“Easy tiger,” Nash says. “We haven’t even discussed bonding yet.”
“All I meant to say is that I’m not afraid of commitment,” Jagger tells me. “You’re my forever. Once we bond—if we bond—you’ll never have any more doubts that I’m all in.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, touched by his sincerity. “But if we do, I don’t want it to be because of a panic attack. I always imagined bonding to be a happy and romantic moment, not one where my eyes are all puffy.”
Jagger leans in to kiss a runaway tear from my cheek. “I love you, Delilah.”
I straighten up and laugh nervously, gesturing at the mess strewn over the floor. “We should probably tidy up before someone?—”
As if on cue, Tae bounds into the room, looking like he’s still half asleep as he steps straight into a puddle of spilled yogurt. “Whoa…” He skids, arms flailing around like he’s riding a wave, leaving a white trail on the wood before he comes to a stop. “Man!” He lifts up his foot to sniff it. “Mm, peach. What’d I miss?”
“There was just a misunderstanding,” I reply, not wanting to rehash it all over again.
“After breakfast, maybe you’d like to see my workshop?” Nash suggests. “There are a few things I’d like to show you.”
“You’ll let Delilah into your workshop?” Tae gapes at him, holding up his soggy sock. “You never letmein there.”
“You’re not his scent match,” Jagger points out.
“And because I don’t trust you around heavy machinery,” Nash mutters.
“Look, that chainsaw incident happened just one time.” Tae pouts, hands on his hips. “I skateboard, remember? I’m coordinated.”
“And how many times have I driven you to the E.R. after a skating accident?” Nash counters.
Tae grumbles under his breath, but Nash’s point is clearly made.
“Do you need a few more minutes?” Nash clasps my shoulder as Jagger and Tae begin tidying up.
“I’ll be fine.” I smile, grateful for his thoughtfulness. “And I’d love to see your workshop.”
Crinkles form at the side of his mouth as he smiles. We haven’t really had a chance to have any real alone time yet, and after this morning, I can tell there’s a lot more hiding under his gruff exterior that I’ve yet to discover.
“I’ll meet you there.” He tilts his head toward the door. “After you’ve eaten.”
“Aren’t you joining us?” I frown. “You need to eat too.”
“I’ll eat later.” Nash waves a hand. “I’ve got a few things to get ready first.”
After Nash drops a sweet kiss onto my forehead, I join the guys in the kitchen, finding Tae and Jagger bickering over cereal bowls.
“You know you didn’t have to bring the entire contents of Springflour Bakery—” I scold Jagger.
“Delilah’s,” Tae corrects me.
I roll my eyes. “You don’t have to buy outDelilah’sfor breakfast every morning, Jagger.”
“From what the Stellas said, you’re always cooking for them.” Jagger pulls out a chair at the table for me. “Now it’s our turn to take care of you.”
“Next time maybe I can make something for you?” I suggest.
Tae smacks his lips. “Sabs said your cheesecake is the best thing she’s ever tasted.”
“Like I just said, it’s your turn to be taken care of for a change” Jagger’s knees bump mine as he turns in the stool next to me. “Plus, I want to look after you.”
“Food is how I show I care,” I try to explain. “It’s my way to unwind. Just like music is for you.”
He nods slowly in understanding. “Maybe some pancakes next time, then? They’re my favorite.”
