Page 37 of The Truth of Our Secrets

“I’m so proud of you,” I breathe, barely a whisper.

Jayce has a broken expression, and I don’t know why.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here,” I say again, wanting to make it better.

“Imma head out.” Emmet backs away.

Before my brain processes what I’m doing, I throw myself in Emmet’s arms. “Thank you so much.” I glance back at Jayce, who isn’t growling or jealous. My filter is gone, and I blurt out. “You’re coming to dinner at our apartment after the shop closes tonight.”

Emmet shakes his head but doesn’t disagree.

“I’m not taking no for an answer. We need to thank you properly and I’ll cook.” My heart bangs in my chest with the possibility of bringing him home with us.

Emmet peers at Jayce over my shoulder and when I turn back, Jayce has his hands clasped on his thighs, staring at the floor.

I squeeze Emmet’s arm and he nods.

Jayce rounds the island and kisses me. There’s an urgency and aggression that isn’t unpleasant but unusual for his kiss.

“Using me as your eye candy again?” We watch the video I uploaded to the gallery website. His touch is more possessive than normal.

I pat his cheek. “You are so much more than eye candy, but you bet your ass I’m going to use your beautiful face to my advantage whenever I can.”

“Hmmm.” He kisses me again and leans his forehead on mine. “About tonight.”

“You and Emmet are stunning together. We’ll get a lot of traffic to the website from people hoping to see more of you. I should take some pictures tonight and throw them up on the events page.” I hope he hasn’t changed his mind.

“Boy Wonder is here,” he says after our buzzer rings.

“Perfect timing.” I stand on my tiptoes and give his lips a quick kiss before rushing to let Emmet in.

Emmet has changed into a polo and form-fitting black jeans. He’s absolutely yummy.

“Hi.” He hands me a bouquet of street corner flowers and I’m touched.

“I said you didn’t have to bring anything.” I swat his arm and then hug him. “But thank you. I love them.”

Jayce watches us from the kitchen with a strange expression.

Emmet gives Jayce the dude-what’s-up head nod. “What can I do to help?”

“Can you cook?” I ask and then wince. He had to be self-sufficient at such a young age. Of course he can make food for himself.

“I’ve been known to make a few edible dishes.” He grins.

“Edible is a great start.” I steer him into the kitchen, and Jayce steps back, but not enough so my body brushes his.

Pointing to the vegetables on the counter, I say, “Can you cut those for me? I’m making a stir-fry.”

“No problem.” Emmet rounds the island to wash his hands, then picks up the knife, and cuts the veggies with no further instruction.

Jayce glances around, unsure, so I hand him the flowers. “Can you put these in a vase for me?”

His relief is palpable to feel needed.

I set the chicken from the fridge on another cutting board next to the stove.

“Are these a good size, or should they be smaller?” Emmet waves his hand over the red peppers.

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