Interesting.
Stone slapped his shoulder lightly. “You wanna beer?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
There was a small stretch of silence before Bogs commandeered the conversation, talking about the table Jonah was making for him and Kenzie. He was half-listening, more intent on side-eyeing Roxanne as she made her way out of the room. Without being too obvious, he stepped closer to thecounter, giving him a better view. She whispered something in Cassie’s ear as she passed, which made Cassie giggle and merely shrug. Just as she reached the doorway, Roxanne glanced over her shoulder, looking in his direction. He softened his features and lowered his chin. A silent greeting. Her teeth raked over her bottom lip, and a light blush spread across her cheeks. She angled her head, concealing her face, but he caught the small smile playing on her lips as she disappeared past the wall.
Playing with fire, asshole.
“Heard you’re doing some consulting on a job for Ethan?” Stone asked.
He tore his gaze away from the door and settled into talking with the guys. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it was good. He was reminded of what a hermit he’d truly become. In fairness, it wasn’t entirely an antisocial choice. Between his brothers, work and his side business, there wasn’t much time left over for anything but sleep. Even that had taken a backseat to everything else going on.
He took a swig of his second beer and refrained from laughing as he listened to Bogs taunt T about his domestication skills. Jonah wouldn’t have believed it had he not witnessed T working around the kitchen. At one point, between washing some dishes, he singlehandedly set up the food on the center island. He, along with Stone, had offered to help, but T refused.
“Let’s go! Food’s ready!” T shouted from the corner of the kitchen.
Cassie strolled in with the baby in her arms. “I just need to …”
T turned, tightening the top of a baby bottle. He waved his fingers, which seemed like a universal code for “give me the baby”. Cassie turned slightly, shaking her head.
“I’ll feed her.”
“No, you eat first.”
“But I was snacking for the last hour. You haven’t. How about this? You…”
“Pix,” he growled, narrowing his gaze. He took the baby, curling her into the curve of his arm. “Eat.”
Her lips twitched, and she whispered, “So bossy.”
Cassie rose on her toes and kissed him.
Jonah was one of the last to make a plate and walk into the living room where everyone was spread out. The house was on the small side. A couch, loveseat and recliner took up most of the living room. He noticed Kenzie straighten on the couch next to Bogs. There was enough room for him on the end. When she waved him over, he started toward her but paused when he heard his name.
Ethan’s wife, Emory, was at the small dining room table tucked in the corner. “Come sit at the table. This way, you don’t have to eat on your lap.”
He didn’t mind either way, but the decision was made for him when Stone nudged his arm. “Go ahead, man,” he said, and sat next to Kenzie on the couch.
He wasn’t sure when Ethan arrived, but he was seated next to his wife. Jonah walked to the empty chair across from them. It was a six-person table with only two other available place settings. He eyed the seat across from him. It was empty, but a plate lay in its spot.
“Sit.” Her tone was overly excited as she motioned for him to take a seat.
“Glad you could make it, Jonah,” Ethan said.
Jonah was about to respond, but Emory interrupted.
“So, I heard about the accident.”
Jonah silently cursed Cord’s name for putting him in this position amongst his friends, especially Ethan. Jonah immediately reached out the next day and explained what happened, offering his apologies on behalf of Cord, tellinghim their plan to rectify it. As always, Ethan was completely understanding. Their relationship spanned a decade and involved more than most friendships. He simply said, “Accidents happen, Jonah. Roxanne’s fine, and I have no doubt your brother will do the right thing.”
Clearly, Roxanne hadn’t shared the whole story with her brother.
“Yeah.” Jonah cleared his throat. “Not one of Cord’s finer moments.”
Emory smirked. “I probably shouldn’t admit this, but it sounds like something I might’ve done. Totally dodge the calls and hope she went away.”
Ethan angled his head, narrowing his gaze at his wife. “You’re right. You shouldn’t admit that.”
