The Start of Time

Chapter 21

Sparks may have flown through the air like it was New Years and shots were definitely fired, but somehow we managed to come out of our little mishap unscathed. I guess you really can cuddle and make out as friends.

Not that we've kissed again since that night.

I don't guess Declan is one to kiss and tell either because no one has run up to me squealing or punched me, yet. Either that or someone is just really, really good at keeping secrets, which I already know isn't true.

Ever since that night, it's becoming more and more difficult not to read into the little things. Like when I catch him staring with a goofy grin while I'm telling a story or finding ways to whisper stupid things in my ear or all the little excuses he finds to touch me, which is all the fucking time.

I can't help but wonder if there's some meaning behind it, and it's kind of hard to tell if everything is still okay with my mind running on overdrive thinking about it at work all day. But I guess he's completely fine because he's been texting me all week, begging me to come over. He says we have to make up for all the lost time Jordan took away from us.

I don't really know what to think, especially when he's always checking on me, making sure I've eaten dinner, telling me to get enough rest, and planning specific things he knows make me happy.

The moment I open his door, he attacks me with a bear hug until my feet aren't even touching the ground.

See, this is why it's so hard not to read into things. Once he gave me a key, I always just walked in, and he never left the couch. Now, he's greeting me at the door with death grips, and I get butterflies just thinking about how happy he always is to see me. It's getting a little ridiculous on both ends.

"Ugh, you're squeezing too tightly." I murmur, which only encourages him to squeeze even tighter.

"You should be punished for working so much."

"I'm sorry. What?" I mumble, stunned in my current position.

"I'm just kidding." He laughs, spinning me around once. "But we are gonna have to do something about it 'cause I haven't seen you all week."

"I can't just make my work schedule around you, you idiot. If I could spend half of my day working at home like you, trust me, I would." He finally places me back on the ground, letting go. "Okay, but what's the big occasion? Stella texted me earlier to meet here at six."

Apparently Chance and Stella have some big announcement, so we've all been summoned to the central location of Chris and Declan's house. He pulls me into the living room full of everyone apparently waiting on me. It's a sad, sad day when you show up later than a room full of people who are never on time.

"Okay," Chance says loudly, getting everyone's attention. "We have some amazing news. Stella—," he pauses. "Wait, I'm sorry, babe. You should tell them."

Her excited smile is one of the cutest things I've ever seen, but I swear if she's pregnant, I'm going to kill her. I'll make the most fun aunt ever, but I'm going to kill her.

Thankfully, she answers my question almost immediately before my thoughts can wander too far.

"I just got accepted into Northwest, and we're moving in together." Stella laughs. "We were going to have a small dinner party, but someone has already invited everyone he knows to see his new backyard bar."

Naturally, they're going to throw a party. Declan already told me they were throwing a party last week, so I've been looking into every excuse to not go.

As much as I make fun, I'm super proud of her. She's quickly become another one of those people in my life I can count on. If I knew she and Chance wouldn't disappear halfway through their own little party, I would go just for her. Maybe she'll forgive my absence if I get her a killer gift.

"I'm so proud of you. So, what should I get you as a congratulations present? You're going to be with the major leagues now! How does it feel?" I ask Stella once it's quiet enough to have an actual conversation.

"Thank you. I'm a little nervous but pretty excited, and you don't have to get me anything, really."

"Not even that new computer case you showed me on Amazon at dinner the other day."

On any normal day like today filled with small talk with Stella and Chance, I would sit as close to Declan as I wanted, leaning against him as he casually leans on the arm of the couch, but looking at them now, I've decided against it.

They're actually dating. Declan and I are not. I've already blurred the lines for him enough already.

See, this is what I mean when I say one kiss can really screw with your brain.

While Stella is a welcome distraction, she's not a very good one. Nearly twice I almost lost my train of thought. One minute she's discussing personality disorders and the next all I can focus on is the way Declan's skin brushes against mine as he mindlessly twiddles with my fingers.

What is the reason?

He continues his little distractions while Stella continues chatting until she and Chance have to head out for a celebratory dinner with her parents, leaving me alone with the one person I don't need to be alone with at the moment.

I can't stifle the deep yawn that has been trying to come out for a while now.

"I think I'm about to head out, too. It's been a long day. I'll text you later." The last sentence comes out more like a question than a statement.

"Already?" Declan whines. "I feel like I haven't seen you all week."

"I promise I'll come hang Saturday or Sunday. I don't think I'd be much fun this exhausted."

"I'm not opposed to napping. You can't catch an attitude when you're asleep."

"Asshole." I grumble, pushing at his chest before trying to stop another yawn from breaking through.'

Instead of retaliating, he just pulls me into him. "I get it. Go get some sleep. You going to Chance and Stella's tomorrow?" He's asking nicely, but I'm waiting for the demand disguised as a guilt trip.

"I really don't think so. I've got a lot to do, and I'm going to need a miracle just to make myself get out of bed for work tomorrow."

"Yeah, I probably won't go either."

"Oh."

Is he sick? Did he just say he wasn't going to a party his friends are throwing? I should probably ask if he's okay or feign shock at his out of character comment or ask him what could be important enough to keep him from a party, but none of that actually comes out of my mouth.

I wish it would have because the next day after a few very long hours at work and nearly five minutes before he knocks on my door, Declan calls me to tell me that he's picking me up, and we're going to Stella's and Chance's new house.

Where's the shit Wilder? Why the change of heart now?