Page 32 of Maverick

Most people would think the ten of us living in one apartment building would be enough togetherness. Most people would be wrong. We're a codependent, very attached family, and none of us would ever want anything different.

Or at least we used to be. But if one of the women wanted something different, I can't say that my brothers wouldn't change.

And that thought scares the shit out of me.

"I was doing some reading," Jonas says out of the blue, drawing our attention to him. "It was a paper on a technique psychologists are using to help people overcome their phobias."

"Yeah?" Zach leans forward, interested. "How's it work?"

"Well, it's a combination of exposure therapy and some new techniques. But they've had a lot of success with it, apparently."

I see where this is going a split second before Jonas turns to Colton with a solemn look. "We should try it on you, Colt. For your thing with small, furry creatures."

Colton's eyes widen, and he shakes his head vehemently. "No way. No fucking way."

"It is a liability, your fear," Jonas insists. "What happens if there's an emergency with one of the children, and you're the only one in charge? Suddenly, a mouse runs across the room. Are you going to drop the baby and climb onto the counter?"

"Don't be an asshole," Colton says, scowling at Jonas. "I'd take the baby on the counter with me. For fuck's sake, It's not that big a deal."

Jonas's head tilts as he studies Colt. Then he nods, and moves around to Ransom's desk. "Well, let's test that theory." He leans down like he's about to pick something up, and Colton's eyes widen.

He shoves to his feet, and backs carefully toward the door. Kade, grinning, blocks his way. "Where you going brother? What's the problem?"

"You fuckers better not have a fucking hamster down there." Colton grabs the front of Kade's shirt, and yanks him close, spinning him in a move that could be considered graceful, if not for the panic on Colt's face. Then he’s out the door, his heavy footsteps moving rapidly down the hall.

Ransom's hand is over his face, shoulders shaking. "You are a devious son of a bitch, you know that Jonas?"

Jonas grins and straightens up, nothing in his hands. I crane my neck to peek behind the desk. Nothing there.

"You were just fucking with him," Zach says, laughing.

"I was testing him," Jonas corrects, pushing up his glasses. "He failed miserably."

"He's never going to go for any kind of exposure therapy. No way he'll sit still for it."

"He would if we strap him down."

Zach’s eyes get wide. "Umm, I don't think a psychologist would do that shit."

Jonas smirks. "I am not a therapist. And it needs to happen. He can't be afraid forever."

"Listen," Declan says, chuckling, "with our luck, he'd come out of it still afraid of hamsters, and with a fear of metal, or people, or confined spaces."

"Or all fucking three," Kade mutters.

Jonas scowls, and props his hands on his hips. "You might be right. I'll think on it." His gaze drifts to the still open door, and something warm, and right washes across his face. "Janey."

And he's gone, leaving the rest of us smiling at the abrupt exit. And leaving me with a pool of jealousy sitting in my chest. I'm not proud of it. I'd never admit to anyone, but it's a feeling I'm getting way too familiar with.

Uncomfortably familiar.

Maybe that's all this Cadence thing is: timing. Maybe I wouldn't find her nearly as attractive a year ago. Or I would have found her attractive, but it would have been easier to move on. Am I just feeling left out, and I've made her my target?

There's only one way to find out.

Waiting while the office clears out - not sure why we need so many goodbyes considering we'll probably see each other later tonight - I lock eyes with Ransom, who's leaning back in his chair, hands crossed over his stomach.

Finally, it's just the two of us.

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