It took two tries, and she rolled onto her back, the shirt sliding up an inch more and showing a sliver of her stomach. He clenched his jaw and ignored the immediate reaction the image had on his cock.
“Morning.” Her soft voice was soft, groggy and welcoming. She brushed her hand over his knuckles as if calling him back to bed.
“So, hell fucking froze over, and Holden got up and made breakfast.” He raised his brows, and she squinted. “Ten minutes.”
She chuckled and threw the covers off. They got dressed in silence. She wore the same clothes as yesterday, and they headed to the kitchen. He was thankful Cord was nowhere in sight. Since he’d gotten in late, there was a good chance he’d sleep in, or at least Jonah hoped so. Dealing with Holden was a task in itself. Adding Cord to the mix would be challenging.
As if fate decided to bitch slap him, the door swung open and Cord walked in bare-chested with his sweats hanging low. He stretched his arms over his head and yawned with his eyes closed.
“Since when do we eat breakfast at seven in the morning on a Saturday?” Cord’s voice was groggy. His question was aimed at Holden, but when he turned toward the stove, his gaze jerked across the room, landing on Roxanne.
“Morning.” Roxanne’s voice was overly chipper, which Jonah figured was for Cord’s benefit.
“What the fuck is …”
“Hey,” Jonah snapped. “Your mouth!”
Cord wasn’t fazed by the reprimand. He was too focused and, if Jonah had to guess, confused by Roxanne’s presence.
“She stayed over last night.” Holden’s voice hitched. “With Jonah. In. His. Room.”
Jesus fucking Christ.Jonah grasped his hips and lowered his chin to his chest but kept his eyes on Cord. He’d show some leniency since this was catching his brother by surprise. But it was important for Cord’s safety that he stay respectful with Roxanne. Jonah wouldn’t tolerate either of his brothers making her uncomfortable.
“Sweet,” Cord said, walking over to the counter and making a cup of coffee. “Who else wants a cup?”
What the fuck has gotten into him?
“I’ll have one. Thanks,” Roxanne said.
The whole scene was strange. Cord pulled out two more mugs and filled them, placing one in front of Roxanne and the other where Jonah usually sat. Cord took a seat across from her. She glanced at Jonah, and they shared a look. His brother’s easy acceptance wasn’t what either of them had expected. But Jonah wouldn’t question it.
He pulled out plates and set the table, shifting his gaze between Roxanne and Cord. Neither of them had said a word, but there was an underlying tension coming from her. Roxanne was the opposite of Jonah in so many ways. Staying silent to keep the peace was one of them.
“So, you’re totally fine with me being here?” she asked.
Cord grabbed his mug, lifting it to his mouth. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Roxanne snorted, arching her brow. “You’re not exactly my biggest fan.”
Cord shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee.
Something was happening, but Jonah found it hard to follow. Roxanne, on the other hand, seemed to know.
She rested her elbows on the table, cocking her head and smiling. “You have an ulterior motive.”
“Yeah,” Cord spoke as if the one-word answer was sufficient.
It wasn’t. Jonah stopped at the edge of the table and folded his arms.
“Let’s hear it.”
Cord smirked. “It’s simple. You never bring women home. I can’t remember a time when you had a girlfriend sleep over, let alone show up at breakfast the next morning. Means this is probably something more than a one-night stand.”
“And?”
“If you two are together, that means if I ever run into her brothers, they can’t beat the shit out of me for the accident. Am I right?”
It was scary how Cord’s mind worked, always finding an angle to suit his situation. Jonah wasn’t amused, but she was.
