Page 46 of On the Edge

Declan rocketed off my lap right as Oz barked and Maren burst in, muttering to herself.

“Maren?” I couldn’t seem to keep the distress out of my tone. Meanwhile, a bright-red Declan launched himself back into his own chair. “What are you doing home?”

“I could ask you guys the same thing.” She gave us a pointed look. Yep, she’d totally seen the kissing. She wore the typical college kid uniform of a sweatshirt and leggings as she toted a stuffed backpack and a full laundry bag. “I thought no one was home this weekend.”

“We are.” I sighed. “But it’s your house too, of course.”

“Yeah, but I don’t suppose you could pretend not to see me?” Dropping her bags, she offered a tight smile before adjusting her messy bun.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, shifting from thwarted lover to concerned faux-uncle. Yeah, I wanted more time alone with Declan, but Maren mattered too, and she and I had always gotten along well as two take-charge people pleasers.

“Promise not to laugh?”

“Absolutely.” I steeled my expression. No matter how ridiculous, I could save my laughter. If I’d learned nothing elseabout teens and young adults, it was that they took everything super seriously.

“I might have a Valentine’s date tonight.” Maren managed to look both petrified and pleased.

“That’s great.” I stood to give her a quick hug.

“I guess.” She leaned against me. “It’s weird, right? Really weird?”

“It’s not weird if you’re happy,” Declan said sagely. I wished the dude could take his own advice, but I shot him a grateful look nonetheless.

“Diesel sent me this.” Maren fished a stuffed animal out of her bag. It looked to be an axolotl, which I could only identify thanks to Wren.

“It’s cute.” Declan was clearly lying, but Maren smiled shyly.

“Diesel gets me. And he wants to take me somewhere as a surprise tonight, so I came by here to get ready.”

“So, get ready.”

“I brought all my laundry and most of my clothes because I can’t decide what the heck to wear.” She gave Declan a desperate look. “Hey, you’re bi, right? What should a chick wear that says up for whatever the surprise outing is and casual but more than friends?”

Declan blinked, and I waited for him to correct her on the bi assumption and slam that closet door once again. However, he didn’t. Instead, he took on a thoughtful expression as he considered the question.

“Tight jeans, boots, cute top, show a tiny bit of cleavage?” he suggested. “What do you have that might work?”

“Thank you.” Maren gave a dramatic sigh worthy of Rowan’s over-acting. “Can I show you some options?”

“Absolutely.” Declan smiled wide. “I’ve got a younger sister, and I’ve helped plenty of female friends over the years. I can even French braid or work a curling iron.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” Maren bounced over to give him a hug. “I’ll go see what I can come up with for clothes options. And figure out what in the heck to give him.”

“What does he like?” I asked. Thus far, I knew Diesel to be a year younger than Maren, blue-haired, tattooed, and possessed zero filter.

“Me. Apparently.” Maren turned a dusky shade of pink. “I mean, punk music. Traveling. Eating strange foods.”

“We’ll bake him something.” Declan had a more decisive tone than usual. “Now, go find some outfit options and give us a fashion show. Then we can talk hair.”

“You’re brilliant.” Maren beamed before scampering out of the room.

“You really are,” I agreed.

“Eh. I just speak fluent teen-to-twenties girl.” Declan shrugged. “Told you, I’m a better friend than boyfriend.”

“That remains to be seen.” I raised my eyebrows at him.

“Didn’t mean you,” Declan mumbled, blushing.

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