His smirk turns wicked.
Whatever he said, it changes everything about how Wes is looking at me.
“That’s cruel,” Wes says.
Jace’s mouth quirks. “You’re welcome.”
Wes mutters something under his breath that sounds like a curse, but his eyes are still on me.
It’s not the time to unpack whatever that was—but the air feels charged when he walks away.
Jace just grins and turns away, crossing to Mairen at the stove.
And Wes is still looking at me like he knows something I don’t want him to know.
“Teach me how you do it, please,” Jace says.
Mairen laughs—bright and surprised. “You already know how.”
“Yours are better,” he admits, reluctantly. “What’s the secret?”
I smile as I watch them, surprised Jace isn’t already driving her crazy.
“Coffee,” Mairen calls over her shoulder to the rest of us. “Is fresh and on the counter. Help yourselves.”
She grabs her phone, listing off her favorite ingredients to add to pancakes. “Last time I added cinnamon…”
Jace listens intently, his usual humor muted by genuine focus.
It’s… sweet.
I pour myself coffee and settle at the table, still watching them.
I glance over as Wes slides into the seat next to Theo, and I see him lean over—whispering something.
Theo’s eyes flick to me.
And hesmiles.
Slow. Knowing.
His gaze drags down, then back up, and he licks his lips—deliberate and unhurried.
Oh god.
My face burns hotter, and I have to look away before I combust.
Rhett moves to the counter, pours his own mug, and leans against it—watching me.
His gaze is steady. Calm.
No regret. No hesitation.
I smile at him, and he smiles back—small but real.
Gray takes the seat next to Theo. His eyes find me immediately, and Theo—
Theo leans over and whispers something to Gray.
