“Well Rae and Cade don’t have room for guests so they’re our only option.”
Jace frowns and sighs. “Fine. It’s too hot to stay here.”
“You’ve been here five seconds. How do you think I feel??
??
He chuckles. “I can tell how you feel.” He nods at my sweat-dampened shirt which leaves little to the imagination.
I stand up and stretch before turning the TV off. I change into a pair of sleep shorts and a different top while Jace grabs a bite to eat.
I pick up our bag and sling it over our shoulder. “I packed you stuff too.” I pat the bag.
“Thanks.” He shoves a piece of leftover lasagna in his mouth.
He finishes eating and washes his hands.
“I’m sure you’re sleepy,” he comments. “So, let’s get out of here.
Jace
“Wakey-wakey-Jacey.” The bed bounces near me and then someone grabs my arm, shaking me roughly. I open my eyes and rear back.
“What the fuck?” I clutch the sheet to my chest like I need to protect my dignity or some shit.
Thea smiles from ear to ear. It’s barely five in the morning and she’s already fucking with me.
“You look hungry. I made breakfast.”
“No, I look sleepy,” I correct her. “Let me sleep.” I lie back down and close my eyes and she jabs a finger in my cheek.
“If Xael says I have to be up then you have to be up too. Never have kids; they ruin your life.”
I chuckle to myself and crack one eye open. If only she knew what Nova and I were up to.
“You’re her mom and Xander’s her dad—you guys deal with her.”
She shakes her head. “You know you can’t get rid of me. You might as well give in now.”
I sigh. I know she’s right. When Thea gets something in her head she never gives up. I don’t know whether to admire or hate her for it.
It’s certainly annoying at times like this.
I shove the covers off and look over at Nova, sleeping peacefully despite the commotion, with her dark hair fanned out across the pillow. Her freckles stand out in stark contrast to her pale skin.
I fucking love those freckles.
I pull a pair of jeans on over my boxer-briefs and follow Thea downstairs.
I smell coffee, so at least I might be able to keep my sanity.
Xael sits in a little vibrating bouncer thing, crying softly, reaching for someone.
“Where’s Xander?” I ask.
She sighs and pours two cups of coffee, sliding one to me across the counter. “He already left for practice.” She rests her arms on the counter. “You know, I love being here with her all the time, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but sometimes it’s hard.”
I take a sip of coffee. “The best things in life are the hardest things. We have to fight for the good.”