Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“We’re good.” Eric’s tone was clipped. Huh. That was as frosty as I’d ever seen Eric, which, if I were into gossip, would be interesting, but I was more concerned with continuing to glower in Percy and Jonas’s direction.
“Brought you another pale ale.” Magnus set the beer in front of Eric before clearing away empty appetizer dishes.
Eric pursed his lips. “Thanks, but think I’m done for the night.”
“Suit yourself.” Magnus shrugged.
“I’ll take it,” I volunteered. I’d been drinking soda because of my topsy-turvy stomach, but suddenly, a drink sounded awesome.
“Will you?” Magnus turned my direction, unmistakable interest in his eyes. “You’re new to this group, aren’t you?”
“This is Declan, Sean’s kid,” Jonas answered before I could, putting a heavy emphasis on kid. I started plotting his doom, but then Jonas jerked a thumb at Percy. “And have you met Percy?”
Oh my. If Jonas was also jealous, I could let the kid comment slide, especially if he was handing Percy off to Magnus.
“Well, hello, Percy.” Magnus turned all his charm on Percy. “Whatcha drinking tonight?”
I enjoyed the next round of drinks far more, not simply because I had a beer to sip. Percy had moved from flirting with Jonas to openly checking out Magnus, and I almost wanted to sing and dance myself.
As we finally settled up and headed out in the cold, my dad insisted on helping me with my coat and crutches.
“You want to ride back with Denver and me?” Dad asked.
“Nah, I’ll keep Jonas company.” I glanced over at where Jonas was talking to Eric. He likely didn’t need company, but it was as good a reason as any.
“I’m glad you and Jonas are becoming friends. That’s good.” Dad nodded. “You need more non-racing friends, especially now.”
If ever there was a moment to tell Dad that Jonas and I were more than friends, this might be it. If nothing else, it was a good moment to tell him I was struggling with who I was with and without racing. But instead, I merely nodded.
“It’s freezing.” Denver met up with us near the exit, and the moment evaporated like foam in a beer.
“See you tomorrow.” I gave them both a nod as I made my way toward Jonas’s SUV.
“Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite,” Dad called after me.
Jonas chuckled as he met me by the side of his SUV. “At least his dad-joke game is on point.”
“I’m not sure that’s a positive.” I groaned as I settled in the passenger seat.
Jonas echoed my groan with one of his own as he slid behind the wheel. “God, I’m exhausted.”
“I know.” I glared at him. “You need someone to take care of you for a change.”
“You volunteering?” He tilted his head, considering. And he had to be super tired if my big control freak was considering letting me do something for him. For all we made out and spent time together, it was almost always him taking care of me. Him blowing me or jerking me off or getting me settled with extra pillows, turning down the lights, bringing me snacks…
God. I really did need to take care of him. Letting him do stuff for me felt good, but that was no excuse for not doing my part.
“Yep. I’m gonna take care of you tonight.” My voice was firm and confident, and I sure hoped I could deliver.
Chapter Seventeen
Jonas
“You really want to take care of me?” I asked Declan as I parked at Eric’s. During the short drive home, my insides couldn’t decide between being slightly nauseated, exhausted, and excited. Finally, I simply had to ask for my own sanity because I hated the idea of Declan merely trying to be nice because he felt obligated.
“Someone needs to.” He gave me a pointed look that did nothing to diffuse my topsy-turvy stomach.
“Nah,” I countered. “That’s kind of my job for everyone else.”
“I’m aware.” Declan’s tone turned scolding as we entered the house through the back, pausing so he could navigate the steps thick with rock salt. “Which is exactly why you need taking care of.”
“Some people are simply born caretakers.” I stopped to greet Oz, letting him outside to do his business. “That’s me. I don’t need coddling or—”
“Jonas.” Declan pivoted on his crutches in the empty kitchen. “I want to take care of you. Trust me, I’m surprised too, but you had a hard day, and I want to do something nice for you. Let me, please?”
“It’s been a long time.” My voice came out soft and unsure. I avoided meeting his gaze by busying myself with letting Oz back in. “What did you have in mind?”
Declan took entirely too long thinking, so I started getting twitchy.
“You could read to me for a change?” I suggested the easiest thing I could think of, but Declan made a sour face.