Page 52 of Shrouded in the Dark

For now, I just finished my food as I mused over what I could do. Stupid boys.

After we finished lunch, brunch, or whatever you wanted to call it since it was Seth and I’s first meal of the day, I was cleaning the dishes after shooing both of them away.

“What about Jasper and Axel?”

“Jasper will be up momentarily. We have an errand to do in town.” He gestured between Cody and himself. “Axel will be up soon, no doubt. He’ll be hungry as a bear when he does. I was going to make some food for him before we head out.”

“Can I come with?” I’d moved to drying the dishes now. I had what I needed but I wouldn’t mind picking up a few more things I know that Dad liked. I was debating on inviting the guys with me.

“Nope!” Cody answered cheerily. “We’re doing something special. You’ll have to wait.”

I didn’t miss the look Seth shot him but he stayed quiet. Obviously, it wasn’t special. They wanted a guys day. That was still a thing, right?

“Righttt.” I shrugged. There was no reason for the heartache I felt. I hadn’t even told them, or asked them, about spending my Dad’s anniversary with me. “I’ll babysit Axel for you if you guys want to head out before he wakes up. I’ll get some food for him!” If they weren’t going to tell me what they were going to do, I’d keep mum on what I’d planned for today, too.

“You sure?” Seth came to stand next to me as he leaned against the counter.

His biceps bulged as he crossed his arms. An image of me licking them popped through before I found myself shaking my head as red tinted my cheeks. How were these guys so flipping ripped? It had to be against some kind of universal law.

“I’m sure. I’ve got to work on some art. I was planning to spend some time outside for it.” Which I was, I just didn’t elaborate where.

“Sounds good.” Seth ruffled my hair making most of it to fall out of the loose ponytail. He just grinned as I glared at him. “Cody, wake up Jasper, please.”

“Righto, boss man.”

He just shook his head as he watched Cody leave the room to the room he shared with Jasper. “Do you need anything from town?”

“That’s sweet. I’m good.” A little tension that I’d been holding relaxed. They didn’t know what today was and how could they?

“Call me if you change your mind?” Seth didn’t move from his spot.

“I’ll call you.” I laughed. “I’m going to make food for Axel, now. Go get yourself ready for your guys trip.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I moved around the kitchen but he left shortly after. About ten minutes later, Jasper was at the island, sipping some coffee as Seth was putting a few things in the backpack on the couch.

There was a loud crash from the master bedroom followed by Cody’s voice in a yelp. I set down the knife I’d been using to spread mayo on one of the many sandwiches I was making in concern.

“Uh, guys?”

I winced as there was another sound that reminded me of when you ran into someone.

“It’s alright.” Jasper yawned. “Cody lost in the draw to be the one to wake up Axel. He was up late, so when he gets woken up suddenly, he’s a grouch. And you know that Cody enjoys messing with all of us.”

“Ah… huh.”

Thankfully, there were no more loud noises. After a few more minutes, Cody came out into the living room. His hair was everywhere but he looked okay.

“Good job, slick,” Jasper snickered into his mug.

“Totally worth it.” Cody flipped Jasper off as he started to put his hair in a braid. “Um, but if we could leave before he gets out here?”

“Let’s head out, boys.” Seth’s voice rumbled through the room. “Jasper, you’ll be driving.”

Jasper gulped down the rest of the coffee as he grabbed the keys that they’d placed near the door on a small entrance table. “Sure thing.” He looked over at me, his emerald eyes soft. “See you in a little bit. Lock up behind us.”

I’d been about to reply when Cody popped up next to me, crushing me in a hug.

“Eep.” I’d barely been able to squeak out as he swung me around once. I clung to his arms. He was a lot stronger than he looked.