We talk for a while as the guys continue outside. I ask him about what training he's had. I was afraid it might make him close off but his eyes light up, especially when I ask him if he could teach me a few things.
The screen door opens and the guys come into the kitchen sounding like a herd of wild animals.
Jace puts his arms around me and I squirm. "You're all sweaty!" They don't release me so eventually I have to accept it.
He takes his sweaty, heavy arms off me to steal my water.
Jace's grey eyes sparkle in the light as the afternoon sun beams through the window. His dark hair is messy, dampened from the exercise.
The thin chain I've noticed around his neck is gone. It's not like the guy I remember to wear a necklace and he's not religious. I'll have to ask him about it later.
Without his shirt, I can see Dec's tattoo on his arm well. I faintly remember J telling me he wanted to get a tattoo, years ago. I don't imagine this is what he thought his first would be.
My best friend notices I'm staring, his gaze follows mine down to his arm.
I smile faintly, no pain in my heart to see Dec's name this time.
Luc engages Jace in a conversation, drawing his attention from me. J leans against the bench, crossing his arms and nods at whatever Luc is saying.
My eyes are drawn away from Dec's tattoo back to J. His navy Levi's are dangerously low on his hips giving me a peek at his deep v. My gaze travels up to his rows of well defined–
"You're staring.” Alec breaks me out of it with his quiet comment. I turn around to see him grinning on the other side of the bench.
I lean back so I can whisper, "No, I'm not."
"Why are you whispering then?" He raises one eyebrow, a smirk growing across his face.
My face starts to go red. I drop my gaze, embarrassed at being caught out. By Alec of all people.
"It's okay, Sunshine," he tells me. I can see the honesty in his face, his eyes are soft and reassuring. It doesn't feel like this is wrong, but I know I shouldn't be feeling this.
"What's okay?" I jump when Jace speaks.
"Nunya," I tell him.
"Huh?" Jace scrunches up his nose.
"Noneof your business," I stress and he scowls.
Mase suddenly appears, sliding along the bench to me. "What are you doing, Angel? We can't start cooking until you're dressed appropriately. This just won't do." He shakes his head, looking at me in disappointment.
"What?" I look at him like he’s lost his mind. Jace moves to smack him.
Mase's eyes widen, starting to backpedal. "In your pyjamas! We can't start cooking until you're in your pyjamas! You said we can’t cook until we’re all in our pyjamas!" He says quickly to save himself from Jace.
Luc snickers as Jace lowers his hand, making Mase visibly relax.
"Ok, caveman." I pat Jace's chest before sliding off the counter. "I can defend my honour next time."
As I'm exiting the kitchen, Mase asks, "You weren't actually gonna hit me, where you?"
"Brother, I'd do anything for her. You know you'd do the same." Jace returns. The guys voice their agreements then the noise fades as I head down the hall.
Ducking into my room, I rummage through the drawers only to remember leaving my pyjamas in the bathroom this morning.
The shower was running when I was walking past so I won't get them.
I find a pair of loose shorts and a discarded shirt on top of my drawers that definitely isn't mine. I rub my fingers over the soft material.
