“It’s cute.”
“It’s something alright,” Saint muttered. “Are you sure we’re talking about the same guy? Marine? Eats a metric ton and never gains weight? Big mouth?”
“Yes,” Jay snickered. “Why is it so hard to believe he made this?” None of the guys Jay had dated in the past would have made a chameleon out of a pipe cleaner. “He’s trying to sweep me off my feet.”
Saint eyed him. “And this does it for you?”
“Yeah, it does. It’s sweet. Don’t knock people’s romantic gestures.”
“What? No. I’m not—What’s happening right now?”
Ace stopped in front of Jay’s desk. “What’s that?”
“It’s a pipe cleaner chameleon,” Saint replied. “Ry made it.”
Ace blinked at Saint. He looked so confused. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Yeah, that’s what I said.”
Jay rolled his eyes. “Is there a reason you’re both hovering? And don’t you dare tease him.” He gave Ace a pointed look. Ace opened his mouth, and Jay narrowed his eyes. “Anston Sharpe, you leave him alone.”
“Oh, come on, Jay.” Ace threw his arms up dramatically. “This is too good an opportunity to pass up.” He pointed at the chameleon. “Look at it, Jay. Are you looking? Do you see that? That is pure ball-busting gold.”
Jay just arched an eyebrow at him.
“Fine. Ruin my fun,” Ace grumbled and stormed off.
Saint shook his head as he watched Ace disappear into his office. “Your power is terrifying.”
“I know.” Jay preened. “Now, what did you need?”
“I emailed you my expense report from last week, like you asked.”
“Perfect, I’ll get that?—”
The elevator opened, and Jay’s heart skipped a beat when Ryden stepped out with Jack, Joker, and Chip. Then he saw Ryden’s jaw, Joker’s head, and Jack’s chin.
“Oh my God, what happened?” Jay quickly but carefully returned his little friend to his desk drawer before jumping out of his seat and darting over to Ryden. Gently, he took hold of his chin and turned his face. “Does it hurt? Are you all right? Does it need treatment?”
“Um, no, yes, and no,” Ryden said, amused.
How could he take this so lightly? What the hell had happened last night? Chip whined, and Jay dropped his gaze, unable to resist those big puppy eyes. No matter the circumstances, he couldn’t ignore his best boy.
“I’m so sorry,” Jay cooed, giving Chip lots of love and pets. When Chip felt he’d received sufficient attention, he trotted off to demand love from someone else.
Joker turned to Jack, his eyes twinkling with mischief despite his frown. “Looks like we’re chopped liver from here on out, pal.”
“Aw, I’m so sorry. Do you need some love and pets, too?” Jay asked sweetly.
“Maybe I do.” Joker sniffed. “It’s fine. These days, I’m getting my pets elsewhere.”
Jay snickered, and Saint joined them as they headed to King’s office. As soon as Joker stepped into the doorway, King stood.
“Conference room.”
Judging by King’s reaction, he knew what had happened. It made sense that the guys would have called him last night to fill him in on whatever had caused their injuries. Red, Ace, and Lucky were already there when they arrived at the conference room. Ace lifted his gaze, looking ready to joke when he saw their faces. He stood, his frown deep.
“What the hell happened?”
