Page 132 of Solar Shadows

Although, Ollie had looked so hot in his Manchester City top and shorts, getting me stickier than golden syrup.

Oh, and I’d discovered he loved a bit of rock music.

Riley sipped on his spiced rum. “Whatever you say. But there’s nothing wrong with it. In fact, I’d say it’s more important than ever to be gooey.”

I frowned atthatword. “Let’s kill this gooey thing before it’s too late.”

He giggled, raising his glass in agreement.

He was right, though. Gooey was the antithesis to the stewing feelings inside, the sloshing trauma from recent events I kept a lid on. To check in with later, of course. There would be no avoiding them for long, and I wouldn’t let them fester. But for now, I wanted to be in a gooey moment.

The song ‘2 Become 1’ by my spicy faves rolled through my head.

Ha! How appropriate!

“Good evening.” Dean arrived, wearing shorts and a long-sleeved top, looking fine and yummy.

“Hi,” Riley greeted him warmly.

“Hey,” I said. “You okay?”

“I’m here to make a cup of tea. Don’t mind me.” He got to work with the kettle, milk, and teabags. “This is for Jake.”

Interesting. “Oh? Are you staying in his room?”

Riley and I leaned forward like a right pair of gossip-hungry hounds.

Dean folded his arms, leaning against the kitchen worktop while the kettle boiled. “I am.”

Us Aurora brothers let out a squeak of joy at the same time.

“Fabulous news,” Riley said.

“Agreed, honey.”

Dean smiled. “Baby steps. We have a lot to work through. But I’m beyond happy he’s talking to me again.”

According to Riley, the two men had been spotted kissing by Aaron Bramble in the library after the mansion was locked down. A seriously amazing development, especially after that first breakfast when Dean had joined us and Jake had, well, been Jake.

“We won’t pry,” I said. “But keep us posted.”

He laughed. “I will.”

Riley grabbed his drink, nudging me to do the same.

“We want to officially welcome you to the mansion,” he announced.

My little brother was so cute.

“Welcome, Dean Tseng,” I chimed in. “To the funhouse.”

“Thank you.” The fae lifted the mug in cheers. “You’re very kind.”

“Feel free to hang out whenever you’d like,” I added. “We’re often found in the recreation room with snacks, movies, and karaoke.”

Dean balked slightly. “I’ll pass on the karaoke. But ply Jake with enough drink and he turns into Mariah Carey.”

“Ooo, competition for you, Riley.” I ruffled his hair. “This one here has an amazing set of pipes.”