” Breathing hard, I summoned Oz with my hand and left the room before Delcan or I could say—ordo—something we might regret.

Chapter Nine

Declan

Awakening on New Year’s Day with regrets was hardly new for me, but instead of a pounding head and hangover, all I had was deep-seated dread over seeing Jonas. I probably needed to prepare an apology for being so sharp when he hadn’t wanted to read last night. I’d acted more than a little spoiled, and being disappointed was hardly an adequate excuse.

My bad mood started from being cooped up on New Year’s Eve, but being pressed against Jonas in the blanket fort had beentorture.And I said that as a professional in an extreme sport who pushed my body to the limit. But apparently, my body had never run into someone quite like Jonas. I’d been hyperaware of his every shift in movement, the brush of his leg against mine, the flex of his arm, the rise and fall of his broad chest. And he’d smelled amazing. I’d been half-hard most of the movie, and even a very cold shower after hadn’t alleviated that thrum of arousal. I’d been horny before, but nothing like Jonas inspired.

I’d also left Rowan and Wren’s festivities in a huff, and I likely owed them an apology too. Gah. Living in a group housewas far harder than chilling alone in a trailer or hotel room somewhere.

However, I was hungry, and the scent of something sweet and carby had reached my room. Hunger won out over my desire to hide from awkward conversations, and I dressed in easy-on sweats and a loose T-shirt from a moto event a few years back.

In the kitchen, I discovered Jonas manning a giant skillet of bacon while Wren hovered over a griddle full of pancakes. Oz had been lying on his bed by the window, but he roused himself long enough to come greet me.

“The pancakes are edible today,” Wren announced solemnly as I made my way to a stool at the breakfast bar. Oz flopped down next to my scooter.

“Sometimes they aren’t?” I asked, trying not to sound too suspicious.

“Often.” Maren, the oldest of Eric’s teens, who was home from college on winter break, breezed into the kitchen. I’d only seen her in passing thus far, but she helped herself to two cups of coffee and plopped next to me like we were old pals, sliding one cup to me. “Please don’t ask how my New Year’s Eve went.”

“Same.” I grinned at her. “Thanks for the coffee. And actually, my night wasn’t terrible. Wren and Rowan went to a lot of trouble. I was the grumpy one who went to bed early.”

“Darn. I was hoping to hear about a New Year’s Eve kiss.” Maren laughed merrily, but I choked on something. “Jonas could use one.”

“Maren.” Cheeks bright red, Jonas used a warning tone. “Declan is Sean’s kid. And straight.”

I frowned, hating his use of the wordkidas well as the reminder that he was my dad’s friend first and foremost.

“And?” Still laughing, she shrugged her slim shoulders. She had the same eyes and build as Rowan. “You know hot wounded messes are totally your type. And Declan needs a?—”

“Breakfast.” Jonas set plates in front of us with a loud clatter.

“I’m not a mess.” I ignored my food in favor of mulling over her tease.

“Yeah, you are.” She patted my shoulder like she was the older one despite me probably having three years or more on her. “But don’t worry. You’ll fit right in here. We’re all different flavors of hot mess.”

“Speak for yourself.” Wren leveled a skeptical stare at Marren. “I have an A average, several successful ongoing experiments, and my room is organized to my satisfaction.”

“Congrats.” Maren reached over to ruffle Wren’s frizzy hair. “I guess I’m the one with all the drama.”

“That would be Rowan,” Wren said right as Jonas asked, “New Year’s Eve party drama with Diesel?”

“I said not to ask.” Maren adopted a haughty tone as she scooped up her plate and coffee. “I think I’ll take my food to go.”

“Well, at least she was accurate about bringing the drama.” Wren nodded as they filled a plate.

“Be nice to your sister.” Jonas issued the reminder as Wren headed to the table in the dining room.

“I probably deserve a reminder to be nice too.” I seized the opening. Might as well get my apology over with. “I was kind of an ass last night.”

“You were in pain and?—”

“Don’t make excuses for me.” If anything, Jonas being so willing to forgive made me feel even worse. “I was rude. Full stop. And I ruined my chance to hear the next chapter of our book.”

“You didn’t ruin anything.” Jonas held my gaze, hazel eyes darkening with some unspoken message.

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